News Release: “Gentrification Is WEIRD!” The Ride Ties Current Community Crisis to Lost City of Vanport
Bike ride to heal the wounds of gentrification
July 13, 2016 – Portland, Ore. – Gentrification is the major talking point of the city today — but for many communities here, it has been a reality for far too long.
Activist, Laquida Landford partnered with Community Cycling Center and Ignorant/Reflections to create a bike ride addressing the deep wounds communities of color have suffered due to gentrification, with an emphasis on healing.
“Black people in Portland have been displaced. There are not spaces and places to have a conversation,” explains Laquida. “I thought the ride could connect the conversation around Portland’s black history, particularly around Vanport. I hope the ride can provide resources and build a bridge for new black people in Portland to learn about the history.”
Borrowing its namesake from a popular design produced by local clothing line Ignorant/Reflections, “Gentrification is WEIRD!” The Ride, will include live performances, guest speakers, food, and informational booths from an array of community organizations. There will be live performances by Poetic Justice crew, poetry by Llondyn Elliott, and DJ Ryder will be spinning.
Mayor-elect Ted Wheeler will attend the event and field questions from Donovan Smith, co-organizer of the event and owner of Ignorant/Reflections. Donovan calls the thread of history to present day conditions evidence of a renaissance in the city.
“People are demanding the history of Portland and Oregon be told like it really is more and more. Gentrification is WEIRD! The Ride, is just another piece to the puzzle, that is the renaissance we’re living in right now.”
The ride will begin at the Community Cycling Center’s Bike Repair Hub in New Columbia and will travel to Vanport, where community members will share stories, history, and healing.
Who: Laquida Landford, Community Cycling Center, Ignorant/Reflections
What: “Gentrification is WEIRD!” The Ride
When: Sat. July 23, Noon-5pm
Where: Meet at the Bike Repair Hub, at N. Trenton Street and N. Woolsey Avenue across the street from the Regence Boys & Girls Club in New Columbia.
Bring: Your bikes and water bottles
BIKETOWN will have some bikes available for borrowing on the ride. Questions or need to borrow a bike? Email Laquida at llandford@communitycyclingcenter.org
Visit the ride’s Facebook event page for the latest updates:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1070626016345254/
# # #
About Laquida Landford
Laquida Landford is a community organizer and health worker. After the ride, she would love to facilitate more conversation and dialogue. Please reach Laquida at llandford@communitycyclingcenter.org
About the Community Cycling Center
The Community Cycling Center is a nonprofit organization founded in 1994 that helps people access their community by bicycle. We operate a full-service bike repair shop and partner with communities on neighborhood-based projects and programs. We believe that all Portlanders—regardless of income or background—should have the opportunity to experience the joy, freedom, and health benefits of bicycling. To learn more, visit www.CommunityCyclingCenter.org.
About Ignorant/Reflections
Using provocative imagery, this clothing line’s mission is simple: creating conversations. The Portland clothing line invites all bold enough, to join the conversation now. www.ignorantreflections.com
Thank you to Metro for your generous sponsorship of Gentrification is WEIRD! The Ride.
