Above: The Mayo House, shown being relocated in January 2019, is a Queen Anne Cottage with a complex history. Moved twice previously, Eliot neighborhood residents Cleo Davis and his wife Kayin Talton Davis saved the house from development pressure and are working on plans to reimagine the Mayo House with a multipurpose future by creating a hub for African American arts, history, and culture for Albina and the greater Portland area.
Photo by Restore Oregon.
As Oregon's only statewide nonprofit historic preservation organization, Restore Oregon is committed to preserving the urban, suburban, and rural cultural resources that embody Oregon's history in all its complexity, from multiple time periods and perspectives. We believe that by protecting reminders of our shared past in direct and impactful ways, we can connect Oregonians of all ages, economic levels, cultural backgrounds, and gender identities with the places that tell the multifaceted story of our state.
This month, celebrate African American excellence with music, art, festivals, and more with us!
Oregon Black Pioneers
Oregon Black Pioneers (OBP) is Oregon’s only non-profit historical society dedicated to preserving and presenting the experiences of African Americans statewide. Inspired by the tenacity of Black Oregonians who have faced discrimination and hardship to make a life for themselves here over the past 400 years, OBP illuminates the seldom-told history of people of African descent in Oregon. Learn more about OBP’s engaging exhibitions, public programs, original publications, and historical research dedicated to Black History Month.
Travel Portland
Every February, Americans of all races and backgrounds celebrate Black History Month by commemorating iconic civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, and Black History Month’s founder, Carter G. Woodson. Join in celebrating, honoring and acknowledging Black history in Portland and beyond at these local events.
University of Oregon
The University of Oregon’s Black Cultural Center has curated campus-based and community events to celebrate Black history in February, including keynote speakers, sporting events, special student association mixers and galas, games nights, and lectures. Check out their calendar of events for more information.
Oregon State University
Oregon State University is celebrating Black History Month in February with a host of free events that highlight the achievements and perseverance of Black and African American communities from the past to the present. Learn more about scheduled lectures, exhibits, and celebrations here.
Statewide
The Oregonian has published a list of Oregon events that offer the opportunity to recognize and learn more about Black Americans’ roles in history through film, art, theater, and more. Some offerings can be viewed from home while others are experienced in person.
Be sure to check out the calendar of events for your local community, or if you’re unable to participate in physical or virtual events, consider making a donation to Oregon Black Pioneers or Restore Oregon so the important work being done to acknowledge, save, reuse, and celebrate Black places and spaces can continue in 2023.