February is Black History Month, and Portland plenty of ways to celebrate. From the library’s virtual “It’s Black Storytime” to a stadium-sized Trailblazers celebration, there are lots of ways to honor and acknowledge Black history in Portland (and beyond) throughout the month.
In My Shoes
Go on a walking tour of Portland neighborhoods through the eyes of the Black Male Storytelling Project. From the website: “Word Is Bond presents ‘In My Shoes,’ a storytelling campaign in celebration of Black History Month that features nine walking tours in neighborhoods across Portland led by the community ambassadors of Word Is Bond. The tours are designed to highlight the voices, dreams, and experiences of rising Black men as well as the neighborhoods in which they live.
Support a Black-owned restaurant
Portland has an amazing array of food options, and sometimes the choices can be dizzying. For guided advice on finding Black-owned restaurants to support, head to the complete list at iloveblackfood.com, with a handy map for you to make planning simple.
Cascade Festival of African Films
Now in its 32nd year, the Cascade Festival of African Films shows “Africa through African lenses” by featuring directors from 18 different countries. The hybrid event has a strong virtual component, with four in-person screenings and the remaining films online. All showings are FREE! Head to their website for the line-up as well as instructions on how to view the films.
Read, watch, listen
With cultural events throughout the month and “It’s Black Storytime Live” every Wednesday in February, Multnomah County library has a great Black History Month virtual line-up. If you are looking for ideas on what books, shows, movies, artists, or musicians to explore beyond the library, the powerhouse non-profit Prosper Portland has a fantastic list to get you started.
Celebrate with the Trailblazers on Feb. 12
This annual celebration with the Portland Trailblazers includes a pre-game concert, a free beanie with purchase, and restaurant takeovers. Fundraising from the event will go toward the Black Educational Achievement Movement (B.E.A.M.). The 2:00pm game makes for a family-friendly basketball experience. If you can’t make it on Feb 12, there is another game at 6:00pm on Feb 27 for HBCU Night.
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