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.
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.