07/15/2026
It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since we last gathered for Legendary Makers Market.
For those who have been wondering why Asian American Town and Legendary Makers Market accounts have been so quiet, I wanted to share a reminder of why.
Over the years, I learned that no matter how much advocacy, organizing, and sweat equity a community puts in, it can be incredibly difficult to create lasting change without systemic change. Too often, communities find themselves responding to the impacts of government decisions, government inaction, or spending countless hours trying to be heard by those already in positions of power.
I came to understand the difference between trying to influence decisions after they are made and having a seat at the table where those decisions are shaped.
That realization is what led me to run for Portland City Council. The mission that started Asian American Town and Legendary Makers Market hasn’t changed, the next chapter is simply taking a different form.
Thank you to everyone who helped make these projects what they became and what they will be in the future when I am able to put more focus on them. I’m grateful for every conversation, collaboration, and connection we built together.
If you’d like to follow along with this next chapter, you can find updates at Tom Sollitt and tomforpdx.com.
