Congratulations to XoeRae Oubda, the 2026 recipient of the Willie B. Richardson Scholarship.
XoeRae graduated from Tigard High School on June 5. At THS she served as President of the Black Student Union, President and founder of the THS Fashion Club, and a member of MEChA. She also volunteered at Abby’s Closet, the City of Tigard, and the Tualatin Wildlife Refuge.
As a leader at THS, XoeRae organized students to travel to the Black College Expo and visit museum exhibits about Black history and Black fashion. She coordinated speakers to educate students, and she created a Black Icons Wall at THS, showcasing many Black innovators and activists whose contributions are often overlooked. As students framed and labeled the photos, XoeRae led discussions of who each person was and the impact they had.
For XoeRae, Black history is both personal and actionable. “Studying the struggles and triumphs of those before me has shaped how I lead and how I see myself. In a school where Black voices can feel marginalized, I strive to ensure every student feels welcomed, celebrated, and heard. Black history is not confined to February; it is a living narrative that guides my commitment to community, representation, and continued advocacy.”
XoeRae plans to attend Portland State University and major in marketing. We wish her the very best.
The Willie B. Richardson Scholarship was established in 2023 in honor of Willie Richardson, who served as Oregon Black Pioneers’ President from 2004 through 2021. Willie was particularly committed to education. She served on the Salem-Keizer School Board from 1987 to 1991, the first Black person elected to that board.
The scholarship offers one $1000 award annually to a college-bound Black high school senior residing in Oregon who has demonstrated an interest in Black history, preferably Oregon’s Black history. If you would like more information about the Willie B. Richardson Scholarship, please see the Salem Foundation page here. If you would like to donate to the scholarship fund, please visit this page.