Legislative Town Hall, Via Zoom, May 30
April 17, 2025
The People and The Public: A Cultural History Speaker Series
Oregon Coast Community College invites the public to a new, free community event series exploring the rich and often underrepresented histories of Oregon’s Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities.
Hosted at venues across Lincoln County, The People and The Public series brings three powerful speakers—each delivering two presentations—to shine a light on the experiences, contributions, and resilience of communities that have helped shape the Oregon Coast and the state as a whole.
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Series Overview
Each presentation is open to the public and free of charge. Two of the events will be available via livestream for those who cannot attend in person. Come to learn, reflect, and celebrate the diverse cultural fabric of our region.
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Valerie White: African American History in Oregon
Monday, May 5 | 5–7 p.m.
📍 OCCC Central County Campus, Newport
Wednesday, May 7 | 5–7 p.m.
📍 OCCC North County Center, Lincoln City
📺 Livestream available via Zoom: Join the May 7 event
Valerie White has dedicated her career to helping others navigate complexity through education, finance, and consulting. She brings decades of research and storytelling focused on African American experiences in Oregon. Valerie’s family history is deeply woven into the nation’s fabric—she’s the daughter of a Tuskegee Airman and the great-great-granddaughter of an abolitionist preacher.
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Dr. Franki Trujillo-Dalbey: Latino History on the Oregon Coast
Saturday, May 17 | 2–4 p.m.
📍 Waldport Public Library
Monday, May 19 | 5–7 p.m.
📍 Yachats Community Presbyterian Church
📺 Livestream available via Zoom: Join the May 19 event
Dr. Franki Trujillo-Dalbey is a local Chicana, retired professor, and community activist whose family arrived in Lincoln County in 1925. She’ll share historical insights and personal reflections on the experiences and contributions of Mexican and Latino communities in Oregon.
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Peter Sv-gvs (Black Bear) Hatch: Indigenous History of the Oregon Coast
Wednesday, May 21 | 5–7 p.m.
📍 OCCC Central County Campus, Newport
Wednesday, May 28 | 5–7 p.m.
📍 OCCC North County Center, Lincoln City
📺 Livestream available via Zoom: Join the May 28 event
Peter Hatch (Sv-gvs, meaning “Black Bear”) is a History & Archaeology Specialist with the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. His work focuses on preserving and sharing the cultural legacy of Oregon’s Indigenous peoples. In this presentation, Peter will guide the audience through a deeper understanding of local tribal history and presence.
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Join the Conversation
This series is part of OCCC’s ongoing effort to foster inclusive learning and amplify historically silenced voices. All are welcome—students, families, educators, and community members.
📩 For questions, contact Oscar Juarez at oscar.juarez@oregoncoast.edu or call 541-867-8547.
