Portland Metro Area

BLACK HISTORY
FESTIVAL NW 2023

A Celebration of Culture and Heritage.

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.  

The Mission of Black History Festival NW

 To celebrate, honor, and elevate the rich tapestry of the African Diaspora in the pacific northwest through arts, education, and advocacy. 

BHFNW Calendar of Events

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.

Local Theme:

Learn | Love | Heal

National Theme:

Black Resistance

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      FEB 08 |  

       

      Black History Month Proclamation

       

      Black History Month Proclamation w/City of Portland at 9:45am @City Hall.

       

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      FEB 01 – FEB 28 | 

       

      Black History Festival NW Kickoff Reception and Art Instillation

       

      View the work of and talk to local visual artists from the pacific northwest as we
      reveal art that will be housed at local businesses the entire month of February.

       

      FREE EVENT –  REGISTER > 

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        FEB 2 – FEB 23 |  

         

        Legacy Luncheon

         

        Honoring the past, present, and future generations from Oregon’s Black
        Community. February 2, 9, 16, 23, in partnership w/Portland Community College.
        Sponsored in part by Multnomah County Cultural Coalition, and Oregon Cultural
        Trust.

         

        TICKETED EVENT 

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        FEB 07 | 

         

        Voiceover Acting by Adrienne Livingston

         

        Ever wondered how to get involved in voice acting? Learn how to break into the
        business of Voiceover Acting with Adrienne Livingston.

         

        FREE EVENT – REGISTER> 

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          FEB 6 – FEB 10 |  

           

          Mobile Youth DISPLAYS / > BLM WEEK OF ACTION

           

          In partnership with Multnomah County Library, educational displays will be housed
          in various libraries for all to see from February 6th thru 28th. Great for school field
          trips.

           

          FREE EVENT 

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          FEB 11 | 

           

          Flash Mob Dance

           

          A night of movement, fun, and celebration. In partnership with Portland Winter Light
          Festival. Find out how you can be a part.

           

          FREE EVENT – REGISTER>

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            FEB 10 |  

             

            Black Drag

             

            BIPOC drag show hosted by 1oh6 Events at the Church Bar located on 26th and
            Sandy Blvd.

             

            PURCHASE TICKETS>

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            FEB 18 | 

             

            Roll Bounce

             

            Get your heart pumping. Bring the entire family. Get in on the fun! We’re taking
            you back to the 80’s when Hip Hop was blasting through the speakers and
            Imperial Skating Rink was the place to be on Saturday nights. In partnership
            with 1oh6Events and local DJ’s.

             

            PURCHASE TICKETS>

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            FEB 23 – 26 |  

             

            17th Annual Who I Am Celebrating Me Production

             

            This play, created by Portland native Shalanda Sims (Vanport The Musical,
            Redefining Alberta) told through heartfelt poetry and prose to the sound track of
            soul encompassing music, singing and dancing, and performed by youth and
            adults from the Portland metropolitan area, takes audience members on a
            historical journey they will not soon forget. Perfect for ages 6 and up. Sponsored
            in part by Regional Arts & Culture Council, and the I-5 Rose Quarter Project.

             

            PURCHASE TICKETS >

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            FEB 28 | 

             

            How Well Do You Know Your Black History

             

            Come out and support this educational community event held at Warner Pacific
            University where participants representing multiple groups compete for a cash prize to
            use as they see fit. Winner not only gets a cash prize but one year of bragging rights!
            This is a not-to-be-missed event. Sponsored in part by Multnomah County Cultural
            Coalition, and Oregon Cultural  Trust.

             

            FREE EVENT – REGISTER>

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As the host organization, we at World Stage Theatre are
grateful for our sponsors and partners in this important work.

Those who have no record of what their forebears
have accomplished loose the inspiration which comes from the
teaching of biography and history.

~ Carter G. Woodson

#BHFNW | #BHFNW2023

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