State-Of-Black-Oregon-2015

TAKING ACTION FOR BLACK IMMIGRANT & REFUGEECOMMUNITIESThe foreign-born Black population isimpacted by institutionalized racism, such asdisproportionate involvement in the criminaljustice and foster care system and biasbasedpolicing. Black Muslim immigrants andrefugees also face religious discrimination.Others can’t progress economically becausethe system doesn’t recognize the certificatesor diplomas they earned in their country oforigin. Next steps include:• Licensure: Oregon should developa reciprocal licensing program forimmigrants and refugees who holdadvanced or specialized degrees fromtheir countries of origin—to make gooduse of our newest residents’ skills.• Employment: New trainings can helpskilled Black immigrants and refugeesenter Oregon’s job market.• Data collection: Black immigrantsand refugees have specific challengesand issues. State, county and localgovernments must collect disaggregateddata to identify people by country oforigin and language, not only race.• Services: Don’t wait for data collection.We already know the severity of disparitiesBlack populations are facing. The state,counties, local governments and privatefoundations must invest in culturallyspecificcommunity-based organizationsthat serve all Black Oregonians.• Programming: Black immigrants andrefugees can benefit from the knowledgeand experience American-born Blackshave gained in fighting for racial justice.American-born Blacks can benefitfrom Black immigrants’ and refugees’connection to the African diaspora. Sowe encourage developing programs thatcan promote cross-cultural leadership andcommunity building.141