Around Town...Week 2 Photojournalism Assignment

         

Closeup of graffiti art mural including a portrait of Ahmaud Arbury, a black jogger killed while jogging in Georgia. The mural is on boarded up windows outside of the Apple Store in downtown Portland, Oregon on 4th and Yamhill, October 6.

A man breaks down outside the memorial and mural located outside the downtown Portland, Oregon Apple Store on 4th and Yamhill on October 6.

Visitors to the memorial/mural outside of downtown Portland, Oregon Apple store on 4th and Yamhill paying their respects, dropping off flowers and candles, and openly mourning October 6.

 Portland has recently been a hotbed for national headlines regarding its protests, political clashes, and police brutality here in America. July 22nd, 2020  saw the arrival of federal agents into the city under President Trump's request and their actions, subsequent departure, return of Portland Police Bureau to monitor protests, and unprecedented wildfires and smoke pollution in September all under the umbrella of the global Covid-19 pandemic has changed the mood of the city. As 2020 continues to barrel onwards, Portland and its longtime residents, surrounding metro, government, and visitors navigate a city known for its lackadaisical nature and friendly atmosphere is now tense and bruised up by its own government and outside forces. The following three photos hopefully capture the vibe of the city and give three different perspectives of a town that's no longer under siege but still a little unsure of what's next, yet isn't slowing down one bit. There are also a few more photos included that give a little more insight on what the city is really going through.