Preserving Oregon’s African-American History
Since 1993 the Oregon Black Pioneers, an all volunteer non-profit organization based in Salem, Oregon, has been committed to preserving African-American history and culture in the state. OBP’s goal is to educate Oregonians and others about African-Americans contributions to Oregon’s history; to tell the stories of these pioneers through presentations, exhibits, and books; and to partner with school districts and historical organizations statewide.
Several years ago the organization developed a small resource booklet and study guide on Oregon’s black history, which was distributed through the Salem-Keizer School District and Marion County Historical Society. The OBP has also partnered with the Salem Multicultural Institute to present annual lectures during Black History Month.
The Oregon Black Pioneers point to their work with the Friends of the Pioneer Cemetery as one of its most exciting projects to date, leading to the discovery of the remains of more than 40 black pioneers buried at the cemetery located in Salem, in both marked and unmarked graves. In 2007 the organization presented the City of Salem with a stone marker to honor the memories of those pioneers. The ceremony launched an exhibit called “Salem’s Black Voices” which told the stories of many of those pioneers.
In 2011 OBP published its first book Perseverance: A History of African Americans in Oregon’s Marion and Polk Counties. A second, African Americans of Portland was published two years later. Today, the organization continues to hold annual fundraising events highlighting various aspects of black history and culture, including its signature gala event.
Because of their work in preserving Oregon’s black history, the organization has received numerous awards, including the David Duniway Award for Historic Preservation in 2009 from the Marion County Historical Society; the Education Award in 2009 From the Oregon Assembly for Black Affairs; the 2010 Heritage Award from American Legacy magazine, and in 2014 OBP was nominated for the McMath Award presented by the University of Oregon.
Looking to the future, OBP is working on the development of the Oregon African American Museum (OAAM). For additional information on the Oregon Black Pioneers organization or to make a donation in support of their efforts please visit www.oregonblackpioneers.org.
