About the Author

Elizabeth McLagan is a freelance writer and retired instructor at Portland Community College. She graduated with a degree in history from Oregon State University and earned an MFA in poetry from Eastern Washington University.

Oregon Black Pioneers is Oregon’s only historical society dedicated to preserving and presenting the experiences of African Americans statewide. Since 1993, Oregon Black Pioneers has illuminated the seldom-told history of people of African descent in Oregon through exhibitions, public programs, publications, and historical research. Learn more at oregonblackpioneers.org.