Oregon Black Pioneers

06/02/2026

See OBP's newest exhibit, A Man Called York, now on view at the Vista House at Crown Point through June 30!

York was the only African American member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Although enslaved by William Clark, York experienced an uncommon amount of freedom in the Oregon country. Despite being crucial to the expedition, York received no compensation, and Clark would not grant him freedom. For two centuries, York’s story was rarely told, but his courage and achievements are inspiring people today. This exhibit seeks to tell his story.

If you'd like to showcase this or any of OBP's exhibits in your community, please get in touch!

06/01/2026

Where in Oregon is Oregon Black Pioneers this month? From exhibits, to presentations to tabling events, you'll find us at the link!

Got a Juneteenth event you want to highlight? Tell us about it at hello@oregonblackpioneers .org so we can feature it in our upcoming Community Events post!

oregonblackpioneers.org/where-is-oregon-black-pioneers-2026

05/29/2026

On May 30, 1948, the city of Vanport was washed away. What's left of this historically important and meaningful place? Let Mariah tell you more in this Oregon Black History Snap Shot.

05/28/2026

What was Seaside’s Sunflower Camp? Join host Mariah Rocker as she welcomes Professional Historian Milo Reed of Reed-Willis Historical Consulting. Milo will shine light on J.W. Curry, the Sunflower Camp, and Black placemaking to explore how Black Portlanders constructed race & class through leisure activities in pre-WWII Oregon.

05/26/2026

Whether you don't have a clue about Oregon's Black history, or you know a lot but want to experience the places history happened, or you lived some of it and want to honor where you’ve been, Oregon Black Pioneers has a walking tour for you. Each tour explores locations all around Oregon, stopping at places connected to each area’s African American history. Themes include Black-owned businesses, community change, and civil rights. And we have some surprise guests in store this year, too!

👟 Portland* 5/30, 6/13, 6/27, 7/11, 7/25, 8/8, 8/22, 9/12, 9/26
👟 Jacksonville 5/30
👟 Oregon City 6/20
👟 Eugene 7/11
👟 Salem 8/22
👟 Astoria 9/12

Get tickets here: oregonblackpioneers.org/tours/

* Portland’s Historic Albina tours are just $10 thanks to The Collins Foundation!

REMINDER: Don't buy tickets from the comments, they are scammers! Real ticket holders can return their tickets for a refund up to 48 hours before the tour.

05/22/2026

Black History Quest is coming up! What was Seaside’s Sunflower Camp? Join host Mariah Rocker as she welcomes Professional Historian Milo Reed of Reed-Willis Historical Consulting. Milo will shine light on J.W. Curry, the Sunflower Camp, and Black placemaking to explore how Black Portlanders constructed race & class through leisure activities in pre-WWII Oregon.

On Wednesday, May 27 at 7:00PM we'll discover more on this month’s Black History Quest!

Stream BHQ live on Facebook, or live and archived on YouTube.

Photo of J.W. Curry (middle) hosting a picnic, from PSU's Rutherford Collection.

05/20/2026

05/18/2026

Walking tour season has officially begun! Oregon Black Pioneers' walking tours explore locations all around Oregon, stopping at places connected to each area’s African American history. Themes include Black-owned businesses, community change, and civil rights. And we have some surprise guests in store this year, too!

👟 Portland 5/30, 6/13, 6/27, 7/11, 7/25, 8/8, 8/22, 9/12, 9/26
👟 Jacksonville 5/30
👟 Oregon City 6/20
👟 Eugene 7/11
👟 Salem 8/22
👟 Astoria 9/12

Get tickets here: oregonblackpioneers.org/tours/

05/16/2026

A lot of folks paid a hefty price for me to have the opportunities that I have.
Let their stories be heard.

Willie B. Richardson, Oregon Black Pioneers

05/14/2026

Mark your calendars for Black History Quest! What was Seaside’s Sunflower Camp? Join host Mariah Rocker as she welcomes Professional Historian Milo Reed of Reed-Willis Historical Consulting. Milo will shine light on J.W. Curry, the Sunflower Camp, and Black placemaking to explore how Black Portlanders constructed race & class through leisure activities in pre-WWII Oregon.

On Wednesday, May 27 at 7:00PM we'll discover more on this month’s Black History Quest!

Stream BHQ live on Facebook, or live and archived on YouTube.

Photo of Edward Watson & Vernell Rutherford on their honeymoon at one of the Sunflower Camp cottages, from PSU's Rutherford Collection.