Every February, the United States observes Black History Month. While members of the African American community had pushed for formal recognition of their history since the 1920s, the U.S government officially commemorated this month in 1976 under President Gerald R. Ford. This is a time to honor the African American communities, cultures, and history, and to remember the injustices of the past so we do not repeat them.
The 2025 theme is “African Americans and Labor.” The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) says this year’s theme “focuses on the various and profound ways that work and working of all kinds – free and unfree, skilled, and unskilled, vocational and voluntary – intersect with the collective experiences of Black people. Indeed, work is at the very center of much of Black history and culture. “
There are many ways to celebrate at events taking place throughout the month in and around the Portland area:
- February 8 – 3 to 5 pm – WomenFirst celebrates Black History Month at the Curious Comedy Theater. The free event will include African dancing, food and raffle prizes.
- February 11 – 6 to 8:30 pm – The Oregon Historical Society will screen “Walking Through Portland with a Panther,” the filmed premiere of a new play about Kent Ford, co-founder of Portland’s chapter of the Black Panther party. The free event will include a discussion with Kent Ford and the filmmakers.
- Throughout February, Multnomah County Libraries will host several Black History Month events at various branches. Visit their general event page and search for “Black History Month” to see the full list. While you are there, it’s worth visiting their curated list of book recommendations dedicated to this year’s theme.
- February 1, 8, 15, and 22 – 11:15 am to 12:15 pm – The Washington County Library System will offer “Black History Through STEAM,” an opportunity to learn about African American artists, engineers, inventors, and scientists.
- Throughout February, the Cascade Festival of African Films, the country’s longest running African film festival, will screen films with no admission fees.
- February 20-23 – The NW Black Comedy Festival will feature more than 40 black comedians from all over the country at the Curious Comedy Theater.
- February 21-23 – “Honoring Black History Through Dance” is the theme of this year’s Rose City Blues Festival, which will feature music, workshops, and lectures focused on Black artists.
- Throughout February, Through The Trees Collective will host Black History Month events, including a Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Youth Game Day at Lloyd Center and a BIPOC tree planting at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Washougal.
These events have not been vetted by LifeWorks NW. Please use your own discretion to decide if they are appropriate for you or your family.
Learn More
- The National Museum of African American History and Culture explores how the labor of the African American community has impacted the country, from enslavement to the Oval Office.
- The African American History pages of the National Archives provides a comprehensive resource with video, educational materials, articles and much more.
- Nikole Hannah-Jones’ The 1619 Project – The New York Times offers a comprehensive and unflinching exploration of slavery in the United States.
