Republican & Democratic Congressional & Gubernatorial Candidates to Meet at League of Minority Voters’ Civil Rights Forum

On May 5 more than 250 state, local and community leaders will come together to celebrate the 12th Annual League of Minority Voters Civil Rights Forum in downtown Portland. The event aims to bring awareness to critical civil rights victories in a welcoming, bipartisan environment with this year’s theme focused on “Health Challenges and Hunger Relief.” 

The event will showcase more than a dozen gubernatorial and congressional hopefuls presenting their perspectives on current issues facing Oregonians. A panel discussion with local experts will focus on the intersection of the health and hunger crises. The evening culminates with honoring local champions advancing the cause of civil rights in Oregon. 

This year’s honorees include: Rep. Janelle Bynum; Suzanne Stevens, editor, Portland Business Journal; Susannah Morgan, CEO, Oregon Food Bank; Judge Darleen Ortega, Oregon Court of Appeals and Judge Bernard Veljacic, Washington Court of Appeals.

“This event presents a critical and unique opportunity to bring together perspectives from different political parties in a friendly environment,” said Promise King, president and CEO of the League of Minority Voters. “Our goal is to inform and educate and really move the needle when it comes to working together for a common cause. The challenges ahead of us, as a state and as a people in quandary, are significant, and the Civil Rights Forum provides the opportunity to shine a light on the issues and solutions.”

The event is scheduled to take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree hotel in Portland. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are still available and more informational is available by emailing [email protected] or by visiting the website at minorityvoters.org.   

The League of Minority Voters is a nationwide, non-profit, 501(c)3 organization charged with bringing awareness to civil-right issues and victories, developing multi-racial strategic alliances, and creating inclusive social justice policy plans.