Powerful Coalition of Young Black Leaders

young black leader for the PCL

What’s encouraging about the recent actions of the City Council is that when confronted with the truth and facts of the circumstances, they leaned toward right thinking and justice. In truth, it’s remarkable when twelve individuals can reach consensus on anything. Thanks to Portland’s new form of government—and the containment of the often arrogant power … Read more

When We Fight, We Win

Newspaper article describing Convention Center protest

I don’t think there’s any question that this year’s Portland NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner was successful on many levels. We must count it as a measure of progress because 27 years ago, we marched around the Convention Center protesting the absence of Black Jobs on the Convention Center site, and other construction on Martin Luther … Read more

A Black Man Making Money

Dr. Steven Holt

A black man making money is such a novelty that I suppose the world can’t help but suspect something nefarious is going on. To some on the right and left, it is simply too outrageous. When a black man becomes successful regardless of the sector, he becomes an immediate target. Couple this narrative with the … Read more

Carolyn Leonard – We Lost a Giant Advocate

Carolyn Leonard

Say her name, “Carolyn Marie Leonard” We lost Carolyn Leonard this August 2024. Her service was last Friday, August 17th, at her brother’s church, New Song Community Church. We are so thankful we honored her last year at our Portland Branch NAACP annual 2023 Freedom Fund Dinner.  We could not have chosen a more powerful, … Read more

Another Son of Portland Gone

Orenton Hill Jr.

Gone… I went to his service today and all I could think was hug your son. Love on all your kids. Orenton was not my blood son, but I considered him family. The truth is, he was wholly black Portland and everything we love about this city. This was a real loss and I feel … Read more