Jason Washington Memorial Mural

An installation honoring the life and legacy of Jason Washington is a permanent part of the second floor study lounge of Portland State University's Smith Memorial Student Union.

This artwork was created by local artist Kyra Watkins to memorialize Jason Washington (1973-2018) who was tragically killed by PSU campus police.

Jason was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother with many friends. He was a graduate of Franklin High School and a U.S. Navy veteran who lived in this neighborhood.

Jason worked as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service and was a youth basketball coach and sports fan.

You can read stories of Jason by his family members on a specially created webpage.

Learn more about Portland State scholarships online and create a Scholarship Universe account to apply for the $1,250 Jason Washington Scholarship. Preference is given to a student with a demonstrated record of justice work or activism.

Unveiling and community gathering — June 2024

Artist Kyra Watkins discusses the Jason Washington Memorial Mural she created during the community event in Smith Memorial Student Union.

Artist Kyra Watkins discusses the mural she created at a special community event in June 2024 unveiling the Jason Washington Memorial artwork.

Jason Washington's daughter Kayla speaks at his mural unveiling in the study lounge of Smith.

Kayla Washington speaks about her father during the unveiling ceremony in Smith Memorial Student Union.

Campus and community members gather at the Jason Washington mural unveiling in June 2024.

Professor Patricia Schechter, chair of the Jason Washington Art Committee, reminds those in attendance that artwork like this can help move the campus to take on the work of racial justice, peace and equity for all.

Portland State University President Ann Cudd speaks at the Jason Washington Memorial Mural unveiling and community event in June 2024.

Portland State University President Ann Cudd addresses those gathered at the unveiling of the Jason Washington Memorial Mural.

Learn about the Jason Washington Art Committee and its history.

Read more about the mural unveiling ceremony online.