Exhibition Photographs

Photo credits: UO Libraries

The ‘Follow the Hashtag’ element of the exhibition is illustrated through these plywood frames, painted and glossed to look like iPhones capturing protest activity against anti-Blackness. Social media has played a key role in our ability to organize and support the resource needs of the Black Lives Matter movement. Although our involvement doesn’t end or begin with hashtags, they bear witness to how art is a communication tool to bridge research, education and direct engagement. Don’t Shoot Portlands’ emphasis on digital archiving allows them to explore the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement in the online realm.

Various screen-printed shirts, tote bags, and posters from our printmaking events are on display – these are only made available on-site at our events to volunteers and March participants. These posters and totes commemorate social justice leader Shirley Chisholm and civil rights author Bell Hooks, who spent their lives inspiring action and creativity. Illustrated postcards from the National Museum of African American History & Culture from the Smithsonian’s collaborative series named ‘Brave.Black.First’ are uniquely ink-stamped by Don’t Shoot Portlands’ Children’s Art and Social Justice Council (CASJC) featuring anti-racist art designs donated by various artists in alignment with Don’t Shoot Portlands’ mission. Two white framed images by long-time DSP photographer Mika Martinez showcase protest scenes from Reclaim MLK 2019 and Don’t Shoot Portlands’ residency at the Portland Art Museum in collaboration with Hank Willis Thomas’ All Things Being Equal in January 2019. Books from our programming promoting cultural awareness and civil rights are also on display as well as several DIY art-making materials from workshops over the years.

As an arts and education organization, an important part of our programming involves free access to social justice literature for all ages, backgrounds, and cultural experiences. Many of the books we have curated for our events have been banned or are in the process of being restricted from the public. In the lower background, a protest sign from a previous rally against a lead in Portland Public Schools raised awareness of the lack of action on PPS’ part in knowingly endangering youth, educators, and their families with high exposure to lead in several PPS schools. The rally resulted in the resignation of superintendant Carole Smith. The Reclaim MLK 2021 rounded sticker served as part of our social distancing measures during exhibitions. Yellow caution tape, donated by community artists and activists, reads ‘Don’t Shoot PDX’.