Talk A Mile

“We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

We had a memorable day of conversation, connection and community at the game on MLK Day. Students from across the Portland-metro were paired for 1:1 conversations with elected officials, civic leaders and a Portland Trail Blazer. After walking and talking, we cheered the Remix together!

We appreciate everyone who volunteered their time and curiosity in service to the community –
Students, young leaders, , , and Chief Day, and Chief Johnson, , .da Nathan Vasquez, , , , , and everyone else who helped make Portland a better place one mile and one conversation at a time!

As Dr. King said, “Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.”

Walk. Talk. Listen. Learn.

civicengagement RipCity walktalklistenlearn

Huge thanks to the Black United Fund of Oregon for your support!

Introducing BUF-OR's 2025 Community Impact Grantees! ⭐️

We’re thrilled to share and celebrate this year’s incredible awardees! These organizations all stem from unique and meaningful initiatives, prioritizing community empowerment through education, arts, equity, and much more.

Let’s give a big shout-out to our wonderful recipients:
- Albina Music Trust | facebook.com/groups/albinamusictrust/
- Alliance of Black Nurses Association of Oregon
- Better Chances Inc. | betterchances.net
- Black Men In Training
- BEAM Village
- Plaza de Nuestra Comunidad | plazacomunidad.org
- Sistas Empowerment Corp
- Taking Ownership PDX
- Talk A Mile
- KinCultivate
- Elate Youth Mentoring
- Boom Arts
- My Hair My Health PDX Village News

We’re honored to support these organizations as they promote equity and opportunity for BIPOC and underrepresented communities across Oregon.

🔗Learn more at: bufor.org/current-grantees

As part of our Next Steps program, we invited 30 students, educators, civic leaders and police to connect, converse and cheer on the together!

One of the most common things we hear from Talk A Mile participants is a desire to continue the conversation. Next Steps provide those opportunities while investing in young leaders’ skills, networks and futures.

Thanks to students from and , Zion from , , , The Collins Foundation and PPA president Aaron Schmautz for making Portland a better place one conversation at a time.

Thanks to Joshua Peters and the team for a great experience in the Lounge at the ! And thanks to and the Blazers for overcoming 46 points from to get the W!

📸 .photography