Native people show up to first 'Reparations Happy Hour' in Oregon

Wednesday, May 30, 2018  

An African American activist hosted the first "Reparations Happy Hour" in Portland, Oregon, last week, an event designed to provide a welcoming space for people of color.

Cameron Mitchell of Brown Hope invited "White people" to donate at least $10 for the event. But they were asked not to show up in order for "Black, Brown, and Indigenous people" to attend.

"Reparations Happy Hour is a community building event, in the whitest major city in the United States," Mitchell wrote in a FAQ after word of his event spread through the mainstream media. "This is a rare time for Black, Brown, and Indigenous people to come together and create stronger connections with each other."

Pics from last nite's Reparations Happy Hour. We had 40 attendees & gave out $400 in cash reparations. Thank you for everyone who shared, donated– most importantly, GRATITUDE to the Black, Brown & Indigenous people who showed their leadership and participated in reparations work pic.twitter.com/S4hPQCeZqd

— Cameron Whitten (@CameronWhitten) May 22, 2018

Each person of color who attended the event received $10. And while the event was billed as a "happy hour," it was not about alcohol, and the money could be used for any purpose, Mitchell said.

"The majority of folks did not choose to purchase alcohol, though they were welcome to do so. Some attendees have mentioned using it for gas, coffee, and some donated it to a friend in need," the FAQ stated. "Not every Happy Hour event will happen at a bar. For example, our next Happy Hour will be at a bakery."

The next event is taking place on June 20 at Back to Eden Bakery. Two employees there were fired after an African American woman was denied service near closing time even as White patrons were allowed to place orders.

Portland is Oregon's most populous city and is home to offices of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Indian Health Service, the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission and other Indian organizations. The Confederated Tribe Of Grande Ronde and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians also maintain offices there to provide services to their citizens.

Despite the significant Indian presence, only about 1 percent of the population is Native American, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The overwhelming percentage, 76 percent, is White.

Read More on the Story:
At Portland's 'reparations happy hour,' people of color get $10 and a place to meet (The Oregonian May 24, 2018)
‘Reparations Happy Hour’ Invites White People to Pay for Drinks (The New York Times May 25, 2018)
'Reparations Happy Hour' invites white people to pay for drinks (Fox News May 27, 2018)