"A Man Called York" presentation

York was a Black man born in Virginia around 1772. He was enslaved by William Clark, who brought him west as part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1803-1806). York worked as a laborer and hunter during the journey, and showed friendship and goodwill to Native nations. Upon reaching the Pacific Ocean in 1805, York became the first Black person to cross North America above Mexico. York’s contributions helped ensure the Expedition’s success, but he received no compensation for his services. After the expedition, York asked Clark for his freedom and Clark refused. York’s efforts were rarely acknowledged in the two centuries that followed.

Please come learn about this highly important and overlooked historical figure at this presentation by Oregon Black Pioneers as part of the library's Black History Month celebration.

For middle school through adult