We Are a Memory-Activism Platform

For the past 10 years, we've brought together storytellers, artists, educators, and community members to honor erased histories and reimagine belonging.

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Our Mission

We are a memory-activism platform.

Vanport Mosaic amplifies, honors, and preserves the silenced histories that surround us to better understand our present and shape a future where we all belong.

Our Story

Vanport Mosaic was born from a collective desire to make the invisible visible.

Since 2014, we’ve brought together Vanport flood survivors, descendants, artists, activists, educators, and historians to co-create spaces of collective memory and healing.

We began as a grassroots initiative and have since evolved into a nationally recognized nonprofit platform for memory activism.

🎬 2015:
First Vanport Mosaic Festival

🏆 2022:
National Trust for Historic Preservation Recognition

🥇 2023:
AASLH Leadership in History Award

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Our Values

Memory Activism

We honor erased histories by amplifying community voices and lived experiences.

Collective Storytelling

We believe in telling stories with people, not about them.

Justice Through Joy

We use art and celebration to heal, remember, and envision a more just future.

Meet Our Team

We are artists, educators, historians, and storytellers working together to honor memory and reimagine belonging.

Laura Lo Forti

Co-Founder & Director

A multimedia storyteller, Story Midwife and cultural organizer.

Damaris Webb

Co-Founder & All Power Initiative Director

A theater maker and social justice advocate.

Chisao Hata

Community Weaver

A performing artist, community organizer, advocate, and global citizen artist.

Laveta Gilmore

Board of Directors Member & Outreach Coordinator

A Vanport Descendant and community organizer.

Greta Smith

Program Manager

An oral and public historian and researcher.

The Vanport Mosaic Collective Is:

A living, evolving community of memory workers: artists, educators, storytellers, historians, cultural strategists, survivors, descendants, and organizers.

Alex Chiu
Illustrator / Muralist

Andrew DeVigal
UO-SOJC Agora Journalism Center Director

Angie Fadel
Mindfulness Guide

Beatrice Gilmore
Vanport Survivor

Brian Burk
Multimedia Producer

Darrell Grant
Jazz Pianist, Composer, and Educator

Donovan Scribes
Journalist / Community Organizer

Ed Washington
Vanport Survivor / Civic Leader / Vanport Mosaic Board Member

Emmalee McDonalds
Photographer / Video Producer

Heather Mcafee
Human Geographer

Heath Hyun
Actor / Director

Henk Pander
Fine Art Painter

We Are a Memory-Activism Platform

Our Mission

Our Story