It takes both wings to fly

Jada Mae Langloss touched many people’s lives during her time on planet earth. She was both sassy and colorful, a true mother-hugger. With her wheelchair and cane, big hats and colorful fashion, Jada was a force to be reckoned with – a  real life rabble-rouser and diplomat, a proud mother and a royal pain in the ass.

As a candidate and a woman, she was both an iconic political figure and a lonesome soul. She filled up space wherever she went and refused until her dying day to bow down to anyone’s philosophies and lifestyles except those of her own.

Known for her sharp one-liners and adventurous tales, Jada’s life crossed over many economic, political, social and cultural plains. As a young woman and mother, she worked in both the real estate and service industries. She claimed to be one of the first female real estate agents in the City of Seattle, and worked for a stint at the Space Needle.

After watching many of her friends fall to alcoholism and die tragic deaths, Jada told friends she took a vow of poverty. She would go on to live in many low-income housing units throughout Portland.

During her later years she spent months at time homeless and living on the streets. She also lived at Dignity Village, the McDonald Center in Old Town Chinatown and on friends couches throughout Portland.

Jada was as a mother figure for many people experiencing homelessness and poverty in Portland and around the region. She loved her “flower arrangements” and playing the piano.

This month marks five years since Jada’s passing. This website is meant to be a tribute to the spirit of her life’s work and to a woman who has helped shape our environment today.

Before Jada passed, she had asked friends to find a way to carry her spirit on. I have to the best of my ability put together remnants that were passed on to me from her, gathered by close friends and recorded in newspapers throughout the region.

When I started this project, I pulled her overflowing folder out of my file cabinet and among all of her campaign posters, writings and newspaper clippings (more to come), a small piece of paper fell slowly to the floor. It was the famous quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson.

“That person is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; who has earned the appreciation of honest critics and endured the betrayal of false friends; who appreciates beauty and finds the best in others; who leaves the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; who knows that even one life has breathed easier because he or she has lived. This is to have succeeded.”

Enjoy and please, oh please, send and post material. It’s meant for everyone.

– Israel Bayer

– Photo by Bryan Pollard