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This content was published: April 26, 2006. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.

Illumination Project sheds light on religious issues

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PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Community College’s Illumination Project plans to enlighten the community on issues surrounding religious oppression and religious pluralism this spring.

Through student leadership development and interactive community performances, the Illumination Project challenges racism, sexism and other forms of oppression. This spring’s topic is important. Historically, Oregon has been home to a predominantly Christian population. This recent influx of immigrants to the Portland area has brought with it a larger mix of cultures and religions, including Buddhism and Islam, and created a struggle to accept this growing pluralism.

The Illumination Project is a program through the PCC Sylvania Women’s Resource and Multicultural centers. The Illumination Project allows audience members to intervene on the scenarios presented to better understand the project’s message. Recently, the Ford Foundation awarded the project a $100,000 grant to promote constructive dialogue at PCC.

The spring performances will be held at the Cascade (705 N. Killingsworth Street), Sylvania (12000 S.W. 49th Ave.) and Rock Creek (17705 N.W. Springville Road) campuses.

Performance Schedule

Friday, May 5: 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Cascade-Room 122 of Terrell Hall)

Tuesday, May 9: noon-1:30 p.m. (Cascade-Room 122 of Terrell Hall)

Wednesday, May 10: 9-10:30 a.m. (Rock Creek- Forum of Building 3)

Tuesday, May 16: 11 a.m.-noon (Sylvania-Lobby of the Performing Arts Center)

Wednesday, May 17: 10-11:20 a.m. (Sylvania-PAC lobby)

Thursday, May 18: 1-2:30 p.m. (Sylvania-PAC lobby)

Monday, May 22: 1-2:30 p.m. (Sylvania-PAC lobby)

Monday, May 22: 6:30-8:30 p.m. (Cascade-Cafeteria in Student Center)

Tuesday, May 23: 2-3:20 p.m. (Sylvania-Little Theater)

Tuesday, May 23: 6:30-8:30 p.m. (Sylvania-PAC lobby)

Wednesday, May 24: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Sylvania-PAC lobby)

Thursday, May 25: 10-11:20 a.m. (Sylvania-PAC lobby)

Tuesday, May 30: 9-10:30 a.m. (Rock Creek-Forum)

Wednesday, June 21: 9:45-10:30 a.m. (Cascade-Room 122 of Terrell Hall)

Other performance sites include Portland State University, Tualatin High School and the Spiral Rhythms Annual Conference in the Columbia Gorge. For more information, call 503-977-8149.

About James Hill

James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »