State-Of-Black-Oregon-2015

INTRODUCTIONSTATE OF BLACK OREGON 2015Let us imagine the reality we wish to see forBlack Oregon—an environment where ourchildren are engaged in the classroom; wherethe economy is bolstered by a well-equippedand sought-after Black workforce; where astrong community made up of generations ofBlack families can remain connected and stablein their homes and surroundings. This is notwhat we see today, but we can accept nothingless. The State of Black Oregon 2015 seeks tobridge that gap, addressing challenges in a waythat will benefit all Oregonians.From our vantage point in 2015, the politicallandscape in Oregon is shifting. It is beingmoved by the demographic changes of growingcommunities of color and the accompanyingneed for innovation to build an equitable andinclusive economy for the 21st century. AsOregon works to build a healthy and prosperousstate, we risk failing to fulfill our potentialand our promise if we do not dismantle thelegacy of inequity and institutional neglect ofcommunities of color.Across our state, as is the case across thenation, public and private systems still operatein ways that perpetuate income and racialinequality. This sad truth is confirmed by thefindings of our State of Black Oregon 2015.Dramatic evidence of the historic effects ofracism and its consequences has unfoldedfrom Ferguson to Portland and far too manycommunities in between to mention. We arereminded that the evolution and history ofracism is complex. Consequently, our solutionsmust also be complex. They must be rooted in ashared understanding by communities of colorand communities of conscience of our historyand what is required of all of us if we are to shiftour social fabric toward equity.The action we take today will determine ourtomorrow. Since the last State of Black Oregon10