On August 1st, Broadway Coffeehouse is Salem, Oregon debuted a pop up installation of the “Black in Oregon, 1840-1870” co-produced by Oregon Black Pioneers. Guests of the coffee shop have an opportunity to learn about some of the state’s earliest Black residents and the social and political hardships they faced upon arrival.
“Black in Oregon , 1840-1870” was originally developed by the State of Oregon and was featured in the Oregon State Capitol in 2018. The project was spearheaded by the late Secretary of State Dennis Richardson. Content was sourced from many statewide historical non profits, including Oregon Black Pioneers; OBP Board Member Gwen Carr contributed significant consultation and research for the exhibition. After it was deinstalled, the State transferred ownership of the exhibition to Oregon Black Pioneers.
This installation at Broadway Coffee is the first opportunity for viewers to see the exhibition in person since it left the State Capitol. The show is an abbreviated version of the full exhibition, which is available in a digital format online.
Broadway Coffeehouse is using this exhibition to highlight continued racial injustices in Oregon. Current outrage over police killings of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and others has inspired local artists to create high quality art prints which Broadway Coffeehouse has installed alongside exhibition panels, demonstrating how past inequalities can still be seen today in our policing and criminal justice system. Art prints are available for sale with 100% of proceeds going towards local nonprofits fighting for racial equality.
After the exhibition leaves Broadcast Coffeehouse on October 31st, Oregon Black Pioneers plans to update the panels to make them more accessible and visually appealing, allowing the show to be traveled and installed at venues across the state. Salem-area residents and visitors can see the show at 1300 Broadway Street NE; purchase of art prints and direct donations to Oregon Black Pioneers can be made of the dedicated exhibition page of the Broadcast Coffeehouse website.
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Oregon Black Pioneers was founded in 1993. Its mission is to research, recognize, and commemorate the culture and heritage of African Americans in the State of Oregon. Its vision is to be the premier resource for information about Oregon’s African American culture and heritage. For more information please contact zachary@oregonblackpioneers.org.