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"Oregon history is the richer for
"Perseverance"
 Since
the beginning, even before the wagon trains,
African Americans have played an essential
part in building Oregon. In Marion and Polk
counties, they overcame the obstacles of
wilderness, prejudice, and isolation,
helping to create a vibrant community. They
have often been left out of the paintings
and statues, but Perseverance brings you
many of their names and describes the ways
they have made history, taking their
rightful place among pioneers past and
present in the Willamette Valley.
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"Oregon history is the richer for
Perseverance. Thanks to the Oregon Northwest
Black Pioneers for documenting the history
and character of Oregon’s African Americans.
We can now fully embrace the African
American community’s hardships and triumphs
and rejoice in their innumerable
contributions to our state."
—Mary Oberst, First Lady of Oregon, 2003–11
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"This work is a significant contribution to
the study of the Black experience in Oregon
history."
—Dr. Darrell Millner, Professor, Black
Studies Department, Portland State
University |
280 pages, extensively
illustrated,$25.00
Coming soon!
E-mail us to
reserve your copies! |
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Mission Statement
The mission of Oregon
African American Museum is to educate the public about African
American history in Oregon by collecting, preserving, interpreting
and exhibiting material evidence of the African American experience. |
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 Welcome
to the OAAM website. Here you will have the opportunity to stay in touch with our
efforts to establish an Oregon African American history museum
which
will be located in Salem, Oregon's state capital.
The museum project effort is
bringing together Oregonians by sharing this rich history and
vision. Our website offers you an overview regarding our Advisory Board, Steering
Committee and the OAAM vision, mission and development goals.
Fundraising efforts are now underway.
 “Discovering
and documenting the history of the Oregon African Americans (pre and
post statehood), which was basically lost, is now being uncovered by
the ‘Oregon Northwest Black Pioneers’ board and advisors. With vigor
and purpose the board has put permanence to that goal with the
current major project being an Oregon African American museum in
Salem to visually tell the story. Your support in providing
information, artifacts, and financial contributions would be
appreciated."
Victor
Atiyeh (Oregon Governor 1979-1987) |
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Our museum steering committee and
advisory board were established in 2007, and have been
responsible for formulating strategic development plans in 2007-2008. We are
currently conducting fundraising for the project. We welcome
you to read
more about our events, committees and advisory board and join us in
our efforts.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2009 SUPPORTERS! |
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OAAM is a 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization located in Suite 210 of the Pioneer Trust Building, 117
Commercial Street SE, Salem, OR 97301.
We would be pleased to hear from you!
Please let us know what your suggestions, needs or questions are, we
will be more than happy to help. Contact Willie Richardson (503)
540-4063. |
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Integrity:
The OAAM exemplifies the highest standards of excellence and
conducts its business with integrity and openness. The museum is
dedicated to learning and to developing and improving services. 
Stewardship:
The OAAM values collecting, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting
evidence of the African American experience. The museum curates,
promotes and protects the cultural and artistic treasures of
Oregon’s African American community with the utmost care and
respect.
Education
and Research: The
OAAM inspires people of all ages to explore and discover the role of
African Americans in shaping the history of Oregon. The museum
provides the most up-to-date educational resources related to the
Oregon African American experience.
Gathering
Place: The OAAM is a
state-of-the-art facility that supports a sense of community and is
inviting to people of all ages and backgrounds. The Museum provides
a location for sharing, community events and social gatherings and a
forum for discussion.
