How To Celebrate Black History Month in Portland

February is Black History Month — a celebration of African Americans’ contributions to history.

In 1976, President Ford became the first president to officially recognize Black History Month. But its history goes back further. Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln had February birthdays, and the African American community continued to mark the occasions before 1915. That was the first year of a Black history week celebration in February that was gradually adopted around the country.

Here are some ways to mark Black History Month around Portland this year:

Today

• 🚌 Rosa Parks was also born this month. Trimet, Portland Streetcar, and C-Tran are all waiving fares to mark Rosa Parks Day.
• 🎤📚 New York Times staff reporter and Pulitzer Prize-winner Nikole Hannah-Jones, who created The 1619 Project to document the impacts of slavery and the contributions of African Americans, gives the Mark Hatfield lecture at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

Ongoing

• 📸 Check out a pop-up museum in Old Town, which includes an exhibit of photography and music from Albina Music Trust's archive. It’s open Wednesdays through Sundays throughout the month. They’ll also host events throughout February.
• 🎥 Cascade Festival of African Films has free screenings throughout the month.

Thursday, Feb. 6

• 📽️ Learn about Oregon Black history at OMSI’s Black Journeys, featuring the screening of two movies along with a panel discussion with the filmmakers.

Saturday, Feb. 8

• 📚 Although it’s been closed for a two year expansion, the North Portland library is reopening with two days of festivities. The renovated library will now host a Black Cultural Center.
• 🎤 The Old Church and Albina Music Trust are hosting “Black Mystery Month: Recalling the Mystics,” which will feature poetry and dance.

Tuesday, Feb. 11

• 🎭 “Walking Through Portland with a Panther: The Life of Mr. Kent Ford. All Power!” tells the story of the cofounder of Portland’s chapter of the Black Panther Party. The event features the premiere of a film version of a solo play — along with a panel discussion.

Thursday, Feb. 13

• 🍴 “Black History Month: Cooking History with Black Eyed Peas” at the North Portland Library will feature a cooking demonstration and survey of history. Check out other food-related events at the library throughout the month.

Wednesday, Feb. 19

• 🎥 Multnomah County Library is screening the documentary “Buffalo Soldiers” about African American soldiers who fought in the Civil War. The director will be on hand to discuss.

Thursday, Feb. 20

• 🎺 The Portland Jazz Festival coincides each year with Black History Month. It begins Feb. 20 and runs through March 1, featuring artists like Erykah Badu, Terence Blanchard, and Sampa the Great.
• 😆 Check out the Northwest Black Comedy Festival for some laughs. It runs through Sunday, Feb. 23.

Monday, Feb. 24

• 👓 Learn some facts about the past at a history pub: “Oregon's Black History: 450 Years in 45 Minutes” at the Kennedy School.

What did we miss? What Black History Month celebrations are you planning to attend? Please let us know.