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Top Oregon Leaders, Including U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, To Convene In Portland For Civil Rights And Democracy Gala - 05/04/26

Top Oregon Leaders, Including U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, to Convene in Portland for Civil Rights and Democracy Gala

PORTLAND, Ore. — A high-profile group of Oregon’s top elected officials, civic leaders, and business executives—including U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representative Janelle Bynum—will gather in Portland next month for the League of Minority Voters’ 16th Annual Liberty and Hope Awards Gala, one of the state’s largest convenings focused on civil rights and civic engagement.

 

The event, expected to draw more than 200 leaders from across Oregon, will take place Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the University of Oregon Portland Campus Center, 2823 NE Holman St.

 

Held at a time of heightened national conversation around democracy, voting rights, and community equity, the gala spotlights leaders working across sectors to strengthen civic participation and build more inclusive communities.

 

2026 Honorees Include:

  • U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley

  • U.S. Representative Janelle Bynum

  • Metro Councilor Juan Carlos Gonzales

  • Washington County Commissioner Nafisa Fai

  • Erin Graham, President and CEO, OMSI

  • Susan Bladhom, Founder and President, Frog Ferry

  • Shayma Al Quirqchee, Community Leader and Small Business Owner

  • Jennifer Luebke, CEO and Chief Disability Inclusion Officer, Relay Resources

A Posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented in honor of Charles Starr.

 

This year’s theme, “Healthy Communities, Educated Voices, A Stronger Democracy,” reflects the League’s focus on the connection between civic participation and resilient communities. For more information about the League of Minority Voters go to: https://minorityvoters.org

 

The annual gala serves as the League of Minority Voters’ premier fundraising and community event, bringing together cross-sector leaders to recognize civil rights achievements, foster dialogue, and strengthen multi-racial coalitions across Oregon.

 

Event Co-Chairs:

  • OAME

  • Mel Jones

  • Multnomah County Commissioner Megan Moyer

  • Miller Nash

  • Lilani Reeves

About the League of Minority Voters

 

The League of Minority Voters is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering underrepresented voices in civic life. Since 2007, LMV has advanced voting rights, promoted racial equity, and supported policies that strengthen inclusive participation in government and community decision-making.

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Top Oregon Leaders, Including U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, To Convene In Portland For Civil Rights And Democracy Gala - 05/04/26

Top Oregon Leaders, Including U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, to Convene in Portland for Civil Rights and Democracy Gala

PORTLAND, Ore. — A high-profile group of Oregon’s top elected officials, civic leaders, and business executives—including U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representative Janelle Bynum—will gather in Portland next month for the League of Minority Voters’ 16th Annual Liberty and Hope Awards Gala, one of the state’s largest convenings focused on civil rights and civic engagement.

 

The event, expected to draw more than 200 leaders from across Oregon, will take place Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the University of Oregon Portland Campus Center, 2823 NE Holman St.

 

Held at a time of heightened national conversation around democracy, voting rights, and community equity, the gala spotlights leaders working across sectors to strengthen civic participation and build more inclusive communities.

 

2026 Honorees Include:

  • U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley

  • U.S. Representative Janelle Bynum

  • Metro Councilor Juan Carlos Gonzales

  • Washington County Commissioner Nafisa Fai

  • Erin Graham, President and CEO, OMSI

  • Susan Bladhom, Founder and President, Frog Ferry

  • Shayma Al Quirqchee, Community Leader and Small Business Owner

  • Jennifer Luebke, CEO and Chief Disability Inclusion Officer, Relay Resources

A Posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented in honor of Charles Starr.

 

This year’s theme, “Healthy Communities, Educated Voices, A Stronger Democracy,” reflects the League’s focus on the connection between civic participation and resilient communities. For more information about the League of Minority Voters go to: https://minorityvoters.org

 

The annual gala serves as the League of Minority Voters’ premier fundraising and community event, bringing together cross-sector leaders to recognize civil rights achievements, foster dialogue, and strengthen multi-racial coalitions across Oregon.

 

Event Co-Chairs:

  • OAME

  • Mel Jones

  • Multnomah County Commissioner Megan Moyer

  • Miller Nash

  • Lilani Reeves

About the League of Minority Voters

 

The League of Minority Voters is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering underrepresented voices in civic life. Since 2007, LMV has advanced voting rights, promoted racial equity, and supported policies that strengthen inclusive participation in government and community decision-making.

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