The Urban League of Portland’s highly-anticipated Equal Opportunity Dinner Celebration took place on September 28, marking a significant return to an in-person format at the Oregon Convention Center. This year’s theme, “Honoring Black Wealth, Black Creators, and Black Culture,” recognized the remarkable achievements of Rukaiyah Adams, CEO of the 1803 Fund, who was the distinguished honoree.
Through this signature annual fundraiser, the Urban League raised crucial funds to support the Black community in Oregon and Southwest Washington, continuing its mission to foster equitable and empowered communities. Notably, this event marked the first in-person gathering of its kind in the last four years.
Nkenge Harmon Johnson, Esq., President, and CEO of the Urban League of Portland expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We were thrilled to host this year’s Equal Opportunity Dinner in person for the first time since 2019. This gala serves as our flagship fundraising event. Its success fuels the expansion of our programs that impact and improve countless lives.”
This year’s Equal Opportunity Honoree, Rukaiyah Adams, CEO of the 1803 Fund, was recognized for her outstanding contributions.
“We are thrilled to honor Rukaiyah Adams as her work is in lockstep with the values of the Urban League. The 1803 Fund is a collection of resources to strengthen the Black community,” said Harmon Johnson. “Black people have always been central to American economic success but have rarely had access to the benefits and advantages that enable wealth creation. That is what the Urban League of Portland has sought to help create through our programming for Black Oregonians since 1945, and that is what we continue to work towards.”
Adams has a distinguished career, previously serving as the Chief Investment Officer at Meyer Memorial Trust, one of the Pacific Northwest’s largest charitable trusts. Under her leadership, the trust significantly increased assets managed by diverse and women managers, demonstrating the importance of diversity in investment practices. Adams currently leads the 1803 Fund, which aims to promote shared prosperity through strategic financial investments and support for community-based organizations.
The evening’s program featured a pre-reception from 5 pm to 6 pm, local entertainment, and informative sessions on Urban League programs and its rich history. Individual tickets for the event started at $300, and those interested in contributing to the Urban League of Portland can visit ulpdx.org/EOD2023 or contact [email protected].
