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, dedicated, fearless advocate for Civil Rights and everything good about Portland.  We love you, and God knows we will forever miss you.

Watch the video  in her own words: https://youtu.be/obrycMEYLuc

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 this pain in my bones.

Everyone should show up and participate in the political process.

Thank God the Billy Webb Elks Lodge is on the mend. Finally, it seems they are beginning to handle the business of getting this beloved building and its programs back up and running. Some know that this is one of the few black-owned and operated buildings in Portland and Oregon.

They are not home yet, but thanks to the efforts of folks like Deborah Roache, Lou Mclemore, and Debora Hutchins things are beginning to move. There are others involved but these are the key people and they need your help. This is where community support means something.

Reportedly the building caught fire by transit homeless people smoking on the back entrance during the height of COVID. Black people again feeling the devastating consequences of COVID.

The original restoration started back in 2008:

https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2008/08/historic_elks_lodge_gets_paint.html

The Portland branch of the NAACP can be accused of being asleep at the switch if we don’t get the word out. Attached is our poster and flyer about this coming election process. Please be patient with us as we try to make up for lost time in this critical election season.

If you are not registered yet it is almost too late!!!!!!! Get busy and register everybody and their mother.

Askari – To know him is to love him

Askari as we called him, will be greatly missed. It is a privilege to assist in the memorial celebration of his life this Saturday at the Lloyd Center Mall next to our NAACP office. To know him is to love him. Come hear his story 1:00 pm. He truly exemplifies our love for black history.

Ok, my people, it’s going down on October 28. The Portland NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner Fundraiser is the hottest ticket event for 2023. Don’t miss it. Get your tickets now.

Below are only 10 reasons you should join the NAACP and celebrate with us on October 28:

• Advocacy: By joining the NAACP, you become part of a community of advocates who work to promote equal rights and justice for all. Members have the opportunity to participate in advocacy campaigns that aim to improve civil rights and social justice for people of color.

• Education: The NAACP provides members with educational resources and opportunities to learn about civil rights, social justice, and policy issues. Members can attend conferences, workshops, and other events that provide education on topics like voting rights, police reform, and educational equity.

• Networking: Joining the NAACP provides opportunities to network with like-minded individuals who share a passion for social justice and racial equality. Members can connect with leaders and activists who are working to make a difference in their communities.

• Leadership: Development: The NAACP offers leadership development opportunities for members to develop their skills and take on leadership roles within the organization. Members can develop skills in communication, advocacy, and community organizing.

• Civic Engagement: The NAACP encourages civic engagement among its members by promoting voter registration, voter education, and participation in local and national elections. Members can also participate in local advocacy efforts that aim to improve their communities.

• Legal Support: The NAACP provides legal support to members who experience discrimination or other civil rights violations. Members have access to a network of attorneys who can provide legal advice and representation in cases related to civil rights.

• Scholarships: The NAACP offers scholarships to students who are committed to promoting civil rights and social justice. Members can apply for these scholarships to support their education and career goals.

• Health and Wellness: The NAACP promotes health and wellness among its members by providing resources and information on topics like mental health, nutrition, and physical activity. Members can participate in health and wellness programs that aim to improve their overall well-being.

• Community Service: The NAACP encourages members to engage in community service projects that support social justice and racial equality. Members can participate in local initiatives that aim to improve the lives of people of color in their communities.

10. Personal Fulfillment: Joining the NAACP can provide a sense of personal fulfillment by allowing individuals to contribute to a cause they are passionate about. Members can take pride in being part of an organization that has a long history of fighting for civil rights and promoting social

NAACP.ORG/Join

Joy Joy to the World 

Losing my brother last year, missing my aunt Tut on her birthday and both parents gone, this little boy brought much needed joy this Christmas. For old people like us in the middle of Pandemic, a new grandson is such a joyful  blessing from God.

https://www.portlandoregon.gov/phb/article/671059

The North/Northeast Preference Policy

The Preference Policy is an effort by the Portland Housing Bureau to address the ongoing harmful impacts of urban renewal by giving preference to housing applicants who were displaced, are at risk of displacement, or the descendants of families displaced due to urban renewal activity in North and Northeast Portland. Learn more about the preference policy here.

A white guy named Matthew Tschadbold help lead this effort.