“The power of representative literature is clear. When housed in an environment that also fosters positive intersectional conversations and community, this representative literature can move mountains. Challenging hate, challenging oppression, and challenging hierarchy is particularly important at such a transitional moment in our country’s political history. Allowing tourism and “shock value” to potentially ruin such a powerful entity as In Other Words is nothing short of a tragic loss: we need feminism, now more than ever. We need books, we need readers, and we need these books and readers to both spread their knowledge and use it to benefit the world. As this Portland staple seeks to expand its impact, transitioning to become In Other Words Feminist Community Center, it is our responsibility as lovers of literature and proponents of true representation to support and advocate for the necessity of this safer space. It is a call to action for us all.“ 

Oregon Authors was originally created and managed by the Oregon Authors Committee of the Oregon Library Association and adopted in 2017 by the graduate program in Book Publishing at Portland State University in order to bring together the state’s expansive and dedicated literary community. 

This week has been rough. Let’s get together and talk about it.

October 2016 is our 23rd birthday!