02/06/2023
"Oregon African American Incarceration Far Exceeds National Average"
Oregon ranks seventh in the nation in the disproportionate number of incarcerated African Americans, far outpacing the national average according to a recently released report of The Sentencing Project, in Washington, D.C.
Less than 2 percent of Oregonians are African American, but more than 9 percent of the state's prison population is black, according to the report, which analyzed data from the United States Census and the United States Bureau of Justice Statistics.
Oregon imprisons 2,061 African Americans per 100,000 black residents, researchers found. The national average is much lower, at 1,408 incarcerated blacks for every 100,000 black residents. Oklahoma leads the nation with 2,625 incarcerated African Americans per 100,000 black residents.
SOURCE: https://www.prisonlegalnews.org/news/2016/aug/19/oregon-african-american-incarceration-far-exceeds-national-average/
This is tough to share but definitely not off the mark from what Black Portlanders have been facing since before I was born. While growing up families like mine would have benefited from programs, resources and wraparound services that support both the individuals incarcerated and families on the outside. I am excited to share that I have joined The Pathfinder Network Board of Directors this year If you haven't heard of them already, be sure to check them out. They are an organization that provides justice system-impacted individuals and families the tools and support they need to be safe and thrive in our communities. They have provided programs and services for over 40,000 incarcerated individuals through the Oregon Department of Corrections and for parents, children, and families in the community. As well as employ almost 100 staff within the state of Oregon. Stay tuned for the year ahead and be sure to sign up to find out how you can get involved.