In this period of reflection, I think a precious memory from the 2017 Vanport Mosaic Festival. The late Commissioner Nick Fish attended a screening of Lost City, Living Memories: Vanport Through The Voices of Its Residents. The theater was packed. Survivors and their descendants filled every seat, watching their own stories reflected back to them—many for the first time in public space.

On stage that evening, Commissioner Fish said something that has stayed with me:

The survivors have much to teach us about survival and resilience, and boy... do we need their lessons today.
That's why we gave the Spirit of Portland award to Vanport Mosaic.

This Festival and the stories it features, in my view, are a ray of light in the darkness, and for that, today we can all be grateful.
~ Commissioner Nick Fish

Seven years later, in an even darker time, we need these stories more than ever. Over our decade together, we've learned this truth: when silenced stories are told, healing begins. 

Vanport Mosaic's mission to Remember and Repair our past and Reimagine a collective story where we all belong is vital. This has been the work of the last decade, and with you, it will be the work of the next.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

In hope and solidarity,
Laura Lo Forti
Story Midwife, Co-Founder and Director