SEARCHING FOR York : CORPS OF DISCOVERY
Beginning October 2023
Right at the edge of the world….York discovered us
Who is York? The first African American to cross North America and reach the Pacific Coast.
Born into slavery in the 1770s to the family of William Clark. York became a member of the 1804 Lewis and Clark Expedition. Though York was an enslaved laborer, he performed all the duties of a full member of the expedition. He was a skilled hunter, negotiated trade with Native American communities, and tended to the sick. Upon his return east with the Corps of Discovery, York asked for his freedom. Clark refused his request.
The date and circumstances of his death are unclear.
From the mind of ARTISTIC DIRECTOR VIN SHAMBRY
Why York? Why now?
All of us can succumb to the pressure of our times, even if we know right from wrong. My interpretation of this story is to serve York as a pillar who paved the way, not to make somebody comfortable with his story. Historically, we all hit a collective wall that’s invisible. I hope you can see the injustice and recognize that this is just one story of the millions of people working hard for no benefit. It’s essential to have a central place to honor Oregon’s rich black heritage. We have the platform to uplift and provide roots for these stories that are the sentiments of our very existence.
We are responsible for protecting and sharing Black American and Native American history.
Our commitment as creatives is to shape the human experience outlined before us.
