Hey there, Pionerds! It’s time for the latest installment of The Quest Continues, your go-to source for all BHQ news, with me, your host, Mariah Rocker. Keep reading for a recap of what happened in the previous episode, a sneak peek of what to expect next, and a fun update. Read on!
Black History Quest: Martha Anderson’s Advocacy
In July’s episode, Dr. Ramycia McGhee investigated Martha Anderson’s 1960s lawsuit against the Radio Corporation of America (RCA). Martha Anderson was a multifaceted figure—a nurse, businesswoman, rancher, and the author of Black Pioneers of the Northwest 1800-1918. In the 1960s, a newspaper article reported on her lawsuit against the RCA; this source sparked our curiosity.
Dr. McGhee’s research uncovered that Martha had been gifted her late uncle’s RCA stocks. However, despite her repeated attempts to transfer the stock certificates into her name, she faced an insurmountable hurdle after the physical certificates were lost. After years of legal battles, Martha was never able to recover the funds owed to her. Her story remains relevant today, highlighting the crucial role of documentation and self-advocacy in securing and preserving generational wealth.
We asked Dr. McGhee what she would research if she had more time:
“I wish I could’ve researched more about what inspired her to become a writer and her major journalist influences. In addition, I would’ve wanted to know where this source originated from, which newspaper outlet and journalist wrote the article, or was interested in Anderson’s case.”
Here are some helpful links regarding Martha Anderson:
Harney County Library Archives
Martha Anderson Catalog Record, Harney County Library
“Harney County Group Pursues Grave Marker for Black Pioneers”
Little Free Library dedicated to Martha Anderson
Bird Alliance of Oregon: Oregon Black Pioneers
Sneak Peek
Next month’s BHQ features Taylor Stewart, executive director of the Oregon Remembrance Project. Taylor has been researching The Negro Motorist Green Book, which provided detailed information between 1936 and 1967 on lodgings, businesses, and gas stations across the US that would serve Black people, offering options for Black travelers to receive services without the threat of discrimination or violence. Join us for a look at navigating racial exclusion–then and now.
Tune in on Wednesday, September 25 at 7:00 PM on Facebook or YouTube to learn more!
Local Spotlight: Pionerds, Unite!
Did you see that Black History Quest was featured on Fox News 12? Check out the interview with Greg Nibler, where we geek out together about two of my favorite acronyms: OBP and BHQ.
Can’t get enough of BHQ?
Do you know more about Martha Anderson’s story or any of the stories featured on Black History Quest? Reach out to help us fill in the gaps!
Want to be a future history investigator? Send an email to hello@oregonblackpioneers.org!
Want more? Dive in deeper with all of our previous Black History Quest episodes on YouTube.
