Black History Month

Every February, we have the opportunity to celebrate the many achievements and history of our Black neighbors and community members as part of Black History Month.

The City encourages everyone to celebrate, learn, and honor Black History. Here are just a few ways to get started: 

• NEW for 2026: Honor one of Oregon's first Black pioneers (and the only Black woman to successfully make a land claim under the Homestead Act of 1862), Letitia Carson, at a month-long exhibit at the State of Oregon Library. 
  • “Honoring Letitia Carson reminds us that resilience, courage, and community have always been foundational to Oregon’s history,” said Troy Davis, the diversity, equity, and inclusion manager for the Oregon State Fire Marshal. “This exhibit recognizes Carson’s enduring legacy, and creates space to reflect on how equity, access, and inclusion continue to shape public service, land stewardship, and community resilience across our state.” 

  • Exhibit Dates: Tuesday, January 27 – Wednesday, February 25, 2026
    Location: State Library, 2nd Floor, 250 Winter St. NE Salem, OR 97301
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Closed Monday, February 16 for Presidents’ Day)
    Admission: Free and open to the public

    Opening Reception for Letitia Carson: An Enduring Spirit of Hope and Freedom 

    Monday, February 2, 2026 
    5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 

    Community members are warmly invited to attend an opening reception celebrating the exhibit. The evening will include light refreshments and opportunities to learn more about the partner organizations whose work continues Letitia Carson’s legacy today. Donations will be welcomed to support their missions. 

• Learn about local history from the Oregon Black Pioneers, or check out their listing of BHM events throughout Oregon
• The NAACP explains Black History
• Books by Black authors will be on display at the West Linn Library throughout the month. You can see them spotlighted on the Library's Facebook page, or check out digital audiobooks and ebooks without leaving home
• Stream films celebrating Black History Month for free on Kanopy with your Library card
• Read City Council's Black History Month Proclamation

Learn more about what the City is doing to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at our DEIB information hub.