We Are a Memory-Activism Platform
For the past 10 years, we've brought together storytellers, artists, educators, and community members to honor erased histories and reimagine belonging.
Learn MoreOur Mission
We are a memory-activism platform.
Vanport Mosaic amplifies, honors, and preserves the silenced histories that surround us to better understand our present and shape a future where we all belong.
Our Story
Vanport Mosaic was born from a collective desire to make the invisible visible.
Since 2014, we’ve brought together Vanport flood survivors, descendants, artists, activists, educators, and historians to co-create spaces of collective memory and healing.
We began as a grassroots initiative and have since evolved into a nationally recognized nonprofit platform for memory activism.
First Vanport Mosaic Festival
National Trust for Historic Preservation Recognition
AASLH Leadership in History Award
Our Values
Memory Activism
We honor erased histories by amplifying community voices and lived experiences.
Collective Storytelling
We believe in telling stories with people, not about them.
Justice Through Joy
We use art and celebration to heal, remember, and envision a more just future.
Meet Our Team
We are artists, educators, historians, and storytellers working together to honor memory and reimagine belonging.
Laura Lo Forti
Co-Founder & Director
A multimedia storyteller, Story Midwife and cultural organizer.
Damaris Webb
Co-Founder & All Power Initiative Director
A theater maker and social justice advocate.
Chisao Hata
Community Weaver
A performing artist, community organizer, advocate, and global citizen artist.
Laveta Gilmore
Board of Directors Member & Outreach Coordinator
A Vanport Descendant and community organizer.
Greta Smith
Program Manager
An oral and public historian and researcher.
The Vanport Mosaic Collective Is:
A living, evolving community of memory workers: artists, educators, storytellers, historians, cultural strategists, survivors, descendants, and organizers.
Illustrator / Muralist
UO-SOJC Agora Journalism Center Director
Mindfulness Guide
Vanport Survivor
Multimedia Producer
Jazz Pianist, Composer, and Educator
Journalist / Community Organizer
Vanport Survivor / Civic Leader / Vanport Mosaic Board Member
Photographer / Video Producer
Human Geographer
Actor / Director
Fine Art Painter
Partnering
Organizations
Oregon Historical Society
Oregon Humanities
Oregon Black Pioneers
Albina Music Trust
Portland Bureau of Emergency Management
Port of Portland
Portland International Raceway
Multnomah County Drainage District
Portland Parks and Recreation
Matt Dishman Center
North Portland Neighborhood Services
Ignorant/Reflections
Open Signal
Portland Community College
Portland State University
Confluence Project
Fair Housing Council of Oregon
Expo Center
Irvington Covenant Church
Leaven Community
Vancouver Avenue Baptist Church
University of Oregon School of Architecture Preservation Program
University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication
UO Agora Center for Journalism Innovation and Civic Engagement
The Sharing History through Active Reminiscence and Photo-imagery program
Donate
Join our effort and help us fight historical amnesia. With your help, we can continue to amplify, honor, and preserve the silenced histories that surround us.
