Since 1976, the United States has celebrated Black History Month in February. This year, Oregon and southwest Washington events offer the opportunity to recognize and learn more about Black Americans’ roles in history through film, art, theater, poetry and more. Some offerings can be viewed from home but the majority of events are in-person experiences.
“In My Shoes” walking tours: Word is Bond is hosting its second annual “In My Shoes” walking tour project for Black History Month. Eight Portland and Vancouver neighborhoods are featured, and each tour is led by Word is Bond ambassadors. The tours highlight local Black history, perspectives from youth on their community, and discussions about the changes they would like to see. There will also be original works of poetry and conversations around racial equity and inclusion. The tours are given on a sliding-scale donation basis up to $25. Money raised benefits the program’s Spring Leadership Forum to Washington, D.C., and the Black Star Homecoming Expedition in Ghana this year.
Tours are various times Saturdays, Feb. 4-25. To sign up or see a schedule visit: mywordisbond.org/inmyshoes
Cascade Festival of African Films: The popular winter festival of African films returns to in-person screenings on the Portland Community College Cascade Campus. This long-running annual festival honors the art and craft of African filmmaking and features movies that otherwise would not be seen by the greater Portland community. The festival began in 1991 and has since grown to attract more than 5,000 attendees. All the films are free and open to the public. The opening night gala celebrates this year’s theme of “Africa Through African Lenses.” The party includes a live musical performance by Randa Benaziz and a keynote address from PCC President Adrien Bennings. The opening screening is of the film “The Blue Caftan,” centered on the theme of love that has no gender.
Festival kickoff gala 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, at Hollywood Theatre, 4122 N.E. Sandy Blvd. The festival continues various hours and days through March 4 with some films showing in the Moriarty Arts and Humanities Building, Room 104, on the PCC Cascade Campus, 705 N. Killingsworth St., and others at the Hollywood Theatre. Many films are available for online screening as well. Get details at 2023.africanfilmfestival.org
Black History Festival NW: Celebrate and learn about Black culture with in-person events throughout February. The festival aims to celebrate, honor, and elevate the rich tapestry of the African Diaspora in the Pacific Northwest through arts, education, and advocacy. The reimagined festival showcases more than 100 Black artists, businesses, leaders and organizations. Options range from intimate luncheons to educational events, to hip hop roller skating, to a drag show. One of the key events is the performance of “Who I am: Celebrating Me,” featuring live music, dancing, poetry and prose.
Festival is held at various hours, dates, and locations across Portland, tickets are required for some events; https://linktr.ee/WorldStageTheatre
Albina Black History Month Tree Talk: Held in partnership with the Portland Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Portland Parks Urban Forestry will give a presentation on how Black environmental efforts have affected the Albina area and beyond. Families can play tree-themed games and go on a walk that highlights various types of trees in the neighborhood.
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, June Key Delta Community Center, 5940 N. Albina Ave.; free; portland.gov/trees
“What I Learned in Paris”: Portland Playhouse offers a tangled web of romantic intrigue set against the backdrop a 1973 historic campaign win for Maynard Jackson, Atlanta’s first African American mayor. When an old friend sweeps back into town bringing with her the temptation of the knowledge she has gathered on her Bohemian travels each character is confronted with expectations, obligations and human emotions that pull and tug at their fortunes. Lou Bellamy directs.
Opens 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, and continues with evening and matinee performances through March 26, at Portland Playhouse, 602 N.E. Prescott St.; tickets start at $37.50; video demand streaming also available; portlandplayhouse.my.salesforce-sites.com
Love Your Selfie - Galentine’s Event: Women are invited to an afternoon of bubbly, chocolate, and treats for all the senses presented by Mimi’s Fresh Tees. All products and services are centered around Black healers and creators.
1-3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, Mimi’s Fresh Tees Pop-Up, 950 S.W. Morrison St.; tickets $25-$75; eventbrite.com/e/love-your-selfie
Black Comedy Festival: This year’s show offers more comedy showcases and live podcasts than ever before. More than 60 Black comics from all over the globe will be in Portland for four nights and plenty of laughs. Special theme nights include “Ladies Run This Mutha,” “Heavy Hitters,” “Dirty Angel All-Stars,” and “Proud & Out Loud.” Check the website closer to the event for a complete list of performers.
Various times Thursday-Sunday, Feb. 16-19, Curious Comedy Theater, 5225 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.; tickets start at $20, festival pass available; all ages; nwblackcomedyfest.com/shows
Biamp Portland Jazz Festival: Ready to heat up your winter with 10 days of hot jazz music? The Portland Jazz Festival welcomes an all-star lineup of musicians and singers, including Charlie Musselwhite, Angelique Kidjo, Dave Holland, Storm Large, and Hiatus Kaiyote. This 20th anniversary festival also offers a long slate of free events including performances and lectures. The entire festival schedule is available at the website. This nationally and regionally supported event is held in celebration of Black History Month.
Various dates, times and locations Feb. 16-25, Portland; pdxjazz.org/festival
MESO Makers Market: The nonprofit Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon will host a Makers Market several weekends in February at the Alberta Commons. The market supports 40 small businesses owned by Portland-area Black entrepreneurs. Shop for a variety of products including beauty care, jewelry, art, and apparel.
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, noon-5 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 17-26, Alberta Commons, 376 N.E. Sumner St.; free admission; mesopdx.org/events
“All Power to the People: “This three-day event links The Black Panther Party’s 10 Point Plan to challenges faced today. Listen to a panel conversation between Kent Ford and invited historians, activists and educators reflecting on the community’s current status in relationship to policing and incarceration. There will also be a screening of “Sting Like A Bee,” a short Vanport Mosaic-produced documentary, and a narrated slide show presentation by Ford from his personal archive, providing historical context and sharing personal memories of the Panthers’ activism and community organizing. See website for a complete list of events.
Various times Feb. 24-26, Historic Alberta House, 5131 N.E. 23rd Ave.; admission $5-$10; eventbrite.com
Have an event you’d like to see included in this list for Black History Month? Email it with date, location, and details included to: Events@Oregonian.com
— Rosemarie Stein
503-221-4376, events@oregonian.com; @trafficportland
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