Portland News and Events for Sept. 15 - 21, 2016

Mexican Independence Day Celebration Takes Place This Friday

Every Sept. 16, Mexico observes its Independence Day. The night of Sept. 15 was when Father Hidalgo rang his church bell and called upon everyone to fight for liberty. The resulting war against the Spanish lasted for 10 years, with Mexico eventually winning its independence. This call, El Grito, is re-enacted throughout every town in Mexico, as well as many others over the world every year. In Portland Cónsul de México Francisco Maass Peña will be in charge of the ceremony.

As Mexican President presents the Nation’s traditional El Grito in Mexico City, Portland will also commemorate the Mexican Independence in the same manner in Moda Center. This will include a presentation of the revolutionary call for Independence that will take place at around 8 p.m.
In addition to folkloric dancers, live mariachi, salsa, cumbia, and pop music, the event will provide authentic cuisine and beverages, interactive community booths, and much more.

The El Grito celebration is made possible by Lara Media Services, Mandos Mundo Entertainment. It begins at 11:30 a.m. and continues until 10:30 p.m. at the Rose Quarter Commons, 1 North Center Court St. For more information, visit www.elgritonw.com or www.facebook.com/elgritoNW.

NAMI Multnomah, Cascadia Host ‘Break the Silence, Break the Stigma’ Event

Playback Theater Portland, in collaboration with two non-profit organizations; NAMI Multnomah and Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare, will bring several true stories of struggle, triumph and hope with “Break the Silence, Break the Stigma,” a night of community theater and real-life stories about mental illness. The event will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. at Curious Comedy Theater, 5225 NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Tickets are $15 pre-sale, $20 at the door ant are available at breakthestigma2016.eventbrite.com. Light snacks and beverages will be available during the event. 

Sponsoring this unique event are other non-profit community partners, including Curious Comedy Theater and MetroEast Community Media. These compassionate non-profit organizations are coming together in hopes to create a positive movement around mental health and how as a community, we can all help break the stigma.

The organizations hope that the impact of sharing personal stories will bring people together, foster awareness and connect people with themes and issues that we face but generally ignore.

“There is a greater understanding of how to support folks who have mental health issues in a positive manner, and hopefully a sense of compassion and good will towards those who experience such challenges.” said Playback Theater’s Artistic Director, Jackie Paris.

Those affected by mental health issues may often be too ashamed to talk about it and hesitate seeking help, resulting in social isolation- both for the affected individuals as well as their family members. This event shows it takes a community to help create a healthy movement and that through every hardship, there are people like you can give hope.

“This event creates an opportunity to talk about something that affects 1 out of 4 Americans each year and illustrates the various avenues that can be taken in the journey toward recovery,” said Cascadia’s CEO, Derald Walker.

After these powerful performances, the audience will have an opportunity to talk with community members and mental health professionals and learn more about Oregon’s Mental Health community. A portions of the proceeds from this one-time performance will benefit local mental health organizations, Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare and NAMI Multnomah.

NAACP Portland Branch Holds Monthly Meeting Sept. 24

The NAACP Portland branch invites the community to its monthly general membership meeting (fourth Saturday of every month):

DATE: Saturday, September 24, 2016

TIME: Noon to 2 p.m.

LOCATION: American Red Cross Oregon Chapter, 3131 N. Vancouver Avenue, Portland, OR, 97227

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Current and prospective members of the NAACP.

WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND: President Jo Ann Hardesty and executive leadership will provide updates about current and future initiatives. This is an opportunity to connect with Portland NAACP’s work in advancing racial justice in the community.

ABOUT THE NAACP: The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination. The vision of the NAACP is to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights and there is no racial hatred or racial discrimination.

Artists Rep Launches 2016/17 Season with ‘Trevor’

Artists Repertory Theatre’s production of “Trevor,” written by Nick Jones and directed by Dámaso Rodriguez, opened Sept. 10 and runs through Oct. 2. The play features John San Nicolas as the chimp, Trevor, and Sarah Lucht as his “mom,” Sandra. This is the first play of seven in Artists Rep’s 34th season.

Inspired by a true story, “Trevor” is a tragicomedy about a formerly “famous” chimp, Trevor, who has been adopted into a human family. When the story takes place he has lived in middle-class America with his human “mom” for 11 years. He is a high-functioning chimp with a big personality, who drives the family car and hopes to get back into show business.

Tickets are $50, with student and under-25 tickets selling for $25. Buy Tickets: 503.241.1278 or www.artistsrep.org.

For more Portland and Seattle area events, see the Community Calendar.