A Guide to African American Heritage & Culture

Portland welcomes you!

African Americans in Portland have made a sizeable contribution to the city’s development since the time of the pioneers. They literally kept the city — and the nation — running with their invaluable work in the railway industry and the World War II shipyards.

The heart of the community is the Albina district. Banners in vibrant green, yellow and red that celebrate the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. festoon lampposts along the Boulevard named in his honor. New construction of businesses and restaurants stand aside historic homes, landmark buildings and venerable institutions.

Visit art galleries and boutiques along Alberta Street and check out the busy bookstore and bakery at the intersection of Killingsworth Street and MLK Jr. Boulevard. Enjoy a dinner of tasty ribs at Doris’ Café on Russell Street, then step next door to the Albina Coffeehouse to enjoy the Albina Jazz Quintet.

Get swept up in the passion of a gospel choir at one of the numerous African-American churches in a neighborhood where churches and civic organizations have always been the glue holding this strong community together.

• Festivals
• Self-Guided Tour
• Other Sites of Interest
• Destinations of Interest Outside Portland
• Soul Food
• Did You Know...
• Resources
• History: African Americans in Oregon