The History of the NAACP
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded in 1909. Read more about the history and evolution of the organization here.
The History of The Portland branch of the NAACP
Portland NAACP Branch 1120-B was founded in 1914, making it the oldest continuously chartered branch west of the Mississippi. At one time, the Portland NAACP even had its own credit union. While our history is still being written, our story is intertwined in the history of Oregon and the City of Portland.
Executive Leadership
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Executive Leadership |
Committee Chairs
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Committee Chairs |
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Alex Colas [he/him]
FREEDOM FUND
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Ashton Simpson [he/him]
LABOR & INDUSTRY
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DeAngelo Moaning [he/him]
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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Dr. Roscoe Shields, Jr.
RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
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Jona Davis
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
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J.W. Matt Hennessee
POLITICAL AFFAIRS
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Kimberly Moreland [she/her]
HEALTH
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Kymberly Horner
HOUSING
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Renee Anderson [she/her]
EDUCATION
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Shawn Flynn [he/him]
Veteran Affairs
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COMMUNICATIONS
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TaeViondre (Tae) Thomas
YOUTH
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ACT-SO
Executive Committee Members At-Large
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& Support
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Executive Committee Members At-Large | & Support |
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Cleo Davis
ECM AT-LARGE
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Daniel Portis-Cathers [he/they]
ECM AT-LARGE
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Jana Cole
Program Developer
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Leesha Posey [she/her]
ECM AT-LARGE
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Tiffany Hall
ECM AT-LARGE
Portland NAACP Committees
We strongly encourage members to join a committee to further the work of racial justice. Committees are actively recruiting. To get started, check out our active committees below. You are welcome to attend any of the public meetings listed on our calendar.
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Bylaws
The Bylaws committee is a special committee created for a specific purpose. The Bylaws Committee will draft local Branch Bylaws for consideration by the General Membership, and to support Branch leadership in meeting requirements of the Association. Limited local Branch bylaws are needed to function well while protecting the interests of all Branch members. The Bylaws Committee will maintain an anti-racist mindset while drafting local bylaws, understanding that structures such as Robert’s Rules are tools of white supremacy and institutional racism that can inflict or maintain discrimination and oppression.
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Communication
Communications, Press and Publicity. The Committee on Communications, Press and Publicity shall: (1) seek to promote media content consistent with fundamental NAACP goals which include the elimination of racial isolation and fear and the furtherance of multiracial and cultural understanding; (2) work to eliminate employment segregation and discrimination in those industries, [comprising the communications arts and sciences] (radio, telephone, television, motion pictures, newspapers, books, related computer communications, business, cable television); (3) seek to ensure Black minority ownership and control of print and electronic media — both hardware and software; (4) monitor local and national media, especially advertising performance; (5) provide the National Office with research and data on those local businesses engaged in communications arts and sciences; (6) seek to ensure that all people have a meaningful right to choose from and have access to a variety of high quality telecommunications goods and services at reasonable cost; (7) endeavor to secure publicity for the work of the Unit and the Association in the local press and on radio, television and other media; (8) attempt to interest persons in charge of local news media on conditions affecting minority groups; (9) seek to counteract derogatory and erroneous statements in local news media about Blacks and other minority groups.
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Economic Development
The Committee on Economic Development shall implement local efforts and support national programs to preserve and expand economic empowerment among African-Americans and other communities of color by: (1) researching and establishing relationships with private and public entities; (2) supporting the work of the National Office in monitoring the progress and activity of private and public entities designated by national programs; and (3) implementing local efforts to promote the growth of business ownership; (4) increasing employment and job creation; and (5) encouraging business development and home ownership.
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Education
The Committee on Education shall: (1) seek to eliminate segregation and other discriminatory practices in public education; (2) study local educational conditions affecting minority groups; (3) investigate the public school system and school zoning; (4) familiarize itself with textbook material there from which is racially derogatory; (5) seek to stimulate school attendance; (6) keep informed of school conditions and strive to correct abuses where found; (7) investigate the effects of standardized and high stakes testing practices; (8) teacher certification; (9) promote parental involvement in education; and (10) aim to be a center of popular education on the race question and on the work of the Association.
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Environmental Justice
Our goals align with the National branch's Environmental and Climate Justice goals. We work to ensure that communities are equipped to engage in sustainability and climate action planning that integrates policies and practices on advancing food justice, advocating for transportation equity, upholding civil and human rights in emergency management, and facilitating participatory democracy. Our committee is working to provide environmental justice awareness, programming in the community, educational outreach, and legislative change with partnered environmental justice organizations.
The Environmental and Climate Justice Committee shall: (1) seek to address environmental inequities at the local level and advocate for civil rights issues (2) develop a comprehensive and holistic agenda to reduce pollution (3) advance energy efficiency and clean energy (4) build disaster resilient infrastructure policies and practices. -
Finance
The Finance Committee shall consist of the President, Treasurer, and at least one other member. It shall study the financial needs of the Unit and shall be responsible for drafting an adequate annual budget.
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Health & wellness
The Health Committee shall: (1) work to promote, protect and maintain the health of African Americans; (2) assess the health needs of the community; (3) advocate for equal access to health education, care, treatment and research for all Americans; (4) sponsor health-related activities such as health forums, fairs and workshops highlighting issues of importance to people of color; and (5) support health initiatives of the Association.
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Housing
The Committee on Housing shall: (1) study housing conditions in the local community; (2) receive and seek to address complaints of discrimination; (3) oppose all restrictive practices whether public or private; and (4) disseminate information and render such other assistance which may eliminate discrimination in housing.
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Religious Affairs
The Religious Affairs Committee shall include ministerial and lay religious leaders who are members of the Unit. It shall: (1) promote an educational program designed to give moral and ethical interpretation to the civil rights struggle; (2) interpret the work of the Association to organized religious groups of all faiths; (3) enlist the support of such organized religious groups for membership, fundraising, and the struggle for equality and full civil rights; and (4) provide resource assistance for religious education and social action activities, associated with the improvement of race relations.
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Veterans Affairs
The Veterans Affairs Committee with an equity lens, prioritizes the specific needs and challenges faced by veterans of color, aiming to address historical and systemic disparities in their access to support and resources. With a profound commitment to exclusivity and fairness, the Committee shall:
(1) Focus on enhancing the well-being and support of veterans of color who have bravely served our nation, recognizing the unique challenges they may encounter due to their racial background. (2) Ensure that essential services, such as healthcare access, benefits navigation, employment opportunities, and educational programs, are tailored to meet the diverse needs of veterans of color, promoting a successful transition into civilian life.
(3) Vigilantly monitor and advocate for policies that specifically address the racial inequalities and discrimination experienced by veterans of color, aiming to eliminate any barriers they may face. (4) Foster a sense of camaraderie and community among veterans of color, creating safe spaces and support networks that acknowledge their experiences and offer understanding and encouragement. (5) Actively promote public awareness of the unique contributions and sacrifices made by veterans of color through outreach campaigns and educational programs that celebrate their heritage and service. (6) Collaborate with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and local communities to create targeted programs that address the racial disparities in support and resources available to veterans of color. (7) Prioritize efforts to provide veterans of color with equitable access to high-quality healthcare services and mental health support, recognizing the importance of culturally competent care. (8) Advocate for veterans of color, ensuring that they receive their entitled rights and benefits without any bias or discrimination. (9) Pursue initiatives that facilitate employment opportunities and job training programs specifically designed to empower veterans of color in their post-military careers. (10) Conduct thorough research and data analysis to identify and address the unique challenges faced by veterans of color, using an evidence-based approach to inform targeted interventions and policies.
By centering the experiences and needs of veterans of color, the Veterans Affairs Initiative strives to dismantle inequities and create a more just and supportive society that honors and uplifts all veterans who have served our nation selflessly.