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BLACK EXPERIENCE


Flour Power!
Dorothy and Hurtis Hadley’s Milwaukie Pastry Kitchen upholds a Five Decade Legacy of Craft, Community, and Legacy The first Black-owned business in Milwaukie and the first Black-owned bakery in the State of Oregon Rooted in Milwaukie, Oregon, and nurtured by the founding director, Seyona Bela i’s profound vision, Toolbox celebrates and elevates craft-trade professionals—the skilled athletes of the building industry. Through storytelling, exhibitions, and collaboration, the no
Apr 1


Michael B. Jordan Wins First Oscar
Sinners star earns Best Actor Michael B. Jordan, winner of the award for actor in a leading role for “Sinners,” poses in the press room at the Oscars on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) (AP) Michael B. Jordan has been building toward a performance like “Sinners” for over 20 years. Now he has the best actor Oscar as his reward in what proved to be a hugely popular win. Jordan got one trophy for playing identical
Mar 18


House Renames Press Gallery after Frederick Douglass
Bipartisan move recognizes Black history Artwork portraying Frederick Douglass rests on a table during a formal dedication of the House Press Gallery to be named after Frederick Douglass on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.) (AP) - The press gallery overlooking the U.S. House chamber has been renamed after the abolitionist, writer and presidential adviser Frederick Douglass in a bipartisan move brokered by Black lawmakers. The ren
Feb 18


Civil Rights Leader Jesse Jackson Dies at 84
Prominent voice for racial justice after King Rev. Jesse Jackson waves as he steps to the podium during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, July 27, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) (AP) The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, a protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and two-time presidential candidate who led the Civil Rights Movement for decades after the revered leader’s assassination, died Tuesday. He was 84. As a young organizer in Chicago, J
Feb 18


Avel Gordly, First Black Woman in Oregon Senate, Passes Away
A pioneering public servant, she dedicated her career to advancing equity, justice and opportunity across the state Portrait by Richard E. Brown Avel Louise Gordly was born in 1947 in Portland, to Beatrice and Fay Lee Gordly, a working-class family. Her father was a Union Pacific Pullman Porter. She went on to serve with the American Friends Service Committee, Black United Front, and later as State Representative and the first Black woman State Senator from 1991-2009.
Feb 18


The Industrial Pioneer: Nathaniel “Nate” Hartley
Honoring t he West Coast’s energy trailblazer who transformed a single truck into an enduring legacy of service and success. On behalf of the Hartley family Nathaniel "Nate" Hartley In the history of American industry, there are entrepreneurs who fill a need, and then there are foundational figures who anchor a market. Nathaniel "Nate" Hartley belongs to the latter. As the owner of the only Black-owned residential, industrial, and commercial oil company on the West Coast, Mr.
Jan 19


Clothing Swaps, Community Fridges & Book Exchanges!
Neighbors Help Neighbors with Resources Taylor Scott, poses with one of her fridges on E. Main Street in Richmond. (Taylor Scott/RVA...
Sep 25, 2025


A Giant Among Us: The Legacy of Michael “Chappie” Grice
Michael “Chappie” Grice was a visionary educator and community leader in Portland who dedicated his life to youth empowerment, cultural preservation, and equity. He founded and co-founded numerous programs that celebrated Black history, elevated the arts, and taught leadership to future generations. Through his unwavering commitment to education and mentorship, Grice left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and uplift communities.
Sep 24, 2025


Honoring the Legacy of Portland’s Black-Owned Newspapers
Celebrating the Expansion of Historic Story Boulders at Dawson Park Dawson Park boulders honor Black media in Portland (Photo Courtsey...
Sep 10, 2025


Two-Day Celebration of Culture, Music, and Unity
Soul2Soul 2025, hosted by Bridge-Pamoja and partners, is having a two-day celebration featuring the African & African American Summit on August 22 at Portland Community College, highlighting Afro-Futurism and Somali heritage, and the Soul2Soul Cookout on August 23 at Alberta Park, offering music, dance, food, and community activities in the spirit of unity and Ubuntu.
Aug 20, 2025
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