Perseverance: A History of African Americans in Oregon's Marion and Polk Counties

by Oregon Northwest Black Pioneers, Sheridan McCarthy, Stanton Nelson

"Oregon history is the richer for Perseverance ."

From 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.

"This work is a significant contribution to the study of the Black experience in Oregon history because it stretches the traditional boundaries of consideration, touching as it does on material beyond the urban Portland experience and having a female focus. It will be of interest to both the academic specialist in Oregon history and to a general reading audience."
--Dr. Darrell Millner, Professor, Black Studies Department, Portland State University

"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 perseverance--and hardships and triumphs--and rejoice in their innumerable contributions to our state. This book shines a spotlight on some important Oregonians you've probably never heard of, and fills large gaps in our state's history."
--Mary Oberst, First Lady of Oregon, 2003-11

"This carefully researched document brings the story of Oregon's African Americans to life. Perseverance is a must read for those who love history and, even more, tales of the people who made Oregon."
--Victor Atiyeh, Governor of Oregon, 1979-87

"This book fills a big gap in the history of African Americans in Oregon. I encourage history lovers to read it and learn more about an important aspect of Northwest history."
--George L. Vogt, Executive Director, Oregon Historical Society

"Perseverance offers an extremely insightful picture of Oregon history, providing a glimpse into the true diversity of Oregon society by giving voice to those who have previously been ignored. Readers will learn about the heritage of the African American community in western Oregon as well as the complexities and challenges they faced."
--Peter MacMillan Booth, PhD, Willamette Heritage Center at The Mill

280 pages, Paperback

First published August 2, 2011

Reviews

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rather than a broad overview, Perseverance gives intimate views into the lives of Black Oregonians throughout Oregon's history. ONBP does a great job of filling in as many blanks as possible in the face of a lack of information. In the process, these personal stories create a broader story of the experiences of Black Oregonians who faced many challenges settling and living in Oregon. At the same time, these stories are not limited to painful experiences. We also hear about Black Oregonian achievements and firsts. All of the stories are interesting, but there are some that stand out as major highlights to me. I love the story of Moses Harris, a renowned trapper, explorer, and wagon train guide who rescued the survivors of Stephen Meek's ill-fated wagon train in 1845. I am also amazed at every story about Black Oregonians standing up to the KKK by not just living in Salem and its surrounding counties, but thriving. As an Oregon transplant, I like filling in the gaps of my knowledge of the state's history, and I think this book is a necessary read on the topic.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading Greg Nokes new book and Jane Kirkpatrick's latest about Letitia Carson, this informative study of black pioneers in Oregon is illustrative. Oregon still has difficult letting go of its predominantly prejudicial history. I will search for a similar study of Eugene and Lane county.