In 2019, seven Black women working in community service came together to share their concerns about the growing needs in Black communities across Oregon. They reflected on the fact that although Black-identifying individuals make up roughly 2% of the state’s population, access to resources and services was still not being distributed equitably. They knew our communities deserved more thriving families, safe environments, and access to opportunities.

 

Each woman brought experience advocating for Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color; both in their professional lives and in their everyday work within the community. Together, they believed they could make a greater impact by organizing collectively.

 

That June, the group met and officially formed the Ebony Collective, choosing to become a community development corporation. They envisioned an organization grounded in social justice, education, and resource building. Their belief was simple but powerful: if Black families are given tools to become self-reliant, access to space to make decisions for themselves, and the backing of a trusted organization, they will continue to demonstrate resilience and strengthen unity within their communities.

 

Today, the Ebony Collective Community Development Corporation has been active for over six years. We’ve shown strength through transitions and the ability to pivot in response to our community’s needs. We’ve served over 350 BIPOC-identifying families in Multnomah County with diapers, coats, cleaning supplies, and gift cards.

 

We currently run five core programs:

• Community Safety

• Gwen’s Pantry

• Economic Development

• Youth Advocacy

• Environmental Justice

 

We’ve hosted multiple community focus groups, cultural and identity-centered events, and conducted informational interviews and surveys. Each year, we use this input to guide our direction and ensure that our work reflects what our community actually wants and needs. We pride ourselves on listening deeply and centering ideas that come directly from the people we serve.

 

We also believe that civic engagement is key to building collective power. Alongside trusted community partners, we’ve educated community members about the importance of voter participation, canvassed neighborhoods to spread awareness about ranked choice voting, and helped people register to vote. Our goal is to make sure every voice is heard, every vote counts, and our communities have the knowledge to advocate for themselves at every level.

 

We’ve also led culturally specific and community-centered conversations around complex issues like Tax Increment Financing (TIF), ensuring our communities are not only informed but empowered to engage in decisions that impact their future. We’ve worked closely with community partners to keep the public aware, engaged, and equipped to navigate these systems with clarity and confidence.

 

We speak truth to power because we are reclaiming our power through collective action, leadership, and community voice. Together, we are building something rooted, resilient, and real. And we’re just getting started.

In addition, we’ve proudly collaborated with partner organizations to help bring over $64 million in funding to Black-identifying individuals, organizations, and businesses across the region.

 

We are excited to do even more for and with our community.