The Coalition of Communities of Color addresses the socioeconomic disparities, institutional racism, and inequity of services experienced by our families, children, and communities. The Coalition organizes our communities for collective action resulting in social change to obtain self-determination, wellness, justice, and prosperity. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HISTORY

Membership
In 2001, leaders from communities of color across Portland formed the Coalition of Communities of Color. The Coalition represents six communities of color: African American, African immigrant and refugee, Asian/Pacific Islander, Latino, Native American and Slavic communities. The Coalition is made up of over 40 culturally specific organizations, including Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO), Asian Family Center, Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO), El Programa Hispano, Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI), Urban League of Portland, Slavic Coalition, Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA), and Africa House.

Vision
In the past, communities of color were pitted against each other to compete for resources. The communities came together to overcome this competition and develop a single voice. The diverse communities united to address the socioeconomic disparities, institutional racism, and inequity of services experienced by their families, children, and communities; and to collectively act to obtain self-determination, wellness, justice, and prosperity. The Coalition's vision is for increased political power, greater representation of communities of color in key leadership positions, and influence in decision making. This vision stems from the Coalition's shared values of acceptance and understanding of all cultures, trust, unity, mutual support, and equity and justice for all people. Within the Coalition, the effect of this unity has been building and strengthening relationships, and racial healing across communities of color.