Black Youth Leadership Fund

This week, Portland City Council moved forward with investing in the Black Youth Leadership Fund championed by the Mayor and Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty. The program was envisioned with Black youth with aims to close the inequality gap in response to the Black Lives Matter protests for racial justice and police accountability.

“I couldn’t be prouder to bring this investment in Portland’s Black youth forward during this Black History Month.” said Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty. “The racial inequalities of today did not happen overnight and have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. To create a more equal and just Portland, we need to invest in the communities that have historically been disinvested in. These investments will provide hope and opportunities for our Black community that has always been left behind in Portland. That enriches our entire city.”

The Black United Fund will oversee the program, with community granting opportunities overseen by Black youth in partnership with the Oregon Community Foundation. Beyond the ongoing $950,000 provided by the City of Portland, the fund will now be able to receive private donations. Learn more here.