Explore Oregon's Black History on Foot
- Portland Observer
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Tours spotlight Black history across Oregon
It’s not too late to join one of Oregon Black Pioneers’ Black History Walking Tours! From Portland’s Albina neighborhood all the way down to Jacksonville, Oregon Black Pioneers’ popular public walking tours highlight locations connected to each area’s African American history. Each tour explores places tied to historic Black-owned businesses, community change, civil rights, and local Black pioneers.
In response to requests for the public to engage with Black history, Oregon Black Pioneers launched statewide walking tours in 2023 as a way to create place-based learning opportunities that foster community connection. Despite the common misconception that there is little Black history here in Oregon, OBP’s tours demonstrate that there are stories connected to this history all over the state, including and beyond Portland.
The 2026 tours started in May and continue through September. OBP’s Public Programs and Exhibits Manager Mariah Rocker refines the tours each year, adding and adjusting as OBP discovers more about a location, or as another location is lost. Mariah explains, “The actual buildings where Black history happened are often lost to displacement, time, or development, but the history remains and is important to acknowledge.”
Mariah also had the inspiration to engage local experts for tours outside of Portland. “We’ve been fortunate to work with local experts and community organizers who are deeply knowledgeable,” Rocker said, “and we are delighted to have them share their expertise with our tour groups.” Mayor Denyse McGriff dazzled the group in Oregon City. Talicia Brown, founder and executive director of the Black Cultural Initiative, poignantly kicked off the tour in Eugene. Coming up, the Salem tour will hear from Gwen Carr, Director of the Bush House Museum and emeritus OBP Board member, and in Astoria, filmmaker, historian, and storyteller Ron Craig will join the tour.
Mariah continued, “We’re also excited that we can offer our Black History Walking Tours of Albina, Portland’s historically Black neighborhood, for just $10, thanks to the generous support of The Collins Foundation.”
The remaining tours are on sale now, and are limited to 35 people per tour.
All tours are on Saturdays from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Tickets are available at this link.
Portland: July 25, August 8, August 22, September 12, and September 26
Salem – with special guest Gwen Carr: August 22
Astoria – with special guest Ron Craig: September 12
Oregon Black Pioneers is Oregon’s only historical society dedicated to preserving and presenting the experiences of African Americans statewide. Oregon Black Pioneers is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization registered in Portland, Oregon.
