OABSE President’s Message - November 2020
Dr. Keylah Boyer and Elizabeth Casson-Taylor, Co-Presidents of OABSE
On behalf of the executive committee and members of the Oregon Alliance of Black School Educators (OABSE), we want to introduce and inform you about our history and vision of our future goals.
OABSE is an affiliate of the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE), a nonprofit organization that exists throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean. In 1975, Dr. Ernest Hartzog, Assistant Superintendent of Portland Public Schools and a founding member of NABSE. established the Oregon affiliate.
Throughout our 45 year history, OABSE has remained committed to improving the educational achievement of all students. We are proud that we have annually held a Student Recognition Banquet, our signature event, which is a celebration of high achieving 8th and 12th grade students of Black and African descent.
These students are recognized for their community service, leadership and academic achievement. At our annual Banquet we award scholarships to 12th graders who have met specific OABSE criteria to assist in their pursuit of higher education.
In addition, we have partnered and supported other civic/educational organizations in their events and/or goals to within our Community.
As part of our 2019 Strategic Plan we have established our future guiding principles:
We believe in the transformative power of an equitable education
We strive to make a positive difference in the lives of Black students
We support, equip, and train Black educators to ensure their potential is limitless
Whatever we do, we do our best.
Our vision is to live in a society where the opportunity gap is eliminated and access to quality education is a reality for all students.
We welcome you to be part of a great organization.
Membership Chair Message
Kevin Bacon, Membership Chair
On behalf of the current OABSE board, it is a pleasure to invite you all to join us at our Membership Event on Nov. 18. It is the vision of the board that this event be the first step toward coordinating and networking Black educator voices across the state.
This event is only the first of many where we plan to host and sponsor both informal and formal networking, professional development, and career support opportunities.
Our vision is ambitious, but only possible with your voice.
We will provide membership enrollment information at the event and look forward to seeing you virtually on Nov. 16th.
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