People of African descent have lived and worked in Oregon since before the founding of the earliest English-speaking settlements in the Americas. Despite this, the popular narrative of our state's history excludes the experiences of African Americans before the mid-20th century. This erasure is the result of historic legal and social marginalization that contributes to the ignorance of Oregon's Black heritage as well as influences contemporary disparities in housing access, community investment, and policing. For this presentation, Mariah Rocker of Oregon Black Pioneers will attempt to correct the record by highlighting key individuals and events that characterize Oregon's unique and centuries-old Black history.

Mariah Rocker is the public programs and exhibits manager at Oregon Black Pioneers. With a bachelor's in public relations and sociology, Mariah's passion for uncovering and sharing the stories of marginalized communities is evident in both her professional and personal pursuits. In her free time, Mariah channels the strength and resilience of historical icons through historical costuming and reenactment.

About Oregon Black Pioneers

Oregon Black Pioneers is the only historical society in Oregon dedicated to preserving and presenting the experiences of African Americans statewide. For more than 30 years, OBP has illuminated seldom-told stories of people of African descent in Oregon through engaging exhibits, public programs, publications, and historical research.

Enjoy 15% off your hotel stay on History Pub nights! Show your ticket at check-in.

These events are open to everyone interested in Pacific Northwest history, and beyond! Often co-sponsored by local or state historical and civic organizations, we bring you experts, scholars, first-person experiencers, historians and documentaries expounding on topics from indigenous history to the birth of Portland, early explorers to hop growing, and on and on! It's like being back in the classroom - except this time you get to settle into comfortable seats and enjoy a drink or two with dinner while you listen and learn.

This event is eligible for a History Pub Stamp