Portland Office of Equity and Human Rights

02/11/2026

02/09/2026

Beatrice Morrow Cannady was the most noted civil rights activist in early twentieth-century Oregon. Using her position as editor of the Advocate, Oregon's largest, and at times the only, African American newspaper, Cannady launched numerous efforts to defend the civil rights of the approximately 2,500 African Americans in the state (in 1930) and to challenge racial discrimination in its varied forms.

02/09/2026

In 1976, Kathleen Saadat helped organize Portland's first gay rights march. She advocates for LGBTQIA2S+ communities, people of color, women, and other systemically excluded communities. Her leadership in government and non-profit roles has prompted many to call her the "social conscience of Oregon" and a "pioneer of intersectional organizing."

02/05/2026

"One of the most enjoyable activities of my job is facilitating Equity 101 training which is mandatory for all City staff. Last Thursday, I facilitated a session for ten attendees of the Portland Fire & Rescue Academy on their very first day on the job. I love welcoming new City staff members and facilitating discussions about how we can better serve all Portlanders."
—Jeff Selby, Director of the Office of Equity and Human Rights

02/03/2026

The City of Portland announces the appointment of Gerald D. Skelton Jr. as the City's tribal government relations manager.

Gerald D. Skelton Jr. brings extensive experience advancing Tribal sovereignty and strengthening government-to-government relationships. He will lead the City’s engagement with federally recognized Tribal Nations in the Office of Government Relations.

02/03/2026

Early Birthday greetings to our local legend, Avel Gordly.

Avel Gordly was born in Portland on February 13, 1947. The politician, community advocate, and college professor became the first African American woman to be elected to the Oregon State Senate in 1996.

Photo courtesy of .

01/27/2026

Deaf-Centered Self-Defense Workshop
Learn practical self-defense skills in a supportive, empowerment-based space created for the Deaf community by the Deaf community. This workshop focuses on awareness, communication, boundaries, and physical self-defense — all at your own pace.

📅 Sunday, Feb 15
⏰ 12 to 3pm
📍 Southwest Community Center, 6820 SW 45th Ave, Portland

We’ll cover:
• Trusting your intuition
• Setting boundaries & assertive communication
• De-escalation tips
• Escape options + physical self-defense moves

ASL interpreted
In partnership with Portland Metro Deaf Events Calendar and Rose City Self Defense
Learn more: portland.gov/community-safety/ovp/rose-city-self-defense/intermediate-classes
Get registered: form.jotform.com/253225599828168

01/27/2026

We remember, honor, and pay tribute to victims and survivors, and reaffirm the timely and timeless lessons of the Holocaust. We join the United Nations in commemorating January 27th as International

01/26/2026

ICYMI: IRCO spoke with last month about the fear Oregon’s Somali American and immigrant communities are facing amid national rhetoric and reported ICE activity — and the importance of community support and safety.

Featuring IRCO Executive Director, Lee Po Cha, and Djimet Dogo, IRCO Associate Director of Community Relations & Africa House Director.

📺 Watch: https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/somali-americans-immigrant-communities-oregon-on-edge-trump-comments-ice-raids-minnesota/283-f05f41ef-9d4b-4844-8b9c-8b67ff8ca863

01/19/2026

01/13/2026