The creation of musician and activist Randal Wyatt, Taking Ownership PDX began in 2020 as a form of reparations for Black homeowners in Portland, pushing back against gentrification and decades of institutional harm.
Cleaning up the neighborhood, fixing homes, and taking care of the most vulnerable is what we call having a “long vision” for the future. Taking Ownership PDX is a unique community-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting the Black community that helped shape Portland, primarily by enabling them to stay in their homes. Listen as nonprofit founder Randal sits with Board President Charles Slaughter to recount the origins of the organization, how their model works, and why community-driven initiatives are necessary.
About the speaker
Randal was born and raised in Northeast Portland. He has witnessed the effects of gentrification first hand, and felt the urgent need to intervene. In the wake of the George Floyd murder, Randal left his career as an at-risk youth advocate and unknowingly began his journey as the Executive Director of Taking Ownership.
Randal has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science with a double minor in Black Studies and Sociology which he received from Portland State University in 2021.
In his spare time, Randal enjoys spending time with his two sons, making music and traveling.
Charles Slaughter is the president of Taking Ownership's board of directors. He leads a dual career path as both an educator and humanitarian, and founded and currently manages a teaching and tutoring business. In 2023 he created EmpowerhousePDX, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing rental assistance for individuals with disabilities, with a specific focus on supporting BIPOC community.
Charles earned a Master's degree in Education at Portland State University. He is passionate about traveling the world and immersing himself in diverse cultures, which is a source of inspiration that he brings back to his professional and humanitarian career.
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