Black Innovation & the Future of Portland
With LaQuida Landford (Q), community health worker, organizer, and founder of AfroVillage PDX.
About the Lecture
Join LaQuida Landford (Q) to explore how Black creativity, design, care, and climate resilience are shaping the future of Portland — often in ways that go unseen or unrecognized. Drawing from experience with AfroVillage and years of community-based organizing, this talk will examine how history, place, and imagination intersect in Old Town, the neighborhood that Q rebuilt her life from. We’ll explore what it means to design futures rooted in belonging, wellness, and sustainability — and why Black-led innovation is essential to Portland’s next chapter.
Science Pubs are a casual lecture series located in fun venues across the region, recommended for ages 10 and over.
Tickets
$8 suggested donation | Advance tickets recommended
Zoom Option
If you are unable to join us in person, you can watch on Zoom. You must register in advance. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
About the Speaker
LaQuida Landford (Q) is a community health worker, organizer, and the founder of AfroVillage PDX — a Black-led initiative focused on housing justice, digital equity, wellness, and climate resilience in Portland. With over a decade of experience working at the intersection of community care, environmental justice, and creative placemaking, Q’s work centers Black futures as living, present-day practices grounded in place, culture, and collective care.
Questions? Email sciencepub@omsi.edu
Ticketing questions call 503.797.4000 x0
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are unable to join us in person, you can watch on zoom. You must register in advance via the ticketing page. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
To guarantee a seat at this event, we recommend you purchase your ticket in advance. Please show your ticket at the check-in table in front of the theater upon arrival.
We will always have tickets available at the door. They are first-come, first-served and admission will remain a suggested donation
Mission Theater offers pizza, burgers, and snacks, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. No outside food or drink is allowed.
The Mission Theater is wheelchair accessible. They have a ramp leading to the theater’s side entrance on 17th Avenue; just let OMSI or McMenamins staff at the front door know you need ramp access.
Street parking is available in the area surrounding the theater. Some spaces may be free, while others may require payment via Parking Kitty. Note that Parking Kitty does not require payment after 7pm.