From Vanport & Early Migration to Today
An Overview of Black Portland's History of Housing
1
Pre-WWII Portland (1900-1940)
Portland maintained a small Black population (less than 1% of residents) due to Oregon's exclusionary laws, restrictive housing covenants, and redlining practices that explicitly prevented Black homeownership in most neighborhoods.
2
Wartime Industry (1941-1945)
World War II defense industries attracted over 25,000 Black workers to the Portland region for shipbuilding and other war efforts, creating a dramatic demographic shift as the Black population grew sixfold in just four years.
3
Vanport Development (1942-1948)
Hastily constructed as the nation's largest public housing project, Vanport became home to a significant Black population, representing the second-largest city in Oregon with over 40,000 residents at its peak, including approximately 6,000 Black residents.
4
Vanport Flood (May 30, 1948)
A catastrophic Columbia River flood destroyed the entire community in less than an hour, killing at least 15 people and displacing over 20,000 residents, with minimal warning and no evacuation plan for the predominantly Black and working-class residents.
5
Relocation to Albina (1948-1950s)
Following the Vanport disaster, many Black families were forced to relocate to Portland's Albina district, one of the few neighborhoods where they could legally rent or purchase homes due to persistent discriminatory housing policies, setting the stage for subsequent urban renewal interventions.
6
Veterans Memorial Coliseum Construction (1950s)
Over 450 Black families were displaced for the project, with little compensation.
7
Interstate 5 Freeway Construction (1960s)
Cut through the heart of Albina, displacing hundreds more families and fracturing the community.
8
Emanuel Hospital Expansion (1970s)
Displaced families were given just 90 days to leave. The promised hospital expansion never materialized, leaving vacant land for decades.
9
Gentrification and Displacement (2000s)
Rising housing costs and urban renewal programs displaced thousands of Black residents from Northeast Portland to East Portland and beyond.
10
Interstate Corridor Urban Renewal Area (2000)
Created with the promise of revitalization but accelerated gentrification and displacement of Black families.
11
North/Northeast Preference Policy (2014)
First reparative effort prioritizing displaced Black residents for affordable housing opportunities.
12
Cully TIF District Established (2018)
First TIF district in Oregon shaped by direct community leadership and advocacy from BIPOC residents.
13
Council Approval of Six New TIF Districts (2024)
Portland City Council created six new TIF districts, with promises to center equity and prevent displacement.
14
We are HERE Together in 2025
OBRN is partnering with folks like you to make sure our voices are part of the decision-making process in each TIF District. Will you join us to take action?
Barriers We Face Together in Portland
Generational Trauma
We continue to experience generational trauma from systemic racism in policing, housing, economic opportunity and broken promises in healthcare.
Geographic Dispersal
"People are under the impression that all Black folks live in North, Northeast Portland, but they're forgetting that gentrification happens all over Portland."
Language Barriers
African immigrant and refugee populations face additional challenges in accessing housing services and participating in decision-making processes.
Economic Hardships
Housing insecurity, rising costs outpacing incomes, and food insecurity (37.5% of Black households report using SNAP benefits).
Here's What OBRN is Doing
Securing Black Wealth
Creating financial literacy trainings, sharing resources for homeownership assistance, and advocating for policies that protect Black homeowners.
Lifting Up Community Voices
Convening folks for community-led data collection, storytelling, and decision-making. We're making sure our voices shape the future.
Planning with Everyone at the Table
Inviting Black and African immigrant voices into intergenerational conversations early. We're learn from our elders about past mistakes and creating solutions that reflect our lived experiences today.
Investing in Health and Healing
Supporting spaces and programs that address mental health, food security, and wellness, grounded in our culture and needs.
Protecting and Celebrating Black Culture
Preserving spaces where Black traditions, businesses, and community connections thrive.
Preparing for Change Together
Building climate resilience and safe spaces that reflect the needs of Black and immigrant communities.
Creating Opportunities for Young Leaders
Empowering youth to lead conversations, influence policy, and build community pride through mentorship and arts.