UNCF Hosts Jazz in Garden Luncheon
Photos Courtesy of Antonio Harris.
The UNCF “Each One Teach One Jazz in the Garden” Luncheon was held on Sunday, July 23, 2023, 2:00-5:00 PM, Hyatt Regency at the Convention Center 375 NE Holladay Street. This annual fundraiser brings the village together to celebrate the achievements of students, the work of community leaders, partners and sponsors that raise funds to support UNCF’s Portfolio Project and scholarships. You can still give a donation go to uncfportlandeoto.org.
The mission of the UNCF Portfolio Project is to increase the number of minority and low-income college and scholarship applicants. Our strategy is to ‘Engage, Enable and Ensure’ 11th and 12th grade students across Washington and Oregon and beyond are equipped with the tools, access, and exposure necessary to reach their dreams and aspirations of attending universities, colleges, trade and vocational schools.
The UNCF Portfolio Project has expanded in 2023 to a year-round program including a HBCU College Tour to Atlanta, partnership with BEAM Village on the Black Student Success Summit with UNCF bringing six HBCUs to Portland and the Black Baccalaureate at the University of Portland. As well as a new collaborations with the City of Portland and the Portland Business Alliance Summer Works Internship Program.
The 2023 UNCF Portfolio Project Scholarship Recipients are: Aliyah Aunjel Rouse, Melanie Ashley, Bernal Espinoza, DeVaughn Brewer, Nailah Saquee, Beaver Ford , Harris Macon, Isaiah Elegan, Ada F. Garza, Ivanna Garza, Fitzgerald Redd, Elikana Gaoteote, Sa’Maiah McDaniel, Takiyah Blue, Cierra Renee Wright, Tyra V Griffin, Jade Simone Yamashita, Elroe Nure Yayiso, Elsabeth Z Assaye, and Kissehanet A Tesfa IV.
It was a wonderful afternoon with great food and amazing entertainment from the National Jazz Saxophonist, Kenney Polson.
One of highlights of the program included honoring the “Legacy of Leadership” of the Divine Nine are nine historically African American fraternities and sororities making a difference in education and social change locally and across the nation.
The 2023 Civic Leader Honorees are: Leslie Goodlow, President, Zeta Sigma Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Charles Graham, President, National PanHellenic Council, Portland Alumni, President Kappa Alpha, Psi Fraternity, Inc., Jerry Jackson, President, Zeta Nu Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. , Sharif Liwaru, President, Omicron Theta Sigma Chapter, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., Tujuana Simon, President, Beta Eta Sigma Chapter, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Ronnie Perry, President, Epsilon Zeta Lambda Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Dr. Vertonica Powell-Rose, President, Pi Alpha Zeta Chapter, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Alexandria Watson, President, Portland Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
UNCF is proud of the work that we do to support students, but we could not realize our goals without the extraordinary support of community partners and sponsors whose resources and contributions enable us to operate our programs and award scholarships. We extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to our sponsors, donors, and Leadership Council members for their dedication and generosity.