On July 27, 1945 members of the City Club of Portland gathered in the Crystal Room of the Benson Hotel for a luncheon program to discuss “The Negro in Portland” and, specifically, to hear a report by its committee on Race Relations.
The committee reported among its findings that many local diners “frequented by working men” sported placards reading “White Trade Only” and noted that “Portland is the only city on the coast where such signs are displayed.” It found that the congregations of the major protestant churches, like the staffs at the two daily newspapers, were all white, but that other employment opportunities were available to the county’s black residents.
“While Negroes who want to work can obtain jobs, there is less tendency for them to commit acts that would bring them into conflict with the police,” the report said.
That statement was at odds with the Club’s finding that black residents, who made up less than 2 percent of Multnomah County’s population at the time, represented 13.2 percent of those sent to the state penitentiary.
The report said that Police Chief H. M. Niles insisted that “no racial discrimination [was] practiced” by his all-white police force. Rather, he said, “it was his impression that Negroes were responsible for more crimes and misdemeanors of all types than white residents of Portland” and that “this impression was shared by other members of the police force who were questioned.” (Some of whom “admitted discriminatory feelings against Negroes.”)
The committee suggested the police department conduct “a course in racial tolerance” but found Chief Niles “showed a lack of enthusiasm” for the idea.
The committee, nonetheless, listed this as its final recommendation:
“That the city administration be urged to inaugurate courses of police training designed to inculcate in the city’s police force tolerance and understanding of problems involving racial tensions. Also, it is recommended that an effort be made to place qualified Negroes on the Portland police force.”
The story you just read is only possible because readers like you support our mission to uncover truths that matter. If you value this reporting, help us continue producing high-impact investigations that drive real-world change. Your donation today ensures we can keep asking tough questions and bringing critical issues to light. Join us — because fearless, independent journalism depends on you!
Officials repeatedly ignored guidance regarding their $4.5 million purchase to boost law enforcement radio connection at a government building in Tacoma, jeopardizing federal funding
In other parts of the country, the welfare checks have resulted in children being taken out of their homes and put back into government custody
Get the inside scoop in your inbox, free.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletters and never miss an investigation.
Journalism that sparks change
Our work has inspired new state laws, exposed government failures and impacted local communities in powerful ways. These stories wouldn't be told without InvestigateWest, and we couldn't do it without our generous supporters.
