Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 17, 2026

Portland Observer

The Portland Observer is one of the oldest African-American newspapers in Oregon. Established in 1970, it is published weekly, in Portland, Oregon. Rev. Alfred L. Henderson founded the paper in 1970, in the tradition of the People's Observer, a 1940s publication that had ceased publication in 1950. Another paper had the same title in Portland, Michigan, from 1876 into the 20th century.

Last revised
Jun 17, 2026
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Portland Observer
"Committed to Cultural Diversity"
TypeWeekly newspaper
FounderRev. Alfred L. Henderson
PublisherMark Washington
General manager
Lucinda Baldwin
Founded1970
LanguageEnglish
Headquarters4747 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Portland, OR 97211
CountryUnited States
ISSN2997-3910
OCLC number9286929
Websiteportlandobserver.com
Free online archives
University of Oregon Libraries

The Portland Observer is one of the oldest African-American newspapers in Oregon.123 Established in 1970, it is published weekly4 (on Wednesdays), in Portland, Oregon. Rev. Alfred L. Henderson founded the paper in 1970, in the tradition of the People's Observer, a 1940s publication that had ceased publication in 1950.5 Another paper had the same title in Portland, Michigan, from 1876 into the 20th century.67

History

The Portland Observer was launched by William H. McClendonn in 1938, but due to the Great Depression, folded in 1939.8 In June 1943, McClendon revived his newspaper as the People's Observer, which ceased again in July 1950.9

Decades later Rev. Alfred L. Henderson re-established the Portland Observer in November 1970. At the time he was pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church.10 Six years later Henderson moved to Berkeley, California, but planned to commute back to Portland every two weeks to manage the paper.11

In October 1987, Henderson named Leon L. Harris, who owned the Seattle Observer in 1962–63, was named general manager. In 1988, the Observer moved into its own building, owned by Harris. At that time the paper had about 5,000 paying subscribers and a circulation of 12,000.12

After several changes in ownership, Joyce Washington purchased the Portland Observer in 1989. Her son Corey Washington, who was involved in the paper, was shot to death after a basketball game dispute at Peninsula Park in 1991. He was 27. The company's corporation was named Corey Publishing in his memory.13

Upon her death in 1996,14 Washington's son Charles "Chuck" Washington, a Portland native and a graduate of Jefferson High School, took over as publisher until his death in December 2012.1 The paper was then passed on to Mark Washington. Portland politician, radio host, restaurateur, and veteran Bruce Broussard has held a leadership position at the paper.15 Additionally, Albert Williams has also contributed to the paper as general manager.16

References

References

  1. Tims, Dana (December 10, 2012). "Charles Washington, longtime Portland Observer publisher, dies at age 60". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on August 11, 2018. Retrieved August 6, 2016.
  2. "Portland Observer Publisher Charles Washington, 1951-2012". The Skanner. December 11, 2012. Archived from the original on August 19, 2016. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
  3. Brenner, Sammy (December 10, 2012). "Charles Washington, Publisher Of Portland Observer, Is Dead". Oregon Public Broadcasting. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
  4. Sabatier, Julie (December 10, 2012). "Remembering Charles Washington". Think Out Loud. Oregon Public Broadcasting. Retrieved August 6, 2016.
  5. "William McClendon (1915–1996)". The Oregon Encyclopedia. Retrieved August 6, 2016.
  6. "New P. M. Paper for Lansing". Editor and Publisher. January 15, 1921. p. 38. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  7. "About Portland observer. (Portland, Mich.) 1887-1939". National Endowment for the Humanities. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
  8. "Portland Observer | Historic Black Newspapers of Portland | Portland State University". PDXScholar. Retrieved February 25, 2022.
  9. Fonseca, Stan (June 9, 2022). "William McClendon (1915-1996)". Oregon Encyclopedia. Retrieved February 26, 2020.
  10. "Honors due editor, pastor". The Oregonian. February 5, 1977. p. 24.
  11. "Berkley Calls Observer Boss". Oregon Journal. October 4, 1976. p. 2.
  12. Richards, Suzanne (August 5, 1988). "Portland Observer to open new building". The Oregonian.
  13. Spicer, Osker (December 7, 1995). "The Portland Observer: A survivor turns 24". The Oregonian. p. 5.
  14. Spicer, Osker (March 19, 1996). "Publisher of The Portland Observer Dies". The Oregonian. p. 14.
  15. Perry, Douglas (August 4, 2016). "Oregon Libertarian Party seeks to raise profile with long-time Republican's endorsement". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on August 7, 2016. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
  16. White, Brian (September 14, 1987). "Black newspapers add to media". Portland Business Journal. p. 4.
External links

45°33′25″N 122°39′43″W / 45.557°N 122.662°W / 45.557; -122.662