A collection of essays, poems, and photography by Lakayana Yotoma Drury reflecting on 10 years of living in Portland, Oregon, the so-called whitest city in America. 503 is a defiant anthem of Black joy and resilience against a backdrop of gentrification, community violence, miseducation, and white supremacy. Weaving personal narrative with raw and powerful experiences from his work with youth and community members, 503 captures the city's beauty but does not let it escape its reality.
Framed by a striking foreword by Rukaiyah Adams, 503 is a timely volume of literary expression with no punches pulled. “Drury poses a profound question: What do we owe each other?”
About the author
Lakayana Yotoma Drury is an entrepreneur, writer, and filmmaker. He is the founder and executive director of Word is Bond, a nonprofit leadership incubator for young Black men, and serves as the Vice Chair of the Oregon Commission on Black Affairs.
Lakyana was recognized as part of Portland Business Journal's 40 under 40, class of 2021, and received the 2023 Community Leader of the Year award at the 38th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute by the World Arts Foundation.
Details.
150 Pages. Magazine format. Paperback cover.
Pre-order begins on December 19. Available January 10.
A collection of essays, poems, and photography by Lakayana Yotoma Drury reflecting on 10 years of living in Portland, Oregon, the so-called whitest city in America. 503 is a defiant anthem of Black joy and resilience against a backdrop of gentrification, community violence, miseducation, and white supremacy. Weaving personal narrative with raw and powerful experiences from his work with youth and community members, 503 captures the city's beauty but does not let it escape its reality.
Framed by a striking foreword by Rukaiyah Adams, 503 is a timely volume of literary expression with no punches pulled. “Drury poses a profound question: What do we owe each other?”
About the author
Lakayana Yotoma Drury is an entrepreneur, writer, and filmmaker. He is the founder and executive director of Word is Bond, a nonprofit leadership incubator for young Black men, and serves as the Vice Chair of the Oregon Commission on Black Affairs.
Lakyana was recognized as part of Portland Business Journal's 40 under 40, class of 2021, and received the 2023 Community Leader of the Year award at the 38th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute by the World Arts Foundation.
Details.
150 Pages. Magazine format. Paperback cover.
Pre-order begins on December 19. Available January 10.
