Portland celebrates 100 years since the repeal of Oregon’s Black exclusion laws

On Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, Oregon Black Pioneers (OBP), a statewide African American historical society, gathered at the North Portland Library to commemorate a pivotal moment in Oregon history: the 100th anniversary of the vote to remove the state’s constitutional language excluding Black people.

A century earlier, Black community organizers — working alongside organizations such as the NAACP and the League of Women Voters — helped change the minds and hearts of Oregon voters, leading to the removal of wording that had long denied Black people the right to live freely in the state.

In 1859, the state constitution included a clause banning Black people from living, working and owning property in the state, making Oregon the only state admitted to the Union with an exclusion law in its constitution.

“In every iteration of Oregon as a governmental body, there was some form of a Black exclusion law, the final being article one, section 35 of the Bill of Rights in Oregon’s Constitution,” remarked Mariah Rocker, the Public Programs and Exhibits Manager for Oregon Black Pioneers. It was that clause that was finally removed from the constitution 100 years ago this week.

“

It was voting which created the Black exclusion laws, and it was voting which got rid of the Black exclusion laws. Everybody’s vote matters.”

— Zachary Stocks, Executive Director of Oregon Black Pioneers

The packed room included the mayor of Oregon City Mayor Denyse McGriff, one of five mayors who signed the proclamation recognizing the anniversary first issued by Mayor Lacey Beaty of Beaverton. Other cities that participated in recognition were Portland, Wilsonville, Ashland, Gold Beach and Tualiatin. Oregon City also held a celebration recognizing the importance of the signing 100 years ago.

“This celebration is important because I recognize being a long term resident of Oregon, that there are so many people in this state that do not understand or even know about their history, let alone the contributions of African Americans whose contributions in this state have been significant,” McGriff said.

While the history of racial exclusion and discrimination in Oregon is certainly not cause for celebration, the gathering offered an uplifting time to reflect, learn and connect. The afternoon included a presentation on the history of Black exclusion laws in Oregon, a pizza party and rollicking performances by Arietta Ward & Friends. The day culminated with a performance of Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day,” bringing the crowd to its feet as attendees sang along, filling the room with laughter and joy.

For performer and enthusiast of the important day, MaryEtta Callier, the anniversary carried a significance that extended beyond the historical milestone. “Even though a hundred is a large number, it still seems like it’s brand new because of what we are experiencing right now. Whatever has been learned can be unlearned. So we’re here to plant some new seeds today.”

More on the legacy of Black exclusion and resilience in Oregon:

• Watch: Long before Oregon was a state, Black pioneers were in the Far West
• Watch: Activists and communities today are mobilizing to confront and heal from Oregon’s exclusionary and racist past