Black Parent Initiative

The Black Parent Initiative (BPI) was established in 2006 to help families achieve financial, spiritual and educational success. Our vision is actualized by inspiring, engaging, and mobilizing parents/caregivers to improve the educational outcomes of Black children. BPI is currently the only culturally specific organization in Portland focused solely on supporting low/moderate income parents in North/Northeast Portland as a vehicle for enhancing the lives of Black youth. Our programs are based in a large body of research that shows children are more likely to succeed when supported by stable, balanced and informed parents. Historical, socioeconomic, and racial factors keep a disproportionately large percentage of local Black youth from being raised in this type of environment. Our programs address these complex factors through working to reduce the disparities which impact the county's 45,000+ African Americans. Using innovative partnerships with Black churches, schools, local organizations, and community members, BPI is creating and enhancing systems to provide stronger supports for Black parents.BPI works to improve the odds of success for Black children in their journey to access a quality, world-class education.