Black Journeys: Exploring Oregon’s Black History, The Legacy of Racial Injustice and Paths Forward
FEB 6, 6:30-8:30PM | Doors @ 6:15PM | Empirical Theater at OMSI
Join us for Black Journeys: Exploring Oregon’s Black history, the legacy of racial injustice and paths forward, a screening event that will showcase two films from OPB’s “Oregon Experience” history series: “Oregon’s Black Pioneers” and “The Road to Sunrise.”
This screening for Black History Month tells the stories of Black Oregonians’ past and present, and culminates in the hope of a future that is possible in our state.
Following the screening, we will have an audience Q&A and panel discussion with those featured in the documentaries, and we are eager to have you join us!
Schedule:
6:15PM | Doors open
6:30PM | OPB’s “Oregon Experience” History Series Films
7:30PM | Panel discussion and Q&A
8:30PM | Event ends
TICKETS:
Pay what you can; sliding scale $0-$15.
Content warning: these films contain images depicting lynching’s and racist violence, as well as racist slurs. Viewer discretion is advised.
ABOUT THE FILMS:
“Oregon’s Black Pioneers” examines the earliest African-Americans who lived and worked in the region during the mid-1800s.
“The Road to Sunrise” a documentary that follows activist Taylor Stewart on a road trip across Oregon to explore the state’s history of racism and its potential for healing.
Photo credit: Louisa Sewell and Child, Photo Courtesy of Oregon Historical Society, OrHi85397
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Empirical Cafe will be open with prepackaged salads, sandwiches and movie snacks. The bar will be open to guests that are 21+. No outside food or drink is allowed.
Click here for OMSI’s overall accessibility information. Below are the specific details for the Empirical Theater.
The Empirical Theater has an upper-level wheelchair accessible entrance and theater restrooms; due to the layout of the theater the lower-level main entrance is only accessible by stairs. Please check in with a Guest Services Representative or volunteer for assistance in locating these areas.
Several daytime documentaries and newer evening full-features offer closed captions, audio description, and volume amplification. The CaptiView closed caption units allow guests to see captions for their show by using a cup holder device that they can adjust within their view, and the Fidelio RX audio description units deliver descriptive narration and can also amplify the theater volume and dialogue.
The Showing Today signs updated daily at the front desk and theater entrance indicate which features offer closed captions (CC) and audio description (AD), while volume amplification is available for all theater content including events such as Science Pub and Reel Science.
Limited quantities of the following devices are available for theater guests and may be requested at either the Front Desk or Concierge Desk as well as from the theater usher:
- CaptiView closed caption (CC) viewing devices
- Fidelio RX audio description and volume amplification units
- Williams Sound NKL-001 neck loops designed to work with hearing aids equipped with a telephone coil or T-Switch
The rough inside measurements of the seats not including arm and back rests:
- Theater seats 16.5” wide and 21.5” deep
- Two accessible seating area chairs 39.29″ high, 29.5″ wide, and 29″ deep
- Additional accessible seating area chairs available by request is 23.5” wide and 21.5” deep
- The weight capacity for the accessible seating area chairs are 500lbs, and the additional accessible seating area chairs support between 200lbs-250lbs
Earplugs can be requested from the Front Desk and Concierge Desk, and sensory resource packs that include:
- Noise reducing headphones
- Fidget toys
- Sunglasses
- Visual and auditory timer
- 2 pound weighted shoulder wrap
- Sanitizing wipes
Please contact OMSI Guest Services at (503) 797-4000 or Info@OMSI.edu with any additional specific questions or needs.
OMSI has a new parking system via the mobile parking app, Parking Kitty, to create an easier and more streamlined experience for our visitors. Parking is $2 + fees for after-hours events. We recommend you download the app prior to your arrival at OMSI. You can also pay via their website at www.parkingkitty.com.