Explore African American History and Culture
Umpqua Community College and the Sue Shaffer Learning Commons and Library are closed on June 19th.
June 19th marks Juneteenth, a significant day in American history commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. On this day in 1865, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom. Juneteenth is a time to honor the strength, resilience, and contributions of African Americans, while also acknowledging the ongoing work toward racial equity and justice. The library invites you to engage with a variety of resources that celebrate Black voices and deepen understanding of this powerful legacy.
Our digital and physical collections highlight the richness of Black history, art, and activism. From personal narratives and historical accounts to cultural studies and documentaries, we invite you to explore the journey of Black Americans. The UCC Library is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals can learn and grow. Whether you're researching African American history or exploring social justice topics, we offer:
Gale OneFile: U.S. History – Access scholarly resources on pivotal moments like the Civil War, behind the scenes of the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the Civil Rights Movement. Don’t miss this article on the Juneteenth Monument.
Kanopy – Stream powerful films that tell Black stories, such as this collection from the University of Southern California Cinematic Arts. There is also this series called Roots, which is about one family's journey through slavery and wants to preserve their legacy.
Books and eBooks: Featuring fiction, nonfiction, and poetry from Black authors and thinkers, including works like The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson and the book The Light of the World by Elizabeth Alexander. Poetry includes The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes.
Films on Demand – Watch educational documentaries such as Slavery and the Making of America, which traces the history of slavery and its enduring impact.
ERIC – Explore research on African American education, equity in schools, and inclusive curriculum development.
Understanding history is key to creating a more just future. The library supports this through tools that promote critical thinking and dialogue around systemic racism, cultural identity, and activism.
Library Exhibit: The Black Pioneers
This exhibit is open to all UCC students, faculty, staff, and community members, and will be available for viewing during regular library hours from October 13, 2025 - December 5, 2025.
Between 1840 and 1870, Oregon’s provisional and territorial governments passed laws excluding Black people from rights afforded to white settlers. Despite this, a small number of Black Americans settled or remained in Oregon, challenging the discriminatory laws and laying the foundation for the state’s future Black communities.
This exhibit highlights some of those Black pioneers who risked everything to build a better life for themselves and their families in Oregon. Swing by the UCC Library to learn more!
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Deep Thoughts and Documentaries
Join us Thursday, October 16, at 3:00pm for Deep Thoughts and Documentaries. This monthly event is a great way to explore big ideas and connect with others. Deep Thoughts and Documentaries will be held once a month in the library, so if you enjoy this one, mark your calendar for the next. Did you know you can preregister here?
Calendar of events
Check out our calendar of library events here.
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