2015 Spirit of Portland Awards

The City of Portland presented the 2015 Spirit of Portland Awards on Tuesday, November 17.

The Skanner News was awarded by Commissioner Nick Fish. The award celebrated the last 40 years of service and continuing work publishing the stories of the African American community in Portland and Seattle.

Emanual Price of Second Chances are for Everyone was awarded the Outstanding Community Leader award for his work helping men and women transition from incarceration through assistance, community support and empowerment. He has also been a strong advocate for the Ban the Box campaign which bars employers from asking about criminal backgrounds on job applications.

Clara Mae Peoples, who passed away this year on Oct. 5, received the lifetime achievement award for her work starting Juneteenth celebrations in Oregon. She also launched the Community Care Food program which is believed to be the fist food bank in the United States. Family members were on hand to accept the award on her behalf.

Anti-Displacement PDX, a coalition of over 30 community based organizations, refused to accept The Spirit of Portland Award. Coalition spokesperson Llondyn Elliot called for the city council to pass anti-displacement and affordable housing measures that are currently in the draft of the city's Comprehensive Plan.

Click through the slideshow below to see the nominees: