Celebrating our friends, family, and community whose brave journey is still being told one person at a time.
We see you
We support you
We value you.
We are Black Southern Oregon Alliance
The Black Southern Oregon Alliance (BSOA) started in 2015 when teachers, parents of African American identified students, business leaders, and community members, identified the need for an organization centering the Black community’s interests and concerns in Southern Oregon.
This was not a new conversation or desire as black residents with 20+ years of living in the valley had explored the interest in a black focused community organization years ago. With the renewed call for a connected black community, the new and long-time Black/African American residents decided to turn talk into action. Thus, the Black Southern Oregon Alliance was given life and purpose.
The Black Southern Oregon Alliance identified three areas of focus community members highlighted as key needs from the newly formed group. These areas are:
We are Black Southern Oregon Alliance
The Black Southern Oregon Alliance (BSOA) started in 2015 when teachers, parents of African American identified students, business leaders, and community members, identified the need for an organization centering the Black community’s interests and concerns in Southern Oregon.
This was not a new conversation or desire as black residents with 20+ years of living in the valley had explored the interest in a black focused community organization years ago. With the renewed call for a connected black community, the new and long-time Black/African American residents decided to turn talk into action. Thus, the Black Southern Oregon Alliance was given life and purpose.
The Black Southern Oregon Alliance identified three areas of focus community members highlighted as key needs from the newly formed group. These areas are:
🎉✨ Celebrate Freedom, Resilience, and Community at Our Juneteenth Festival! ✨🎉
🗓 Save the date for the BIGGEST event of the year! Join us on Saturday, June 15th, 2024, from 11 AM to 7 PM at Pear Blossom Park in Medford, OR, for a day full of joy, unity, and celebration.
📍 Location: Pear Blossom Park, 312 E. 4th Street, Medford, OR
This year’s Juneteenth Celebration centers on the theme of RESILIENCE—honoring the Black community’s enduring spirit and cultural richness. It’s a day to celebrate freedom and achievements while promoting continuous self-development and respect for all cultures.
What to Expect:
🎶 LIVE entertainment featuring bands, professional African drummers and dancers, and youth performers
🎤 Insightful talks from our keynote speaker, Carl Thomas, Executive Director of Project Youth Plus
🏅 Special award recognition celebrating the remarkable resilience of Brett Hollins
🍴 Delicious food from local food trucks and vendors
🛍️ A vibrant marketplace with community organizations and other vendors
🎈 Fun-filled Kids Zone with games, face painting, a magician, and more!
📸 Capture memories at our photo booth
Come join us for a week-long residency camp for students in 7th through 12th grade!
Immerse yourself in the college experience with a blend of unique classroom sessions, outdoor adventures, and extracurricular activities.
The camp centers on black excellence, history, and culture throughout the week while also providing opportunities for students to engage in activities that highlight the beauty of the Rogue Valley.
Deadline for registration is on May 31, 2024. First come, first serve basis.
Scan or Click Here to Register
The Southern Oregon Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 2024 Holiday Celebration
The Southern Oregon Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration is at Noon on Monday, January 15
Ashland, Ore. — On Monday January 15, join community members for Southern Oregon’s Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Holiday Celebration from noon to 1:30 p.m., at the Historic Ashland Armory in downtown Ashland. The event is free and open to the public.
Come celebrate Dr. King’s legacy and our diverse and vibrant community. Seating is limited and available on a first come basis. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. This is a family event and all ages are welcome.
Celebrating our Voices
Please Sign Up and Join Us For This Great Opportunity to Let Your Voices Be Heard.
We are excited to share this event with our southern Oregon students, for students 8th-12th Grades, who identify as African American and/or Black.
This program is a four-hour workshop at the University of Oregon, that will give students an opportunity to focus on “Celebrating Our Voices.”
Ashland MLK 2022
- ADVOCACY
BSOA will serve as an advocate for those who want or need another voice at the table. Whether that be with parents meeting with academic administrators of their student’s school, or providing referrals to resources within the general community. BSOA leads the way in fighting for Black and African American Rights. We believe will make a difference in the creation of a better, and fair space. We strive not just for Equality, but to fight for Equity.
- EDUCATION
BSOA works to, first and foremost, ensure equitable treatment of African American/Black students within the Ashland, District 6, Eagle Point, Grants Pass, and Medford school districts . Students were reporting incidents of harassment, racism, and discrimination and expressed that their voices were not being heard. BSOA is determined to continue to bring an end to these practices, and will team up with school districts to help, not just address these issues, but end the systemic racism that is present. We are fighting to make sure our kids have, not only a successful today, but also a bright and wonderful tomorrow.
- COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
BSOA strives to provide an avenue for Black/African American community members to connect in order to create meaningful relationships with others that share their history. We believe a connected community will not only thrive but will become a beacon for new black owned businesses, generate a deeper sense of cultural pride within our children, and increase our cultural significance within the Rogue Valley.
Featured News and Articles
Stories about George Floyd's verdict
“GUILTY ON ALL THREE COUNTS”
Derek Chauvin found guilty of murder and manslaughter in death of George Floyd
https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/20/us/derek-chauvin-trial-george-floyd-deliberations/index.html
Chauvin Found Guilty of Murdering George Floyd
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/04/20/us/derek-chauvin-verdict-george-floyd
How Black Lives Matter went from a hashtag to a global rallying cry
https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/26/us/black-lives-matter-explainer-trnd/index.html
Derek Chauvin trial verdict: Ex-Minneapolis police officer found guilty on all charges in George Floyd’s death
George Floyd died on May 25, 2020
https://www.foxnews.com/us/derek-chauvin-trial-verdict-jury-guilty
Archive of Activities
Mission
The mission of the Black Southern Oregon Alliance is to improve the quality of life within our communities by bringing people together to enhance educational and economic opportunities for all Black/African Americans, and People of Color.
Vision
Black Southern Oregon Alliance will serve as an example of leadership and stewardship by utilizing our diverse talents to create and foster an environment where our children are motivated to achieve. We strive to empower Black/African Americans, as well as Indigenous People and People of Color, to become self-sufficient shareholders in the economic and social fabric of the communities we live in.
