Anti-Racism Resources, Summer Programs and Board Transition

/ Sharon Manuel
“No one is free while others are oppressed.”  This quote has been on my mind lately as my children ask hard questions about the recent violent death of George Floyd.  They want to know how racism in the U.S. relates to them, while my husband and I  grapple more deeply with our own white privilege.  We have had conversations about racial identity in our family before but this has brought it front and center.  You may be experiencing similar realities or intense emotions.  Or your family may have experienced some of the renewed anti-racism towards Asian Americans during the pandemic.  Our community stands with you and with the Black community in the fight against racism.  Below are some resources.  Please reach out if we can provide additional support.

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What a Moon Festival! (And save the date: Feb. 24, 2019 – Chinese New Year)

/ Sharon Manuel
Thank you to all the volunteers and families who made the 2018 Mid-Autumn Festival so fun!  This year we gathered at Cook Park and we could not have asked for better weather.  What an amazing moon!  It was great to see so many families gathered (about 70 people this year).  Special thanks to our teen volunteers who read aloud the story of Hou Yi and Chang E.  Big thanks, also, to our organizers, Sharyn Marcuson, Sharon Manuel, Becca Barlow, Suzanne Creitz, Beth Schaller and Robyn Brewer.

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Celebrate the Year of the Dog with us on Feb. 25th

/ Sharon Manuel

We are excited about our new venue and new community-focused format for Chinese New Year this year.  Join us at the Milwaukie Center from 2:30-5:00pm for performances, food, raffle items, and activities for all ages.  Don’t forget to wear your best Chinese attire and be ready for your professional photograph from Bob Kerns Photography.

To register, click HERE

Fang’s follow-up comments from her Portland visit in May

/ Sharon Manuel
 Hello Portland!  As a part of my life scrapbook/summer blogging/record keeping, I would love it if any of you (especially the young teens and older teens) would write a small vignette or paragraph about your thoughts & reflections regarding what you learned from the weekend, from me?, from the community coming together, etc.  I do not yet know what Fangtopia will look like in a year, but with your thoughtful feedback, I will be more equipped to shape and sculpt my idea into something that better serves us Chinese adoptees. You can email your responses directly to fangtopia@gmail.com.  I may not respond to every reflection, but please know that I truly appreciate everything you say.  Also, please be aware that whatever you write might be posted on my public blog!  If you would like to share privately with me your thoughts, please email those over to me with a note that says “keep private please”.  Thank you and I look forward to hearing from everyone!  Sending my love, Portland.”
 

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FCC Presents: Somewhere Between!

/ Sharon Manuel

Another month, another movie screening!  While this one is not a fundraiser, you won’t want to miss it.  We’re happy to announce that the acclaimed documentary “Somewhere Between” is (finally) returning to Portland! On Tuesday January 15th at 7:30pm, we’ll be hosting a one-night only screening at Century 16 Eastport Plaza… ** If and ONLY IF 75 people reserve their tickets by January 6th ** That’s the way Tugg works… Tugg is a web-based service that helps people and organizations bring movie screenings to their hometowns. So let’s do this thing!  Pre-order tickets here.

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