Explaining a neighborhood's controversial name from @lovecertt
The creator stands in a parking lot and delivers a monologue about the history of his Portland neighborhood, 'Felony Flats.' He begins by explaining Oregon's historical black exclusion laws and the city's design as a white space. He then discusses his complex feelings about the neighborhood's nickname, acknowledging the sense of identity it provides while critiquing the systemic neglect by the city that created the conditions for such a name to exist and persist.
Creator: @lovecertt on Instagram
Transcript
Hundred years ago, it was illegal for black people to live in Portland. And Mexicans weren't really wanted here unless it was for, cheap labor. See, Portland's really proud of being progressive. The city was designed to be white, and because of that, it's still very white. That's why I think it's important for people that look like us to speak about our experience growing no. To show that there's more to Portland than what you see on the surface. So when the working class neighborhood that I gre
Topics: History, Local, Politics
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