Flossin Media

Did you know that Oregon’s early laws once permitted Black individuals and anyone not considered white to travel through the state, but strictly prohibited them from settling? Those who dared to stay risked facing devastating “sundown laws”—local regulations that banned non-white people from certain areas after dark, enforced through severe punishments like up to 20 lashes.

Jacob Vanderpool, a Black entrepreneur, became a victim of this injustice:
- Although he had strong community backing, with locals testifying to his character and business success,
- The plaintiff, Theophilus Magruder, who owned a dilapidated boarding house, resorted to bribing the presiding judge.
- As a result, without properly considering the evidence, the judge ordered Jacob to leave Oregon.

Stories like Jacob’s shed light on the discriminatory policies woven into our history and the courage of those who stood against them.

Let’s continue to uncover and discuss these important stories. What other examples of past injustice should we remember? Share your insights in the comments—because understanding history is key to creating a fairer future.

Exploring Oregon’s past shows a remarkable path toward greater inclusion. In 2025, Oregon City—the oldest city in the state—made history by electing its first Black woman mayor. This achievement holds deep meaning, especially considering Oregon City’s difficult legacy: it was the only city in Oregon where Black people were once legally barred from staying.

Take Jacob Vanderpool, a Black business owner who ran a saloon, tavern, and boarding house in downtown Oregon City. He was driven out after a white resident questioned his right to live there. At that time, Oregon’s laws permitted Black people to travel through but forbade them from settling, subjecting those who stayed to severe consequences like physical punishment under sundown laws.

It’s crucial to acknowledge that even then, Jacob Vanderpool had allies who supported him during those challenging times.

Today, as we celebrate this historic milestone, we also reflect on the resilience of those who faced injustice before us. Progress has been made, but there’s still more to do. Discover more about Oregon’s layered history and be part of the movement for a fairer, more inclusive future. What are your reflections? Share below.

As the Mayor of Oregon City, Denyse McGriff is dedicated to demonstrating to youth of color that leadership, service, and integrity are accessible to all. Her longstanding commitment to our community and wealth of experience highlight how young people can make real contributions to Oregon City’s future.

To all leaders: your perspectives are valuable. Take the initiative, engage in local opportunities, and remember—you have a place in shaping our city. Stand alongside Mayor McGriff by volunteering, mentoring, or participating in community events to foster a more inclusive Oregon City. Representation makes a difference—let’s work together to empower the next generation!

When power becomes profit, who really pays the price?
Is the chaos strategy… or distraction?�Is the system being protected — or exploited?
This isn’t about noise. It’s about accountability. It’s about who benefits when confusion becomes currency.
Let’s talk about it.
👇 Drop your thoughts below.

Let’s discuss below! 👇