Chef Fatou Ouattara serves her acclaimed West African cuisine at Akadi, her bright yellow eatery in Northeast Portland.

Credit: Stuart Mullenberg

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.

Biamp Portland 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 Biamp Portland 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.

Northwest Black Comedy Festival

Laugh along with some of Portland’s funniest Black comics at the Northwest 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 Curious Comedy Theater and the Alberta Abbey.

a large plate of colorful food, a pitcher and two teacups on a wooden table at Enat Kitchen in Portland

Four Great African Restaurants in Portland

Enjoy flavorful dishes from Ethiopia, Morocco, Cote d’Ivoire and beyond at these African restaurants in Portland.

A Black woman with dark mid-length twists, a beaded necklace and a black shirt subtly smiles into the camera.

Best-Selling Author Renée Watson’s Top 5 Black-Owned Portland Businesses

From spice shops to natural hair care, discover Portland through the eyes of New York Times Best-Selling Author of “Piecing Me Together,” Renée Watson.

a person raps into a microphone in front of a small crowd

The Portland Hip-Hop Scene

Take a deep dive into the past, present and future of the Portland hip-hop scene with our expert guide to the best rap artists, showcases, shops and more.

$A vendor greets an attendee at My People\'s Market$

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.

man and woman behind counter preparing espresso at a coffee shop

Portland Coffee

Explore our comprehensive guide to coffee in Portland, including our rich coffee history, Portland’s impact on the third-wave coffee movement, and coffee shop suggestions by quadrants.

Cascade Festival of African Films

Billed as America’s longest-running nonprofit African film festival, 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. Watch films from countries like Morocco, Senegal, Zambia, Cameroon and Tunisia at various locations around Portland like the Hollywood Theatre, PCC Campus and the Tomorrow Theater.

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, is dedicated to providing culturally relevant storytelling through arts education.

Black Community in Portland

With a diverse range of organizations and businesses, Portland’s Black community provides visitors with resources and a friendly welcome. Explore the city’s Black history and cultural events, as well as Black-owned businesses and restaurants.

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Celebrate Black History with the 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.

Black Community, Cultural Communities, Events, Winter