Oregon Black Pioneers is making it easier for educators to bring Black history into the K-5 classroom! Students can explore the stories of six Black Oregon pioneers with colorful new posters, fun and fact-filled digital storybooks, and a map activity designed for 4th grade learners. These materials bring Oregon history to life while supporting reading skills with bolded vocabulary and definitions. And of course they are aligned with Oregon Social Science and ELA Standards.
Created by Oregon Black Pioneers and illustrated by Courtney Ahn Design, these materials are flexible for the whole class, small groups, or independent work, and they build connections between people, places, and history. They offer students clear, accessible ways to learn about Oregon’s Black history.
These Black Pioneer Posters and Digital Storybooks:
- Highlight Overlooked Stories – Introduce students to Black pioneers who shaped Oregon but are rarely mentioned in traditional accounts.
- Engage Through Different Formats – The poster offers a visual overview, while the storybook provides a deeper narrative written for younger readers.
- Show Contributions and Resilience – Share the creativity, leadership, and perseverance of Black Oregonians.
- Present a Fuller History – Provide students with a more complete and inclusive view of Oregon’s past.
Together, these resources encourage students to recognize and appreciate the history and heritage of Black people in Oregon.
Download the Black Pioneer Posters, Digital Storybooks, and the Teachers’ Guide here.