Thoughts on Black History Month in 2021

Written By KIDS Center

February is Black History Month. While we honor the people and events for which this month is dedicated, we also reflect on the events that occurred last year, both nationally and in Oregon. The demonstrations in Portland in particular gained national attention. People may have watched coverage of the riots, protests, property damage and arrests and thought, “What were they protesting for? Why weren’t they respecting authority & the property of others? What was it all for?” As we consider these questions, we look to their connections to our own state’s history and treatment of the Black community, as these hold clues to the events of current times.

Oregon has not been kind to the Black community. In 1844, when Oregon was still a territory, exclusionary and other laws were passed banning Black people from residing here for more than three years (Camhi, 2020). Punishment for breaking this law was cruel, 39 lashes every 6 months for which they remained (Camhi, 2020). Five years later, another clause prohibited Black people from moving to Oregon (Camhi, 2020). Ten years later at Statehood, another exclusionary clause was added to the state’s Constitution prohibiting Black Oregonians from owning property or entering into contracts (Camhi, 2020). At that time, Oregon was the only state to prohibit Black people from living within its borders (Oregon Secretary of State, n.d.). These amendments were not reversed fully until 1973, less than 50 years ago (Oregon Secretary of State, n.d.). Black people in Oregon were not given the right to vote until 1959 (Semuels, 2016). In fact, Oregon was one of 6 states that refused to ratify the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution allowing Black Americans to vote (Semuels, 2016), and the racist language was not removed from Oregon’s Constitution until 2002 (Camhi, 2020), just 19 years ago.

Upon Statehood, Oregon became a “White paradise” (McLagan & Oregon Black History Project, 1980), a place to come and be free of the presence of Black people. That repression of Black people continued by including the language in law for everyone to see. Effects of these exclusions and beliefs are still present today. Citing the U.S. Census Bureau (2019), roughly 87% of Oregon’s population fell into the “White Alone” category, while the “Black Alone” category was only 2%. Approximately 77% of Portland’s population is “White Alone” while the “Black Alone” population is under 6% (U.S. Census Bureau, 2019). Oregon continues to be a state where Black people and other people of color often do not feel welcome.

There are also racial disparities within the child welfare system. According to a 2020 article, 33% of children in foster care are Black, while making up only 15% of the overall child population (NCSL, 2020). Federal studies show that child abuse and neglect are actually lower in Black families than in white (NCSL, 2020). Another 2020 report states that children of color are disproportionately reported to child welfare services (Hlavinka, 2020). Data shows that hospitals were more likely to report suspected abuse among minority children and to avoid reporting among white children (Lane, Rubin, Monteith & Christian, 2002). KIDS Center and Child Advocacy Centers nationwide play a vital role in protecting all children and allowing their voices to be heard. We will continue to equitably serve all children and families who need our help. 

So, it is with even greater intention that we honor Black leaders, events, and history. We celebrate the achievements of those who have advanced racial equity and justice in our country, often at great effort and personal risk. Not only do we shine light on notable Black Oregonians such as voting rights activist Harriet Redmond, the first African American elected to the Oregon State Legislature, William McCoy and Grammy award winning jazz musician Esperanza Spalding, but also the groups of people – named and unnamed - who fight every day for equal rights. The artists and musicians, the storytellers and teachers, the scientists and athletes - each one a role model for us and our children.  

To all Black people who contribute to the vibrancy, experience, and knowledge of our world, our state, our communities, and how we live in them together, we say THANK YOU. You are an irreplaceable and vital part of our communities. Your experience, your knowledge and your influence are critical for us to move forward together. At KIDS Center, we welcome all, regardless of color or the role individuals play. Whether a Board member, a client, staff or volunteers, diversity and inclusion benefit us all. 

“One day our descendants will think it incredible that we paid so much attention to things like the amount of melanin in our skin or the shape of our eyes or our gender instead of the unique identities of each of us as complex human beings.” — Franklin Thomas

Knowledge is power. What greater way to expand our understanding of our diverse world than to read? In honor of Black history month, KIDS Center is recommending some books written by Black authors, featuring Black main characters. These books support diversity, promote equity, and foster inclusion. In addition, we would like to share some links to further encourage your love of reading.


PICTURE BOOKS

  • Non-fiction: The Undefeated, by Kwame Alexander:

  • Fiction: Sulwe, by Lupita Nyong’o


MIDDLE GRADE BOOKS

  • Non-Fiction: Heroes of Black History: Biographies of Four Great Americans by The Editors of TIME for Kids

  • Fiction: One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia


YOUNG ADULT BOOKS

  • Non-Fiction: Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly

  • Fiction: The Hate You Give, by Angie Thomas

RECOMMENDED LINKS

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” — Nelson Mandela

References

Camhi, T. (2020, June 9). A racist history shows why Oregon is still so white. OPB. Retrieved from: https://www.opb.org/news/article/oregon-white-history-racist-foundations-black- exclusion-laws/.

Hlavinka, E. (2020, October 5). Racial disparity seen in child abuse reporting: Clinician bias suggested as reason for overdiagnosis in certain groups. Medpage Today. Retrieved from: https://www.medpagetoday.com/meetingcoverage/aap/88958

Lane, W., Rubin, D., Monteith, R., & Christian, C. (2002, October 2). Racial differences in the evaluation of pediatric fractures for physical abuse. JAMA, 288(13):1603-1609. doi:10.1001/jama.288.13.1603.

McLagan, E. & Oregon Black History Project. (1980). A peculiar paradise: a history of Blacks in Oregon,       1788-1940 (1st ed.). Georgian Press.

NCSL. [NCSLorg.]. (2020, August 28). Joyce James Interview [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZ4Kk5Vcl_E&feature=youtu.be.

Oregon Secretary of State. (n.d.). Black in Oregon: 1840 – 1870. In National and Oregon Chronology of Events. Retrieved from: https://sos.oregon.gov/archives/exhibits/black-history/Pages/context/chronology.aspx.

Semuels, A. (2016, July 22). The racist history of Portland, the whitest city in America. The Atlantic. Retrieved from: https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2016/07/racist-history-portland/492035/.

United States Census Bureau. (2019). Quick facts: Portland city, Oregon; Oregon, Race and Hispanic origin.  Retrieved from: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/portlandcityoregon,OR/RHI125219.






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