Black in the Gorge
(B.i.G.)
We are an inclusive community group for Black, Biracial and Multiracial folks, students and friends in the Columbia River Gorge!
ABOUT US
Black and Black biracial and multiracial youth and families make up a small piece of the demographic pie in the Columbia River Gorge. The 2022 census data indicates that Hood River County has 6% Black/African-American, Wasco County at .1% and across the river in Klickitat County, that number is .7%. The number of Biracial people is not broken out, but we know that this number is also very small.
However, in every school in our counties, you will find a small slice of the demographic pie that represents Black and Black Biracial youth.
Because of these small numbers, these youth face particular challenges of isolation and lack of role models who look like them. Rarely, if ever, do students in our communities, have the opportunity to have a Black teacher or even be exposed to other Black adults outside of their families. This lack of exposure is detrimental to Black students, students of other races and ultimately to our whole community.
✨Reduce isolation by creating a group for Black and Black biracial youth and their families to connect with each other and form friendships.
✨Create social and educational opportunities as identified by the group.
✨Facilitate activities for youth to engage with Black, Black biracial and Black multiracial role models.
✨Offer opportunities to build bridges of cross-cultural connection.
We plan to continue, in a safe + inclusive way, with monthly social, recreational and educational enrichment activities.
Such as:
✨Attending sports or cultural events
✨Movie + bowling nights
✨Creative workshops embracing art, nature and dance through our culture
✨College visits
✨Outdoor recreational activities including camping + hiking
✨Hosting community events like our 2nd Annual Gorge Juneteenth Celebration!
OUR ANNUAL COMMUNITY FEATURED EVENT:
Juneteenth Celebration!
Our Juneteenth is an event designed to build bridges of connection and unity in our community while also raising funds for our B.i.G. Scholarship!
THANK YOU!
To our webpage SPONSOR and webpage designer, Robin Allen. style. ! Please check out her incredible COMMUNITY RESOURCES PAGE if you are looking for organizations to support or seeking information or help yourself! xo