Congratulations to Joaquin Moffatt, the 2025 recipient of the Willie B. Richardson Scholarship.
Joaquin graduated in June from Portland’s Franklin High School, where he served as president of the Black Student Union, helped create an internship program for students in the I AM Academy, and served as captain of the varsity football team, among many other activities.
This fall, Joaquin will enter the University of Oregon, where he plans to double major in Black Studies and Urban Planning and Development. “Ultimately,” he wrote, “my goal is to address houselessness, sustainable solutions to tackle food scarcity, and create equitable housing opportunities for Black and other people of color.”
Joaquin explained in his scholarship application how his experience has shaped the way he sees Black history: “not just as knowledge or events of the past but as a tool for change, now and in the future. Moving forward, I plan to continue breaking barriers, ensuring that Black youth see themselves represented in every field, every environment, and every opportunity, no matter where they live.”
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.