In a previous post, Community Outreach committee member Dominique Whittaker announced the board’s approval to award $10,000 in micro-grants to community organizations that are focused on critical issues to the Black Lives Matter movement:
This year, 2020, has brought societal issues to the forefront of the American consciousness — from having frank conversations about systemic racism and police brutality, to asking what diversity and inclusion means and what the expectations of allies are. The 107IST itself has been called upon to reflect on the ways in which it has historically not been perceived as inclusive and how that can be changed going forward. Community, inclusion, and action are more paramount than ever and, while more can (and will) be done, the 107IST and the Community Outreach Committee are awarding $10,000 in micro-grants to community organizations whose mission and efforts center on furthering local efforts central to the Black Lives Matter movement.
Our second micro-grant recipient is The Black United Fund of Oregon, an organization serving BIPOC youth and young adults, with an emphasis on first-in-family college students and students from families with socioeconomic barriers. They also work to address systemic inequity through community-driven solutions for youth, both during and after high school, working to guide them to postsecondary success. About 65% of the individuals served identify as Black or African Diaspora, more than 80% identify as persons of color, and nearly 100% qualify as low-income. These individuals face the trauma of generational poverty, racial inequity, unequal opportunity, and — for immigrant students — a potentially painful and uncertain adjustment to life in a new country.
The Black United Fund’s primary activities include:
- One-on-one postsecondary support and workshops for 1,000 students annually using the culturally congruent Path to Scholarships®️ curriculum
- Community outreach events, such as large-scale workshops and college fairs
- Culturally specific professional development for BIPOC young professionals (“BUF Talks” and their alumni program)
- Postsecondary scholarships for students of color (funded through workplace giving)
- Mentoring BIPOC-led nonprofits to help them leverage resources and become more sustainable
- Grassroots grants (funded through workplace-giving) to smaller organizations reaching youth of color in creative and meaningful ways
- No- and low-cost rental space for female/queer-identifying and majority BIPOC-led nonprofits and groups, addressing the root causes of inequity to meet, rally, and organize in a safe space
Funds donated to the Black United Fund will support these activities, as well as others specifically geared to meet community needs in the midst of a pandemic, including:
- Exploring how the community has been impacted by COVID-19, making materials available remotely
- Increasing staff time to manage an expanded virtual program for program participants
- Providing educational materials and supplies for students, parents, and volunteers
- Remaining responsive to the community as they navigate the economic and educational consequences of the pandemic
In particular, the Black United Fund is concerned with the multimonth gap in education that is occurring, which will have long-term effects on BIPOC and low-income communities, setting our most vulnerable students up for failure. The Black United Fund is stepping up during the coming school year to give BIPOC youth the resources their white peers access to ensure they are on track next year — advancing to college, trade schools, careers, and more.
If you’d like to know more about the Black United Fund of Oregon, check them out here. If you’d like to support their work, you can donate here through December 31st as part of Willamette Week’s Give!Guide.
