Oregon's Commission on Black Affairs was created to be a link between Oregon's African Americans, Blacks, and Oregon government. In 1980, Former Governor Vic Atiyeh created the commission. Three years later, the Oregon Legislative Assembly's vote made it a statutory commission. The goal was to improve communication between the state legislature, The Governor, and Oregon's African Americans and Blacks, to involve more African American and Blacks in policy making and program planning.

On February 6, 2012, Governor Kitzhaber signed the African American History Month Proclamation at the Capitol. Members of the OCBA were invited to attend the signing.

Working for the implementation and establishment of economic, social, legal, and political equality for African Americans and Blacks in Oregon.

Alexandra Arnhold, MPA, graduated from the Hatfield School of Government at Portland State in June, 2011. For her culminating degree project (PA509), she interned with the Oregon Commission on Black Affairs (OCBA) researching best practices in minority contracting outcomes, and analyzing the policy implications of changing these outcomes. She is the OCBA's first graduate school intern.
Her Co-Field Supervisors for the internship were Rep. Lew Frederick, OCBA, and Lucy Baker, Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office. Ms. Arnold is pursuing a career in public service, and is passionately interested in working for social justice in the state of Oregon.