Opinion Diversity in Sisters?

Black History Month in Sisters? It's almost an oxymoron.

Oregon is a state with a history of intolerance and limited diversity. Sisters is far less diverse than the state as a whole. Some might consider Black History Month to be something of a non-issue in Sisters.

If anything, just the opposite is true.

Those of us grew up in rural or suburban Oregon might have cause to wonder what all the fuss is about, and that's exactly why something like Black History Month is necessary.

In today's world, we're learning that the history most of us were taught as children was "whitewashed." In other words, what we learned was presented from a white, or Euro-centric, perspective.

Contrary to radical rhetoric, whitewashing wasn't necessarily malicious, it was more likely rooted in ignorance and insensitivity.

Who knew, for example, that the first death of a non-native explorer of Oregon was that of a black youth? Markus Lopeus was a crew member on Captain Robert Gray's first voyage to the region in 1788.

While gathering provisions near the present site of Tillamook, the young black man was killed when an encounter with natives turned sour.

Perhaps a little better known is the Oregon explorer, York, a slave who accompanied the Lewis and Clark Expedition 200 years ago.

Based on historical records, York was a valuable member of the party, yet he is not even mentioned in many contemporary accounts.

It is possible that York was snubbed by historians, not so much for the color of his skin, but because he was merely considered property incidental to the expedition. York was a family slave who grew up with Captain William Clark; and, while history suggests that Clark considered him a friend, companion and advisor, York was still a slave.

Half a century later, when those who followed York's footsteps to Oregon set about establishing the new state, they thanked the pioneer by formally excluding anyone of his color.

Such was the commitment of our forebears to the concept of "diversity."

Perhaps you recall that in the last election we voted on an unheralded measure that cleaned up some "archaic" wording in Oregon's Constitution.

The measure's purpose was to remove the original constitutional provisions that excluded black persons from the State of Oregon. The words were right there for all the world to see:

"No free Negro, or mulatto, not residing in this state at the time of the adoption of this constitution, shall come, reside, or be within this State, or hold any real estate."

Most of the measure's advocates wanted the references stricken because they felt it was the right thing to do.

Some wanted the words removed because they were downright embarrassing.

Still others argued against the changes, reasoning that the historic passages served as a sobering reminder of Oregon's racist past.

In any event, the measure passed and the words are gone; but it will be up to all of us to see that the sentiment is gone, too.

I don't think for a minute that the people of Sisters are a particularly racist lot; but, on the whole, we don't really have much of an opportunity to ponder race and diversity issues, either.

Black History Month in Sisters?

It's a chance for us to take the time to think about diversity and what it means to our nation and our community -- not just as it relates to persons of African descent, but also those of Hispanic, Arab, Asian, Native or whatever backgrounds.

As a people -- and as a Nation -- we are enriched and strengthened by our differences. Diversity is something to embrace and celebrate.

Someday, it may no longer be necessary to go through the process of observing something like a Black History Month -- but we're not there yet.