The Sights of the Black Lives Matter Movement Throughout Portland

Carlie Weigel, Editor in Chief
February 10, 2021

After the killing of George Floyd last May, which for many Americans prompted outrage, anguish, and an even greater desire for racial justice, Portland became a hotspot for Black Lives Matter protests. In the wake of the movement, city walls also transformed into a canvas for artists to express their feelings and businesses to show their support by parading signs in window arches and doorways. 

Many months later, much of this artwork still stands throughout the city. To commemorate the lives and contributions of Black Americans and reflect on the racial justice movement, this Black History Month, The Falconer photographed the sights of Portland.

Here is what stood out.

In bright colors and with intricate patterns, a mural on Foster illustrates the raising of a closed fist — a symbol for Black power that has a long history and has been especially prominent amid recent Black Lives Matter protests. (Carlie Weigel)
The marquees hanging above both the QuarterWorld Arcade and Bagdad Theater & Pub read off “Black Lives Matter” alongside other announcements. (Carlie Weigel)
On multiple street corners in Portland, you can find hand-written or painted messages that display support for the Black Lives Matter movement. (Carlie Weigel)
With “Black Lives Matter” signs plastered to the windows or doors of several shops on Hawthorne, many businesses are making a point to offer an inclusive and welcoming space to those who walk by. (Carlie Weigel)
The killing of George Floyd planted a seed for change and reform in the United States, as an eruption of Black Lives Matter protests occurred in the wake of his death. (Carlie Weigel)
With Mother’s Bistro & Bar’s temporary closure as a result of COVID-19, the entrance is boarded shut and painted with a heart and the words “Black Lives Matter.” (Carlie Weigel)
With “Black Lives Matter” signs plastered to the windows or doors of several shops on Hawthorne, many businesses are making a point to offer an inclusive and welcoming space to those who walk by. (Carlie Weigel)
On multiple street corners in Portland, you can find hand-written or painted messages that display support for the Black Lives Matter movement. (Carlie Weigel)
Located close to Pioneer Courthouse Square is a mural of Breonna Taylor who was killed in a violent police raid at only 26 years old. (Carlie Weigel)
A quote from Malcolm X, who was a leader in the Civil Rights Movement, is painted onto a wall not far from Pioneer Courthouse Square. (Carlie Weigel)
On a wall near Pioneer Courthouse Square, a painting done in yellow outlines the side profile of a Black woman, and in her hair hides the phrase “Black women inspire me.” (Carlie Weigel)
The marquees hanging above both the QuarterWorld Arcade and Bagdad Theater & Pub read off “Black Lives Matter” alongside other announcements. (Carlie Weigel)
Outside Mother’s Bistro & Bar is a painting of Aiyana Jones, who was only seven years old when she died at the hands of police. (Carlie Weigel)
After the fatal shootings of numerous Black Americans in the last year, “Don’t shoot” has been cried out at Black Lives Matter protests across the nation. (Carlie Weigel)
On multiple street corners in Portland, you can find hand-written or painted messages that display support for the Black Lives Matter movement. (Carlie Weigel)
A mural in downtown Portland paints a picture of several influential Black figures. (Carlie Weigel)
“Say their names” is a phrase that has been chanted by Black Lives Matter protesters to recognize those who have lost their lives to police brutality. (Carlie Weigel)
With “Black Lives Matter” signs plastered to the windows or doors of several shops on Hawthorne, many businesses are making a point to offer an inclusive and welcoming space to those who walk by. (Carlie Weigel)
On multiple street corners in Portland, you can find hand-written or painted messages that display support for the Black Lives Matter movement. (Carlie Weigel)
A fundamental part of the Black Lives Matter movement has declared that without justice, there is no peace. (Carlie Weigel)

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Stay tuned to The Falconer this February for further coverage of Black History Month.