African American Youth Leadership Coalition
Empowering the Next Generation of Bold & Authentic Youth Leaders in Oregon
ANCESTRAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
“We are the descendants of royalty. Our people were educators, scholars, currency keepers, scientists, hunters, astrologists, architects, and horticulturists. We are not descendants of slaves, instead, we are descendants of people who were stolen and enslaved. May their strength, courage, wisdom, and bravery guide us as we embark on this journey of revolution and reform together.”
Written by Dr. Jason Dorsette and Dr. Dorian Smith
OUR PROGRAMS
Annual Youth Leadership Conference
Connecting Black and multiracial students across Oregon to learn about historical, contemporary, and racial equity facts while building community.
High School Mentoring Program
Providing intentional, regular academic support, personal goal-setting structures, and leadership coaching tailored specifically for African American youth.
Annual Black Family Barbecue
An annual community tradition designed to celebrate cultural identity, unite families, build regional networks, and foster compassion and connection.
Adult/Teen Idol
Project
Driving creative expression, civic engagement, and personal self-esteem by highlighting and amplifying the diverse talents of our regional youth.
OUR MISSION & VISION
AAYLC creates a community environment that inspires and promotes leadership, advocacy, and excellence through structured regional programs and intentional mentorship.
We empower confident, bold, and authentic leaders, equipping them with the high self-esteem, pride, and unwavering integrity needed to achieve their highest potential.
OUR CORE VALUES
GROWTH
COMMUNITY
INTEGRITY
CULTURAL IDENTITY
love & compassion
PRIDE
RESILIENCY
EDUCATION
CHECK OUT WHAT’S NEW
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July 2026 Newsletter
Check out our July 2026 Newsletter to learn all about what we’ve been up to.
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BBQ Save the Date
We are excited to announce that the 18th Annual Black Family BBQ will take place on Saturday, August 29th, 2026 at Grand Prairie Park from 1-5 PM. Please RSVP today! We can’t wait to celebrate with food, music, games and prizes. Spread the word.
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Recap on the 2026 AAYLC Conference
“This is the best experience I’ve ever had in Oregon,” said a 10th grade student who attended the 2026 African American Youth Leadership Coalition Conference this past April. In attendance were 875 middle and high school students from Benton, Lane, Linn, Marion and Polk counties in Oregon. Check out the conference report below to learn…
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Launching our 2026-2030 Strategic Plan
The AAYLC is proud to share its new Strategic Plan — a forward‑looking roadmap designed to strengthen youth leadership, expand community impact, and guide our organization’s growth in the years ahead.
OUR SUPPORTERS
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July 2026 Newsletter
Check out our July 2026 Newsletter to learn all about what we’ve been up to.