In recognition of Black History Month, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, Oregon State Police and Oregon State Fire Marshal are inviting the public to honor Letitia Carson, one of Oregon’s first Black pioneers, through a month-long exhibit at the State Library of Oregon.
“Letitia Carson: An Enduring Spirit of Hope and Freedom” will be on display Jan. 27 through Feb. 25 on the library’s second floor at 250 Winter St. NE in Salem. The exhibit is free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The library will be closed Feb. 16 for Presidents Day.
The exhibit highlights Carson’s legacy of perseverance, land ownership and advocacy for justice. It also connects her story to contemporary Black agriculturalists, food resilience efforts and community-based land stewardship across Oregon.
“Honoring Letitia Carson reminds us that resilience, courage and community have always been foundational to Oregon’s history,” said Troy Davis, diversity, equity and inclusion manager for the Oregon State Fire Marshal. “This exhibit recognizes Carson’s enduring legacy and creates space to reflect on how equity, access and inclusion continue to shape public service, land stewardship and community resilience across our state.”
Opening Reception
An opening reception will be held Monday, Feb. 2, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the State Library. The event will feature light refreshments and opportunities to learn more about partner organizations continuing Carson’s legacy today. Donations will be welcomed to support their missions.
Community and Statewide Partnership
The exhibit and reception are a collaborative effort among state agencies, nonprofit organizations and community leaders, including:
- Oregon Black Pioneers
- Feed’em Freedom Foundation
- Black Oregon Land Trust
- Oregon Department of Emergency Management
- Oregon State Fire Marshal
- Oregon State Police
- Black Futures Farm
- Oregon State University – Letitia Carson Legacy Project
- AFSCME 3241
Together, these partners honor Carson’s impact while supporting ongoing efforts to advance equity, land access, food security and community resilience throughout Oregon.
For more information and ways to get involved, follow:
- Black Oregon Land Trust: Instagram @blackoregonlandtrust | Substack: Black Oregon Land Trust
- Feed’em Freedom Foundation: Instagram @feedemfreedomfoundation
