Dr. Silky J. Booker (H.C.) honorably served fifteen years of meritorious military service in the United States Air Force. He earned his Associate of Arts degree in Business Management and his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies. The United Graduate College and Seminary International (UGCSI) then bestowed upon Dr. Booker an Honorary Doctorate of Arts and Worship for his development of a philosophy that has endured for 400 years, characterized by resistance, persistence, and coexistence; and for his ongoing commitment to educating, mentoring, and empowering the community. This career achievement has empowered Dr. Booker to be a powerful, dynamic, and influential voice for People of Color worldwide and create opportunities for those in need.

 

Dr. Booker's diverse background includes living in England for almost eight years, where he worked as a top radio show host in the U.K.  After relocating to Eugene in 2017, Dr. Booker began broadcasting for Bi-Coastal Media. As a Board Operator, On-air Host, and Assistant Program Director, he became a voice of inspiration and empowerment within the community while working with multiple nonprofit organizations and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars in aid.

 

In May 2020, Dr. Booker established a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Oregon, known as “King Silky’s Blessing Boxes,” during the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization provides non-perishable food items and supplies to families facing food insecurity throughout Lane County, Oregon. The nonprofit's vision is to continue expanding its community involvement, enabling it to collect more monetary donations, food, and toiletry items to help meet the growing demand of families in need statewide.

 

Dr. Booker has also expanded his humanitarian and philanthropic outreach efforts by founding and participating on a number of Board of Directors. From 2014 to present, Dr. Booker has partnered with and serves on the Board of Directors alongside Dr. Melida A. Harris-Barrow, Peace Ambassador for Panama, and Founder of the 6th Region Global Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber’s mission is to support the growth of economic development and trade throughout the Caribbean, the Americas, and Africa, with a focus on the African Diaspora and indigenous people worldwide.

 

In May 2021, Dr. Booker founded and was elected chairman of the Oregon Black Chamber of Commerce (OBCC), which was established to develop financial education programs, economic resources, and an accessible base of information to assist Black and minority-owned businesses throughout Oregon. He also founded and hosts a monthly Black Professionals Meet and Greet in Eugene that has continued to grow each month. 

 

Moreover, Dr. Booker was also Senate-confirmed and Governor-appointed as State Commissioner and Vice Chair from 2021 to 2023, serving the people of Oregon and the Oregon Commission on Black Affairs (OCBA). Dr. Booker served as a Commissioner on the Eugene Police Commission from 2022 to 2024 and currently serves as a Eugene Human Rights Commissioner, as well as a liaison to the Eugene Police Commission and the Eugene Civilian Review Board. He was voted in and approved for these roles by the Eugene Mayor and City Council, as well as other members of both commissions.