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Zelos Marchandt
Zelos Marchandt is the artistic director of T & A Grand Theater and the Ten, Tiny, Talks artist in residency program. Read More
Black History Month in Portland
Celebrate Black excellence with music, art, festivals and more.
Zelos Marchandt
Zelos Marchandt is the artistic director of T & A Grand Theater and the Ten, Tiny, Talks artist in residency program. Read More
Every February, Americans of all races and backgrounds celebrate Black History Month by commemorating iconic civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, and Black History Month’s founder, Carter G. Woodson. Join in celebrating, honoring and acknowledging Black history in Portland and beyond at these local events.
PDX Jazz Festival
Jumptown, Portland’s raucous jazz scene of the 1940s, is sadly lost, but every year around February (coinciding with Black History Month), visitors can dive into today’s sea of jazz greats at the PDX Jazz Festival. The festival honors special jazz anniversaries and legends, along with feature performances by legendary artists. Previous performers have included the likes of Grammy award-winning bass extraordinaire Stanley Clarke. PDX Jazz Festival performances — including many free shows — are held at multiple venues across the city every year.
Black History Festival NW
Recognizing Black excellence through arts, education and advocacy the Black History Festival NW focuses on bridging gaps and amplifying truth, unity and hope in the Pacific Northwest. The festival explores history through podcasts, gala events and opportunities for activism. World Stage Theatre, the host organization also presents Who I Am Celebrating Me, a live performance presented by a community of youth and adult artists exploring history through the arts that has been running every year since 2007.
Cascade Festival of African Films
Billed as the longest-running nonprofit African film festival in America, Portland’s free Cascade Festival of African Films has celebrated African achievements and hopes for the future since 1991. Through its roster of films, the month-long festival aims to share stories of Africa as told by actual Africans, rather than the Western-made narratives that Americans typically see. Presented by Portland Community College, the festival is primarily virtual in 2022, with a limited number of in-person screenings at the Hollywood Theatre and Clinton Street Theater.
Celebrate Black History with Portland Trail Blazers
Join Portland Trail Blazers in their annual Celebration of Black History honoring Portland’s Black and African American community. The event consists of many amazing performances and multiple fundraising efforts. This year’s fundraising effort goes to help the Black Educational Achievement Movement (BEAM), a nonprofit with a mission to build relationships with the youth of African descent and help prepare them for the global marketplace.
Meet a Local
These Portlanders are innovating the city's food, drink, cannabis and maker scenes.
Northwest Black Comedy Festival
Laugh along with some of Portland’s funniest Black comics at the NW Black Comedy Festival. This annual festival features live storytelling, LGBTQ+ performers, new and upcoming comedians as well as headliners from around the country. Enjoy four nights of side-splitting comedy taking place at Alberta Abbey and Curious Comedy Theater.
Black Love Day
As an alternative to Valentine’s Day, Black Love Day was created to celebrate the unique power of love within Black Culture. Help to increase the peace at the Black Love Day Comedy Show & Fundraiser. The funds raised will contribute to the operating budget of the Black Community of Portland as well as an emergency fund for community members.
More Black History Month Events
Celebrate cultural richness at these upcoming Black History Month events.
Trail Blazers: Celebration of Black History
Join Portland's NBA team, the Portland Trail Blazers, at their annual Celebration of Black History. This event honors the city's Black and African American community and celebrates their contributions nationwide. The night will feature special performances, retail items and multiple fundraising efforts benefiting Imagine Black, a nonprofit whose mission is to build political participation and…
NW Black Comedy Festival
Bigger, blacker, and funnier with more showcases and live podcasts than ever before. ten showcases, two live podcasts, and over sixty Black comics from all over the world will be in town for four days and hours of laughter. The NW Black Comedy Festival Was Recognized By The New York Times As One Of The…
Biamp Portland Jazz Festival
The Portland Jazz Festival returns every February with a stellar series of concerts and events celebrating Black History Month.
Annual Events
Get to know Portland's vibrant maker, dining and music scenes at these annual events.
My People’s Market Spotlights Local Entrepreneurs of Color
My People’s Market showcases local entrepreneurs and makers of color, connecting them with industry professionals and consumers.
Sneaker Week
Sneaker Week offers fun events for sneaker addicts and footwear newbies alike.
Support Black-Owned Restaurants in Portland
Brought into focus by local organizations, explore the city’s diverse and delicious Black-owned food carts, restaurants and markets in Portland.
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