| About Us |
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| Mission Statement |
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Working for the implementation and establishment of economic, social, legal, and political equality for African Americans and Blacks in Oregon.
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| Organization |
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Annual Performance Measures
Where does the Commission receive its authority?
The Commission on Black Affairs is authorized under ORS 185.410 to work for the implementation and establishment of economic, social, legal and political equality for Oregon’s African American and Black populations.
What are the Commission’s responsibilities?
The Commission’s responsibilities are many. It is authorized by law to:
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Monitor existing programs and legislation designed to meet the needs of African Americans and Blacks;
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Identify and research concerns and issues affecting the African American and Black community, and to recommend actions to the governor and to the Legislative Assembly, Including recommendations on legislative programs;
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Act as a liaison between the African American, Black community and Oregon’s government;
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Encourage African American and Black representation on state Boards and Commissions;
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Employ an Executive Director and other staff as necessary to carry out its responsibilities;
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Establish special committees as needed.
Who makes up the Commission?
The Commission on Black Affairs is comprised of eleven members, nine of who are appointed by the Governor, to be confirmed by the Senate, prior to serving three-year terms. The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House appoint a member from their respective houses to serve two-year terms on the Commission.
What does the Commission do for Oregon’s citizens?
In carrying out its mission, the Commission on Black Affairs according to ORS 185.410, may serve as advocate, analyst, instructor, monitor, and advisor. Regardless of the role taken, the goal remains the same: To work for the equality of African Americans and Blacks and towards the betterment of all of Oregon’s citizens.
The Commission on Black Affairs carries out many activities to achieve its mission including, but not limited to:
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Soliciting public input through community meetings, hearings, questionnaires and surveys;
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Researching and documenting issues surfaced by the monitoring, review and public input process;
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Recommending legislation designed to accomplish the Commission’s purposes;
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Disseminating information to African Americans and other parties regarding issues and the Commission’s work;
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Developing and maintaining continuous dialogue with Oregon’s African Americans and Blacks.
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Producing and / or sponsoring events designed to meet Commission purposes.
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| History |
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Oregon’s Commission on Black Affairs was created to be a link between Oregon’s African Americans, Blacks, and Oregon government. In 1980, Former Governor Vic Atiyeh created the commission. 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.
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