Portland State is bringing together campus and community members from communities of color and other underrepresented backgrounds to collectively chart a path forward for a more equitable and just future at PSU, the Portland metro region and Oregon.
The event, The Future and Thriving of BIPOC Communities macro convening, on Nov. 4 builds on work that emerged from previous affinity summits and convenings this summer and fall. PSU held dedicated gatherings in partnership with community groups for individuals identifying as Latiné, Black, Pacific Islander and Asian American (PIAA), Native American, and Middle Eastern/North African/South Asian (MENASA).
At the Nov. 4 event, organizers will share what they learned and work together on a shared agenda to support and stimulate the thriving of BIPOC communities throughout the region.
Ame Lambert, vice president of Global Diversity and Inclusion, says that PSU is leaning into its role as an anchor institution and its future as a majority-BIPOC student institution.
“BIPOC communities deserve to thrive,” she said. “As we look ahead to the future, we need equitable access to postsecondary education, healthcare, living wages, leadership positions, and ultimately power and agency. Communities must collectively chart a course to ensure their future is one where they are thriving, and they need partners, critical agents and stakeholders to come alongside to ensure this plan becomes a reality.”
The convening, described as a day of co-creation and mobilizing for action, will take place at University Place Hotel from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Food, childcare and community participant gift cards will be provided.
“The future of Portland State, the future of the city, the future of BIPOC communities are intertwined,” Percy said. “If we do it right — and we haven’t always done that — we’ll thrive together and that’s why this type of engagement is so important.”
