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The first Black pioneers arrived in the Willamette Valley roughly 175 years ago—and quickly made an impact as small-business owners, farmers, and cornerstones of their communities. Today, the region's Black communities remain strong through critically acclaimed restaurants, cultural events, and more.
Jojo’s Soul Food & Memphis BBQ in Salem
Across the Willamette Valley, Black-owned-and-operated restaurants are dishing some of the region's most creative cuisines—including fun takes on grilled cheese sandwiches, Caribbean-inspired dishes, and flavorful cocktails. Sip and sample your way through great eats in Eugene and Salem with our handy guide to the best Black-owned restaurants in the Willamette Valley.
Oregon Black Pioneers (OBP) preserves and presents the experience of African Americans across the state—most often through exhibits, walking tours, public presentations and historical research. Learn more about OPB, its exhibits, and upcoming events.
Eugene's Historic Mims House, as it's known today, was purchased in 1948 by C.B and Annie Mims. Over the next 18 years, the house acted as a safe haven for African-American athletes, musicians, and travelers to (and through) Eugene. Luminaries such as Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong all stayed at the Mims House, which is today managed by the NAACP – Lane County.
In 2020, Epilogue Kitchen & Cocktails in downtown Salem launched its Library of Black Excellence—a lending library that today totals more than 600 titles. The library's selection includes titles by Nikki Giovanni, Ibram X. Kendi, James Baldwin, Michelle Obama, Ta-Nehisi Coates, and more.
Juneteenth is an annual holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Learn about the history of Juneteenth, view resources around the holiday, and peruse a list of Juneteenth events in the Willamette Valley.
Learn more about the past and present of Oregon's Black communities, whether during Black History Month or all year long, with our round-up of regional exhibits, apps, and helpful resources.
