BLACK HISTORY FESTIVAL NW 2025
​Celebrating our 8th Annual Festival Here in the PNW!
BHFNW 2025 THEME
This year the national theme for Black History Month is "African American's and Labor" in which the goal is to highlight the transformational role that Black labor has had in this country. Taking the time to consider and uplift the diverse work that Black people do in various positions, or occupations. This includes all of our hard workers from those who work in our schools, government, factories agencies, community building, churches, military, social justice, entertainment, and many many more.
Diving deeper into the history behind the choice of this theme, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) describes how, "Africans were brought to the Americas to be enslaved for their knowledge and serve as a workforce, which was superexploited by several European countries and then by the United States government. During enslavement, Black people labored for others, although some Black people were quasi-free and labored for themselves, but operated within a country that did not value Black life. After fighting for their freedom in the Civil War and in the country’s transition from an agricultural based economy to an industrial one, African Americans became sharecroppers, farm laborers, landowners, and then wage earners. Additionally, African Americans’ contributions to the built landscape can be found in every part of the nation as they constructed and designed some of the most iconic examples of architectural heritage in the country, specifically in the South."
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We here at BHFNW wanted to uplift and highlight the laborers and pillars in our own community this month. Celebrating those who have impacted our PNW community throughout the years. Our elected officials, bussiness owners, community activists, actors, artists, athletes, authors, pastors, and more.
#BHFNW
February is Black History Month! Although the month has been recognized in the United States of America since 1976, surprisingly enough there are still people, especially students who think February is simply the second month of the year. In 1915, Harvard-trained historian, Carter G. Woodson, and minister Jesse E. Moreland founded the Association for The Study of Negro Life and History (ASNHL). Now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.
This organization was dedicated to researching and promoting the achievement of African Americans that were not being taught in the classroom. During the second week in February 1926, ASNHL sponsored the national Negro History Week to coincide with the birthday of Federick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.
Negro History week was intended to aid in teaching Black History in schools. It was growth and thanks to the Civil Rights Movement that brought attention to Black life and Black students and educators at Kent State University, Black History Week evolved into Black History Month and today is celebrated throughout the country.
For the past nineteen years World Stage Theatre has been educating communities about the rich tapestry of the African Diaspora through the arts. As the innovators of Black History Festival NW, the organization is elated about this year’s theme as we continue to uplift our community and bring people together. Black History Festival NW is the only of its kind in the North West region, reaching more than 30,000 people and partnering with more than 100 Black artists, leaders, organizations, and businesses in the Pacific NW.
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All month long people are encouraged to make note of the fact that Black history is American history. There are numerous ways people can support and participate:
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MAKE A DONATION
Black organizations, and businesses face financial inequalities including higher interest rates, lack of access to resources, denial of loans & more. Your donations no matter how big or small are always appreciated.
BE INTENTIONAL
About creating positive environments and opportunities to learn and share true American History.
SUPPORT BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES/ ORGANIZATIONS
Any time you can put your money into Black owned businesses you are actively contributing to bridging the gap.
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GET INVOLVED
Go to those community events, town halls, plays, or celebrations!
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VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME, SKILLS, & RESOURCES
Volunteering is an easy way to give back and make a difference.
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COME JOIN US DURING BHFNW25
There are plenty of events for you to participate in as we celebrate all month long.
BLACK HISTORY FESTIVAL NW SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
FEB 1 - MAR 3
@ Maranatha Church
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In partnership with JAM productions, BHFNW will be holding our Black VIllage Welcome market before the show begins. Enjoy vendors, food, and lots of fun to kick off BHM and the festival. The Black Village Welcome begins at 4:30pm and will go until the show begins. Note, you must have a ticket to the show to enjoy the market after 7:30pm.
2/1
DODGEBALL
@ TBD
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Sign yourself or your team up for a fun dodgeball tournament and win a cash prize! This event is for all ages!
2/2025
Free
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@ PCC Cascade
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​Join us February 18, 2025 at Portland Community College, for our How Well Do You Know You're Black History game show! This will be the 8th year that this game show has occured making it an highly anticipated event every year during Black History Festival NW.
2/18
@ The Judy
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End the festival by cheering on local high school students in the Next Narrative Monologue Competition regional finals as they compete for a chance to represent the Portland region in the national competition in New York!
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3/3
@ Multiple locations in the Portland Metro area
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The community is invited to participate in our city-wide Black History Scavenger Hunt February 1-28 which will also yield a cash prize of $500 sponsored by Prosper Portland. The winner(s) will be announced at the end of the festival
2/1 - 2/28
BLACK LIVES MATTER WEEK OF ACTION IN SCHOOLS
@ Online
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"From double dutch parties to rallies in front of the department of education, students, educators, families, unions, and community organizations participate both in and outside of the classroom." .
2/3 - 2/7
Free
@ World Stage Theatre Arts Annex
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February 19th is Vanport After Dark. A fun evening of live music and good vibes featuring local artists Saeeda Wright & Isaiah Sims!
2/19
YOUTH CURATED DISPLAYS
@ Multnomah County Libraries
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Visit your nearest Multnomah County Library to see a display curated by schools in you're community.
2/1 - 2/28
Free
@ The World Trade Center
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​Join us this year for our BHFNW flash mob in partnership with the Portland Winter Lights Festival by signing up using this form! All ages are welcome! So bring you're friends and family to dance with you. This is a flash mob so you will not receive a date or time unless you sign up.
2/2025
@ The Dolores Winningstad Theatre
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Who I Am Celebrating Me is an inspiring production that blends music, poetry, dance, and storytelling to honor history and culture. Created and directed by Shalanda Sims, this dynamic performance brings together youth and adult artists to celebrate the lives and legacies of African-American figures and movements, past and present. With its heartfelt performances and rich artistic expression, the production invites audiences of all ages on a journey through history that is both moving and empowering.
2/28 - 3/1
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