You can find Oregon Black Pioneers at events all over Oregon for Black History Month. Join us!
Feb 2
Oregon’s Black History: 450 Years in 45 Minutes with Zachary Stocks
Tillamook Library, Tillamook MORE HERE
Friday, Feb 2, 1:00 – 2:00pm
Oregon’s Black History: 450 Years in 45 Minutes, a presentation by The Oregon Black Pioneers. Public historian, interpreter, and Executive Director of Oregon Black Pioneers, Zachary Stocks, will be highlighting the key individuals and events that characterize Oregon’s unique and centuries-old Black history.
Feb 6
Interwoven Legacies: Letitia Carson’s Story
Tamastslikt Cultural Institute, Pendleton MORE HERE
Tuesday, February 6, 4:00 – 5:30pm
A brief overview of Letitia Carson’s story by Zachary Stocks of Oregon Black Pioneers + a brief Letitia Carson Legacy Project update by Lauren Gwin, with time to view the exhibit and build community after. Complimentary snacks and drinks provided.
Feb 7
Oregon’s Civil Rights Years with Mariah Rocker
Lake Oswego Public Library MORE HERE
Wednesday, February 7, 5:00 – 6:00pm
Amidst the excitement and unrest of the civil rights era, racial discrimination, exclusion policies, and the destruction of Black-owned neighborhoods had a profound impact on Oregon. This presentation delves into how these hurdles shaped Oregon, and how the Black community fought to overcome them. Presented by Public Programs and Exhibits Manager Mariah Rocker.
Feb 10
Uncovering Oregon’s Black History with Mariah Rocker
Salem Public Library MORE HERE
Saturday, February 10, 12:00 – 1:00pm
Public Programs and Exhibits Manager of Oregon Black Pioneers, Mariah Rocker, will be highlighting the key individuals and events that characterize Oregon’s unique and centuries-old Black history.
Feb 11
Oregon’s Civil Rights Years with Mariah Rocker
Oregon City Public Library REGISTER HERE
Sunday, February 11, 2:00 – 3:15pm
In person and Virtual, register at the link.
Feb 15
Oregon’s Black History: York, The Man
Alberta House, Portland REGISTER HERE
Thursday, February 15, 5:30 – 8:30pm
A partnership between the Oregon Historical Society, 1803 Fund, and the City of Portland. York was an enslaved man who took part in the Lewis and Clark Expedition from 1803-1806. But what is known about York besides his participation in this journey? Zachary Stocks of Oregon Black Pioneers will present a detailed biography of York which reveals his experiences during the Expedition, his life before and after, and his place within national African American history.
Feb 20
Uncovering Oregon’s Black History with Mariah Rocker
Happy Valley Library MORE HERE
Tuesday, February 20, 6:00 – 7:00pm
Feb 22
Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts film screening and discussion with director Dru Holley and Oregon Black Pioneers’ Zachary Stocks
Thursday, February 22, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Philomath High School Auditorium MORE HERE
Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts, directed by Dru Holley, will be shown at Philomath High School. A discussion with the filmmaker and audience Q&A will follow.
Feb 24
Uncovering Oregon’s Black History with Mariah Rocker
Monmouth Public Library MORE HERE
Saturday, February 24, 2:00 – 3:00pm
Feb 26
Uncovering Oregon’s Black History with Mariah Rocker
Chemeketa Community College MORE HERE
Monday, February 26, 3:00 – 4:00pm
Feb 28
Astoria’s Black History with Zachary Stocks
Astoria Co-op MORE HERE
Wednesday, February 28, 6:00 – 6:45pm
Community Events
All Month
Southern Oregon
BASE presents an art opening, two private movie screenings, a night of bowling, and ongoing videos. Follow them on Instagram for the most up-to-date information.
Feb 3 – 4
Portland
Vanport Mosaic presents ALL POWER TO THE PEOPLE: the Black Panthers’ Ten-Point Program’s Legacy, a two-day celebration at the Historic Alberta House for Black History Month. TICKETS HERE
Feb 3
Portland
Albina Music Trust presents the Albina Community Archive Release Party at the Oregon Historical Society. MORE HERE
Feb 7
Portland
Albina Music Trust and Albina Vision Trust present an Albina Community Archive Listening Party at Albina Vision Trust. MORE HERE
Help preserve Oregon’s Black history by supporting OBP this Black History Month! Our goal is $100 a day for February, please consider making a donation today!
Photo: The staff of Portland Urban League and William Hillard (far left) the first African American editor at The Oregonian, with National Urban League President Verne Jordan (front row, third from left), Portland ca. 1970s.
Credit: Urban League of Portland collection, Oregon State University Special Collections Archives & Research Center, via Oregon Digital.