What Does It Mean to Be American?

with Chisao Hata

May 19, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. | Hillsboro Public Library Brookwood Branch

2850 NE Brookwood Pkwy., Hillsboro OR 97124

This conversation will explore when and how we define ourselves as an “American.” Does knowing the Constitution make us American? Does living on land controlled by the United States of America make us American? Through conversation and nonverbal exploration, we will share what “American” means to us individually and within the communities we belong to or came from, and what perspectives shaped our understanding of American identity and who is included in “We the People.”

Register for this free event.

Facilitator Chisao Hata is a performing artist, educator, and arts integration specialist. She has been called a “community weaver” through facilitation, community engagement and creating artistic collaborations. She has been a protector of imagination and personal discovery and a champion for individual expression. Creating engaged learning is her life’s work. She has had the honor of serving hundreds of Portland’s children, youth, and adults across many communities. Chisao believes we are all inextricably linked, and the power of gathering is a conduit to build and heal our understandings between our communities.

Event Sponsors

Hillsboro Public Library

Cost

Free

Contact

krystal.wu@hillsboro-oregon.gov