Coalition of Communitites of Color, Portland African American Leadersh

Today we want to share three local, Portland groups we've donated to in support of their work to battle racism and address systemic inequities here in our city. See other groups Twisted has donated to this week. We've used direct quotes as much as possible below in an effort to directly amplify the voices of these organizations.

Coalition of Communities of Color

"Formed in 2001, the Coalition of Communities of Color (CCC) is an alliance of culturally-specific community based organizations with representation from the following communities of color: African, African American, Asian, Latino, Middle Eastern and North African, Native American, Pacific Islander, and Slavic. The CCC supports a collective racial justice effort to improve outcomes for communities of color through policy analysis and advocacy, environmental justice, culturally-appropriate data and research, and leadership development in communities of color."

"The Coalition of Communities of Color (CCC) addresses the socioeconomic disparities, institutional racism and inequity of services experienced by our families, children and communities; and to organize our communities for collective action resulting in social change to obtain self-determination, wellness, justice and prosperity."

Portland African American Leadership Forum

"The Portland African American Leadership Forum helps our Black community imagine the alternatives we deserve and build our civic participation and leadership to achieve those alternatives." It "envisions a world where people of African descent, enjoy the rights, resources and recognition to be a thriving, resilient and connected community."

PAALF employs a Black Queer Feminist lens, noting it: "gives a more holistic understanding of our conditions and connectedness as Black people. As a result, we understand that liberation for all Black people can only be realized by lifting up the voices, experiences and prioritizing the issues of historically silenced and vulnerable groups within Black communities – specifically, queer, trans and GNC, femme, poor, disabled, working and undocumented people (BYP100).

Urban League of Portland

"Urban League of Portland is one of Oregon’s oldest civil rights and social service organizations, empowering African-Americans and others to achieve equality in education, employment, health, economic security and quality of life."

"We do this by investing in stable housing; through workforce development; community health; education and well-being; for our youth, adults and seniors. Our culturally specific programs and services, combined with our powerful advocacy and civic engagement, empowers Black communities to thrive across Oregon and SW Washington."

Black Lives Matter. We stand today and every day with our Black friends, neighbors, and family members. We are and always have been committed to taking affirmative steps to support those who are not in the majority.

As an LYS, we focused on creating a safe, anti-racist space via in-person interactions. Now, as an online-only business, our opportunity to share our beliefs and work to create an anti-racist space is also largely online.

We welcome you to read our Diversity and Inclusivity Statement and contact us.