See the places where Oregon’s Black history was made!
Are you curious to see the places in Oregon where Black history happened? Oregon has Black history everywhere! Oregon Black Pioneers, Oregon’s only statewide African American historical society, is excited to bring walking tours to communities all over Oregon. Starting this summer, we plan to offer one guided tour per quarter, in communities around the state. Each tour will be unique, and led by one of our expert staff. Tours will be limited to 35 people. We suggest attendees wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunglasses, and bring enough water to stay hydrated. We will be walking on public streets where ADA accessibility can vary.
2024 Tours
Black History Walking Tour of Oregon City – Saturday, September 21 · 10am – 12pm
Oregon Black Pioneers’ 2024 walking tour series concludes with a tour of historic Oregon City! Led by OBP Public Programs & Exhibits Manager Mariah Rocker, this two-hour, 2-mile walking loop will make stops at locations connected to the area’s Black history. The tour will highlight significant local Black individuals, businesses, and historic moments.
Black History Walking Tour of Eugene, Oregon – Saturday, July 27 · 10am – 12pm
OBP’s third walking tour of 2024 highlights the Black history of Eugene. Led by Mariah Rocker, this two-hour, 2.2-mile walking loop will make stops at locations connected to the area’s Black history. The tour will highlight early and historic Black residents, businesses, and moments. This event has ended.
Black History Walking Tour of Portland, Oregon – Saturday, May 18, 2024
Our next tour highlights the Black history of Portland’s Albina neighborhood. Join OBP Public Programs and Exhibits Manager Mariah Rocker for a guided walking tour through Portland’s historically-Black Albina neighborhood. This two-hour, 2-mile walking loop will make stops at locations connected to the area’s African American history. Themes will include Black-owned businesses, community change, and civil rights. This event has ended.
Black History Walking Tour of Astoria, Oregon – Saturday, April 13, 2024
The first of our quarterly 2024 tours will take place in historic Astoria, Oregon. Led by OBP Executive Director Zachary Stocks, this two-hour, 1-mile walking loop will make stops at locations connected to the area’s Black history. Guests will learn more about Astoria’s earliest Black residents, businesses, and moments, and local filmmaker Ron Craig will make a special appearance to discuss York of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This event has ended.
2023 Tours
Black History Walking Tour of Portland, Oregon – Saturday, August 19, 2023
The first tour in our series will take place in Portland’s historically Black Albina neighborhood. Starting and ending at Dawson Park, explorers will be led on this two-hour, 2.2 mile loop by OBP Executive Director Zachary Stocks, making stops along the way at historically significant locations. Themes will include Black-owned businesses, community change, and civil rights. This event has ended.
Black History Walking Tour of Jacksonville, Oregon – Saturday, October 21, 2023
Jacksonville, Oregon is the site of the second tour in our series. Led by OBP Public Programs Manager Mariah Rocker, this two-hour, 2-mile loop will make stops at various locations connected to the town’s Black history. Discover more about the early Black community members of Jacksonville. This event has ended.
Keep an eye out, additional details will be posted here and on Facebook and Instagram!