We stand on her shoulders

Beatrice Morrow Cannady a power for Oregon Civil Rights

Family stories are important because they give us roots and help define who we are today. And if we pay attention, they can guide us forward. One story in the early 20th Century in our Oregon family history is that of a courageous young African American woman who battled the exclusionary laws and attitudes in our state.

From 1912 to 1938, Beatrice Morrow Cannady worked to bring together Black and White communities in understanding and friendship. At the age of 23, she began her 26-year career in Portland at the prominent African American owned newspaper, The Advocate. This became her medium for battling racial injustice and building up the African American Community.

Beatrice was strongly attracted to the Baha’i Faith because of its belief in social justice and the oneness of the human family. She was a founding member of the Portland Chapter of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), the first west of the Mississippi. Beatrice also took on the rising Ku Klux Klan and the exclusionary laws against African American Oregonians. Among the struggles were victories and disappointments but she always moved forward.

In 1938, Beatrice and her family left Oregon. Sadly, much of her legacy faded afterwards. But due to the efforts of historians her amazing story is being remembered. Beatrice’s life is an inspiration–how a young African American woman in her twenties challenged individual and institutional racism. She has a rich message for us today. We stand on her shoulders to see our way forward to unity.

Join us for a thoughtful discussion:

We’d love to hear your ideas on how we can build unity between races.

Finding Common Ground - Coffee & Conversation Series

Saturday, February 21, 4:00 - 5:30 pm

IKE Box - Bay Room

299 Cottage St., Salem OR

The Bay Room is located on the first floor. Free parking on weekends. For more information on the Finding Common Ground series, please contact us.