Building Legacy: BIPOC Construction Trailblazers In Oregon

We proudly present our history project, Building Legacy: Construction Industry Community Builders of Color. Constructing Hope Pre-Apprenticeship Program’s mission is to rebuild the lives of people in Portland’s community by encouraging self-sufficiency through skills training and education in the construction industry. Since 2005, I have worked closely with leaders and partners in the construction industry to advocate for more diversity, equity, and inclusion in the construction workforce. We are acutely aware of the accomplishments and the unique, challenging journey of racialized persons who have struggled for equitable access and opportunities in the construction industry.

The United States’ history of the construction industry and the contribution of African Americans and other people of color is relatively unknown. This project highlights Oregonians who have made a difference in the construction trade and workforce. The people who came before us opened the doors for programs like Constructing Hope. It is essential to recognize each other, acknowledge Black and other tradesmen and women of color, construction professionals, and advocates are leaving our mark in the built environment, and declare we are still here!

Funding from the Oregon Heritage Commission allowed Constructing Hope to initiate an oral history project documenting the historical contribution of BIPOC Pioneers in Oregon’s construction industry. We are profoundly grateful for the following honorees, their support of the Constructing Hope Pre- Apprenticeship Program, and their longstanding commitment to equitable construction trade opportunities.

Special thank you to the project team who worked on various components. Community Historian Kimberly S. Moreland conducted and summarized the oral interviews organized into this document that is beautifully designed by Mariane Zenker, a graphic designer with Bryan Potter Design. Zeke Jones of Aeon Visual produced the oral history videos. In addition, Noah Koné, Constructing Hope staff member, assisted with oral interviews, and linked the oral interviews in a project webpage.

The project concludes with a celebration entitled Day of Hope brings together the BIPOC honorees and Constructing Hope’s staff, friends, and supporters. The event recognizes the mural artists — Amaranta Colindres, Latoya Lovely, Kyra Watson, and Annabelle Araya — and their exceptional artistic skills displayed in two murals located inside and on the exterior of our newly remodeled Training Center. The mural visualizes a diverse workforce and lists the honorees’ names. The mural includes a QR code that links smartphone users to the website.

As you read this document, you will learn about the vast contributions of a few champions of color who have opened door for others, and we hope you are inspired to envision a more diverse, complete construction workforce.