WHO WE ARE
UNAPLOLOGETICALLY
BLACK
Word is Bond is a Portland-born, Black-led nonprofit leadership incubator for young Black men sprouted in 2017. Word is Bond empowers young Black men ages 15-19 years as they transition from boys into young men and find themselves navigating a world that provides very few answers to unlocking their highest selves. Harnessing the soul force of Black boy joy and the power of storytelling we create dynamic programming to provide an answer to our mission statement.
THE UN-NESS PHILOSOPHY
IS THE PHILOSOPHY OF UNRAVELLING PRECONCEIVED NOTIONS WE HAVE BEEN BOUND TO, GRANTING US PERMISSION TO DREAM IN ABUNDANCE.
It examines traditional frameworks, questioning which elements should remain and what can evolve. It focuses on reimagining established systems while retaining foundational aspects that hold value, fostering a mindset that combines respect for tradition with innovation.
Un-Interview
A new approach that re-examines the way we go about application process
Un -Session
A new approach that re-examines the way we go about application process
Our Mission
WHAT IF YOUNG BLACK MEN WERE EMPOWERED TO THEIR FULLEST POTENTIAL?
Our Vision
Grounded in our belief that young Black men should define their narrative, our open-ended vision statement invites participants to shape their futures while celebrating infinite expressions of Black boy joy.
#ANCESTRY #ANCESTRY #ANCESTRY #ANCESTRY #ANCESTRY #ANCESTRY #ANCESTRY #ANCESTRY
#ANCESTRY #YOUTHVOICE #ANCESTRY #YOUTHVOICE #ANCESTRY #YOUTHVOICE #ANCESTRY #YOUTHVOICE #ANCESTRY #YOUTHVOICE
OUR PEOPLE
LAKAYANA DURY
Executive Director
(He/Him/His) is a social entrepreneur, educator, community advocate, writer, poet, and filmmaker. He is the founder and executive director of Word is Bond, a nonprofit leadership incubator for young Black men based out of Portland, OR which he formed in 2017. At his core, Lakayana is a storyteller who harnesses the power of community engagement and various mediums of art, including poetry, music, drawing and painting, photography, and film to uplift hidden stories and inspire others to collective action.
Lakayana was raised in Madison, Wisconsin by his hardworking mother and is the eldest of three children. He experienced adversity at an early age, as a young Black man navigating the education system and the absence strong male role models. He overcame those challenges and graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stout and went on to pursue a career as an elementary and high school teacher.
Lakayana is of Sudanese and Irish ancestry. His lived experience drives his passion for culturally-grounded education, mentorship, community development and economic investment, and reimagining community safety.
Lakayana’s leadership commitments include serving on the Local Public Safety Coordinating Committee (LPSCC) Executive Committee, the Center for Black Student Excellence (CBSE) Guiding Coalition with Portland Public Schools. In 2023, Lakayana was appointed to the Oregon Commission on Black Affairs for a three-year term.
Lakayana was named Portland Business Journal’s Class of 2021, Forty Under 40, was recognized as Executives of the Year in 2022, received the 2023 Community Leader of the Year at the 38th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute by the World Arts Foundation, and produced his first film, The Black Stars, in 2024
Lakayana is a visionary leader who believes in building a world based on compassion for all people, where every individual has the resources they need to thrive. He believes in dismantling systems of oppression and replacing them with ecosystems that nurture the innate empathy of humanity.
BIL SPIGNER
Chief of Staff
(He/Him/His) Bil Spigner brings over 18 years of experience in retail strategy and consumer experiences, focused on creating business outcomes and building high-performing teams. His background in leading operations has shaped his commitment to fostering relationships and driving community engagement.
Bil previously served as Project Program Director for Nike’s North America Store Operations team. In this role, he oversaw flagship retail stores across the country, relocated to Portland, and contributed to initiatives supporting former members of the armed forces and their families during his time at Nike’s World Headquarters. Prior to his career in retail, Bil proudly served as a United States Marine for four years, further reinforcing his dedication to service and leadership.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Bil has been an active advocate in the nonprofit sector. He has served on the Cascade AIDS Project Board of Directors for the past eight years and currently holds the position of Secretary of the Board. Through this role, Bil contributes to advancing programs that support those affected by HIV/AIDS and fostering equitable access to healthcare and resources.
Bil is inspired by innovation and creative concepts, constantly seeking partnerships that bring together community and growth. As the Operations Director for Word Is Bond, Bil uses his expertise to strengthen organizational impact, ensuring operational excellence and fostering lasting connections.
In his personal time, Bil enjoys exploring creative projects, engaging with community leaders, and leveraging strategic partnerships to empower young Black men through leadership development.
ZION WARD
Program Coordinator
(He/Him/His) is a proud native of Northeast Portland, deeply connected to the community where he was raised. He attended Woodlawn Elementary and later graduated from City Christian High School (now Manna House Christian Academy) in 2018. Zion went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Portland State University, where he cultivated his passion for understanding human behavior and supporting others.
As the son of a pastor and a community leader recognized for her contributions to social justice, Zion was instilled with a strong commitment to service and advocacy from a young age. This upbringing shaped his desire to give back, and today, he continues that legacy as the full-time Program Coordinator for Word Is Bond.
Zion is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African Americans, where he deepens his commitment to leadership, brotherhood, and community service.
In his free time, Zion enjoys staying active, cooking, exploring music, immersing himself in nature, and appreciating art.
FELI SONGOLO
Curriculum Coordinator
(He/Him/His) Born in Zambia, and raised in the United States, Feli embodies the resilience and heritage of their Congolese family, whose family fled the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to civil war. Their upbringing has been shaped by a unique blend of African roots and life in the U.S.
Feli pursued their academic path at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, graduating in May 2023. During their time there, they participated in an exchange program in Qatar, gaining valuable international experience.
After graduating, in the fall of 2023, Feli was hired by the Oregon Alliance for Gun Safety as an Independent Contractor, where they developed a gun violence prevention curriculum currently used at Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI). This role led to an opportunity to teach a Black Studies course at David Douglas High School in the spring of 2023.
Sports have also played a significant role in Feli’s life, with soccer being a lifelong passion. Recently, they had the opportunity to trial with a professional team in Portugal, furthering their experience as a semi-professional player. This competitive spirit extends beyond athletics, as they are also a professional model represented by a modeling agency. Feli has worked with major brands such as Nike, Volkswagen, and Adidas, using their platform to highlight underrepresented narratives.
Storytelling is central to Feli’s identity. Inspired by his favorite author, Fyodor Dostoevsky, he explores the intersections of faith, politics, and understanding the world through his writing, which he regularly publishes online. His work aims to inspire thought and challenge perspectives.
In their personal time, Feli enjoys reading, biking, attending church with their family, and working out, finding fulfillment in pushing both physical and intellectual boundaries. Feli is energized to contribute to the work at Word is Bond, bringing their passion and dedication to creating meaningful change.
OUR PEOPLE
LAKAYANA DURY
Executive Director
(He/Him/His) is a social entrepreneur, educator, community advocate, writer, poet, and filmmaker. He is the founder and executive director of Word is Bond, a nonprofit leadership incubator for young Black men based out of Portland, OR which he formed in 2017. At his core, Lakayana is a storyteller who harnesses the power of community engagement and various mediums of art, including poetry, music, drawing and painting, photography, and film to uplift hidden stories and inspire others to collective action.
Lakayana was raised in Madison, Wisconsin by his hardworking mother and is the eldest of three children. He experienced adversity at an early age, as a young Black man navigating the education system and the absence strong male role models. He overcame those challenges and graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stout and went on to pursue a career as an elementary and high school teacher.
Lakayana is of Sudanese and Irish ancestry. His lived experience drives his passion for culturally-grounded education, mentorship, community development and economic investment, and reimagining community safety.
Lakayana’s leadership commitments include serving on the Local Public Safety Coordinating Committee (LPSCC) Executive Committee, the Center for Black Student Excellence (CBSE) Guiding Coalition with Portland Public Schools. In 2023, Lakayana was appointed to the Oregon Commission on Black Affairs for a three-year term.
Lakayana was named Portland Business Journal’s Class of 2021, Forty Under 40, was recognized as Executives of the Year in 2022, received the 2023 Community Leader of the Year at the 38th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute by the World Arts Foundation, and produced his first film, The Black Stars, in 2024
Lakayana is a visionary leader who believes in building a world based on compassion for all people, where every individual has the resources they need to thrive. He believes in dismantling systems of oppression and replacing them with ecosystems that nurture the innate empathy of humanity.
Primary Content
BIL SPIGNER
Chief of Staff
(He/Him/His) Bil Spigner brings over 18 years of experience in retail strategy and consumer experiences, focused on creating business outcomes and building high-performing teams. His background in leading operations has shaped his commitment to fostering relationships and driving community engagement.
Bil previously served as Project Program Director for Nike’s North America Store Operations team. In this role, he oversaw flagship retail stores across the country, relocated to Portland, and contributed to initiatives supporting former members of the armed forces and their families during his time at Nike’s World Headquarters. Prior to his career in retail, Bil proudly served as a United States Marine for four years, further reinforcing his dedication to service and leadership.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Bil has been an active advocate in the nonprofit sector. He has served on the Cascade AIDS Project Board of Directors for the past eight years and currently holds the position of Secretary of the Board. Through this role, Bil contributes to advancing programs that support those affected by HIV/AIDS and fostering equitable access to healthcare and resources.
Bil is inspired by innovation and creative concepts, constantly seeking partnerships that bring together community and growth. As the Operations Director for Word Is Bond, Bil uses his expertise to strengthen organizational impact, ensuring operational excellence and fostering lasting connections.
In his personal time, Bil enjoys exploring creative projects, engaging with community leaders, and leveraging strategic partnerships to empower young Black men through leadership development.
ZION WARD
Program Coordinator
(He/Him/His) is a proud native of Northeast Portland, deeply connected to the community where he was raised. He attended Woodlawn Elementary and later graduated from City Christian High School (now Manna House Christian Academy) in 2018. Zion went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Portland State University, where he cultivated his passion for understanding human behavior and supporting others.
As the son of a pastor and a community leader recognized for her contributions to social justice, Zion was instilled with a strong commitment to service and advocacy from a young age. This upbringing shaped his desire to give back, and today, he continues that legacy as the full-time Program Coordinator for Word Is Bond.
Zion is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African Americans, where he deepens his commitment to leadership, brotherhood, and community service.
In his free time, Zion enjoys staying active, cooking, exploring music, immersing himself in nature, and appreciating art.
FELI SONGOLO
Curriculum Coordinator
(He/Him/His) Born in Zambia, and raised in the United States, Feli embodies the resilience and heritage of their Congolese family, whose family fled the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to civil war. Their upbringing has been shaped by a unique blend of African roots and life in the U.S.
Feli pursued their academic path at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, graduating in May 2023. During their time there, they participated in an exchange program in Qatar, gaining valuable international experience.
After graduating, in the fall of 2023, Feli was hired by the Oregon Alliance for Gun Safety as an Independent Contractor, where they developed a gun violence prevention curriculum currently used at Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI). This role led to an opportunity to teach a Black Studies course at David Douglas High School in the spring of 2023.
Sports have also played a significant role in Feli’s life, with soccer being a lifelong passion. Recently, they had the opportunity to trial with a professional team in Portugal, furthering their experience as a semi-professional player. This competitive spirit extends beyond athletics, as they are also a professional model represented by a modeling agency. Feli has worked with major brands such as Nike, Volkswagen, and Adidas, using their platform to highlight underrepresented narratives.
Storytelling is central to Feli’s identity. Inspired by his favorite author, Fyodor Dostoevsky, he explores the intersections of faith, politics, and understanding the world through his writing, which he regularly publishes online. His work aims to inspire thought and challenge perspectives.
In their personal time, Feli enjoys reading, biking, attending church with their family, and working out, finding fulfillment in pushing both physical and intellectual boundaries. Feli is energized to contribute to the work at Word is Bond, bringing their passion and dedication to creating meaningful change.
OUR BOARD
WHAT WE DO
Word is Bond engages young Black men (ages 15 to 20) years old across Portland including Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties (OR), and extending into Clark County (WA)through five award-winning programs: Rising Leaders, Level Up, In My Shoes, the Spring Leadership Forum, and the Black Star Homecoming Expedition. We offer dynamic programming through our ten core areas:
- Leadership Development
- Storytelling
- Black History
- Identity Development
- Workforce and Career Development
- Civic Engagement
- Literacy: Academic, Financial, Digital
- Outdoor Leadership and Enviromental Stewardshi
- Health and Wellness
- Food Accessibility and Sustainability
IN THEIR OWN WORDS_____
HOW WORD IS BOND WAS FOUNDED
In creating Word is Bond, we felt strongly about the need to center the unique experiences of young Black men. We saw the deficits; the lack of Black male mentors and decades of data pointing to the underachievement of Black men, as well as the opportunities.
un-claiming achievement
The problem is not closing the achievement gap. It is about closing the investment gap.
The importance of our programming cannot be overstated. In Oregon, Black youth makeup only 1.8% of the state’s general population yet account for 15.5% of Measure 11 indictments.
Young Black men face huge disparities in our state’s education system. The biggest achievement gap in Portland Public Schools, about 50 percentage points, was between white students and African-American students. By focusing on the unique needs of Black male youth, WIB gives these young men a platform to share their experiences while gaining the leadership skills and personal development necessary to realize their full potential and effect positive change in their communities.
Our participants come from a variety of backgrounds including alternative, private, and public schools, from two-parent households, single-parent households, and those who have directly and indirectly experienced issues including incarceration, gang violence, and or homelessness. Some participants have had traumatic contact with the criminal justice system, and some have had no contact at all. That creates an environment in our program spaces where young Black men from all walks of life in Portland can engage, learn, and grow together. Each participant’s lived experience and unique skills and talents greatly enrich our programs.
Through a multifaceted approach, Word is Bond aims to equip our program participants, known as community ambassadors, with the resources, opportunities, and support necessary to pursue their individual dreams and work towards a collective future.
Word is Bond is proud to serve youth from a variety of backgrounds including those who are neurodivergent. Our curriculum is designed to utilize the inherent strengths of youth participants, while also utilizing a wide variety of methodologies and learning styles to be as inclusive as possible. We train our staff on best practices in teaching, trauma-informed care as well as being responsive to different abilities, and learning patterns.
All Word is Bond programs and community events are facilitated and spaces and buildings that are ADA compliant and have multiple mobility access options.
The vision of Word is Bond is for young Black men to possess the agency and autonomy to control and advocate for their own lives, reclaim their narratives, and contribute meaningfully to their local communities and collective humanity.
Our goal is to be a national leader in the development of young Black men.
