We Are Beyond Black
It’s no secret that many in Portland’s Black community have been forced to the outer edges of the city, far away from where many of us had come to know as home. As we moved east of 82nd Avenue, past the street signs reading well above the hundreds, the area became known as “The Numbers”. On the unfamiliar fringes of the city from yet another wave of displacement, the question of what the future for the Black community in East County looks like, began to rise: enter Beyond Black CDC.
Founded in 2016, longtime East County residents Willie Chambers, Germaine Flentroy and Anthony Bradley formed this grassroots effort after recognizing a gap between the people and the resources. Since then, the organization has developed a number of health and wellness programs and events including organizing the first-ever Juneteenth celebration in Gresham which is now an annual event and city recognized holiday. Through its programming and mission, Beyond Black CDC seeks to develop a thriving and unapologetically Black community in The Numbers. |
Board of Directors
Matthew Luce
Treasurer Bio "What does Beyond Black mean to me?" |
William Davis
Board Member Bio "What does Beyond Black mean to me?" |
Shanaquewa Finney
Board Member Bio "What does Beyond Black mean to me?" |
Staff
LaTasha Carter
Executive Assistant Bio "What does Beyond Black mean to me?" |
Germaine Flentroy
Health & Wellness Program Director Bio "What does Beyond Black mean to me?" |
LaQuida Landford
Cannabis Policy Director Bio "What does Beyond Black mean to me?" |
Beto Conteras
Breaking Da Chainz Program Manager Bio "What does Beyond Black mean to me?" |
Shala Whitaker
Social Media Coordinator Bio "What does Beyond Black mean to me?" |