Black Pacific Northwest Collection at North Portland Library

The North Portland Library recently unveiled a special collection devoted to the history and experiences of the Pacific Northwest's Black community. The Black Pacific Northwest Collection features the literature, music, film and other creative expressions of the Black experience in the region and is part of the Black Resources Collection. The collection includes Raymond Burell’s celebration of the Vancouver Avenue Baptist Church, Lucas N.N. Burke’s history of Portland’s Black Panther movement, the poetry of S. Renee Mitchell and Samiya A. Bashir, and Renée Watson’s award-winning Piecing Me Together.

This collection includes authors and subjects throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho and northern California. Visit the North Portland Library or search “Black Pacific Northwest Collection” on the North Portland Library home page.to enjoy the collection.

Help Grow the Black Pacific Northwest Collection

This collection currently features about 200 titles, including works of fiction, nonfiction, films and zines. The North Portland Library would like to add additional works to the collection to document the rich Black experience in the Pacific Northwest. To suggest a work for consideration contact the North Portland Library or email Kirby at kirbym@multcolib.org.

The North Portland Library is located at 512 N Killingsworth St.