652-2024

Whereas, James Gilbert (Jim Pepper) was born in Salem on June 18, 1941, to Gilbert Pepper of the Kaw Nation and Floy C. Pepper of the Muskogee Creek Nation, both educators at Chemawa Indian School; and

Whereas, Jim’s family relocated to the Parkrose neighborhood following the 1948 Vanport flood, having previously moved to Vanport where Gilbert worked in the shipyards; and

Whereas, Jim Pepper emerged as a pioneering musician and composer, known for his mastery of the tenor and soprano saxophones, and flute, and his contributions to jazz-rock fusion with his band, The Free Spirits, and later recordings including ‘Jim Pepper’s Powwow’; and

Whereas, Jim gained international acclaim with over 50 albums and his collaborations extended across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Africa with jazz legends and numerous Oregonian musicians, enhancing the music scene significantly; and

Whereas, Jim Pepper advocated for indigenous peoples’ rights through benefit concerts and as musical director for the ‘Night of the First Americans’ at the John F. Kennedy Center in 1980; and

Whereas, Jim Pepper passed away from lymphoid cancer in February 1992 at his home in Portland at age 50; and

Whereas, his innovative fusion of Native American song with jazz, African, South American, and Caribbean rhythms left a lasting legacy; and

Whereas, Jim Pepper’s legacy was honored with multiple awards, including posthumous induction into several Music Halls of Fame, and was celebrated at events such as the Portland Jazz Festival and Cathedral Park Jazz Festival; and

Whereas, the Pepper family home was listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2023, recognizing its significance as Oregon’s first historic site designated for contemporary Indigenous history; and

Whereas, the Jim Pepper Native Arts Council is working to advance culturally relevant music education across Oregon through its Speak/Sing Native curriculum, dedicated to the memory and spirit of Floy C. Pepper; and

Whereas, on July 27, 2024, the 12th annual Jim Pepper Native Arts Festival will be held at Columbia Park Annex, produced by Portland Parks and Recreation’s Summer Free for All Program.

Now, therefore, I, Ted Wheeler, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses,” do hereby proclaim July 27, 2024, to be

Jim Pepper Day

In Portland and encourage all residents to observe this day.