The Portland Observer is one of the oldest African-American newspapers in Oregon.^[2][3][4] Established in 1970, it is published weekly^[5] (on Wednesdays), in Portland, Oregon. Rev. Alfred L. Henderson founded the paper in the 1970s, in the tradition of the People's Observer, a 1940s publication that had ceased publication in 1950.^[6] That paper also originally went by the name of "Portland Observer."^[6]

The Portland Observer was launched by William H. McClendonn in 1938, but due to the Great Depression, folded in 1939.^[7]

Another paper had the same title in Portland, Michigan, from 1876 into the 20th century.^[8][9]

After several changes in ownership, the Washington family acquired the paper in the 1980s, during which Joyce Washington helmed the publication. Upon her death, Washington's son Charles "Chuck" Washington, a Portland native and a graduate of Jefferson High School, briefly took over as publisher until his death in December 2012.^[2] The paper was then passed on to Mark Washington who controls the paper today. Portland politician, radio host, restaurateur, and veteran Bruce Broussard has held a leadership position at the paper.^[10] Additionally, Albert Williams is currently the general manager of the Portland Observer and is involved in many aspects including hiring, editing, writing, advertising, and editing.^[11] In their website, they state their key focus of bringing stories focused on "education, health, politics, and law and justice" to their readers.^[12]