Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 8, 2023)
Page 6 February 8, 2023 Founder of Oregon Black Pioneers Dies Continued from Front She was president of Oregon Black Pioneers for over 20 years and received many awards for her work, which saw it become the leading historical organiza- tion for research and preserva- tion of Black history in Oregon. “I’m really going to miss Wil- lie,” Moreland said. “She was a dear friend, a mentor, more like a big sister, and she loved Ore- gon Black Pioneers. If it wasn’t for her leadership and passion, it wouldn’t exist today.” The mission of Oregon Black Pioneers is to “research, recog- nize and observe Oregon’s Afri- can American heritage,” More- land said. The nonprofit sponsors ex- hibits at the Oregon Historical Society and traveling exhibits throughout the state, collaborat- ing with the University of Ore- gon and several others to create the exhibits. A current exhibit at the Ore- gon Historical Society features Leticia Carson, who traveled the Oregon Trail with her husband, who was white, Moreland said. “When he died they took her property and said she wasn’t al- lowed to have property because she was Black,” Moreland said, but Carson successfully sued and was awarded compensation for her property. The staff of Oregon Black Pio- neers, headed by executive direc- tor Zachary Stocks, collaborates with museums across the Pacific Northwest to incorporate stories of African Americans in new and ex- isting exhibits, and takes on larger research projects upon request. More information about Ore- gon Black Pioneers can be found on its website at oregonblack- pioneers.org. A new program, called Black History Quest, is a new virtual program series where each month a different history investigator “reveals the hidden stories behind selected artifacts from the OBP research files.” Online contributions to the nonprofit are welcome, and a fundraising gala will be held on April 16, with details to be post- ed on the website. The website also includes details on Black History Month events sponsored by the organization. Prospective volunteer board members can also apply on the website, as well the applications for a new paid position, public pro- grams and exhibitions manager. Moreland, a former city plan- ner for the city of Portland, also worked in Salem where she met Richardson and got involved with Oregon Black Pioneers. She was organizational secretary for many years and was elected president when Richardson retired. Moreland is now focused on organizational operations more than research and is proud that the organization is expanding, not only in staff but also in scope. “We are growing and have a wonderful executive director who is taking us to a different level of programming outside of exhibits,” she said. A member of the Portland His- toric Landmarks Commission, Moreland was instrumental is helping Dean’s Salon and Barber Shop, the oldest Black-owned business in the state, to receive historic recognition by its addi- tion to the National Register of Historic Places. Questions about your health care? Find us in your neighborhood. FEBRUARY 9 FEBRUARY 16 Cultivate Initiatives 11-2 p.m. 660 SE 160th Ave, Portland Nightstrike 7-9 p.m. Under the Burnside Bridge Portland Open Bible Food Pantry 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 3223 SE 92nd Ave, Portland FEBRUARY 11 East County and Mt. Hood Winter Wonderland Family event 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 26000 SE Stark St. Gresham, OR (Entrance A or B on NE 17th St, MHCC gym Yoshida Event Center) FEBRUARY 13 Clark Center 9-11 a.m. 1437 SE MLK Blvd, Portland Doreen’s Place 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 610 NW Broadway St, Portland FEBRUARY 8 FEBRUARY 14 Portland Rescue Mission 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 13207 NE Halsey St, Portland The Rosewood Initiative 1-4 p.m. 14127 SE Stark St, Portland Union Gospel Mission 2-3 p.m. 3 NW 3rd Ave, Portland Cultivate Initiatives 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 247 SE 82nd Ave, Portland FEBRUARY 20 Street Roots 9-10:30 a.m. 211 NW Davis St, Portland Cultivate Initiatives 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lents Park FEBRUARY 23 Cultivate Initiatives 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 660 SE 160th Ave, Portland Nightstrike 7-9 p.m. Under the Burnside Bridge careoregon.org/ connect-to-care connect to care
