Say Hey

D.L. co-chaired and helped organized the City of Ashland’s first “Say Hey” event. He used this as an opportunity to connect university students of color and their families with the business community through a reception that brought together people from diverse cultures throughout the Rogue Valley. More than 300 people attended the event.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration

D.L. has served as emcee and Steering Committee member for the annual City of Ashland’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration. This program is a joint venture between the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, City of Ashland, Southern Oregon University, Ashland School District, and Ashland Chamber of Commerce. Held on the national observance of MLK’s birthday, the event is typically attended by upwards of 900 people. The program brings together a variety of cultural performances from across the Rogue Valley and features a guest speaker to tie into the theme of the year.

The Family Reunion

D.L. created the annual “Family Reunion” event at Southern Oregon University. Held each spring, this giant picnic promotes family and togetherness among the diverse cultures of the campus and city of Ashland communities. Students and community members attended and were encouraged to bring family members of all ages to get to know each other on equal footing. Approximately 500–600 people attended on the grounds of Southern Oregon University.

Black Southern Oregon Alliance

The Black Southern Oregon Alliance builds a visible sense of community through advocacy and celebration of the black community in this region. Their mission is to improve the quality of life within our communities by bringing people together to enhance educational and economic opportunities for all Black/African Americans and People of Color (PoC). Serving as an example of leadership and stewardship, the organization’s members use their diverse talents to foster an environment where children are motivated to achieve. They help empower People of Color to become self-sufficient shareholders in the economic and social fabric of the communities we live in. All are welcome to participate in Black Southern Oregon Alliance activities, whether you are a person of color, ally, family member, or friend.