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Juneteenth highlights fight for full citizenship in the tribal nations Rhonda Grayson and Jeff Kennedy pose for a portrait on Monday, June 16, 2025 in Moore, Oklahoma. (AP photo/ Nick Oxford) Juneteenth may mark the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas found out they had been freed, but thousands of people in Oklahoma are still fighting for full citizenship in the tribal nations that once held their ancestors in bondage. Several tribes practiced slavery, and five in Oklahoma — The Cherokee, Seminole, Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Muscogee nations — signed reconstruction treaties with the U.S. in 1866 abolishing it three years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. They granted the formerly enslaved, known commonly as Freedmen, citizenship within their respective tribes. Only one of those tribes, the Cherokee Nation, continues to fully grant the rights of citizenship. For descendants of people who were enslaved by tribal nations, Juneteenth is both a celebration of freedom for people of African descent and a reminder of their struggle to be fully embraced by the Indigenous communities with whom they share history and in many cases ancestry. Traditionally, Freedmen in the Muscogee Nation celebrate Emancipation Day on August 4, marking when the tribe’s council drew up a law to declare them free, said Rhonda Grayson, the founder and director of the Oklahoma Indian Territory Museum of Black Creek Freedmen History. She traces her lineage to formerly enslaved people listed on a 1906 U.S. census of Native Americans who had been forcibly removed to Oklahoma. Known as the Dawes Rolls, the census created two lists - those who appeared Native and those who appeared Black. Those with African ancestry were put on the Freedmen rolls, although many also had Native ancestry. Last week, the Muscogee Nation Supreme Court heard arguments in a case brought by Grayson and Jeff Kennedy, who are fighting for their citizenship rights and recognition within the Muscogee Nation. “Our ancestors were Muscogee people of African descent,” said Damario Solomon-Simmons, an attorney representing Grayson and Kennedy whose ancestor was also a Freedmen in the tribe. “We were transformed into ‘Freedmen’ by the Dawes Commission.” Their ancestors were also forced on the Trail of Tears, and after the Civil War they were granted citizenship and served in the tribe’s legislative bodies, Kennedy said. “We believe that the (Muscogee) Nation would not be what it is today without the bloodshed and tears of those African people,” he said. But, in 1979, the tribe adopted a new constitution restricting citizenship to Muscogee people “by-blood.” Grayson and Kennedy’s lawsuit countered that citizenship requirement is a violation of the 1866 treaty, and in 2023 a Muscogee Nation district court agreed. The Muscogee Nation’s citizenship board appealed and is asking the Supreme Court to overturn that decision. “That provision has guided our Nation for decades and reflects the will of the people through a democratic process,” Jason Salsman, a spokesperson for the Muscogee Nation said in a statement. “We believe that any change to our citizenship laws must come from our own citizens—not from outside interpretations.” The court’s ruling is expected later this year, and it could open the door for thousands of new members to the tribe. For Grayson, the legal battle is about more than their birthright to citizenship she said, it’s also about setting straight the historical record. “We weren’t just slaves,” Grayson said. “Our people need to know that. Our young people need to know that.”

Taking Action and Preserve Outdoor Spaces SOLVE volunteers at Sellwood Riverfront Park Summer is here, and with it comes more opportunities to enjoy the PNW’s beaches, parks, and rivers. However, the increased outdoor activity also leads to more litter and strain on the environment. To combat this, SOLVE is launching its Summer with SOLVE campaign, designed to take action, connect communities, and celebrate the beauty of our region through environmental action. “Summer is a time to enjoy the outdoors, but it's also a time to ensure these spaces remain clean and sustainable for future generations,” said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. “Together, we can create cleaner, more inviting spaces that reflect our pride in our region and our commitment to caring for the environment. By working together, we can make a significant impact and inspire others to join in the effort to protect our natural spaces that we love to enjoy, especially during summer.” SOLVE kicked off summer with Pick It Up, Portland!, a citywide celebration on World Environment Day, June 5. The event focused on four different locations across Portland: Market Street Downtown, Holladay Park, Sellwood Riverfront Park, and Eastbank Esplanade. This was the first of many volunteer opportunities offered by SOLVE this summer, with more projects planned throughout the season, including the ongoing Waterway Cleanup Series, protecting the health of local rivers, streams and creeks. As outdoor recreation increases, SOLVE volunteers will remove litter from parks, neighborhoods, beaches, and riverbanks. Maintain recreation sites and public green spaces. Mulch around native trees and shrubs. Remove invasive plant species that thrive in summer months like Japanese knotweed, Himalayan blackberry, and Scotch broom Upcoming Summer Events include the Post-4th Cleanups (July 5-6) during this event volunteers will tackle the debris left behind from holiday celebrations to help restore outdoor spaces and shorelines. Next is the Willamette River Cleanup (August 9) which is focused on cleanup of the Willamette River, combating litter both on the water and along the riverbanks. Following that is the Waterway Cleanup Series (ongoing through September) which is a series of cleanup efforts dedicated to preserving Oregon’s rivers and streams during the peak outdoor season. There is also the Monthly Detrash Portland Events which are Community cleanups in Portland's business districts, focusing on revitalizing key areas in the city. Looking ahead, SOLVE is also preparing for its annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup, September 20-28, part of the global International Coastal Cleanup, World Rivers Day and National Public Lands Day initiatives. This summer, SOLVE invites you to take part in protecting and preserving the natural spaces that make our region special. Whether you're volunteering at a cleanup event, leading your own group, or taking on a DIY project, there’s a way for everyone to get involved. Try the Trash Bag Challenge—pick up a bag of litter, then challenge friends or coworkers to do the same. Pass the bag, spread the impact, and inspire others to take action. Every effort counts. Together, we can keep our neighborhoods, parks, and waterways clean and beautiful for generations to come. For more information about Summer with SOLVE and how to get involved, visit solveoregon.org/seasons or follow us on social media.

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A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Piedmont Church of Christ 5338 North Borthwick Street Portland, Oregon 97217

S erah Judd wins the third Avel Louise Gordly Scholarship  Serah Judd, Howard University Class of 2028 Serah Judd, a sophomore at Howard University, is the third named winner of the Avel Louise Gordly Scholarship for Oregon Black Women. Judd received a $3,500 scholarship, renewable to support four years of higher education. Serah Judd graduated from Beaverton International High School in 2024, where she was active in the Black Student Union. Her leadership earned her a spot as the student member of the Oregon Department of Education’s Black Success Committee. At Howard, Judd has embraced numerous opportunities to grow as a student and to serve her community.  She wants to attend law school and eventually become a judge. The Black Women in Pre-Law Society has helped Judd connect with like-minded students. She is also a member of the College of Arts and Sciences Council and serves as a Junior Resident Assistant, positions that focus on solving problems on campus and in student life. In Washington, D.C., her volunteer activities include playing violin in a local church orchestra as well as serving meals to those in need. “Emerging as a leader among leaders has taught me a love of responsibility and an unyielding dedication to the well-being of others,” Judd wrote in her application. “I will dedicate the rest of my life to helping people, as a leader against any odds.” Serah Judd is one of three siblings in a hard-working, single-parent family for whom paying for college is a challenge. The committee was impressed with Judd’s clarity of vision for herself balanced with compassion for others. “We were unanimous that Serah was the top candidate from a strong pool,” noted award committee chair Carmen Thompson.” The Avel Louise Gordly Scholarship provides four years of financial support to a Black female graduate of an Oregon high school.  Funds can be used at any institution of higher education in the state or at any of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the United States. Students apply every year through the StudentAid.Gov website. More information for students is available at the Scholarship Blog. The scholarship, housed with the Oregon Community Foundation, is still raising money toward its $1MM goal. Donations are welcome online at www.oregoncf.org/gordly-scholarship or by check to OCF, 1221 SW Yamhill Street, Suite 100, Portland, OR 97205. Avel Gordly was born in Portland and graduated from Girls Polytechnic High School and then Portland State University. She held positions in the Oregon Department of Corrections, the Urban League of Portland, and the American Friends Service Committee. She was a leader within the Black United Front, a group that pushed for Oregon’s divestment from Apartheid and for reform within Portland Public Schools. In 1996, Gordly became the first Black woman elected to the Oregon State Senate, representing NE Portland. The Gordly Center for Healing at Oregon Health and Sciences University was established to provide culturally competent mental health care to diverse patients in recognition of Gordly’s work on this issue. In 2011, she published a memoir Remembering the Power of Words: The Life of an Oregon Activist, Legislator, and Community Leader with OSU press. Among her numerous honors and recognitions, Gordly was awarded an honorary doctorate from PSU in 2017.

Sale Aligns with Allen’s Philanthropic Directive The seat for Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen has a rose and a hat placed on it before an NBA basketball game in Portland, OR, Oct. 18, 2018. (AP Photo/Craig Mitchelldyer, file) (AP) - Paul Allen’s estate announced that it has begun the process of selling the Portland Trail Blazers. The sale of the team is “consistent with Allen’s directive to eventually sell his sports holdings and direct all estate proceeds to philanthropy,” the Trail Blazers said in a statement. Allen, the billionaire co-founder of Microsoft, died in 2018 at age 65 from complications of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Since then, his sister, Jody Allen, has served as chair of the Trail Blazers and the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks and trustee of the Paul G. Allen Trust. The estate said it has hired the New York investment firm Allen & Company and the law firm Hogan Lovells to lead the sales process, “which is estimated to continue into the 2025-26 basketball season.” The team noted in its announcement that the NBA Board of Governors must ratify any final purchase agreement. In addition to the Trail Blazers and Seahawks, Allen was a co-owner of Major League Soccer’s Seattle Sounders. The statement said the announcement does not impact the Seahawks or the estate’s 25% interest in the Sounders. Neither of those teams is for sale. Allen bought the Trail Blazers in 1988, telling the The Associated Press at the time that “for a true fan of the game, this is a dream come true.” Since his death, there has been widespread speculation surrounding the future ownership of both the Seahawks and Trail Blazers. Allen stipulated in his will the eventual sale of both teams, with the proceeds given to philanthropic endeavors. Jody Allen reportedly rebuffed an offer to buy the Trail Blazers from Nike co-founder Phil Knight for more than $2 billion in 2022. At that time, there were no ongoing discussions about the sale of the teams, she said in a rare statement. “A time will come when that changes given Paul’s plans to dedicate the vast majority of his wealth to philanthropy, but estates of this size and complexity can take 10 to 20 years to wind down,” she said. “There is no pre-ordained timeline by which the teams must be sold.” CNBC earlier this year valued the Trail Blazers at $3.65 billion. In March, the Boston Celtics sold for $6.1 billion. The Trail Blazers finished 36-46 this season and missed out on the playoffs for the fourth straight year. They have the 11th pick in the next month’s NBA draft, as was decided in Monday night’s draft lottery.

Mt. Hood Community College Receives National Award for Exemplary CEO & Board Partnership (left to right): Board Member, ShaToyia Bentley, Board Chair, Diane McKeel, MHCC President, Dr. Lisa Skari, and Board Vice Chair, Andrew Speer Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) has been named the national recipient of the 2025 Exemplary CEO/Board Relationship Award by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). This distinguished recognition was announced April 15, 2025, during AACC’s national conference in Nashville, Tennessee.   The award honors MHCC’s outstanding collaboration between President Lisa Skari, Ed.D., and the college’s elected Board of Education. Together, they have led the college through pivotal advancements - including stabilizing the college budget, increasing enrollment, adopting a new strategic plan, launching an applied baccalaureate degree, and receiving national accolades for equity leadership.   “This award affirms what we know to be true at MHCC: strong, community-rooted leadership creates opportunity,” said President Skari. “I am able to do what I need to do for our students because of the partnership I have with our Board.”   The award’s criteria emphasized strong governance practices, such as: Ongoing, substantive professional development for board members A responsive, goal-oriented presidential evaluation process Strategic visibility and regional impact Policy advocacy at the local, state, and national levels   MHCC’s Board of Education is comprised of elected representatives from across the college district - from Government Camp to Sandy, Gresham to Troutdale, Corbett to East Portland, and all the communities in between. In recent years, the Board and president have worked together to increase outreach to city councils, school districts, business leaders, and community organizations, ensuring decisions are informed by broad public input.   This collaborative approach helped shape key college initiatives, including a district-wide facilities master plan and, most recently, a bond package aimed at modernizing aging campus infrastructure. The college has not passed a capital bond in over 50 years, but thanks to shared vision and step-by-step governance planning, MHCC will appear on local ballots this May.   “The partnership between our president and Board reflects our mission to serve this region with transparency, accountability, and deep community connection,” said Diane McKeel, Board Chair of the MHCC Board of Education. “This award is truly a reflection of the work we’ve done together - and the work still ahead.”   The AACC represents more than 1,000 community colleges and nearly 12 million students nationwide. MHCC is proud to be recognized among the nation’s best for leadership, vision, and service.

In loving memory of Sheryl Danae Woodland July 10, 1967 - May 3, 2025

In Loving Memory of Roseanna Hunnicutt One of Portland’s well-known businesswomen, Roseanna Hunnicutt, passed away peacefully at her home in Happy Valley, Oregon. She is survived by her ex-husband, Charles Lott Sr.; her children, Ralesha Boswel, Breneszell Lott, and her only son—her pride and joy—well-known Hollywood actor and producer, Charles Lott Jr. Her extended family includes her mother, Shirlean Moffet Miller; sisters Miki Hunnicutt, Tomiea Carr, Carla Hunnicutt, and Shlanda Carr; and her beloved nephew, Tamar Jay Poke. Roseanna came from a very large and loving family. While it is difficult to name every cherished relative, the family extends heartfelt thanks to all who have shared kind messages and support during this time. Details regarding the funeral service will be posted on all social media platforms.

Launches New Community Support Program Photo Courtesy of Rocky Butte Farmers Market Rocky Butte Farmers Market returns for 2025 to its convenient NE Siskiyou and 80th Ave. location with more than 20 vendors, educational programming & food demos and an exciting new food-sharing initiative called pahtl o’-pe-kwan  in Chinuk Wawa — or “Full Basket”, that will provide needed support for those visiting the Roseway neighborhood market.  "Full Basket" is thanks to a generous collaboration led by the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) and the Cully, Woodlawn, and Rocky Butte farmers markets that have teamed up to provide $50 in weekly tokens to market patrons who are receiving supplemental government assistance, which can be used to purchase produce, meat, eggs, fish, and more.   This initiative comes at a critical time as tariffs are driving up the cost of imported goods nationwide and with the potential for shortages looming, building community and increasing access to fresh, local food is more important than ever. This program will help take care of our Portland neighbors who need assistance through this uncertain period. In addition to “Full Basket,” Rocky Butte Farmers Market provides a number of other ways to make shopping at the market easier and more affordable:  SNAP recipients can double their purchasing power with up to $20 matched per visit through the Double Up Food Bucks program; shoppers who arrive by bus or bike receive $5 shopping tokens, through the Metro RTC grant; access to essential resources such as SNAP eligibility screenings through Hunger-Free Oregon and regular distribution of free COVID tests and naloxone to support public health and safety in our community. Each week Rocky Butte Farmers Market collects excess food from vendors and donates it directly to Mainspring. This keeps high-quality, locally grown produce within the community and ensures that everyone has access to fresh, seasonal food, regardless of income. New to the market this year will be Veg-Education and food demos in collaboration with high school students in McDaniel High School’s Sustainable Agriculture CTE Program. This initiative focuses on lesser-known, in-season produce and helps educate shoppers on how to incorporate these foods into their weekly meals. Veg-Education will include student-tested recipes, an educational zine, storage and preparation tips to reduce food waste, a social media campaign, and live cooking demos at the market.  More than just a market, Rocky Butte Farmers Market strives to be an impactful community resource - collaborating with neighboring food pantries, nonprofits, and gardens to provide services to underserved community members, increase access to education and food security, and positively impact the ecology, health, and overall community well-being. Rocky Butte Farmers Market will open Saturday, May 24, 2025, in the Roseway neighborhood at NE Siskiyou, between 79th and 81st. The Market runs every Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 24 through October 25.