Have you ever wondered why the Black population in Oregon is so small? Oregon has a history not only of Black exclusion and discrimination, but also of a vibrant Black culture that helped sustain many communities throughout the state—a history that is not taught in schools. This is the focus of “Why Aren’t There More Black People in Oregon? A Hidden History,” a conversation with Portland State University author and adjunct professor Walidah Imarisha. Imarisha has taught in Portland State University’s Black studies department, where she has created classes about topics as diverse as the history of the Black Panther Party, race and the history of prisons, Hurricane Katrina, and hip hop as literature.
John Patterson presents a brief scientific explanation of the greenhouse effect and how carbon dioxide, the major greenhouse gas, is accumulating at alarming rates. What will the effects be over the short term and long term? He examines the moral implications. and the implications for the humanist world view as well as to the Christian and other world views? Patterson has written numerous articles in scientific and technical journals.
We learn about women who have changed the world but somehow didn’t get to be included in the history books! Presenters include Marsha Abelman, Kay Byerly, Anne Henderson, Joyce Lackie, Willie Willworth, and Arnold Panitch.
This is part two of a two-part program. Here our past president Steve Jacobs reports on the progress of the Humanist Philosophy Forum, something which he initiated one year ago and which has now reached a milestone in developing the foundation for an exciting new kind of discussion group. It is transitioning into its next phase. Steve discusses its accomplishments, how the meetings will change, and how the forum can help our organization.