The Yachats Commons will host a closer look at the Black women who helped shape Oregon’s early communities when Mariah Rocker presents “Early Black Women of the Willamette Valley” this Sunday, Nov. 1.
Presented by View the Future and Yachatians for Social Justice, the program will explore the lives, challenges and contributions of Black women who settled in Oregon during the pioneer era. It marks the third Oregon Black Pioneers presentation in Yachats.
Drawing on historical records, personal narratives and archival research, Rocker will examine how these women influenced the region through leadership, entrepreneurship and activism. Their stories offer a fuller understanding of the social, cultural and economic development of the Willamette Valley and the importance of preserving experiences often omitted from popular accounts of Oregon history.
Rocker is the public programs and exhibits manager for Oregon Black Pioneers, sharing stories of Black history throughout the state through presentations, events and online programs. She holds bachelor’s degrees in public relations and sociology. Her interest in bringing historical stories to life also extends to an annual photographic tribute in which she recreates iconic images of Black women and shares their stories.
Oregon Black Pioneers is the state’s only historical society dedicated to preserving and presenting the experiences of African Americans throughout Oregon. For more than 30 years, the organization has documented these histories through exhibits, public programs, publications and research.
Co-presenter View the Future is an Oregon land trust dedicated to preserving, protecting and enhancing the natural environment for the Yachats community and future generations.
Sunday’s presentation begins at 4 pm at the Yachats Commons, located at 441 N Hwy. 101. For more information, go to viewthefuture.org or oregonblackpioneers.org.