Black History Month 2023: Amplifying Black Voices, Nonprofits, and Businesses through Podcasting
This blog post is by Ari O’Donovan, Boost’s Diversity Program Manager. It is part of our “Stronger Together Oregon” blog series that focuses on communities of color in Oregon.
Black History Month is an acknowledgement and celebration of culture, joy, accomplishment, resilience and the Black lived experience. At Boost Oregon, we focus on amplifying the voices of Black communities across Oregon all year long. We have collaborated with many organizations focusing on Oregon’s Black communities including North by Northeast Community Health Center, Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI), and the Oregon Remembrance Project, among many others.
We understand that Black communities have unique voices. The resources and services we offer at Boost Oregon are specifically tailored because we take the time to learn about the communities we serve, and most importantly, we listen to them. As Boost’s Diversity Program Manager, connecting with Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) individuals and organizations means so much to me. Each time I encounter someone new, I learn and grow. Black communities everywhere have wisdom, knowledge, and stories only they can tell. For myself and all Boost staff, listening and giving space are primary.
This year, I am proud to announce that our podcast, Boosting Our Voices, has entered its second season. Boosting Our Voices is a podcast by and for Oregon's BIPOC communities. As its host, I spotlight individuals, businesses, and organizations that serve these populations. I also showcase health information that you can trust. To honor Black History Month all year long, I will be featuring a variety of remarkable Black organizations, business, and people. Our latest episode features Geff Zamor, Founder and Creative Director of GMS Media & Advertising. Boost Oregon has partnered with GMS Media & Advertising to create our COVID-19 PSA videos and our Video Series for Infant Well Visits, among other amazing projects. Don’t miss our latest episode as Geff shares how he treats every day on the job like it's his first day on the job. Be on the lookout for more episodes featuring members of the Black community including:
Kimberly Porter - MSW, CSWA, Executive Director, Board President & Co-Founder of Community Doula Alliance,
Ruth Tessema - M. Ed, NCC, LPC, licenced psychotherapist, and
Eric Knox - Founder and Executive Director of Holla.
Boosting Our Voices is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us @boostingourvoices on Instagram for the latest updates and content. Be sure to check out www.boostoregon.org/podcast for transcripts, episode recordings, and more.
Want to be a part of the conversation? Please email boostingourvoices@gmail.com with show ideas, guest suggestions, and health-related questions!
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