We Will Not Be Removed

A photographic essay about The People of King School Park by Alan Wieder. He spoke at Broadway books in portland about his book that is just coming out . A few months ago I found out about Alan’s book coming out and his commitment to this special park in Portland. He did this collection of photographs over a four year period from 2020-2024 visiting King School Park almost daily . He grew to become family to those who congregated there since their systematic removal through gentrification of the area around the park. Black owned homes ended up being bought by middle class whites for Pennie’s compared to their true worth . As the elders passed on the younger generations took the money offered and left . Or the elders felt so pressured they sold . There’s so much more to this I’ll write later .
His photographic book is respectful and shows his genuine love for those people gathering there. And the respect was mutual. The truly amazing fact here is that I went to elementary through high school with Alan and never knew that til recently ! He moved from Portland to Asheville NC in 2924 to be near grandkids. So tonight we reconnected and I hope we will keep in touch.

More here. https://kboo.org/media/128950-alan-wieder-photos

A few more shots in extras from this evening