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Each year, Black History Month serves as an opportunity to celebrate the richness of Black history and culture, and pay tribute to the many contributions of African Americans that have made our community a better place. At Central City Concern, this is a time to recognize the achievements of our African American staff, program participants and our culturally specific programs aimed at addressing structural barriers and historic inequities. Portland’s legacy of exclusion, displacement and disinvestment in our African American community underscores our responsibility to eliminate disparities in housing, health care and employment that disproportionately impact Black Portlanders and lead to their over-representation among the homeless population.
As we embark on another year of ending homelessness and helping people reach their highest potential, we remain committed to centering diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism in our work – not only during Black History Month, but throughout the year. Central City Concern’s success in achieving our mission hinges on our ability to invest in underserved communities, shrink disparities and meet the individualized needs of the rich tapestry of clients we serve.
This Black History Month, we encourage you to celebrate by supporting and attending the many exciting events organized by and/or featuring Black Portlanders. Click on the link to access the event’s official page for more information – many are free and appropriate for all ages.
Throughout February
FREE Cascade Festival of African Films: A free popular Portland event for 29
years, this year’s film festival features five weeks of more than 30 feature, documentary and short films by established and emerging African directors from 18 countries. The Cascade Festival of African Films shows us Africa through the eyes of Africans, rather than a vision of Africa packaged for Western viewers. The films celebrate Africa’s achievements, expose its failures, and reveal possibilities for a hopeful future. More information at https://www.africanfilmfestival.org/
FREE Seeing it through: A visual manifestation of the Black Panther Party’s legacy in Portland at the Central Library:
Black history is far more than the Civil Rights era. In response to the racism that marginalized and harmed Black Portlanders, the Portland Black Panther Party formed its Portland Chapter in 1969. Their goal was to build equity for the oppressed in our city. This exhibition features artwork by Elijah Hasan and the HeArt Gallery that responds to the legacy of the Black Panthers’ Ten-Point Program. More information at https://multcolib.org/events/seeing-it-through-visual-manifestation-black-panther-partys-legacy-portland/113367
Portland Black Film Festival:
The Portland Black Film Festival aims to offer diverse perspectives and stories in an art form all too often dominated by white filmmakers. The festival features films which showcase the cinematic achievements of African American stars and filmmakers and examine the black experience in America. More information and tickets at https://hollywoodtheatre.org/programs/series/portland-black-film-festival/
Saturday, Feb. 1
FREE Black History Festival NW Kickoff:
Black History Festival NW is a celebration of culture and heritage showcasing African American artists, businesses, organizations and leaders. For the dancer in you, join Trainer Tyra and Nikki Brown Clown in the festival kickoff. Tickets available at https://blackhistoryfestival.org/register-for-festival/
Mt. Olivet Gospel Roots:
Portland has a rich history of gospel music. From choirs to quartets, some of the most inspirational voices in
America have come out of the church, and it’s no different in Portland. Join artists from Portland, Washington, California and special guest artists as Black History Festival NW concludes the festival kickoff with a culmination of gospel sounds from the early 1900s to modern day. Tickets available at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4484243
Friday, Feb. 14
FREE Story Hour with Nikki Brown Clown at the Central Library:
Join the library and Black History Festival NW in a story hour featuring Nikki Brown Clown. This story hour is a culturally creative blend of picture books infused with music and movement to a range of African American music. This will be an interactive experience and participation is encouraged! More information at https://multcolib.org/events/story-hour-nikki-brown-clown
Sunday, Feb. 16
FREE Story Hour with Nikki Brown Clown at Rockwood Library:
Join the library and Black History Festival NW in a story hour featuring Nikki Brown Clown. This story hour is a culturally creative blend of picture books infused with music and movement to a range of African American music. This will be an interactive experience and participation is encouraged! More information at https://multcolib.org/events/story-hour-nikki-brown-clown
Thursday, Feb. 20 through March 1
PDX Jazz Festival, Feb. 20-March 1:
Dedicated to preserving America’s indigenous art form by presenting internationally recognized jazz masters alongside local musicians, the festival always includes education and outreach programs that extend into Portland’s schools and neighborhoods, as well as a generous offering of free performances. More information at https://pdxjazz.com/
Friday, Feb. 21
Rip City Celebration of Black History, Feb 21:
Celebrate Black History on Friday, February 21 as the Trail Blazers take on the New Orleans Pelicans! The night will feature special performances, retail items and multiple fundraising efforts benefiting Elevate Oregon, a nonprofit whose mission is to build relationships with urban youth to promote education, self-reliance and leadership. More information at https://www.nba.com/blazers/bhm
Sunday, Feb. 23
Black Futures Ball at Portland Center Stage:
The Black Futures Ball will feature 7 categories celebrating Black excellence & the Ballroom community at large. The first three categories Face, Future Fashion, & Mic Drop are for Black participants only, while Runway, Old Way Vogue & Vogue Femme are open to all. ALL CATEGORIES HAVE $$$ PRIZES. Tickets available at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4496259
