The River Remembers: Community, Science, and the Future of Portland Harbor

with Cassie Cohen, Executive Director, Portland Harbor Community Coalition and Ja’Marian Malley, Campaign Manager, Portland Harbor Community Coalition

About the Lecture

Portland’s working river carries many stories — of industry, contamination, community, survival, restoration, and responsibility. The Portland Harbor Superfund cleanup is not only a technical process; it is also a public health, environmental justice, and accountability issue that will shape the future of the Willamette River for generations.

In this talk, Portland Harbor Community Coalition will help audiences understand what is at stake in the cleanup, how decisions about contaminated sediment, restoration, disposal, access, and habitat affect people and place, and why community and Tribal voices must be centered in decisions about the river’s future. Through images, stories, and practical examples, this presentation will invite people to ask: Who speaks for the river — and how do we listen?

Science Pubs are a casual lecture series located in fun venues across the region, recommended for ages 10 and over.

$8 suggested donation | Advance tickets recommended

Zoom Option
If you are unable to join us in person, you can watch on Zoom. You must register in advance. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

About the Speakers

Cassie Cohen serves as Executive Director of Portland Harbor Community Coalition, a community-based organization working to advance environmental justice, public health, community education, and accountability in the Portland Harbor Superfund cleanup. Through PHCC, Cassie works alongside community members, advocates, technical experts, public agencies, and partners to ensure that cleanup decisions are understandable, transparent, and responsive to the people and places most impacted by pollution along the Willamette River.

Ja’Marian Malley grew up in St. Johns and has witnessed the changes to the North Portland area environmentally from childhood to adulthood. Having a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and over a decade of experience as a personal trainer, Ja’Marian has dedicated much of his professional life to empowering others. Alongside a strong background in health and fitness, Ja’Marian Malley has spent years working with youth-based organizations and after-school programs, developing a deep passion for nonprofit work. Over the past four years, he has focused on team building, grant writing, and fostering relationships with partners, sponsors, and city leaders. As Campaign Manager at the Portland Harbor Community Coalition, Ja’Marian is excited to bring his expertise to the environmental sector, with much excitement for a committed role of driving impactful initiatives that benefit the community and the environment, continuing in his journey of service and leadership.