ORABSE Scholarship Banquet:

Commemorating Excellence

ORABSE celebrated graduates and their families at the 'Let Them Lead' Scholarship Award Banquet at Colwood Golf Club on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. This year marks the 38th year of celebrating our Black graduates!

Our ORABSE President, Kevin Bacon, opened the program with tribute to the graduates, and Dr. Aisha Hollands led the presentation. After a beautiful rendering of “Lift Every Voice,” conducted by Kenya Anderson, and a 'Call to the Ancestors' and Libation by Michael “Chappie” Grice, a special commendation and scholarship was given by a contingent of the Buffalo Soldiers, Terry Sharp & Richard Scott.

At the presentation of their award, each graduate spoke of their chosen field of study and how they envision their studies and contributions will contribute to social progress. From future doctors, dentists, scientists, performing artists, researchers, and educators, they were indeed impressive!

Students received scholarships of $2000 each, with one student receiving the Dr. Earnest Hartzog Founders’ Scholarship which grants up to $35,000 per year for a full four years!

Many congratulations to our 2022 & 2023 graduates who were awarded scholarships to the college or university of their choice. Your hard work and dedication to your studies and communities demonstrate that the future is indeed in good hands!

Congratulations to

Lillian Martin

Lillian is a young woman with a mission, a goal, and a plan! Lillian Martin is a 2023 Bend Senior High School graduate. Her love of connecting and caring for others on a deep personal level is aligned with her vision of seeing herself touching and teaching others how to find and maintain health and wellness. She envisions a world with all having access to education and tools to improve and sustain health within their communities.

Lillian is the recipient of ORABSE's Dr. Ernest Hartzog Founder's Scholarship. This perpetual scholarship is awarded for a full four years to one individual and ensures financial support up to $35,000 per year! Lillian will be entering Hawaii Pacific University to earn her degree in Nursing with an eye toward post graduate work to practice and teach what she has learned.

Presenter, LeRoy Patton with scholarship winner, Lillian Martin, and ORABSE Founder, Dr. Ernest Hartzog

- Lillian's Personal Essay

I’ve always found interest in connecting with people and learning about them as an individual, rather than how people are perceived by a government based on socioeconomic status. Majoring in nursing would allow me to use medical skills to improve not only our world but the health and livelihood of our community. Nursing allows me to spend the majority of my life helping improve or possibly change the outcome of someone's life for the better.

I aspire to become a nurse to touch communities of underrepresented populations who are in desperate need of quality health care. As a senior this year, I'm told to ponder and think on what we wish to accomplish in our future endeavors. The possibilities are endless and exciting!

Wellness Fair

Restore, Refuel, Revive: Save the date! for the 2nd Annual Wellness Fair.

Coming In November

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Black Community Science Night

Save the date! ORABSE is hosting another Black Community Science Night at OMSI

Friday, October 13th, 2023

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Keep up to date on all our announcements and events by visiting www.ORABSE.com

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When reflecting further on this question I see myself wanting to be surrounded by people from all walks of life. I strive to obtain my nursing degree then to pursue higher education and successfully obtain my doctorate. My desire is to work in impoverished and underserved areas not only in the U.S. but around the world, where access to quality health care is a challenge and so many lives are cut short due to this fact.

My upbringing has instilled in me that even one person can make a significant difference from such a simple choice. That we each are uniquely different from one another and that we hold a purpose of our own, while working towards the greater good. If I’m going to spend the majority of my life working, I want to spend it improving another's life with every choice I make. If I want things to change, then I need to do it myself and work to achieve it. Being a nurse gives me opportunities that many aren’t able to. To give someone a chance, when others have written them off or ignored their cries.

I grew up in a town of predominantly middle-class citizens who didn’t experience the underrepresented need for healthcare. I recognize that there is life and experience beyond this bubble and my upbringing is not the norm in this world. Being a nurse takes me beyond these limits and allows me to serve those that do not have the same advantages that I did growing up. I have an appreciation and admiration for others who continue the good fight for better, including the right to better healthcare. I want to be a nurse who is empathetic and caring, who listens and learns and teaches, and who takes every opportunity to make each experience better.

Congrats to our 2023

Black Honor Graduates

These are students from Portland Public Schools. All students listed have a GPA of 3.5 or above. Not all Black Honor Roll Students were submitted.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Calling all Oregon Black Educators who are or have retired in 2023.
We want to celebrate with you!

Please email us at info@orabse.org so we can tell you about the celebration and gifts to thank you for your service.

Black Educators are paras, teachers, administrators, coaches, counselors and other professionals in schools and community-based organizations who are directly or indirectly providing support and services to our students.

PARTNER ANNOUNCEMENTS

Summer Music Camps

In partnership with Community Music Center and Portland Parks & Recreation, Y.O.U.th will be hosting music camps this July and August. Go from the basics to beyond on beat-making, gaining rhythm skills, drumming, and appreciation of black music forms, styles, and history.

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KairosPDX Now Hiring

KairosPDX is currently seeking candidates for several full time positions to start Summer 2023, as well as year round. Persons of Color and members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Email careers@kairospdx.org if you are interested or have any questions.

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OHA Calling for Youth

The Oregon Health Authority is calling for youth, ages 15-19, to join their Youth Advisory Council (YAC). It’s an opportunity for youth to make $45/hr to give input on healthcare policy for our state. Share widely through your networks. Please see the link below for more information:

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Email us at info@orabse.org

PO Box 18154, Portland, OR 97218, USA