Oregon Awarded $200,000 to Preserve Black History Sites

Oregon’s dedication to preserving Black history has reached a significant milestone. Two historically impactful sites have secured $200,000 in preservation grants.

Funded by the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, these grants aim to protect and celebrate the architectural, cultural, and historical legacies of Black innovators and pioneers. McKenzie Hall at the University of Oregon and the Letitia Carson Legacy Project at Oregon State University represent stories of resilience and activism that have shaped American society.

Recognizing Black History through Architectural Preservation

Architecture is a tangible expression of history. Preserving buildings tied to Black heritage highlights important stories.

The $200,000 grants awarded to Oregon Black history sites showcase the contributions of Black individuals to the state’s cultural landscape. The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund leads this preservation movement.

With these awards, McKenzie Hall and the Letitia Carson Legacy Project will serve as reminders of Black joy, resilience, and activism.

McKenzie Hall: Celebrating a Legacy of Innovation

The $150,000 grant to McKenzie Hall recognizes DeNorval Unthank Jr. and his achievements. Unthank was the first Black graduate from the University of Oregon’s architecture program in 1951 and a civil rights activist.

He designed McKenzie Hall in 1968, breaking barriers for Black architects. The grant will support conservation efforts and fund an interpretive display to educate visitors about Unthank’s contributions.

• Historical Significance: McKenzie Hall symbolizes the rise of Black architects in the modernist era.
• Conservation Goals: Protecting the structure while integrating educational resources about Unthank’s work.
• A Broader Impact: Highlighting the intersection of architecture and activism in Black history.

The Letitia Carson Legacy Project: Resilience Personified

The Letitia Carson Legacy Project received $50,000 through the National Grant Program. It is named after Letitia Carson, a formerly enslaved woman who settled in Oregon in 1845.

Carson made history by successfully suing for her property rights after being forced off her land following her husband’s death. This act of courage defied societal norms of her time.

The grant will help expand the project by creating public programs and site visits. Honoring Carson’s life highlights the challenges faced by Black women pioneers in the 19th century.

• Historical Relevance: Carson’s legal victory was a landmark case for civil rights during her time.
• Community Engagement: Development of public programs to make her story accessible.
• Educational Outreach: Facilitating site visits to enrich understanding of her legacy.

A Larger Movement: Preserving Black Heritage Nationwide

These Oregon sites are part of a national effort to preserve African American historic landmarks. The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund has distributed $13.5 million in grants to date.

For McKenzie Hall and the Letitia Carson Legacy Project, the $200,000 grants place them among 24 sites sharing $3 million in new funding.

The Impact of Preservation Efforts

Historical preservation fosters a connection to the struggles and triumphs of the past. Investing in Black history sites ensures a more inclusive historical narrative.

Through programs like Conserving Black Modernism and the National Grant Program, communities gain access to educational resources and cultural pride. Preserving sites like McKenzie Hall and the Letitia Carson Legacy Project helps Oregon celebrate histories that have been overlooked.

Conclusion

The $200,000 in preservation grants awarded to Oregon’s historic Black sites marks an important moment for the state’s cultural legacy. McKenzie Hall and the Letitia Carson Legacy Project are symbols of resilience and activism.

These initiatives help ensure the stories of pioneers like DeNorval Unthank Jr. and Letitia Carson are honored and shared. By investing in these places, we help preserve important narratives for future generations.

 
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