WEDNESDAY, MAY 9

Indigenous Food Sovereignty and Land Justice
Dr. Michelle Daigle (Mushkegowuk/Swampy Cree) will present research regarding indigenous territories and the roles gender and violence play in land dispossession of Native peoples. In addition to the land, water issues and governance will be discussed, especially as they relate to capitalism and economic development. PSU Native American Student and Community Center, 710 SW Jackson, 5:30-7 pm, FREE


THURSDAY, MAY 10

This Is Innocence 2018
Every year, hundreds of people wrongfully charged with crimes are exonerated thanks to organizations like Oregon Innocence Project (OIP) who focus on getting them released. According to the National Registry of Exonerations, the 2,213 cases across the country account for more than 19,470 years lost. Join the organization for their annual fundraiser and support OIP law students, attorneys, and the innocent Oregonians they serve. Urban Studio, 935 NW Davis, 6-8:30 pm, $125


FRIDAY, MAY 11

Gamanfest: Reclaiming Identity through Art & Activism
Revel in a variety of art performances sure to stun at Gamanfest, a two-day festival celebrating artists from the Asian diaspora. Fittingly, gaman is a Japanese word for endurance or perseverance, and works will explore themes of identity, heritage, history, and social change. This series is presented in partnership with the Oregon Nikkei Endowment and PCC, and will also feature short films and musical sets from No-No Boy, the Slants, Erin Aoyama, and more. PCC Cascade Campus, 705 N Killingsworth, Fri May 11, 6-9:15 pm; Sat May 12, 10 am-4 pm, FREE

Femme in Public with Alok Vaid-Menon and Shea Diamond
Gender non-conforming artist Alok Vaid-Menon uses fashion and words to break down barriers. Vaid-Menon is a style icon—online and off—who, in their poetry chapbook Femme in Public, explores navigating a world that treats femininity with hostility and violence. You can follow them on Instagram (@alokvmenon) and catch them alongside stunning pop performer Shea Diamond (@iamsheadiamond) for an evening of music, comedy, and poetry. Attendees must purchase tickets online in advance! First Congregational Church, 1126 SW Park, 7-9 pm, $12


SATURDAY, MAY 12

Welcome to Your Cell
Can’t imagine what it’s like to spend 23 hours a day locked up inside a six-by-nine-foot concrete cell for days, weeks, or years on end? “Welcome to Your Cell” invites you to step inside the reality of too many people who have lived (or are living) through solitary confinement, via video installations by four artists bringing awareness to the prison industrial complex. The exhibition has also arranged to display the Guardian’s virtual reality experience focusing on the damning psychological damage that often ensues while in isolation. An estimated 80,000 to 100,000 incarcerated people are currently facing some form of solitary confinement. Outer Space, 3726 NE 7th, Sat-Sun May 12-13 & 19-20, 1-8 pm; Fri May 18 6-10 pm, FREE

NAYA Spring Marketplace
This Mother’s Day, choose to support Native business owners by stopping by the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) spring marketplace. Browse wares including intricate jewelry, glasswork, leather work, and more. Last year’s annual event showcased more than 20 Native vendors. Native American Youth and Family Center, 5135 NE Columbia, 10 am-4 pm, FREE

Eight-Year Keaton Otis Memorial
On May 12, 2010, Keaton Otis, a 25-year-old Black man experiencing a mental health crisis, was pulled over by Portland police for not using a turn signal and because, as the report states, he “kind of looks like he could be a gangster.” But what began as a “routine” stop quickly escalated, leaving Otis dead with 23 of 32 bullets striking his body—all occurring in less than 10 minutes. Since then, Otis’ father hosted monthly vigils to remember his son until his own death in 2013. The community, however, has carried on the tradition, and this month marks eight years since Otis’ death. The program includes speeches from artists and community leaders, and there will be some refreshments. Augustana Lutheran Church, 2710 NE 14th, 6-8 pm, FREE


MONDAY, MAY 14

Tyrone Poole (OneApp Oregon) on Entrepreneurship
When Tyrone Poole suffered a grave injury while training to become a firefighter, he was hospitalized without insurance. Bills mounted, and he became homeless. When he was finally able to apply for housing, he realized how flawed and predatory the fees and application process were, so he developed OneApp Oregon—a single application with one fee, visible to any prospective properties. Learn more about his entrepreneurial journey at this leadership luncheon hosted by the Urban League of Portland Young Professionals. Residence Inn, 1150 NW 9th, noon-2 pm, FREE


TUESDAY, MAY 15

Autism, Neuroeducation, and Inclusion in Complex Society
Although autism awareness has skyrocketed in the past decade, that doesn’t mean the nuances and neurology are as well known. At this month’s edition of Science on Tap, Dr. Ellyn Arwood and Chris Merideth will present current scientific research on autism and effective teaching strategies for helping people on the spectrum of all ages integrate successfully into society. Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 NE Alberta, 7-9 pm, $15

Candy’s Birthday Party
It’s her party, so she can raise money for a good cause if she wants to! Candace Millard—a community organizer who picks a different charity every year—is dedicating her birthday celebration to support Morpheus Youth Project, and you’re all invited. Catch poetry from Noah Schultz, Stephen Fowler, Guy Mattaliano, Rob White, and Shalon Freeman, and be sure to bring cash to purchase art. Plus there will be a raffle with prizes from Buffalo Exchange, Metro on Hawthorne, and many more. Clinton Street Theater, 2522 SE Clinton, 7 pm-midnight, $5