Turn It Up!
In the mid-1960s, a Black arts and culture movement began to gain traction in cities across the nation. Musicians, artists, poets, and playwrights celebrated Black arts and culture. Together with Black radio stations and magazines, they amplified the voice to the Black community and engaged audiences with calls to action.
Louis Armstrong and his All Stars got McArthur Court swinging on October 9, 1965.
Image credit: Oregana Yearbook 1967, University of Oregon Libraries
Eugene’s Black Boutique specialized in records, clothes, jewelry, art, cosmetics, and publications for the Black community. Before it opened, residents had to travel to Portland for similar items.
Image credit: KEZI 1966-1980 Archives, Coll 427, FV085, 1971. Special Collections and University Archives, University of Oregon Archives
The presence of the university helped draw many Black performers to Eugene. The Supremes performed in Eugene on October 27, 1967.
Image credit: Oregana Yearbook 1967, University of Oregon Libraries
New Birth—a newspaper created by and for Black UO students—provided an outlet for expression and the sharing of ideas.