Oregon Experience

On May 9, 1934 more than 12,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association walked off the job from Bellingham to San Diego. They demanded better working conditions, union recognition and a coastwide contract. The strike would cripple shipping and paralyze commerce for nearly three months. Despite violent clashes up and down the coast, solidarity bound the longshoremen together

In the early 1950s, Oregon singer Johnnie Ray was one of the biggest pop stars in the world. His unique sound, along with his emotional performances, thrilled audiences and helped usher in rock and roll.

During the early 1900s, Marie Equi was among the pioneering female physicians in Oregon focusing on the health of women and children. Fiercely independent she was a radical activist for the working class, lived openly as a lesbian and championed reproductive rights and civil liberties for all.