Portland Old Port is unequivocally against neo-Nazi’s, racism, and all that this hate-group stands for. There is no place in our city for hate.
We are aware of the neo-Nazi group gathering this past weekend in Portland, Maine. We condemn racism, bigotry, discrimination, and hate.
Portland is not impervious to what is happening on a national scale. While we try to keep our page light and entertaining, we recognize areas for growth as they relate to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Rather than giving more attention to the hateful actions of this group, we would like to spotlight, Jewish, BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ local non-profit organizations that are dedicated to combating racism and discrimination and promoting justice and equity.
Please feel free share with us recommendations to help spread awareness and support for these important causes. Let’s stand together for a diverse and inclusive community.
Those recommendations can be emailed to info@portlandoldport.com to be added to this list below. Please check back as this list will continue to grow. Thank you.
Organizations and Resources
Portland City Council Meeting
Monday April 10 – 5PM
389 Congress St, 2nd Floor
City Council meetings provide an opportunity to attend and address the council on matters of concern.
Community members plan to address the escalating Nazi demonstrations in Portland at this Monday’s City Council Meeting.
City Council meetings are the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month.
You can attend in person, or Live-Stream Broadcasts. To participate remotely in public comment, Zoom instructions can be found in each agenda.
Anti-Racism Institute
The Anti-racism Institute at the University of Southern Maine creates intensive programming for faculty who are interested in deepening their anti-racist and anti-oppressive praxis, and workshop series for faculty who are interested in content-specific antiracist and anti-oppressive pedagogies and classroom practices.
Black Owned Maine (@blackownedmaine)
Maine’s original Black business directory. Connecting Maine to Black-owned businesses, non-profits, musicians, artists and more. BOM exists to create that space and consideration for Black entrepreneurs in Maine.
Black Girl in Maine (@blackgirlinmaine)
Local blogger, speaker, and Executive Director of Boston’s Community Change Inc. Shay Stewart-Bouley is the founder of Black Girl in Maine Media. Black Girl in Maine was founded in 2008 and offers commentary and insight into race and anti-racism. Stewart-Bouley is currently facilitating programming between Community Change Inc. and the Portland community with speaking events, including upcoming programing that deals with the surge of white nationalists in the region.
Choose Yourself (@chooseyourself2)
Choose Yourself promotes economic and social liberation of women and girls through a variety of programs, community integration, feminist movement and leadership, mentoring and more. They work everyday to build a world where race and gender equity reigns.
Cultivating Community (@cultivatingcommunitymaine)
Cultivating Community’s programs are rooted in the idea that everyone has the right to good food. Teaching sustainable farming practices, and building connections to their community through their food hub, Cultivating Community empowers New Americans. Investing in youth and adults, Cultivating Community increases access to local, healthy foods for low-income consumers, providing affordable produce through farm stands and mobile markets.
Equality Community Center (@ecc_me)
“The Equality Community Center is a collaborative workplace for LGBTQ+ and allied social justice seeking non-profit organizations.
The programs at ECC make a difference in the lives of thousands of LGBTQ+ people through advocacy, education, community events and support.”
Equality Maine (@equalitymaine)
“Our mission is to protect and advance full equality for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Mainers by creating an inclusive and intersectional movement through political action, community building, education, engagement and collaboration.”
Fourth Friday Maine (@fourthfridayme)
A Portland-based networking and community building event. Fourth Friday is a “no agenda, inclusive BIPOC happy hour that occurs on the Fourth Friday of the month’s evenings, from 5:30-7:30pm at the Equality Community Center in Portland.”
Indigo Arts Alliance (@indigoartsalliance)
“Our Mission is to build global connections by bringing together Black and Brown artists from diverse backgrounds to engage in their creative process with an opportunity to serve as both mentors and mentees. An integral aspect of the Indigo vision is to provide Maine based artists of African descent access to a broader range of practicing artists of color from around the world.”
In Her Presence
“Working to further a thriving immigrant community in Maine by lifting the language barrier and supporting the career trajectory and financial stability of immigrant women and their families.”
Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project
Maine’s only state-wide immigration legal services organization dedicated to advancing justice and equity for immigrants and their families through direct legal services, community education, and systemic advocacy.
Immigrant Welcome Center (@welcomeimmigrant)
A hub of collaboration that strengthens the immigrant community through language acquisition, economic integration and civic engagement.
Ladder to the Moon Network (@amjamboafrica)
“We strive to educate the public about Africa, increase awareness of the connection between current conditions in Africa and migration, and describe the challenges faced by African immigrants as they are in the process of relocating as well as after resettlement. We help communities thrive by advocating for the well-being of immigrants, promoting opportunities and celebrating successes.”
Maine Initiatives (@maineinitiatives)
“Maine Initiatives engages and connects people around shared values of racial, social, economic, and environmental justice in Maine. We bring people together to build relationships, to learn more about the issues in their communities, and to feel empowered to make change.” This organization additionally leverages dollars from the community to make grants to grassroots organizations across the state and mobilizes a range of collective resources to unlock collective power.
Maine Jewish Community Alliance
The Jewish Community Alliance (JCA) is a nonprofit organization serving the Jewish community of Southern Maine. Through educational and social programming , as well as fundraising, the JCA’s mission is to enhance and promote Jewish life and continuity locally, in Israel and throughout the world, and to develop, provide and support diverse programs.
Maine Jewish Museum
The Maine Jewish Museum showcases photographic and historic displays that highlight the contributions and accomplishments of Maine’s original Jewish immigrants and their families as well as contemporary art and rotating exhibits by Jewish artists with a Maine connection. Through exhibits and programming, the Museum seeks to build bridges of appreciation and understanding with people of all backgrounds.
Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine
The Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine was founded by Gerda Haas, Holocaust survivor and author of Tracking the Holocaust and These I Do Remember: Fragments from the Holocaust. They provide resources and education for teaching about diversity, prejudice, human rights, and the Holocaust created through a series for interviews with Holocaust survivors in Maine.
Maine Justice Foundation
The goal of the Maine Justice Fundation is to support Black, Indigenous, and People of Color statewide to forge social, systemic, and economic solutions that will address racism. They promote the provision of legal services to the poor, supporting legal education and scholarship and engaging in activities aimed at enhancing the legal profession’s ability to serve the public throughout the State of Maine.
Maine Inside Out (@maineinsideout)
“Maine Inside Out activates individuals and communities to imagine and embody freedom through art, advocacy and support, and transformative justice. Formerly incarcerated people lead our work to build a world where everyone matters and belongs.”
Portland Chamber of Commerce
The Portland Chamber of Commerce has a call to action on their website to add you or your organization/business’ support and commitment to advance racial equity and social justice. You’ll receive additional information about education, events, and training.
Portland Empowered (@portland_empowered)
“Portland Empowered champions student and parent voice with a specific focus on engaging those who have historically been under-represented. We reduce barriers and create opportunities for emerging youth and adult leaders so that youth in Portland public schools are successful in school and beyond.”
Spurwink
Sea Glass Gala: Spurwink’s 2023 Humanitarian Award
On May 4, join Spurwink at their Sea Glass Gala in celebration of the incredible work of Mufalo Chitam, Executive Director Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition, the 2023 Humanitarian Of the Year.
Advocate, leader, and community builder Mufalo Chitam is making Maine a stronger place for all by transforming Portland’s once informal network of immigrant support into a robust fabric of resettlement systems to integrate immigrants into Maine culture.
Spurwink invites all attendees interested to attend offering various ticket options including company or group sponsored tables, and/or Pay-As-Able tickets.
The Third Place (@thirdplacemaine)
A non-profit organizational collaborative and coworking space supporting Black entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals towards an equitable quality of place.
Wabanaki Public Health
“Wabanaki Public Health is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of Tribal community members through connection, prevention and collaboration. We have a special focus on Obesity and Physical Activity; Substance Misuse Prevention; Tobacco Prevention; and Youth Engagement and Youth Empowerment.”
Businesses
Please refer to Black Owned Maine’s website for the leading and original directory list of Black-owned businesses, artists, musicians and more in Maine.
Please refer to our Portland Pride blog. A guide to businesses, resources, and community groups that are specifically queer-owned and LGBTQIA+ focused.