That’s a Wrap for York Fest!
York Fest, Oregon Black Pioneers’ festival honoring York, is now complete. Over the course of nine days, thousands of people came together across the Portland Metro area to remember and celebrate York, the first Black ancestor of Portland.
Who is York?
York was a Black man born in Virginia around 1772. He was enslaved by William Clark, who brought him west as part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1803-1806). York worked as a laborer and hunter during the journey, and showed friendship and goodwill to Native nations. Upon reaching the Pacific Ocean in 1805, York became the first Black person to cross North America above Mexico.
York’s contributions helped ensure the Expedition’s success, but he received no compensation for his services. He asked Clark for his freedom and Clark refused. York’s efforts were rarely acknowledged in the two centuries that followed.
About York Fest
York Fest was conceived in 2024, when Oregon Black Pioneers staff began brainstorming potential programs about York for 2025 to mark the 220th anniversary of his arrival in what is today Portland. In the process, our staff learned that Aaron Nigel Smith was developing a folk opera about York called York the Explorer, which would debut in the fall. We approached Aaron with the idea of collaborating on a bigger, community-wide York celebration, encouraging other artists and nonprofits to develop their own York programs to take place during the same week.
After many months of planning and coordination, York Fest took place in October 2025. Six events were held over the course of nine days, each led by different host organizations.
Event Lineup
Fri. October 17 – Alberta House
A Man Called York Presentation and Conversation
Zachary Stocks of Oregon Black Pioneers presented a biographical sketch of York, and then invited a group of artists (sculptor Todd McGrain, fine artist and painter Jeremy Okai Davis, and filmmaker Ron Craig) to discuss their York-related works.
Sat. October 18 – LABS Media & Lionspeaks
Our Rooted Futures Festival
The York Collective put on a Community Wellness Fair during the day, followed by evening performances and guest speakers discussing the legacy of York and the vision for the York Urban Village (YUV) in Portland.
Sun. October 19 – Broughton Beach Park
Boating with Bubba: The York River Loop Tour
Flossin Media and Soul District Business Association led a one-of-a-kind boating experience on the Columbia River. Passengers were welcomed aboard a group of boats for a cruise along the same route York traveled in 1805 as a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Wed. October 22 – Tomorrow Theatre
Big Medicine: York Outdoors Film Screening and Panel Discussion
Oregon Black Pioneers presented the local premiere of a new documentary film funded by the National Park Service. The film follows a group of Black outdoor educators as they travel in the path of York along the Upper Missouri River. After the film, documentary participants Hasan Davis, Carolyn Finney, and Zachary Stocks took part in a conversation about the experience and the relationship between people of color and the outdoors, moderated by James Edward Mills of The Joy Trip Project.
Thu. October 23 – Alberta House
The Journey of York Presentation
Nationally-renowned York interpreter Hasan Davis gave his legendary living history performance, The Journey of York. Audience members had a chance to speak with Hasan and learn about his experiences as a York storyteller for the past 20+ years.
Fri. October 24-26 – Patricia Reser Center for the Arts
York The Explorer folk opera
Grammy nominated musician Aaron Nigel Smith presented the world premiere of his anticipated folk opera, York The Explorer. Three sold out shows were held between Friday and Sunday. On Saturday, the performance concluded with a panel discussion with actors and crew from York the Explorer, moderated by Oregon Black Pioneers.
Highlights
Some highlights from York Fest included:
- Recognition of local elders who have been telling York’s story for many years (Ron Craig, Obie Hill) and the next generation of York storytellers
- Hundreds of people coming together for York programs Oct. 17-23, and over 2000 attendees for York The Explorer Oct. 24-26
- The debut of Oregon Black Pioneers’ new traveling exhibit, A Man Called York
- Press coverage from national NPR, The Oregonian, KATU ARCPDX, KPTV Fox 12 NOW, Oregon Artswatch, and more
- Community members survey by Portland Monuments Project
What’s next for York Fest?
York Fest demonstrated that there is powerful interest in honoring York as an important figure in Oregon’s Black history. Attendees and participants have all expressed interest in making York Fest an annual event. Oregon Black Pioneers looks forward to participating in a future festival, and will continue to offer educational resources and presentations about York year round.
Special Thanks
Oregon Black Pioneers would like to give special thanks to the many sponsors and collaborators who made York Fest possible:
Sponsors
- City of Portland Office of Arts and Culture
- Travel Oregon
- Travel Portland
- Roundhouse Foundation
- OnPoint Community Credit Union
- Lewis and Clark Trail Alliance
Special Thanks to
- Alberta House
- Flossin Media
- The Joy Trip Project
- 1803 Fund