Pasco City Television (PSC-TV) has premiered a program that documents some of the significant sites and people in the community’s African-American population. As part of a grant from the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP), financed in part with Federal funds from the National Park Service, the program has interviews with members of Pasco’s African-American community at significant sites in east Pasco that are central to the deep history of African-Americans in the Tri-Cities. The main objective of the grant was to document properties in east Pasco historically associated with African-Americans.
Tanya Bowers, producer of the program and member of the City’s Planning Commission said, “As the population ages and we lose the sites associated with the period when east Pasco was home to a vibrant, African-American community, recognizing this history through place becomes critical.” She continued, “Members of the local non-profit organization, African-American Community, Cultural & Educational Society, first identified places which were a part of the African-American experience in Pasco, and then others in the community expounded upon that list. Interviewees videotaped oral histories at various locations capturing east Pasco residents’ contributions to the city, the region, and the nation—which primarily commenced during World War II and the Cold War.”
Lori Larson, student volunteer editor of the program said, "The program was a privilege to participate on. Being able to learn about such important local history from those who can still remember the struggle and have experienced the cultural changes was eye-opening. There was a wealth of stories from amazing individuals. I hope that their narratives continue to impact others."
The program is now on the City’s YouTube channel (City of Pasco) and will be running on PSC-TV, Channel 191 on Charter/Spectrum Cable in Pasco and Richland. Visit www.pasco-wa.gov/psctvschedule for the latest schedule. The City of Pasco strives to continue improving the quality of community life in Pasco.