Sketch & Release
Black exclusion laws were in place in Oregon for 82 years, starting in 1844. This meant it was illegal for Black people to live here until 1926, dramatically impacting Oregon’s unique diaspora. Unfortunately, our smaller cities and towns have been especially inhospitable to its Black residents. Medford had a large sign proclaiming it a sundown town and a haven for the KKK as late as 1968. It wasn’t until 2002 that racial references like “negroes” and “mulattoes” were removed from the Oregon Constitution.
Because of this, we’ve got to foster connections across the state among Black folks –
it’s imperative to our well-being. While Black people were 2.1% of the population of Oregon in 2022 – not a lot of us, for sure – we were only 0.6% of the people in non-metro spaces. But damn if this isn’t our home too. We have a relationship with the land of Oregon that’s as complex as our relationships with the culture. The lives we’re building and the creative work we’re making can help us lift up Black people across Oregon. And it can help us build understanding across racial divides at this crucial moment of societal reckoning.
Sketch & Release will present it’s first documentary episodes in conjunction with BLACK MATTER at Reser Center for the Arts in fall of 2025.
MOsley WOtta, Creative Director
Tammy Jo Wilson, Producer & Writer
Jason Hill , Videographer