Central Oregon Black Leaders Assembly finds racially biased language in nearly 200 property deeds

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Central Oregon Black Leaders Assembly announced Tuesday the disturbing discovery of racially biased language in nearly 200 property deeds within a single Deschutes County subdivision, Wiestoria.

"This shocking revelation is part of the organization’s Good Deeds Program, an initiative dedicated to identifying and addressing historical injustices rooted in systemic racism," the organization said in a news release, which continues in full below.

The Good Deeds Program has been diligently investigating property deeds across Deschutes County to uncover discriminatory clauses that restrict property ownership based on race. These clauses, often referred to as restrictive covenants, were once common practice and have left a lasting legacy of inequality.

A new Oregon law has empowered County Clerks to officially remove this discriminatory language from property deeds. In accordance with this legislation, COBLA mailed notifications to affected property owners on July 24, informing them of the racially biased language in their deeds.

“The discovery of this widespread racial bias in our community is deeply troubling,” said Riccardo Waites, Executive Director of COBLA. “We are committed to working with county officials and property owners to eradicate these discriminatory covenants and create a more equitable future for all.”

About the Central Oregon Black Leaders Assembly (COBLA)

The Central Oregon Black Leaders Assembly is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the Black community and advocating for racial equity in Central Oregon. The Good Deeds Program is one of several initiatives aimed at addressing the lasting impacts of systemic racism.

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