African Americans in Oregon

I completely agree Marachne and I thought your original reply was right on the money. Everyone's experience will be different and I can only speak to my own.

You won't find much overt racism there, that's a stereotype.

She'll do fine, she has nothing to fear.

I just wanted to add that everyone else around the country thinks Portland has harsh winters, and all it ever does is rain, and they pronounce Oregon 'Orygon'. Don't believe anything you hear.

Well this winter has been harsh enough! In general, Portland does well in rain, but all the snow we've been having --- paralyzes the city!

Two of the lesser-known but very liberal cities are Eugene and Corvallis. They are both college towns and there is a great deal of ethnic diversity, as well as a generally progressive outlook and intellectual curiosity. Both areas are also home to large medical centers, so if things don't work out in Portland and environs, your friend should consider going further south.

A wee word of advice: Eastern Oregon is probably about 50 years behind the western half of the state in terms of attitude and culture. Even I wouldn't want to live there, and I'm neither AA nor liberal........