Imagine Black Endorses Akasha Lawrence Spence for Senate District 18

After a thorough endorsement process, Imagine Black is proud to announce our endorsement of Former State Representative Akasha Lawrence Spence for appointment to Senate District 18.

Lawrence Spence is a proven fighter for racial justice and an unwavering advocate for Black families. She was an architect of the Oregon Cares Fund, a $62 million COVID relief fund that helped numerous Black Oregonians weather the pandemic, and helped author the Cannabis Equity Bill, a comprehensive racial justice framework for repairing some of the damage done by the failed War on Drugs. 

Lawrence Spence refuses to take Portland Police Association donations. In a climate where police unions are perhaps the biggest obstacle to meaningful reform, never mind fundamental change, we need representatives who won’t be influenced by police union money.  

Endorsements from community organizations like Imagine Black are crucial because, unlike an election, County commissioners and Precinct Committee Persons appoint the person to the vacant seat.

If appointed, Lawrence Spence would be only the 4th Black lawmaker currently serving in the Oregon Senate.

We desperately need Former Representative Lawrence Spence's voice at the state legislature.

Our Kinfolk Members, Staff, and Board of Directors got to know Former Representative Lawrence Spence through the endorsement process and want to encourage you all to get to know her, too! 

To learn more about Former Representative Akasha Lawrence Spence, visit her website: https://akashaforthepeople.com/meet-akasha