Our Story, Our Voices

"I wanted to, in that moment when students were arriving in the Fred Meyer parking lot and people of all backgrounds were united, I wanted to bottle that love, and give it to everyone to keep. If we could have a constant sip of humanity, a reminder of what’s most important, an opportunity to hold life in perspective, we would be better. Was I alone in my thinking? How were people really feeling? Wouldn’t it be nice to gather stories from our community to help us truly heal by not dismissing our emotions but embracing them to strengthen ourselves, strengthen others? There was a vigil for Emilio and free counseling for students who were willing to go. People held hands, hugged, sang songs, there was an overwhelming amount of support. "

"I wanted to, in that moment when students were arriving in the Fred Meyer parking lot and people of all backgrounds were united, I wanted to bottle that love, and give it to everyone to keep. If we could have a constant sip of humanity, a reminder of what’s most important, an opportunity to hold life in perspective, we would be better. Was I alone in my thinking? How were people really feeling? Wouldn’t it be nice to gather stories from our community to help us truly heal by not dismissing our emotions but embracing them to strengthen ourselves, strengthen others? There was a vigil for Emilio and free counseling for students who were willing to go. People held hands, hugged, sang songs, there was an overwhelming amount of support. "

Shalanda Sims is a native Oregonian with family roots in Oregon dating back to the city of Vanport in the 1940’s. She is a professional performing artist who most recently performed with the Portland Opera and Portland Center Stage. Shalanda has been performing for more than 30 years. In addition to performing, Shalanda is also a writer. She has written and produced nine plays in the last ten years, has been funded by RACC four times for different projects and one of her plays ‘Church Girls” placed in the top three percent with notable mention in the Writer’s Digest Competition. She is scheduled to release her first children's book in 2016 Shalanda founded her own theater company for youth and adults giving them voice, freedom of expression, teaching them history through theater. Her education credit includes: University of Portland where she majored in Theater; Portland State University where she majored in English. Her greatest gifts and achievements are her family; Husband of twenty-two years and their three amazing children. You can learn more about this author at shalandasims.com