Guest Kimberly Stowers Moreland is the author of African Americans of Portland, a pictorial history. From hundreds of black and white and sepia-toned photos, Moreland pieced together a slice of the local African American narrative, one that reflects how prior to World War II, roughly 3,000 blacks established social institutions that continue to work on the behalf of African Americans today. Her 127 page book is not meant to be a comprehensive history of African Americans in Portland, but a snapshot. As a former urban city planner and researcher, it was Moreland’s goal to show readers the unique history and experiences of black people in Portland using one of time’s most accessible mediums, the camera lens. “Knowing the history is empowering for African Americans,” she said. “We have accomplished quite a bit, and the true story about African Americans in Portland and in Oregon hasn’t been told.” African Americans of Portland is one in several city-specific, historical books that Arcadia Publishing has released under their series “Images of America”.
- KBOO