Word is Bond

Come see our We Are Back Home exhibition today for First Thursday in the Pearl District
2026-02-05 17:00 - 20:00 UTC
We Are Back Home Art Exhibition for First Thursday with Drae Slapz!
Come check out Word is Bond’s brand new art exhibition
in the Pearl District this Thursday, February 5 from 5-8 pm.
Doors open at 5 PM, and DJ starts at 6.
Drinks available, free & open for all ages.

We Are Back Home: Panel Discussion, Jason Hill + Lakayana Drury
2026-02-17 17:30 - 20:00 | 516 Northwest 14th Avenue Portland, OR 97209
Join Word is Bond for a discussion with the three artists behind the We Are Back Home exhibition, photographer Jason Hill & executive director Lakayana Drury.
Tammy Jo Wilson moderates this thoughtful discussion that peels back the layers of the exhibition to talk about creating art, empowering young Black men, and the importance of going back home.
This is a discussion for all ages in the ADA-accessible Studio 516, located in the Historic Pearl District in downtown Portland. Refreshments and snacks served. Tickets are pay what you can; all proceeds go to next summer’s Black Star Homecoming Expedition 2026 to Ghana.

The Second Annual Word is Bond & FRIENDS Banquet
2026-02-26 17:30 - 20:30
Celebrate Black History Month with us at the Second Annual Word is Bond & FRIENDS Banquet! As we honor Pioneer Black Firefighter Month & Pioneer Black First Responder Month!
Join Us for the 2nd Annual Word is Bond & FRIENDS Black History Month Banquet!
Celebrate with us as the City of Portland proclaims February 2026 as Pioneer Black Firefighter Month! & Multnomah County proclaims February 2026 as Pioneer Black First Responder Month.
On Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 5:30 PM, we will gather at the University of Oregon Portland “Campus Center” to honor and appreciate Black firefighters, first responders, and community leaders.
Enjoy an evening of fellowship, celebration, and gratitude, featuring a ceremony, dinner, live entertainment, and inspiring speakers.
Dress to impress as we come together to recognize the rich culture, contributions, and heritage of the Black community. Don’t miss this special event—reserve your spot today!

Word is Bond Community Ramadan Iftar Dinner
2026-03-17 18:00 - 20:30
Join Word is Bond for a special Ramadan Iftar Dinner for the whole community. Celebrate culture, build community & share a meal with us.

Join Word is Bond for a Ramadan Iftar Dinner, Tuesday March 17 2026 from 6 PM to 8:30 PM at the East Portland Community Center.
This is a cultural event for the whole community. People of all faiths and backgrounds are invited & encouraged to join us for a free community dinner to celebrate Ramadan and the end of the daily fast, known as Iftar.
Sponsored by Word is Bond, this event aims to bring community members together for a family-friendly social, with an opportunity to learn about Islam and an optional prayer room for those observing Ramadan.
The building is ADA accessible. Vegetarian food options will be available. This dinner is free, but an RSVP is required due to limited capacity.
Community members are also invited to bring culturally specific dishes related to Ramadan if they choose.
Doors open at 6 pm. There will be a short program beginning at 6:45, followed by optional prayer and breaking the fast at around 7:15.
We look forward to seeing you and breaking fast together as a community.
