2025 MLK Dream Run

The MLK Dream Run Strengthens Communities!

The MLK Dream Run isn’t just a race, it’s a movement. Since 2012, it has been our community’s way of investing in youth, small businesses, and the future of Portland’s Historic Soul District.

Rooted along the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard corridor, the Dream Run uplifts the legacy of Portland’s Black community while welcoming people of all backgrounds to run, walk, and give in the spirit of justice, opportunity, and unity.

Every year, this event raises the funds that power programs the city can’t live without—programs that train young entrepreneurs, strengthen small businesses, and revitalize our neighborhoods.

Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, we’ve been able to:

Mentor and train hundreds of youth entrepreneurs, giving them hands-on experience in media, leadership, and business through projects like the PDX Black Rose Podcast, video storytelling, Learn and Earn skills training and Summerworks community ambassadorship programs

Deliver direct technical support to over thousand small businesses, helping them grow, sustain, and thrive.

Launch visible community revitalization efforts—artscapes, banners, Soul-ful Thursdays markets, and our new C3 Cleanup initiative with the Coalition of Black Men, reclaiming our neighborhood block by block.

Investing in Small Business Acceleration
One of the greatest needs in our community is helping businesses not just survive, but scale with confidence. That’s why our Small Business Acceleration program is so vital.

We provide:

One-on-one advising to meet businesses where they are.

Accelerator workshops that build management, marketing, and leadership skills.

Digital Navigator training so owners can master e-commerce, social media, and technology.

Connections to grants, loans, and lines of credit—the lifelines that build financial stability and open doors to opportunity.

Support with certification and procurement readiness so small businesses can access contracts and compete in the marketplace.

This is the ground-swelling work of true economic justice. But we cannot do it without the continued support of donors like you.

Investing in the Soul
When you give to the MLK Dream Run, you are investing in:

1,000+ attendees who gather each year for fitness, wellness, culture, and networking

40+ small businesses showcased through vendor opportunities, coaching, and media exposure

Youth and future leaders who are learning to see themselves as capable entrepreneurs and change-makers

Community pride and renewal, made visible through partnerships like  C3 community clean-up and more

Your gift keeps alive the spirit of Dr. King’s vision, honors the legacy of Portland’s Soul District, and ensures that the corridor named in his honor continues to be a place where equity, opportunity, and community thrive.

How You Can Help
Your donation is an investment in the Soul. Every contribution—large or small—helps us train the next generation, strengthen small businesses, and keep our community thriving.

Please consider choosing one of the donation levels listed here. Every dollar fuels transformation.

For more information or to get involved, contact:
 📧 Chair@nnebaportland.org
 📞 503-841-5032 (Office) 

Thank you for investing in the Soul!