Black history in agriculture is not just about labor; it is about innovation, knowledge, survival, and joy. When we talk about Black history and agriculture, we’re not just talking about physical labor; we’re talking about knowledge systems as well. Black people did not come to the Americas as blank slates. They came with deep agricultural expertise, ecological understanding, and food traditions that shaped what America eats, grows, and values today. Black Joy Oregon is part of a long continuum of Black people reclaiming land, food, and community. In this exhibit you will see how early Black farmers shaped farming and cuisine, beginning with roots in Africa and  the southern United States, to the present day.

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