Black History Month in Oregon

All of American history is influenced by white supremacy and the resistance to white supremacy. Oregon is part of that story and it isn’t only a matter of the past, but of how it continues to echo in our present. It’s important that we increase our understanding of our history and as February is Black History Month, why not now?

The Oregon Historical Society runs a great museum in Portland, and they share their research and their resources online. I particularly commend to you this survey of the story of black people in Oregon, and this lecture by professor emeritus James Stanley Harrison of Portland Community College if you prefer to learn by video. If you have the time to visit the museum itself, there is a free admission day on Tuesday, February 14th.

Remembering that neither white supremacy nor resistance to white supremacy is over, consider learning a little about the racial wealth gap in Oregon by looking at this report from the Coalition of Communities of Color. Or find some local black-owned businesses to support like Maison Noir winery in McMinnville, or Mamancy Tea and Chocolate in Beaverton, or one of the many excellent black-owned restaurants across the city.

Equally important to education and individual actions of support, is becoming informed and supporting policies in municipal, local, and state government that build a more equal and free society for people of all races. Moving funds away from police and prisons toward schools, homes, and medical care for all improves life for everyone while disarming major tools of white supremacy. Look for opportunities to make our school districts, our neighborhoods, and our cities places where everyone can thrive.

I will end with a quote by James Baldwin:

“If one really wishes to know how justice is administered in a country, one does not question the policemen, the lawyers, the judges, or the protected members of the middle class. One goes to the unprotected – those, precisely, who need the law’s protection most! – and listens to their testimony.” from No Name On The Street