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:
Black Youth Leadership Summit 2023
Rescheduled for April 10th due to weather safety concerns
Join us to discover the unique history, explore personal growth, and build connections with your fellow students who either identify as Black/African American or want to learn more about Black identity, culture, strength, and history. The goal of the conference is to promote the beauty of blackness and to also provide a space for Black/African American identified students to caucus in order to discover the issues of today that impact them the most. Participants will have an opportunity to hear from Black professionals, students, and allies on topics such as self care, personal empowerment, and community engagement.
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.”
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Ashland MLK 2022
2021 Summer Enrichment Grant
We want to congratulate Alazay Sanders, the recipient of the 2021 Black Southern Oregon Alliance Summer Enrichment Grant.
The Grant is given to deserving students, who are participating in a summer program to help enrich their lives, as well as the community in which they serve.
Alazay is a 17 year-old-junior at North Medford High School with a 3.8 GPA.
Alazay will attend the National Youth Leadership Forum: Law & CSI in Washington, D.C. It’s a 6 day program and involves visiting the US Supreme Court, Mock Trials, and a visit to George Mason University in Virginia. Her goal is to become a Civil Rights Lawyer so she can effect change in this world.
Shown from left to right, are Nevaeh Sanders-Alazay’s sister, D.L. Richardson-BSOA, Alazay Sanders-Grant Recipient, Erika Wright-Assistant Principal at North Medford High School
Public Service Announcement
- 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.