The Portland City Auditor's Archives & Records Management Division is teaming up with Don't Shoot PDX to launch a series of archival events dubbed "Portland in Black," a community-focused initiative aimed at weaving personal histories into the fabric of the city's collective memory. According to a recent announcement, these events, free to the public with required registration, offer a space for residents of all ages to engage with the preservation of their narratives as a part of Portland's broader history.
Set primarily on the fourth Saturday of each month, from January through November of 2026, these workshops will take place at the Black Memory Lab, located on 510 SW Third Avenue, Suite 400, from 10:00 am to 12:00 p.m. An exception to this schedule is the March event, which is set to occur on a Friday during Don't Shoot PDX's Spring Break programming. While each monthly event operates independently, allowing participants to attend any number of sessions, registration is required whether attending one or multiple gatherings.
In the spirit of preserving personal experiences within the City of Roses, the inaugural event, "Coffee and Collections", will be held on January 24 and will focus on the methodology behind conducting oral history interviews. City Archivist Madeline Moya expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "We are so excited to be partnering on this event series with Don't Shoot PDX as a way to spend time in community sharing our stories," according to a news release from the Portland City Archives website. She welcomes individuals to bring their materials for guidance on preservation and to contribute to the city's collective memory.
The "Portland in Black" series is more than just a set of workshops; it's an opportunity for building archival skills, making community connections, and ensuring that the voices of Portland's black community are accessible for future generations. The full calendar of events includes January 24, February 28, March 27, April 25, May 23, June 27, July 25, August 22, September 26, October 24, and November 28. Each event promises a unique chance for Portland residents to involve with their history actively. Further details, including a registration link for the upcoming events, are available on the Portland City Archives events page.
With a backdrop of civic engagement and the preservation of community history, the Archives & Records Management Division continues its mission to make the city's administrative and historical records accessible, adhering to Oregon public records law.
