SEI Wrapped 2024

From celebrating the Class of 2024 to opening the Dr. Millner Building, SEI was filled with joyous accomplishments that enriched our communities this past year. To commemorate the special moments of 2024, we wanted to dedicate a highlight to a big win from each month with you. Let’s take a trip down memory lane together!

January: After School Programming (ASP)

SEI kicked off 2024 with its After School Programming (ASP) in full swing! Students had the opportunity to participate in classes such as dance, baking, screenprinting and makeup classes. No amount of snow could delay our students from ringing in the new year with new skills. 🕺🏽👩🏾‍🍳

February: Junction Ave.

Who said SEI doesn’t know how to have a good time? Nobody! On Saturday, February 24th and Sunday, February 25th, community members gathered at the Center for Self Enhancement to enjoy shopping, live music by The PVAMU Marching Storm and an in-flight simulator brought by Alaska Airlines.  🎶

March: HBCU Tour

March marked our 2024 HBCU Tour. ✈️ With the generous support of Alaska Airlines, 30 students had the opportunity to visit Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Over the course of a week, students learned about higher education opportunities all while building community. 

April: Anti-Domestic Violence TREM Graduation Program

In April, SEI came together to honor the Trauma Recovery and Empowerment support group graduates of the Anti-Domestic Violence TREM Program. Families, loved ones and community members gathered in a Right of Passage ceremony to celebrate the cohort of Black women who spent 18 weeks in a dedicated, thoughtful journey of processing, healing and overcoming trauma. The ceremony included aspects of African cultural roots like palm leaves to symbolize rebirth. To rejoice further, the community enjoyed bowling and arcade-filled fun following the ceremony. SEI is proud to continue its support of communal empowerment and healing. 🌿

May: Soul of the City

May was the month of Soul of the City, celebrating 43 years of Life and Legacy as Oregon’s largest Black-founded and Black-led agency. The night honored communal impact and new beginnings while enjoying music, food and laughter. We honored Tony Hopson, Sr. and his legacy as we introduced Trent Aldridge as SEI’s new CEO. We were also given a live performance and keynote by Academy Award, Emmy and Grammy-winning artist, actor and activist, Common. It was a night to remember! 🏙️✨

June: Class of 2024, Pre-School, Fatherhood Program

From Signing Day 2024 to the SEI Elite Dance Team performing at the 8 Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo, June was an event-filled month. Celebrations were at an all-time high honoring what our SEI students have accomplished throughout the 2023-2024 academic year while helping continue to cultivate a community that honors our rich Black history and culture. 

July: Summer Programming

July was the month of SEI’s Summer Programming! Kids of all ages got to enjoy enriching summer courses to continue building consistent, educational habits. From science courses to sun-filled field trips, the fun learning continued throughout summer break. ☀️

August: Homecoming

SEI’s 2024 Homecoming event was a success! Community members stopped by Unthank Park on Saturday, August 10 to enjoy a day filled with music, delicious food and dance performances. We are excited to continue this tradition into Summer 2025. 🍨

September: Dr. Darrell Millner Building

On September 12, 2024, Self Enhancement Inc. and Community Development Partners came together to commemorate the grand opening of the Dr. Darrell Millner Building, a development created to honor the legacy of Portland State’s pioneering professor. With the support of community members, Dr. Millner’s impact was celebrated alongside the future of a thriving Black community. 🏢

October: Harvest Fest

Harvest Fest turned 20 this year! A tradition funded by candy bags has grown into a celebration of over 2,600 people and over 1,125 pounds of candy. Staff and community members alike joined in on the fun, participating in mazes, face painting and sugar rushes. We’re hoping for no cavities this year. 🍬

November: Tech Lab Opening

Did someone say upgrade? SEI did! November was the grand opening of SEI’s renovated tech lab. Nicole Dodier, SEI alum, helped transform SEI’s library into a tech space for students. Nicole, who graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Interior Architecture, returned to SEI to innovate a space that served a fundamental role in her educational upbringing. This is what SEI is all about. 📚👩🏽‍💻

December: Give Back Season

This month was the month of giving back. As a community, SEI helped grant $1,613,091 to families in need of housing assistance, $708,549 in scholarships to students pursuing higher education and 191,796 pounds of food for our community food pantries. None of this would be made possible without the support of each and every one of you — our SEI community. 

We cheer for another special 12 months! Thank you for forming part of the SEI community. We can’t wait to continue growing into 2025. ✨