State-Of-Black-Oregon-2015

FOREWORDThe State of Black Oregon 2015 provides a clear,urgent call and path forward for a Black Oregonpolicy agenda. The report captures dreams thathave been lost and deferred. It tells us whatwe must do to make dreams real and inclusivefor thousands of Black Oregonians. Whocan make change happen? All of us, workingtogether. The Oregon Legislature, our cities,counties and regional governments, as shapersand drivers of policy affecting the quality oflife for all Oregonians, must own this report,be key participants and take responsibility forimplementing the policy recommendations. Wemust continue to reach, embrace and engage anew generation of voters and leaders. We musthasten the training and development of Blackleaders, teachers and mentors. Dr. Martin LutherKing Jr. gave us a “prescription for a healthysociety”—The Beloved Community describedby the King Center as “...a global vision in whichall people can share in the wealth of the earth.In The Beloved Community, poverty, hungerand homelessness will not be tolerated becauseinternational standards of human decency willnot allow it. Racism and all forms of bigotry andprejudice will be replaced with an all-inclusivespirit of sisterhood and brotherhood.”Let Oregon lead the way in our rapidly evolvingNation—lead the way in claiming, proclaimingand demonstrating to the world that we are aBeloved Community.As we read the State of Black Oregon report—each of us is in search of our role to advancesocial and racial justice. As we task ourselves,let us remember the words left to us by agreat American Black and gay writer, LangstonHughes. He asked whether a dream deferreddries up like a raisin in the sun—or just explodes?AVEL LOUISE GORDLYFormer Oregon State SenatorAssociate Professor of Black Studies, PSU (retired)Author: Remembering the Power of Words...The Life of an Oregon Activist, Legislatorand Community Leader1