VIDEO: NNPA Convention 2014: Portlanders Honored at Welcome Event

PHOTO: From left: Dr. Donald Suggs, publisher of The St. Louis American, Sen.Chip Shields of Oregon, Bernie Foster, publisher of The Skanner News, Judge Adrienne Nelson. Photo by Mike Norris.

The Skanner News and the Portland Observer hosted the NNPA national convention in Portland June 25-28, 2014. Portlanders were honored at the welcoming ceremony held at Portland Prime in downtown Portland. The honorees were recognized for their contributions to African Americans and other communities of color in Oregon.

Watch the awards ceremony on this video of the event. 

Among the honorees:

Patrick Quinton, executive director of the Portland Development Commission, and the PDC board were recognized for their work at the commission, bringing opportunity to small businesses and helping low-income communities thrive in place.

Local church leaders Rev. LeRoy Haynes and Rev. T. Allen Bethel and longtime advocate JoAnn Hardesty were recognized for their leadership on police accountability.

Oregon Historical Society was recognized for its work to preserve and display the state's diverse history.

Former Sens. Margaret Carter and Avel Gordly were honored for their advocacy and commitment to diversity at the state level. 

Pastor Mary Overstreet Smith, Dr. Jill Ginsberg and the North by Northeast Health Center were honored for their work to make sure Portlanders can access healthcare.

View more photos from the NNPA Convention 2014