We invite you to attend Black Male Achievement (BMA) Portland’s press conference on Monday January 26, 2015, at 12:30 p.m. on the site of the historic Self Enhancement Inc. Academy, located at 3920 North Kerby Ave. Mayor Charlie Hales will announce his and the City’s endorsement and introduce the BMA Steering Committee members, who will share details of the initiative.

The City of Portland was selected as one of 11 cities to participate in the National League of Cities’ Black Male Achievement Initiative to improve outcomes for Black men and boys. The BMA is designed to address four specific focus areas: Education, Employment, Family Stability, and Criminal Justice.

BMA Portland is an umbrella entity of over 20 organizations in the region represented by Black men that will act as convener, facilitator, policy guide, and collective voice to exert influence and push for change for the betterment of Black men and boys. A two-year process of community engagement and visioning was undertaken to gain feedback, clarity, and direction for the work.

Housed in the Office of Equity and Human Rights within Mayor Hales’ portfolio, BMA works with officials in Multnomah County government, as well as with for-profit and non-profit entities to create access to jobs and mentoring. 

Black Male Achievement Portland Steering Committee members are driven by a fierce urgency to create systemic change in local, county, and state government and beyond. BMA members have fresh approaches to move the needle in eliminating disparities between Black males and their peers.

Date: Monday, January 26, 2015

Time: 12:30 p.m.

Location: Self Enhancement Incorporated Academy

Address: 3920 North Kerby Avenue, Portland, OR 97227

We hope that you will be able to join us. Please forward this to others who may be interested in supporting this effort.

Respectfully,

Black Male Achievement Portland Steering Committee

For more information please visit http://www.portlandoregon.gov/oehr/bma