Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels
Director, Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels is a proud veteran of the United States Army and the Director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) overseeing agency operations, ensuring the availability and access of vital veteran services and programs for more than 275,000 veterans and their families across the state.
Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the military service of Black Americans whose commitment and sacrifice helped shape the United States of America and strengthen its democratic institutions. It is also a time to acknowledge the full scope of our history — both the achievements and the injustices — so that we may better understand where we have been and where we must go.
Black Americans have served in every war, in every generation, and in every branch of the Armed Forces since the inception of this nation. Even when the promise of equality and freedom was not fully extended to them, they served. Not because the system was fair, but because their commitment to service of other – country, family, and community -was unwavering.
That legacy lives here in Oregon and these stories matter because they remind us that Black veterans have always been part of Oregon’s history — even when their contributions were not fully acknowledged. Despite navigating a state history shaped by exclusionary laws and systemic barriers, Black veterans have continued to serve, lead, advocate, and build strong communities across Oregon.
As the first Black person and woman veteran to serve as Director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, I am deeply aware that representation alone is not enough. What matters is what we do with that responsibility. For me, it means being intentional about who we reach, how we listen, and whether our systems truly work for every veteran — including those who have historically been overlooked or underserved.
Service does not look one way. Veterans do not come from one background, one ZIP code, or one lived experience. If our outreach, programs, and benefits are not reaching Black veterans and other marginalized communities, then we have more work to do.
In today’s environment — where discussions about history and identity can be challenging — it is more important than ever that we know and understand our nation’s history in its entirety. Confronting the uncomfortable truths alongside the triumphs does not divide us; it equips us to make meaningful progress. Knowing that history, recognizing both the harms and the achievements, helps build a more just and inclusive future for everyone in this country.
At the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, we remain committed to ensuring that every veteran — including those from historically underserved communities — receives the support, acknowledgment, and benefits they have rightfully earned through their service. We serve all veterans with equity, integrity, and respect — honoring not only their service, but also the truth of our shared history.
This month, I invite Oregonians to learn, to listen, and to honor the legacy of Black veterans — not as a footnote to history, but as a central part of it.
You can find these stories throughout the month of February on ODVA’s blog: wwww.oregondva.com.
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