iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 15/09/2026

Who were the Black Oregonians who participated in WWII as Tuskegee Airmen? Join host Mariah Rocker and guest History Investigator Dave Hedberg to find out! Weds, 9/30 at 7:00PM, streaming live on Facebook and YouTube! www.facebook.com/share/18yUCY...

A blue-washed black and white photo of Black pilots standing in front of a propeller plane, on bright yellow background with BHQ Who were Oregon's Tuskeegee Airmen? Black History Quest. Live! Sept 30, 7:00PM

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 07/09/2026

Were here and we're making our marks, we're telling our story. We're a constant thread in Oregon's fabric, that's who we are. And this organization strives every day to make sure of that. ~ Willie B. Richardson, Oregon Black Pioneers

An ombre background goes from aqua to golden with a quote overlaid that says, "Were here and we're making our marks, we're telling our story. We're a constant thread in Oregon's fabric, that's who we are. And this organization strives every day to make sure of that.
~ Willie B. Richardson, Oregon Black Pioneers

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 01/09/2026

The Quest Continues again! Click the link for a Black History Quest update from your host and fellow Oregon Black Pionerd, Mariah Rocker, a recap of the most recent episode, and a peek at what’s to come! oregonblackpioneers.org/the-quest-continues-episode-13

A promotional post that harkens back to Jet Magazine with bold yellow geometric shapes overlaid with a photo of blue-washed vintage Black newspapers (the Advocate and the Portland Observer) and a magnifying glass. The text reads: BHQ. When PIONERDS thirst for more. The Quest Continues. Black History Quest.

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 27/08/2026

Zachary found some Oregon Black history in Philly! He's attending the Association of African American Museums conference in Philadelphia and stumbled on a location that connects east and west coasts via one intrepid Black pioneer.

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 21/08/2026

Salem, you're up! Last chance tickets! Oregon Black Pioneers' walking tour season is winding down, don't miss our tours that explore locations connected to each area’s African American history. 👟 Portland 8/22, 9/12, 9/26 👟 Salem 8/22 👟 Astoria 9/12 Get tickets here: oregonblackpioneers.org/tours/

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 18/08/2026

Have you ever wondered about the people on our website? These are not random photos; many of the folks featured on each page have made meaningful contributions to Oregon’s Black history. Click through for some of their stories! oregonblackpioneers.org/faces-of-the-oregon-black-pioneers-website

Collage of historic Black women and men with varied expressions and attire, featuring a central sign reading “Oregon Black Pioneers.”

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 05/08/2026

New merch drop! New store! Help spread the word about Oregon's Black history! Use code LAUNCH for 20% off through August 8. If you like your swag with a Black history backstory and want to show your support in style, check out our new store now! oregonblackpioneers.org/store

A colorful poster with Oregon Black Pioneers merch, books, and logos on sherbert colored starbursts. Text says NEW STORE! 20% off with code LAUNCH thru 8/8

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 28/07/2026

Welcome to Lowell –a small town in Lane County, about 18 miles southeast of Springfield. Many people come here to visit this historic coverage bridge, or to fish in Dexter Reservoir, but Zachary’s here to learn about the town’s Black history! Find out more in this Oregon Black History Snap Shot.

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 21/07/2026

Bucket list moment! Mariah Rocker had her name in lights for the Lake Oswego Library's Pints from the Past program at Lake Theater! Did you know we travel the state (and country!) speaking on Oregon's Black history? We can bring our presentations to you, connect with us to find out more!

A smiling Black woman with glasses, a tattoo, and a flowered shirt in front of a theater marquee that has her name on it! "7/14 Pints from the Past w/ Mariah Rocker" amid announcements for Toy Story and Spiderman movies.

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 16/07/2026

Black history isn’t limited to the distant past. It’s made everyday! Oregon Black Pioneers created a space for the community to honor neighbors, elders, businesses, friends, & family for the contributions they’ve made to the state within our lifetimes. oregonblackpioneers.org/black-icons-of-oregon

A clutch of pink roses, some fully opened, some still buds, with green foliage, on a light green background. A black banner across the bottom reads: Black Icons of Oregon.

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 14/07/2026

Thanks so much to the student athletes and staff from across the Big Ten Conference for inviting us to share some of our state's Black history during the 2026 B1G Life Series: PNW. 200 athletes from across the country converged on Portland for a weekend of learning and cultural enrichment.

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 09/07/2026

Hello Pionerds, the Quest is back! What impact did the Soul/Rhythm and Blues Funk Fest Dance Against Ballot Measure 13 have? Host Mariah Rocker and history investigator Cayla McGrail, Board Pres of Oregon Queer History Collective, will explore. Wednesday, July 29 at 7:00PM on Facebook and YouTube.

Flyer with cartoon figure wearing a "No on 13" button, wearing a Carmen Miranda hat with buildings instead of fruit, advertising a Black History Quest event on Ballot Measure 13’s impact. Join us July 29 at 7:00pm.

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 18/06/2026

What do you know about Juneteenth in Oregon? Take our quiz and find out! And if you appreciate the work we do at Oregon Black Pioneers, please consider a $19 donation in honor of the Juneteenth holiday. oregonblackpioneers.org/donate/

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 02/06/2026

Where in Oregon is Oregon Black Pioneers this month? From exhibits, to presentations to tabling events, you'll find us at the link! oregonblackpioneers.org/where-is-oregon-black-pioneers-2026

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 18/05/2026

Walk where Oregon’s Black history happened! Oregon Black Pioneers' walking tours explore locations around Oregon, including Portland’s historically Black Albina neighborhood, connected to Black-owned businesses, community change, and civil rights. Join us! oregonblackpioneers.org/tours

A tour guide gestures while standing in front of images of historic sites. Tour dates and cities for Black History Walking Tours are listed along the right side.

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 07/05/2026

Joe Lillard was a multi-sport athlete recruited to play football at the University of Oregon. He led the Ducks to a 7-2 record in 1930. He went pro and was the leading scorer for the Cardinals in 1933, but in 1934 the NFL prohibited Black players. He was the last Black player in the NFL until 1946.

A vintage-style card featuring football player Joe Lillard in uniform and helmet, holding a football, with "Oregon Black All Stars" and "Oregon Black Pioneers" logos.

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 30/04/2026

Richard Lee Washington led Portland’s Benson HS to state champs in 1971 and 73. At UCLA he reached the Final Four, won the 75 NCAA Tournament, and was named most outstanding player. Drafted by the Kings in 76, he played 6 seasons in the NBA. oregonblackpioneers.org/oregon-black-all-stars-cards

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 28/04/2026

“Lightning Ray” Lampkin began training at Portland’s Knott Street Gym at 10, won five Golden Gloves before turning pro in 1968. He won 21 fights and earned the NABF lightweight title in '74. In '75, he fought lightweight champion Roberto Duran for the WBA title; Lampkin lost via 14th-round KO.

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 21/04/2026

Jimmy Claxton was a pitcher for independent Black baseball ca 1910s-20s. He was the first Black player to appear on a baseball card, and the last Black player to play in integrated professional baseball until Jackie Robinson in 1947. Join us at @hillsborohops.bsky.social Robinson night, Tue 4/21!

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 14/04/2026

Katherine Hall Bogle was a journalist and a civil rights advocate for Black Oregonians. She spent much of her youth in Marshfield, Oregon (today the city of Coos Bay). Read more in this Black History Spotlight! oregonblackpioneers.org/black-history-spotlight-katherine-hall-bogle/

Black-and-white portrait of Katherine Hall Bogle with the text "Black History Spotlight" above her image on a green and blue gradient background.

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 08/04/2026

A tour guide holds a folder and gestures while standing in front of images of historic sites. Tour dates and cities for Black History Walking Tours are listed along the right side.

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 07/04/2026

Who is Amanda Gardner Johnson? Read this remarkable firsthand account told to Fred Lockley, a very rare opportunity to hear a formerly enslaved woman's Oregon Trail story in her own words. Read it here! oregonblackpioneers.org/conversations-with-pioneer-women-amanda-gardner-johnson

A collage featuring historic photos of Amanda Gardner Johnson, educational worksheets, and an illustrated poster for Oregon Black Pioneers and Black History Month.

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 30/03/2026

See OBP's newest exhibit, A Man Called York, on view at Prineville’s Bowman Museum 4/1 – 5/31. York was the only African American member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. For two centuries, his story was rarely told. Want to showcase this or any of OBP's exhibits in your community? Get in touch!

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 24/03/2026

You’re probably familiar with the iconic Go By Train sign at the top of Union Station, in Portland. But did you know that this railroad station is deeply connected to Oregon’s Black history? Mariah has more in this Oregon Black History Snap Shot!

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 15/03/2026

Black History Spotlight: Grafton Tyler Brown, the first Black professional painter in the Pacific Northwest. Born in Harrisburg, PA in 1841 to free Black parents, he moved to Portland, Oregon around 1884. Read more at the link! oregonblackpioneers.org/black-history-spotlight-grafton-tyler-brown/

A historic photo of a Black man in a suit standing by an easel, painting a landscape. Text reads "Black History Spotlight: Grafton Tyler Brown."

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 10/03/2026

Who was Cleo Kelly and what do these bootleggers' stills have to do with her? Join Black History Quest host Mariah Rocker as she welcomes LeeAnn O'Neill on Wednesday, March 25 at 7:00PM, to discover more! Stream BHQ on Facebook, or live/archived on YouTube. www.facebook.com/share/1DwefziGAx/

A blue-washed photo of a bootlegger's camp, with a tent, still, and barrels. The photo. is on a groovy yellow background, with BHQ and the question: Who was Cleo Kelly and what do these bootleggers' stills have to do with her?

Join Black History Quest host Mariah Rocker as she welcomes LeeAnn O'Neill, Principal of Allyship in Action to explore Cleo's life and her experience navigating the challenges and opportunities of prohibition-era Oregon.

Join us Wednesday, March 25 at 7:00PM for this month’s Black History Quest!

Stream BHQ live on Facebook, or live and archived on YouTube.

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 06/03/2026

Did you know Oregon Black Pioneers now has three newsletters? Yep, the OBP monthly newsletter, our quarterly Education newsletter, and the seasonal Letitia Carson Legacy Project newsletter. We've got all the Oregon Black history news YOU can use! Sign up here: bit.ly/OBPNews

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 05/03/2026

Who was Cleo Kelly and how did she navigate the challenges and opportunities of prohibition-era Central Oregon? Black History Quest host Mariah Rocker welcomes LeeAnn O'Neill, Principal of Allyship in Action, Wed. 3/25 at 7PM to explore more! Stream live on Facebook and YouTube!

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 28/02/2026

Oregon's Black History Keepers: 2020s Born and raised in Portland, Taylor Stewart launched the Oregon Remembrance Project to pursue truth and reconciliation around the 1902 lynching of Alonzo Tucker in Coos Bay, Oregon.

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 27/02/2026

Oregon's Black History Keepers: 2010s In the early 2000s, Gwen Trice of LaGrande, Oregon, began an intensive research project to uncover the forgotten history of the Maxville logging community and its diverse workforce, which included more than 50 African American loggers.

A Black woman with braided hair, wearing a purple vest and a necklace, stands smiling in front of a geometric background with text celebrating Black History Month and Oregon History Keepers.

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 26/02/2026

Oregon's Black History Keepers: 2000s Salem resident Gwen Carr joined the Board of Directors of Oregon Black Pioneers in 2004. Alongside Willie Richardson and Kimberly Moreland, Gwen spent years researching and presenting stories of Oregon’s Black history.

Portrait of Gwen Carr wearing glasses and a striped shirt, featured in a Black History Month Oregon History Keepers graphic by Oregon Black Pioneers.

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 25/02/2026

Hello from the Mims Houses in Eugene, OR! These two houses sit side-by-side on High Street. The white house was built in 1870 and the green house was built in 1867, and they are the oldest homes in Eugene once owned by a Black family. Let Zachary tell you more in this Oregon Black History Snap Shot!

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 25/02/2026

Tennessee-born Quintard Taylor began his academic teaching career at Washington State University in the 1970s, concentrating on the early Black histories of Oregon and Washington. In 1999, he joined the faculty of the University of Oregon, teaching classes on Black history in the American West.

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 23/02/2026

Oregon's Black History Keepers: 1980s Michael “Chappie” Grice was born in Portland in 1948. He followed in his father’s footsteps by working for the railroads as a young man. Chappie then had a 50-year career as a school teacher.

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 19/02/2026

Oregon's Black History Keepers: 1970s Dr. Darrell Millner came to Eugene in 1970 to attend the University of Oregon. After earning his doctorate, Darrell began teaching History and Afro-American Literature at Portland State University.

Dr Darrell Millner, in wide '70's lapels, a slick jean jacket, and bellbottom jeans, sits on a desk in front of a blackboard with chalk writing. He's wearing a watch, a thick mustache, and a large, tidy afro.

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 17/02/2026

Oregon's Black History Keepers: 1960s Martha Anderson was born in 1910 and spent the first 30 years of her life in Colorado, Idaho, and Nevada. In 1940, she married Walter Anderson and moved to his ranch in Harney County, OR. When Walter’s health worsened in 1953, the couple moved to Portland.

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 09/02/2026

Oregon's Black History Keepers: 1950s Verdell Burdine Rutherford moved with her family to Portland in the 1920s. She married Otto Rutherford, and for decades they fought for civil rights as leaders with the NAACP, Urban League, and other groups.

A black and white photograph of Verdell Burdine Rutherford with a 4 tier strand of variegated pearls, a scalloped ballet-neck dress, and a beautiful 1950's gaze.

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 05/02/2026

Oregon's Black History Keepers: 1940s During WWII, African Americans from across the country made their way to Vanport to work in the shipyards. One of them was Clara Mae Peoples of Muskogee, Oklahoma.

A smiling Black Elder, Clara Mae Peoples, holds her hands in a prayer position. She has on a glossy black furry coat and several silver rings. Her eyes shine.

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 03/02/2026

Oregon's Black History Keepers: 1930s Reverend Daniel G. Hill, Jr. was born in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1896. After studying divinity in Pennsylvania and Colorado, Daniel became minister of Portland’s Bethel AME Church in 1928.

Black-and-white portrait of Rev. Daniel G. Hill in a coat, with text celebrating 100 years of Black History Month Oregon History Keepers.

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 02/02/2026

Looking for Oregon Black Pioneers’ Black History Month events? Find them at the link! oregonblackpioneers.org/where-is-oregon-black-pioneers-2026

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 01/02/2026

Oregon's Black History Keepers: 1920s In honor of the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, we're highlighting a century of Black history keepers here in Oregon. Without them, so many stories would be lost. We honor and appreciate their essential work this month, and all year round.

Amanda Gardner Johnson was 19 when she was brought to Linn County, Oregon, as an enslaved person in 1853. She was soon granted her freedom and remained near Albany for the rest of her life. In the 1920s, Amanda recounted her memories of the Oregon Trail, emancipation, and seven decades of change in the Willamette Valley. This made her one of the few African Americans to recount their experiences of the pioneer era in their own words.

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 22/01/2026

Oregon Black Pioneers’ revised educational curriculum and a new Education newsletter are here! Guided by feedback, ideas, and passion from educators, we’ve refreshed our materials to better support classrooms around the state. OBP brings Oregon’s Black history to life—lesson by lesson. Link below

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 24/12/2025

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year.

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 10/12/2025

This is what we do. Showing up for families at events like OMSI’s Black Community Science Night. If this work matters to you, like it does to us, we hope we can count on your support! oregonblackpioneers.org/donate/

A tall, smiling Black man with tight locs has scooped up his young son in an adorable embrace, the little boy is facing the camera and half of his face is painted as Spiderman. They are standing in front of an Oregon Black Pioneers information table and large map display.

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 01/12/2025

Things are difficult for people everywhere, and the last thing you need right now is to worry about whether or not our organization is going to survive. I have good news for you: Oregon Black Pioneers is gonna be alright. oregonblackpioneers.org/donate

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 18/11/2025

"We're here and we're making our marks, we're telling our story. We're a constant thread in Oregon's fabric, that's who we are. And this organization strives every day to make sure of that. ~ Willie B. Richardson, Oregon Black Pioneers

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 05/11/2025

Explore the stories of six Black Oregon pioneers with colorful NEW Black Oregon Pioneer posters and fun, fact-filled digital storybooks for K-5 classrooms, plus a map activity for 4th grade learners. Free to download, these materials bring Oregon history to life oregonblackpioneers.org/educators

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 23/10/2025

Abner Hunt Francis was an abolitionist, social activist, and business owner in early Portland. He and his brother Isaac opened a mercantile along the Portland waterfront. They were targeted for expulsion under Oregon's Black exclusion law. But something unique happened...

An old drawing of a historic building with a second floor balcony with plants, and a sign that says, "A.H. Francis store." There are several people walking along, and a horse-drawn carriage in front; text reads "Black History Spotlight: Abner Hunt Francis." #oregonblackhistory

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Oregon Black Pioneers @oregonblackpioneers.org · 08/10/2025

Welcome to the former Henry H. Hawkins homestead. The house was built over a century ago and still stands today, a rare structure connected to the legacy of a Black Oregon homesteader. Let Mariah tell you more in this Oregon Black History Snap Shot! #oregonblackhistory

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