Oregon Commission on Black Affairs

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Oregon Commission on Black Affairs Supporting Black Oregonians through:
đź“ťPolicy
📢Advocacy
🤝🏽Partnerships In 1980, Former Governor Vic Atiyeh created the commission.

HISTORY: Oregon’s Commission on Black Affairs was created to be a link between Oregon’s African Americans, Blacks, and Oregon government. Three years later, the Oregon Legislative Assembly’s vote made it a statutory commission. The goal was to improve communication between the state legislature, The Governor, and Oregon’s African Americans and Blacks, to involve more African American and Blacks in policy making and program planning. CURRENT:
Public Policy Internships and Externships
Advocacy
Legislative
Discipline Disparities
Minority Apprentice to Journeymen


http://www.oregon.gov/OCBA/Pages/commissioners.aspx

07/20/2026

A new report is available from the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office detailing how you can help address racism as a public health crisis in Oregon.

In this video, Oregon Commission on Black Affairs Commissioner and Oregon State Representative Travis E. Nelson explains how the report is a new beginning of the long-overdue legislative movement.

07/15/2026

A new report is available from the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office detailing how you can help address racism as a public health crisis in Oregon.

In this video, Oregon Commission on Black Affairs Chair Liz Fouther-Branch describes her involvement in the process as an Advocacy Commissioner.

We're accepting applications for the Oregon Commission on Black Affairs. Applicants from areas outside the Portland metr...
07/07/2026

We're accepting applications for the Oregon Commission on Black Affairs. Applicants from areas outside the Portland metro region are especially encouraged to apply.

Anniversaries invite reflection. They remind us that democracy is strongest when every community member has the opportun...
07/02/2026

Anniversaries invite reflection. They remind us that democracy is strongest when every community member has the opportunity to be heard and feels they belong.

As we celebrate 250 years of the United States, the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office reaffirms its commitment to fostering inclusive public participation and ensuring all Oregonians, including systemically excluded and institutionally oppressed communities, help shape the decisions that affect their lives.

Our shared future is strongest when everyone has a seat and a voice at the table.

Juneteenth is a day of joy for Black people and an opportunity for the rest of us to listen, learn, and show gratitude f...
06/19/2026

Juneteenth is a day of joy for Black people and an opportunity for the rest of us to listen, learn, and show gratitude for our Black colleagues and community members who contribute so much to Oregon. We encourage everyone to celebrate.

Also known as Freedom Day, Liberation Day, Emancipation Day, or Black Independence Day, Juneteenth has been celebrated annually by African Americans since the late 1800s. The celebration of Juneteenth in Oregon began in 1945 when community leader Clara Peoples introduced the tradition from Muskogee, Oklahoma to her co-workers at the Kaiser Shipyards in Portland.

New Commissioner Alert! We are excited to announce our newly appointed Commissioner: Zaria Dukes. Congratulations and we...
06/18/2026

New Commissioner Alert! We are excited to announce our newly appointed Commissioner: Zaria Dukes. Congratulations and welcome!

On this day in 1967, the U.S. Supreme Court decided Loving v. Virginia, striking down laws against in*******al marriage....
06/12/2026

On this day in 1967, the U.S. Supreme Court decided Loving v. Virginia, striking down laws against in*******al marriage. The Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office honors the anniversary on Loving Day, a global day of visibility, education, and community.

It is with our deepest condolences that we extend our sympathies to the Gordly and Burch families on the passing of our ...
02/19/2026

It is with our deepest condolences that we extend our sympathies to the Gordly and Burch families on the passing of our beloved Avel Gordly.

Senator Gordly will forever be remembered as Albina’s own faithful servant – a trailblazing leader, tireless advocate, and the first Black woman to serve in the Oregon State Senate. Her extraordinary contributions to mental health awareness, environmental justice, community advocacy, and public service have left an enduring legacy of compassion, strength, and justice.

Her passing is our profound loss. We will continue the work she embodied as a truly faithful servant. May she rest in eternal peace.

Black History is Oregon History. Black Oregonians have courageously led the pursuit of justice, equity, and inclusion. T...
02/25/2025

Black History is Oregon History. Black Oregonians have courageously led the pursuit of justice, equity, and inclusion. The movement for civil rights, and the Black community’s resilience and excellence, bring us closer to a more perfect union where we can truly uplift the principle that all people are created equal.

Oregon’s history of racial injustice continues to impact Black communities. HB 2995, sponsored by Representative Travis ...
02/19/2025

Oregon’s history of racial injustice continues to impact Black communities. HB 2995, sponsored by Representative Travis Nelson, is our chance to address the harm caused by systemic discrimination through a Task Force on reparations. As HB 2995 prepares to be seen by legislators, now is the time to speak up. Draft your testimony today and demand accountability.

Address

421 SW Oak Street, Ste 770
Portland, OR
97204

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 9pm
Sunday 8am - 9pm

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