Despite Oregon’s progressive and forward-thinking reputation, our history tells another story.

Indeed, many refer to Oregon as the South of the North, as we have historically embraced segregation, exclusion, and displacement. The disparities between BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities of color and white people are extreme. Participants in this course will spend six weeks delving into our state’s history and current realities. We will collectively build an understanding of how Oregon’s whiteness, historically and today, has functioned. This understanding will help us develop a better future for us all.

Week One: What is race, anyway?  //  Thursday, January 12 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm

We will explore how race as a construct, including whiteness, came to be in the United States. We will also look at the many manifestations of racism as it permeates our society, including our impressions of Portland and its culture. We’ll look at Portland’s progressive reputation, examining how this reputation corresponds to Portland’s BIPOC communities.

Week Two: Early exclusions & genocide  //  Thursday, January 19 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm

How was Oregon founded? Who were the first white people here? We will explore the early days of the Oregon Territory and the first years of statehood and look at how Oregon’s pioneers intended the state to be a white utopia.

Week Three: Segregation, Hate Groups, & Deportations  //  Thursday, January 26 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm

As communities of color entered Oregon in more significant numbers, how did many white Oregonians respond? We will examine the birth of segregation in Oregon, hate groups like the KKK, and the first of several catastrophic deportations in the state.

Week Four: World War II & the aftermath  //  Thursday, February 2 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm

World War II and the years immediately following transformed BIPOC communities in Oregon. This week, we will explore Vanport, Japanese Internment, the Bracero Program, and more.

Week Five: The Golden Age?  //  Thursday, February 9 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm

The 1950’s, the supposedly golden age of the US, brought dramatic transformations, particularly with Indigenous communities, the historically Black Albina neighborhood, the aftermath of internment, and continuing deportations.

Week Six: Current conditions & issues  //  Thursday, February 16 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm

We will move into modern-day Oregon. As we finish the class, we’ll discuss our actions moving forward and how we can help create a different future for our state.

Instructor: Kristin Teigen, MA, M.Ed., is an educator at Portland State University, where she teaches the history of BIPOC communities in Oregon and issues of women’s homelessness. She’s also an anti-oppression activist, working in feminist, queer, environmental justice, and people of color movements, and a trained anti-oppression facilitator.

Part of the registration fees will support EDPA2 descendants/survivors of the Emanuel displacement & Verde; this local organization serves communities by building environmental wealth through social enterprise, outreach, and advocacy.

(Registration extended to Wednesday, January 18) Sales end at 10am on January 12. If you have questions or would still like to register, please email Kristin at kmteig@comcast.net Thank you!