Word is Bond PDX

Please join us in welcoming Zion Ward, our new program coordinator, to the Word is Bond family! Zion Ward (He/Him/His) is a proud native of Northeast Portland, deeply connected to the community where he was raised. He attended Woodlawn Elementary and later graduated from City Christian High School (now Manna House Christian Academy) in 2018. Zion went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Portland State University, where he cultivated his passion for understanding human behavior and supporting others. As the son of a pastor and a community leader recognized for her contributions to social justice, Zion was instilled with a strong commitment to service and advocacy from a young age. This upbringing shaped his desire to give back, and today, he continues that legacy as the full-time Program Coordinator for Word Is Bond. Zion is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African Americans, where he deepens his commitment to leadership, brotherhood, and community service. In his free time, Zion enjoys staying active, cooking, exploring music, immersing himself in nature, and appreciating art. #WordIsBondPDX 🚀👑✊🏿

Word is Bond community ambassadors enjoying a beautiful fall day in the historic Albina neighborhood! Working on our upcoming walking tour schedule. Want to go on a walking tour led by our ambassadors? Send us a message. 👟🍁👑 #WordisBond #InMyShoes

“We are the movement!” The words of Tennessee Representative Justin J Pearson could not be more appropriate. Last night’s NAACP Portland Freedom Fund Dinner was a celebration of Black Excellence and a reminder of the fierce urgency of now. Black Portland, for the sake of our children, must unite. And above all else, I am committed to that objective. We have tremendous Black leadership in the State right now. Take education for example. The Director of the Oregon Department of Education is a Black woman. The superintendent of Portland Public Schools, where 30% of Oregon’s Black students attend school, is a Black woman. The Chair of the PPS Board of Education is a Black man and the President of the Portland Association of Teachers is also a Black woman. This is an addition to an array of fantastic Black nonprofits. If we can’t find a way for Black students to achieve with this leadership, if we can’t marshal our resources for the sake of progress, not only has the system failed us, but be we as a community, will fail our children. Representative Pearson reminded us with a powerful keynote, that we are the movement and we must act expeditiously, and with humanity, to alleviate the social conditions facing our youth, houseless individuals, and save our environment for future generations among other challenges. To our white allies, a reminder you cannot afford to sit on the sidelines of comfortability. Open your checkbooks and make a donation to one of the local Black nonprofits doing the work. Educate your children to be anti-racist. Tear down the systems that only benefit yourselves, and join us in a brother and sisterhood of humanity. This is our moment. We are the movement. And we were reminded last night that “You can’t expel a movement.” Thank you Representative Justin J Pearson for your message, your courage, and your leadership. Hats off to the NAACP Portland Branch 1120 under the leadership of James Posey for organizing last night’s dinner. A big thank you to all of our Word is Bond PDX Board members, staff, and community ambassadors who joined us for the event. Let’s fight the good fight. ✊🏾🤎👑 #WordisBondPDX

Shoutout to our partners at African Youth & Community Organization 💭👑 Word is Bond Board, staff and community ambassadors, Yoseph Ukbazghi, Lakayana Yotoma Drury, joined African Youth Community Organization for their Resilience and Renaissance Dinner at their amazing facility, the Dream Center. AYCO is doing fantastic work to serve African youth and families across the greater Portland metro area. We share their vision to empower African youth and create opportunities for youth and families to learn, grow and thrive. As community organizations that serve some of the same youth and families, we know the importance of nonprofits, especially Black nonprofits, working together rather than competing over resources. Stay tuned for future partnerships between our organizations. A big thanks to their founder and executive director Jamal Dar for his support of Word is Bond. Together, we rise. 🌍🤎👑 #WordisBondPDX

We’ve just updated our Page. Visit our Page to see the latest updates.

Word is Bond took Black Excellence to the Oregon State Capitol for Legislative Days! ✊🏾 Founder and Executive Director Lakayana Yotoma Drury was joined by two Word is Bond ambassadors, Chris and Ayman, both 16-year-old students in Portland Public Schools, for a day of public policy, civic engagement, and leadership development. As Vice-Chair of the Oregon Commission on Black Affairs, Drury and the Commission sat in on senate hearings and met with State lawmakers to push policy initiatives which include increased affordable housing options, elevating academic achievement and closing the opportunity gap for African-American students, and enhancing accessibility of quality healthcare. Having our community ambassadors attend legislative day was an invaluable experience where they learned about the legislative process at a young age and how they can help shape public policy and advocate for other youth. A big thank you to our Board Member Nakeia Daniels, the Director of the Oregon Dept. Of Veteran Affairs, for supporting us on the big day and for her testimony in several session. Our youth leaders met with many leaders including: Dr. Charlene Williams, Director of the Oregon Dept. Of Education. Senator Aaron Woods David Booth, CEO Tillamook Cheese Oregon Commission on Black Affairs Commissioners Senator Ricki Ruiz Justice Rajee, ED of Reimagine Oregon Urban League of Portland staff team Stay tuned for more updates on what we’re up to next. Consider making a tax-deductible donation to support leadership trips like this and other programs of ours that support civic engagement of Black youth. Visit mywordisbond.org today to make your donation. Thank you. Election Day is November 5, 2024, make sure you vote! 🗳️🌟👑 #WordisBondPDX

Word is Bond PDX just released our first music video, The Black Stars on YouTube! 🌟 More than just a music video, The Black Stars is an anthem for Portland youth that tells a story of inspiration featuring iconic places across our city. Check it out!👇🏾 https://lnkd.in/gPfQjWSY

Thank you Yarg Foundation for the invitation to the Justice Reinvestment Equity Convening! A big shoutout to our community ambassador Akililu Franklin, a Junior at Portland State University, who served as a panelist on the Empowering Youth Voices: Startegic Approaches to Leadership Development. Akililu shared his thoughts, ideas and experiences on how organizations can better engage youth leaders and give them a platform to advocate for themselves. Akililu was joined on stage by Word is Bond founder and executive director, Lakayana Yotoma Drury, as well as several other community leaders. A big thank you to the Yarg Foundation for the invitation to attend and speak in the panel. Word is Bond received a grant from the Yarg Foundation to continue our work to empower young Black men. Stay tuned for more updates on our work soon! Yarg Foundation 🤎🚀👑 #WordisBondPDX #justicereform

Do you have plans this weekend? This Saturday, Word is Bond is hosting a free event delicious (complimentary) food, education, speakers, family fun, and a walking tour / 5K! Donations will support programs that uplift and empower young Black men. Enjoy a walk, enjoy some snacks, meet new people, and be inspired to create a positive impact for the Black community! Wheelchairs and accessibility devices are welcomed, skateboards/bikes/scooters are not. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gJxfJtbz

Volunteer with us on Saturday, August 31st, for Word is Bond's 3rd Annual "In My Shoes" 5K Community Walk! This event brings our community together for health, wellness, and positive change. We need YOU to help make our event a success! If you're available, sign up for a volunteer shift! You'll enjoy free breakfast and lunch, get to enjoy the sunshine and get your steps in, and make a meaningful difference in your community! To sign up, email us at admin@mywordisbond.org with the subject line “5K Volunteer” and let us know your preferred shift. We appreciate your support! Event details: 📍 1661 N Wheeler Ave (Star Park Parking Lot) 🕘 9 am start, 10 am walk 📅 Saturday, August 31st, 2024 Can't volunteer your time? Register for the walk as an attendee for FREE here (Attendees also enjoy free breakfast & lunch, in addition to the 5K, speakers, and vendors) https://lnkd.in/gJxfJtbz. Let's make this event a success together! #WordIsBondPDX