September 23, 2015
PORTLAND – Black Male Achievement (BMA) Portland will hold a ceremony to recognize participants in the Summer Youth Experience on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at The Ambridge Event Center (1333 NE MLK Jr. Blvd.), from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. This summer, the BMA Steering Committee organized and facilitated the BMA Summer Youth Experience in partnership with the City of Portland, Multnomah County, and Worksystems, Inc. The evidence-based, culturally-specific professional development program was designed with a holistic approach to enhance and strengthen emotional intelligence and to use that awareness to guide thinking and behavior.
The young men organized into cohorts based on the BMA Steering Committee focus Areas: Education, Employment, Family Stability, and Criminal Justice. As part of their project capstone activity, the participants presented their findings and recommendations in a youth-led summit earlier this month.
Partnering with Worksystems, Inc., The Summer Youth Experience also included a jobs program, placing young Black men in jobs throughout the region.
Community members are encouraged to attend the celebration on Saturday.
The City of Portland complies with all non‐discrimination, Civil Rights laws including Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II. To request translation, interpretation, accommodation, modifications, or additional information, please contact CJ Robbins at Condry.robbins@portlandoregon.gov, 503-823-5143, or use City TTY 503‐823‐6868, or Oregon Relay Service: 711.
About BMA: 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.
For more information, visit http://www.portlandoregon.gov/oehr/BMA.
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