State-Of-Black-Oregon-2015

CHAPTER 8WRITING OUR NEXT CHAPTERConnecting Black communities across Oregon is key to increasing politicalinfluence and securing our role as a political force in the state. It is also animportant step for Black Oregonians to play our part fully among the risingAmerican electorate of voters of color, women and youth.By advancing a distinctive Black political agenda, including policy and elected leadership, we cancreate a political environment that fosters vibrant, productive communities and healthy generationsof Black Oregonians.We can begin by engaging a new generation of voters and leaders.2014 General Election Turnout, All AgesBlack registeredvoters55.1 % 71.8 %Whiteregistered voters2014 General Election Turnout, 18–24Black registeredvoters30.4 %Whiteregistered voters40.5 %Black 18–24 Year Old Registration GapBlack registeredvoters 65 % 35 % unregistered“We are the ones we have been waiting for”—June Jordan156