The Honorable Greg Evan

City Councilor Ward 6

Eugene, Oregon

Henry (Hank) Clay Miggins

November 20, 1934 – July 18, 2013

Former Interim Multnomah County Chair

Retired from USAF

     Hank Miggins first came to the attention of OABA when the late Multnomah County Chair Gladys McCoy appointed him as her chief of staff, and then later in 1993, when he was appointed to Multnomah County Chair to serve the remainder of her elected term at the time of her passing. Hank later ran for office to succeed Mrs. McCoy, but was not successful in his campaign. The experiences that he faced after serving as Multnomah County Chair changed him, but he did not give up.  He continued successfully serving his community.

     Hank was an OABA Member, a Vice President and a Board member.  He was the moderator of many of the Oregon Black Political Conventions.  He understood that “Black Political Action” is defining the needs, goals, and aspirations of the Black Community (Black America), and communicating the same to individuals who can make the differences.”  He came to know that “Black Americans must be more than informed voters; they must be informed citizens.” And that “informed citizens” are change agents. OABA remembers and honors this warrior as change agent and hero to those who worked with him to improve conditions for Blacks in Oregon. Hank clearly understood, in all of his endeavors, that what benefits Black Oregonians benefits ALL Oregonians.

Charles Jordan

September 1, 1937 – April 4, 2014

Former Portland City Commissioner

Served in U.S. Army

    On January 22, 1977, the first Call-To-Action Leadership Conference was held at Willamette University, Salem, Oregon. This conference was organized by Calvin O. L. Henry. The purpose of this conference was threefold: (1) to examine the Oregon Legislative process to determine how it affects Blacks in Oregon; (2) to determine how the Black community could impact the legislative process; and (3) to determine the best collective course of action to address the plight of Blacks in Oregon. Among the issues discussed at this Call-To-Action Leadership Conference were employment, education, politics, legal counsel, the criminal justice system, news media accessibility, affirmative action, housing and religion.

    Charles was one of the forty-four individuals who attended the First Call-To-Action Leadership Conference. These participants recognized the need for an informed, committed, and organized structure to address the outcomes of the leadership conference. Charles was an integral part of the leadership, which established the conference as an interim organization to examine the possibilities of instituting a permanent organization. As a result, on April 9, 1977, the Oregon Assembly for Black Affairs (OABA) was established.  Charles Jordan was one of the founders of OABA. We take great pride in remembering and honoring our friend and fellow warrior. Charles clearly understood, in all of his endeavors, that what benefits Black Oregonians benefits ALL Oregonians.