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

- FEB 08 |
  
  Black History Month Proclamation
  
  Black History Month Proclamation w/City of Portland at 9:45am @City Hall.
  
  FREE EVENT – REGISTER >
- 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 >

- - 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
  - 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>
- - - 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
    - 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>
  - - - FEB 10 |
        
        Black Drag
        
        BIPOC drag show hosted by 1oh6 Events at the Church Bar located on 26th and
        Sandy Blvd.
        
        PURCHASE TICKETS>
      - 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>
    - - 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 >
      - 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>