For Educators

Our Approach

Any course on Oregon history that overlooks the contributions of Black Oregonians is incomplete. We work with teachers to create lesson plans and learning materials which tell a more inclusive story, and which celebrate our state’s diverse cultural heritage. All materials are aligned with state social studies and ethnic studies standards.

Download any or all of our lesson plans for free!

Lesson Plans

Elementary School

Black Pioneers on the Oregon Trail

A collaboration between Oregon Black Pioneers and Lauren Kristensen, The Arbor School of Arts and Sciences.

Featured in the lesson: Amanda Gardner Johnson, Ben Johnson, George Washington Bush, Jacob Vanderpool, Robin and Polly Holmes, Abner Hunt Francis.

Day 1
Setting the Scene
Day 2
Using Primary Sources
Day 3
Oregon Exclusion Laws
Day 4
Effects of Oregon Exclusion Laws
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Elementary School

The Letitia Carson Story

Written by Sarah MacPherson, Sacramento Elementary, with Zachary Stocks, Oregon Black Pioneers and Dr. Bob Zybach, Oregon Websites & Watersheds Project, Inc.

Featured in the lesson: Letitia Carson, Martha Jane Carson

Day 1
Picturing the Willamette Valley, 1840s
Day 2
Letitia Travels to Oregon
Day 3
Black Exclusion
Day 4
David Carson’s Death
Day 5
Black Exclusion
Day 6
Letitia v. Greenberry Smith
Day 7
Letitia’s Homestead
Day 8
Then and Now
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Middle School

Black Explorers in Oregon

A collaboration between Oregon Black Pioneers and Dean Wright, Judson Middle School.

Featured in the lesson: Markus Lopeus, York, Moses Harris

Day 1
Introduction to Black Explorers
Day 2
York
Day 3
Moses “Black” Harris
Day 4
Intro to Instagram Assignment
Day 5
Moses “Black” Harris
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Middle School

Oregon’s Black Exclusion Era

A collaboration between Oregon Black Pioneers and Dean Wright, Judson Middle School.

Day 1
Anti-Black Laws in Oregon
Day 2
1844 Black Exclusion Act
Day 3
1849 Black Exclusion Act
Day 4
Oregon Constitution
Day 5
Cause and Effect
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Middle School

Racing to Change: Oregon’s Civil Rights Years

Written by Emilie Krutzik, Oregon Historical Society, with Zachary Stocks, Oregon Black Pioneers.

Featured in the lesson: Bill McCoy, Charles Jordan, Mercedes Deiz

Day 1
Oregon's Civil Rights Bill
Day 2
Job Discrimination
Day 3
Black Panther Party
Day 4
Housing Segregation
Day 5
Urban Renewal
Day 6
Police Encounters
Day 7
School Segregation
Day 8
Black Power on Campus
Day 9
Holding Public Office
Day 10
Socratic Seminar
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High School

Oregon’s Black History

A collaboration between Oregon Black Pioneers and Lynsey Turner, North Salem High School.

Featured in the lesson: Rachel Belden Brooks, Morris Thomas, Alonzo Tucker, Lizzie Weeks, George Hardin, George Fletcher, Beatrice Cannady, George Riley, and more.

Day 1
Black Explorers and Trailblazers
Day 2
Perseverance
Day 3
Moving to Oregon
Day 4
Civil Rights in Oregon
Day 5
Progress
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High School

Racing to Change: Oregon’s Civil Rights Years

Written by Emilie Krutzik, Oregon Historical Society with Zachary Stocks, Oregon Black Pioneers.

Featured in the lesson: Otto Rutherford, Bill McCoy, Charles Jordan, Mercedes Deiz

Day 1
Oregon's Civil Rights Bill
Day 2
Job Discrimination
Day 3
Black Panther Party
Day 4
Inner City Blues Part 1
Day 5
Inner City Blues Part 2
Day 6
Police Encounters
Day 7
School Segregation
Day 8
Black Power on Campus
Day 9
Holding Public Office
Day 10
Socratic Seminar
Download

Bring History to Life

Looking for a fun way to interact with Oregon’s Black History? Download our activity pages!

 

Download Our Activity Pages

Keep Learning

Visit our Learn & Explore page to find other great resources for learners of all ages.

Learn and Explore