THE I-5 ROSE QUARTER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
PLUS: ROADMAP TO SUCCESS
HOW TECH IS LEAVING US LONELY ELECTRIC VEHICLES ARE TAKING OVER
BUILD
WE HONOR 5 ORGANIZATIONS WHO ARE EXCELLING IN BUILDING BLACK EXCELLENCE
Last year we invested $455,000 in nonprofits to support traditional health workers in communities of color. They’re among the dozens of Black-led, culturally specific partners we’re honored to work with, including Black Parent Initiative, Urban League, North by Northeast Community Health Center and Mudbone Grown farm.
As the state’s largest Medicaid provider, the CareOregon family has stood up for equitable, whole-person care since our founding in 1994. More than ever, we’re committed to offering culturally appropriate care, dismantling health inequities and listening to communities.
Making health care work for everyone. That’s the CareOregon Effect.
111 MILES FROM PORTLAND SITS
A 295-ACRE ARBORETUM WITH 4,000 TREES AND 22,200 STUDENTS FROM 50 STATES AND 88 COUNTRIES.
IT’S HOME TO A TIER ONE RESEARCH UNIVERSITY WITH A 19:1 STUDENT-TO-TEACHER RATIO.
Oregon has a long history of structural and institutional racism – from exclusion laws and redlining to discrimination and displacement. Oregon’s new Governor, Tina Kotek, is breaking down these historical barriers and helping to build a better future for all Oregonians.
John Washington, takes a hard look at the unprecedented money and resources flowing into Black coffers in Oregon and how the impact of new money…..and new leadership…..stands to affect the State of Black Portland.
16 Eating the Odds
Nutritionist Karen Nickerson believes that with the right kind of education and support, anyone can begin their journey to optimal health and wellbeing.
17 Healing from the Roots
Owner and operator of Healing from the Heart, Javelin Hardy is a mother, grandmother, healer, educator and writer who shares her journey to the light and what it takes to break through generational trauma, behaviors and addictions.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Eric C. Hunter shares the work of Care Oregon, a significant catalyst for health care change and the largest health plan serving Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members.
19 MLK Dream Run 2023
On your mark, get set, GO get your Run on!! Mark your calendars for the 12th Annual MLK Dream Run weekend celebration of health, wellness and community taking place on September 16th and 17th, 2023.
20
“Magic Mushrooms” have been used to treat mental health disorders for centuries. Now legal in Oregon, Doctor Rachel Knox is on the frontline to ensure equal access to its therapeutic benefits.
23
Eat. Play. Stay- Detroit, Michigan is one of seven of the top 50 cities in the U.S whose population is predominantly Black. With that in mind, we explore Detroit for some Black-focused travel experiences.
26 State of Emergency
Forced migration due to climate change is an alarming trend that is expected to displace 117.2 million people by the end of the year. To avoid disaster, action must be taken imminently.
27 Senator Ron Wyden Op-ed
U.S. Senator, Ron Wyden, shares the details of legislation he introduced to encourage and support the economic growth of small businesses throughout Oregon.
28 Build Black Better
Flossin Media’s List of the Top 5 Organizations in Oregon who are Building Black Better.
34 Tale of Two Cities: Houseless in Portland
Despite declaring a ‘state of emergency’ with regards to the houseless crisis, Portland still struggles to implement long term solutions. How did we get here and how do we effectively help those falling through the cracks and onto the streets?
36 Buckle Up
The Electric Vehicle Revolution is about to Explode into Mainstream Transportation.
38
DeAngelo Moaning of Raimore Construction and Dr. Steven Holt take on the I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement and expansion project.
College athletes have generated billions of dollars for the NCAA and now, thanks to NIL(Name, Image, Likeness), they are finally cashing in.
Portland Attorney, Bryson Davis offers expert advice on starting a liberating and profitable business with a legal structure tailored to your business type.
Starting a small business can be an exciting journey filled with challenges and opportunities. Soul District Business Association Small Business Navigator, Alex Gebreab, charts the course to success for aspiring entrepreneurs.
On March 3rd, 2023, Oregon State Legislature passed the Equity Investment Act, SB 1579. Despite being a long-overdue effort to help BIPOC communities in Oregon recover economically from the ‘war on drugs’, equity and justice still face a firing squad
As people have become more accustomed to technology, we are losing an important part of the human experience…. human contact.
The shock of seeing two young Black lawmakers undemocratically ousted from the Tennessee House allegedly for a violation of the House’s rules of decorum, prompted this fiery rebuttal from Rosa Colquitt, the State Party Chair of the Democratic Party of Oregon.
A collaborative and robust coalition of new and diverse, interdisciplinary stakeholders is stepping up to the equity plate to affirm Black historic preservation efforts in Oregon.
Afrovivalist, Sharon Ross, is back to share her journey and her passion for preparedness in the aftermath of big shifts since 2020. She encourages others to be prepared for any emergency by having emergency kits, a food pantry, Bug Out Bags (BOB) and Bug Out Locations (BOL) for unexpected situations.
As the newest chapter president of the Portland branch of the NAACP, James Posey steps up for racial justice and the elevation of presence and purpose of people of color in Portland, Oregon.
Put on your dancing shoes and come hungry! Good in the Hood’s 33rd Annual Multicultural Music, Arts & Food Festival is right around the corner.
On Friday, August 4th and Saturday, August 5th, 2023, the 6th annual Vanport Jazz Festival(VJF) regales audiences with a full spectrum experience headlined by luminaries and giants of Jazz.
Flossin Media TV Shines the spotlight on the City of Rose’s oldest celebration from the perspective of the Black Rose.
This issue’s pick of authors who have taken the time to write books that improve our perspectives, our conditions, and our ability to better connect with one another.
A vaunted legacy and tradition of champions and contenders, the Knott Street Community Center has left an indelible impression on the boxing world and the youth that come through it’s programs.
The Sons of Hip Hop are DJs Too. Flossin’s nod to Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary. We host a conversation with three of Portland’s hardest working DJs interviewed on Black Beat Podcast.
Told from the perspective of a 12-year old Black boy who slept under a tree with his Mother and little Sister, “Outdoor School” is a groundbreaking film based on a true story of houselessness, resilience and the transformative power of nature and community.
60 Edmund Mundo
As the artist and designer behind the Soul District Brand Identity Campaign banners, Edmund Mundo Holmes shares his passion for bringing to life the Black experience in the Soul of Portland.
Take a peek behind the curtain of the Soul District Business Association’s branding campaign.
62 Heritage
“Heritage” is a powerful spoken word poem written for Black History Month by Poet and Pastor, Alexander James.
Iwant to honor the Soul District Business Association, which has devoted 45 years to elevating and advocating for BIPOC business owners in North and Northeast Portland.
From helping Black youth develop skills to succeed in our growing tech industry, to creating community gathering spaces for neighbors and business owners to connect and support each other, The Soul District Business Association is doing the kind of work that can change lives and build a stronger Oregon for generations to come.
Black-owned businesses always have been, and always will be, essential to local economies and local communities.
Black business owners and entrepreneurs helped lead the movement for civil rights, and continue to lead with resilience, innovation and excellence despite the many barriers put in their paths.
As a state, we must acknowledge our long history of structural and institutional racism – from exclusion laws and redlining to discrimination and displacement – and use that knowledge to break down these historical barriers and build a better future for all Oregonians.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted and exacerbated many specific, systemic inequities that need to be addressed. In 2020, when I was the Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives, I heard
from Black leaders who designed a fund to provide cash grants to Black individuals, Black-owned businesses, and Black-led nonprofit organizations who experienced financial challenges due to COVID-19. It was clear to me that this needed to be a priority, and I worked closely alongside Black advocates and legislators to establish the Oregon Cares Fund, which ultimately distributed more than $60 million.
Now, as Governor, I am committed to reducing racial disparities and transforming how the state provides services to support all Oregonians.
In my first month in office, I released a recommended budget that centers the needs of everyday Oregonians and endeavors to embed equity in the work of state agencies. Importantly, my budget embeds feedback from the Racial Justice Council, an advisory group explicitly designed to change how the state listens to, engages with, and supports BIPOC Oregonians.
My budget was just the first step in a strong, ongoing partnership with the critical work of the Racial Justice Council (RJC). In every budget action, and every policy action, we must be working to reduce the systemic causes of racial disparities that have meant less opportunity and more harm for Oregonians of color. One specific bill that I’m working with the RJC on in this legislative session would adjust the state’s contracting and procurement processes to expand access and opportunities for small and emerging business and BIPOC-owned businesses.
Lasting change is only possible when it’s driven by the people. You have my commitment as your Governor to be a partner in the movement toward equity, justice, dignity, and shared prosperity for all.
“The Soul District Business Association is doing the kind of work that can change lives and build a stronger Oregon for generations to come.”
Brand Strategist
Hailei Aberson-Holford
Hailei Aberson-Holford advises the team on company message and customer experience.
CEO & Editor in Chief
John Washington
John Washington leads Flossin with decades of knowledge, experience and an abiding love for the Black community. He is also the host of the Black Beat Podcast Show.
Fawn Aberson
Fawn Aberson helps drive the publication and organization’s innovative approach to surround sound marketing.
Associate Writer & Copy Editor
Michele Darr
Michele Darr is a longtime writer and editor who brings her passion as a human rights and social justice warrior to assist staff in reinforcing the restorative justice narratives.
Alexander Gebreab works with small business owners by providing tools for stability and growth.
Jurell Scott
Jurell Scott supports small businesses with their marketing needs. He’s also a freelance photographer, and founder of Photoshoot Jay LLC.
Jacob Rousso
Jacob Rousso brings his expertise in audio engineering & Photography to help his team capture compelling stories and events.
Ron Smith brings a wealth of skills in all things technology. His contributions help the organization with IT consulting and full media integration.
Spencer Gifford
Spencer Gifford works with the team to provide AV and event technical support.
Writer U.S. Senator
Ron Wyden
U.S. Senator Wyden is a retired educator serving as a senior U.S Senator from Oregon, a seat he has held since 1996.
Writer Governor Tina Kotek
Governor Tina Kotek is a member of the Democratic Party who served eight terms as a State Representative from the 44th district of the Oregon House of Representatives before becoming the current, and 39th Governor of the State of Oregon.
Art Director & Design Layout
Jamaal Hale
Jamaal Hale is a designer and founder of Good Green, a creative studio that specializes in graphic design, print, ideation and more. hello@goodgreenpdx.com
Writer Alexander James
Poet and Pastor, Alexander James, is a passionate, South LAborn artist. His forthcoming debut book: JUST BE HONEST will be released this summer 2023.
Writer Kimberly S. Moreland
Kimberly S. Moreland is a Community Historian, and owner of Moreland Resource Consulting LLC. She has over 30 years of experience documenting and interpreting the Black history of Oregon.
Writer Daniel Barrick
As an observer of the profoundities and absurdities of life, Daniel Barrick, aka MC Noisemaker, is a writer and digital creator with a flair for avant garde expression.
Writer Eric C. Hunter
With more than 25 years of leadership experience in the healthcare field, Eric C. Hunter is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Care Oregon.
Writer Rosa Colquitt
Ms. Rosa Colquitt is a lifelong community organizer and coalition builder. She currently serves as the State Party Chair of theDemocratic Party of Oregon.
Writer Bryson Davis
Bryson is Counsel at PNW Business Law in Vancouver, Washington. His practice involves advising and representing forprofit and nonprofit clients in a broad range of business issues from formation to sale.
The Soul District is here to support your small business:
The Soul District Business Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit membership organization that promotes the economic and business development of inner N/NE Portland. Established in 1977, we are one of the oldest and largest business districts in the city, housing approximately 5,000 businesses and 64,000 residents within our geographical boundaries. Call or visit the Soul of Portland: (503) 841-5032
Corporate Office: 6607 NE MLK Jr. BLVD Portland, OR 97211
The Soul District Business Association continues to promote and advocate for growth and opportunity, representing over 5000 diverse businesses in the N/NE Portland community.
Money, money, money. It’s on everyone’s mind these days as we collectively witness one of the greatest transfers of wealth in the Black community in over 80 years.
While money and resources wields significant power in helping “Build Black Better”; from empowering Black families to restoring Black infrastructure in the US; we must first address our foundational realities which inform any and all momentum experienced within our community. A windfall can quickly take us to our own demise without a purposeful blueprint in place or the capacity to effectively apply the bounty that is long overdue. Much in the same way that a building is not constructed starting at the 15th floor, the foundation of our communities must be properly prepared or the structures built upon it will fail.
When addressing the foundation of the Black community, no conversation can be had without the conversation about generational trauma and how it informs our daily reality. As Black author and healer, Javelin Hardy, points out in an article contained within these pages, “Healing from the Roots”, we carry the journeys, triumphs and traumas of the past 3 generations in our blood, our bones, our DNA. Generations of families broken by racist ideologies, systemic injustices and economic slavery have created an internal blight that is reflected externally in the trials and tribulations playing out in our communities today.
As many in mental health circles are painfully aware, throwing money at these problems will not fix them. It will only create a new ground for the problems to continue to play out, as unhealthy people with wealth carry the poverty of their spirits into the next stages of their experience, regardless of the circumstances. If we are to heal
and recover on a foundational level and reach our pinnacles of capability, significance and influence, it is critical that we prepare our foundation to ensure more than fleeting success. Examples of the principles of preparation include a spiritual foundation, self assessment, philanthropic/humanitarian purpose, self love and compassion that leads to enlightenment. Through enlightenment, one will recognize that when it comes to abundance, you can’t keep it if you don’t give it away. To leave anyone behind is to fail the collective because in the end, we are all one body, one family.
While I continue to feel a growing sense of hope and anticipation, I can not, in good conscience, ignore a disturbing sense of fragmentation and siloing growing within our ranks. Not all boats are rising. Front line warriors that have been fighting for the Black community in Oregon over decades are noticeably absent at these newly formed tables.
These threats are not always obvious and like a trojan horse, can come cloaked in forms such as white benevolence offered via backroom dealings and covert decisions carried out with zero public scrutiny. Constructed agendas seemingly designed to separate the younger Black Portland generation from its well known elders and leaders in the community has me deeply concerned for several
“You can’t just slap a Black name on an organization and expect it to perform to the benefit of those it claims to serve, especially when it has no history of service to the state’s Black communities.”John Washington, CEO Flossin Media
reasons. I am concerned with the fact that Oregon’s newly formed Black economic engines are claiming to fill a pre-existing void while replicating and recycling decades of work previously and currently being done on behalf of the Black community by historic, roots-level community organizations and nonprofits. I am concerned that fully resourced, predominantly White led/occupied agencies with no history of Black inclusion have taken it upon themselves to stand up these organizations on the heels of cultural and economic unrest with no public input or vetting process.
I am concerned and deeply troubled at the idea of my people being blackwashed through a constructed agenda that does not engage their participation and is carried out with little to no external oversight or membership involvement. I am concerned by the lack of equal representation of historic Black Business serving organizations of Portland at these tables and deeply uncomfortable with unfamiliar, in-state and out-of-state leaders being installed as overseers without a fair and democratic election process.
The historic Black community is entitled to a better disposition than it is currently receiving and we must all come to the table to sift through the chaff and grain to grow and sustain the economic and social welfare of Black families. You can’t just slap a Black name on an organization and expect it to perform to the benefit of those it claims to serve, especially when it has no history of service to the state’s Black communities. You can, however, use tried and true applications of democratic accountability to stand up leaders and organizations with demonstrable history of making great strides locally and statewide.
Such leaders and ideals are on full display in this magazine and I am proud to be a part of a movement of such forces that are making it possible for us to leverage the long overdue reparations coming our way. Raimore Construction is laying foundations for economic recovery by offering unprecedented opportunities in the trades and through the landmark I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project. Attorney Bryson Davis and Soul District Small Business Navigator, Alex Gebraeb, present roadmaps to success for Black entrepreneurs in the City, while political leaders like our Governor, Tina Kotek, U.S Senator Ron Wyden and activists like Jeanette Ward-Horton and Dr. Rachel Knox take on the systemic challenges and complex opportunities for Black families in our State. Here at the Soul District Business Association and Flossin Media, we are excited to be rolling out our new mobile podcast unit designed with our logos and District Identity, the Black Rose.
At the end of the day, I am reminded of the importance of choosing carefully which stars we are following in our quest to arrive Home. As Al Sharpton warned, “Beware of snakes in your family, your business, your social life. Be careful of cunning people that play all sides, they aren’t loyal to anyone. They can be dangerous or they can just be snakes wiggling around, either way they don’t advance you and they can’t be trusted.” The best of what we can create is in front of us, but it begins and ends with all of us. Let us lean whole heartedly into a renewed perspective and let’s arrive and hold dearly to the things that inspire us to greatness. When we come to the table with the best of ourselves, we Build Black Better.
John Washington CEO Flossin Media
Black Beat Podcast, hosted by Flossin Media’s CEO and Editor-in-Chief John Washington, takes a deep dive into current events from the Black perspective. “Wash” and his crew invite lively conversations with diverse leaders in the community, business executives, entertainers, health and wellness experts and the politically engaged in order to break barriers and disrupt the traditional “white noise”.
The Portland Small Business Hub offers free, one-on-one, culturally specific resource navigation in multiple languages for local small business owners. Its business advisors help businesses connect to resources such as financial and technical assistance, marketing, and legal support.
The program is a collaboration between Prosper Portland and local community partners. It is supported by American Rescue Plan funds allocated by Portland City Council to help Portland businesses and communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic recession.
Schedule a free appointment with a business advisor today: ����
Nutritionist Karen Nickerson believes that with the right kind of education and support, anyone can begin their journey to optimal health and wellbeing. She walks her talk too, putting her Masters of Science in nutrition from the National University of Natural Medicine and Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from the University of Redlands to good use by offering free nutritional health coaching at Natural Grocers on MLK. Her passion has roots that have grown into almost a decade of experience in teaching, coaching and encouraging others in inner North and Northeast Portland to make positive life changes. “I am a born and bred Oregonian and grew up right here in the neighborhood,” Nickerson shared. “I have always had a focus on health and wellness.”
While lots of people have different definitions of what it means to eat healthy or not eat healthy, the reality is that more than 90% of Americans aren’t getting the optimal amount of fruits and vegetables in their diets. “We have really shifted away from whole foods,” she explained. “Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, these are all things we used to forage for back in the day. Now, 60% of the American diet is processed food. Things that you are going to find in a bag or in a box or in a can have been manipulated and contain all of these ingredients that we can’t pronounce, making it easy for manufacturers to sneak in more sodium, more sugar.”
Shockingly, these same manufacturers are responsible for the sharp increase in society’s intake of 2 all time, unhealthy heavy-hitters….salt and sugar. “Back in the year 1900, we used to eat about 10 pounds of sugar per person, per year. Now, it is up to 150 pounds of sugar per person, per year,” she revealed. “They sneak it into your breads, your pastas, your ketchup, condiments, everything and everywhere. That is really wreaking havoc on our health and wellness as a society and if you are in the projects, a lot of those places are ‘food deserts’ and they don’t even have access to healthy food. Add to that the fact that if you also have two parents that aren’t home, kids grab the quickest microwave foods, cereal, whatever is fastest, because everyone is so busy.”
When asked about the impact of habitual behaviors, Nickerson advises her clients of the benefit vs. the cost of lifestyle changes. “Habit change is the most difficult part of my job,” admits Nickerson. “Helping people to
determine why it is important to them to develop a new habit and what the benefits will be is key because not only do you want a longer life span, you want a longer health span. You don’t want to live to 80 if you feel like garbage from the age of 60. Once people realize they can feel better, they are more willing to make those changes.”
She also points out that improving the overall quality of one’s health far exceeds just the changing of diet. “I think that people need more self care, like getting more sleep, drinking more water, getting out in nature and engaging with the community,” she observes. “Even what you consume from media and online, all of those really affect your health and wellness too, so taking more time out during the day to take care of yourself really matters.”
That carries over to mental health as well. “There is a really great book called, ‘This is Your Brain on Food’ written by a psychiatrist who is also a nutritionist,” Nickerson shared. “She takes her clients/ patients and puts them on a new diet protocol of foods that are higher in certain nutrients affecting brain health. So whether it’s depression, bipolar, etc…., her focus is on using specific nutrients to address mental health, which we all know has become a huge issue nationwide. When you also consider that 60% of what we are consuming is processed food, it makes you wonder what would happen if we went back to eating more whole foods, like what would the impact be on kids who have ADHD?” she mused.
Karen Nickerson is doing her utmost to help people mitigate these impacts by offering free one-on-one coaching, classes, and nutritional advice in our area. However, one need go no further than an email, a phone call or a visit to one of the numerous Natural Grocers stores located around the Portland-Metropolitan area to access a local, neighborhood program. As far as time commitment for the consultation, it takes about an hour and the benefits are potentially enormous. “We go over the whole health history and then offer advice on diet, healthcare and supplements that can be used to round out and meet the clients health goals,” she shared. “We have locations in SW Portland, Vancouver, Tigard, Gresham, Beaverton and so on but if you want to find me specifically, scroll down to the MLK location. There you will find a way to sign up for health coaching sessions or you can email me directly at nhc.mk@naturalgrocers.com. You can also call the store at (503) 528-9884.
JAMAAL HALE
“You don’t want to live to 80 if you feel like garbage from the age of 60.”
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” -Maya
AngelouPortland writer, poet and healer, Javelin Hardy is a soul defined by a purpose and a calling to help others overcome the ghostly heat of childhood and intergenerational trauma. Growing up in the small southern town of Minden, Louisiana, 53-year old Hardy began writing around the age of seven years old in a journal she kept as an outlet to help her escape her traumatic surroundings and keep a record of what she endured.
Growing up in the 1980s, Hardy endured not only sexual and other forms of abuse, she was also a witness to the crack cocaine epidemic which devastated Black communities across the U.S. Deciding to return to college when her children were three and five years old, she struck out on the road to healing in an effort to find words for her experiences and to learn more about how trauma causes and foments mental and emotional sickness within the mind, body and spirit.
As a student at Portland State University, she pursued her masters degree in social work with an emphasis on family systems theory and applications to address trauma and PTSD. After years of counseling and study, she fell in love with dialectical behavior therapy, which has four components to it:
mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotional regulation. “I have been practicing these modalities for the past 15 years and I am able to implement them alongside yoga, Reiki, and sound bowl therapy. I also love cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches you the situation that leads to
yourself, because when you hold it in it turns into sickness.”
Finding the words and a contextual understanding of the effects of trauma on the human mind, body and spirit was a journey that led to the realization that many of her friends and family had similar stories. In learning that the Black community still suffers from not just current, but all of the trauma of three generations before hers, Ms. Hardy’s path led her to begin studying and reading the history of her ancestors and the ceremonial healings they used. “The major components about ancestral healing is that you are including the power of your ancestors alongside your community to weep, touch, perform ceremonial washings and to eliminate all the trauma that we carry,” she shared. “By speaking my truth, I am no longer holding it. We don’t have to hide anymore. We don’t have to keep secrets like our ancestors.”
One of Hardy’s deepest and most heartfelt goals is to help her community heal by being there with them through the process, walking them through the journey and helping them understand that they’re not alone. She remembers her late mother as continuing to inspire her as she remembers watching her rock in silence and hide in her room. “She was depressed, in the dark and staying in abusive, unhealthy relationships,” Hardy reflected. “The inspiration is in the choice not to live in dysfunction and within the confines of abusive relationships while also helping other women to regain control of their lives and save themselves and their children through doing the work to not pass on generational pain. “
Ms.Hardy has also shared her inspiration with the world by writing two autobiographical books of poetry. “I held onto my secrets for so long and the abuse that I suffered as a little girl truly affected me when I was a mother raising my two sons,” she remembers. “After a lot of counseling and personal healing, I decided to speak my truth. The people that abused me appeared to be happier than I was, so I exposed them in order to be set free. I felt like the world had been lifted off of me. I could breathe. I no longer have the responsibility of my abusers from all the shame and guilt that I carried as a child and a grown woman. I gave myself permission to be free.”
the emotion and how we deal with it. I did a lot of studying on how trauma affects the brain and how memories are stored in the body, which causes us a lot of autoimmune disease, arthritis, lupus, and fibromyalgia. Grief and loss work has also truly helped me and if there is one thing that my generation has changed is that it’s OK to go to counseling. It’s OK to find somebody to trust to deal with your pain. The most important thing is to not hold it to
Javelin Hardy is the owner and operator of Healing from the Heart. The services that she offers are Reiki, sound bowl therapy and ancestral healing. She is also a certified yoga instructor.
“If there is one thing that my generation has changed is that it’s OK to go to counseling. It’s OK to find somebody to trust to deal with your pain. The most important thing is to not hold it to yourself, because when you hold it in it turns into sickness.”
of our Black and Brown families are experiencing worse health outcomes than their white peers. They experience higher rates of chronic conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes, many of which can be treated with dietary changes. So, we’re working to get no cost Community Supported Agriculture shares out to members to increase their access to fresh foods. Importantly, we’re doing this work in partnership with farmers from these same communities. Last year, for example, we were proud to add Mudbone Grown to our family of farmers. As a Black-owned farm in east county, they do more than just feed families. They are helping rekindle a connection with the land.
When I think about the future of the Black community in our region, looking to history is important in defining the many challenges that come to mind. Over the past two decades, affordability has had a disproportionate impact on how, and where, many in our community live. It has not just been a strain on family budgets, but on community ties and social connection as the Black community has been pushed further out and dispersed into east county.
As the Chief Executive Officer of the largest health plan serving Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members, this work is personal to me. I know the importance that strong social connections can play in creating opportunity for the next generation and how this community fabric can lift up Black families in particular.
At CareOregon, we prioritize work and investments that will help us Build Black Better.
This means making strategic investments in education and community supports for our youth. In late-2021, we
announced a new 10-year partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of the Portland Metropolitan Area, with a particular focus on investing our time and talent in strengthening the Rockwood neighborhood. Many of the families from North and Northeast Portland have been pushed out to Rockwood. The zip code surrounding the CareOregon Boys & Girls Club at Rockwood has the highest percentage of OHP members and youth under the age of 18 in the region, and possibly the state. Investments here can have ripple effects on generations to come.
CareOregon clinical and communitybased teams use the data that we have to identify and address the needs of specific communities. All too often, decisions are made by companies and leaders who look only at global statistics or averages. If you don’t disaggregate the data into meaningful groups you can not ensure that everyone is having their needs met. We know that our members will be most successful if they feel seen and heard by their providers. We’re tackling this issue on every front that we can. We’ve mobilized resources to increase pay for culturally specific behavioral health providers, host listening sessions with Black providers to understand what we can do to increase the number of providers of color who serve our members, and are increasing diversity and trauma informed trainings for our provider network.
There is no silver bullet for improving health outcomes for Black families. It is not something that we can change overnight. I say with confidence that the work we are doing in partnership with the community—standing alongside, not ahead or behind our region’s Black leaders—will help us Build Black Better. It will take all of us working together, investing in the generations here today and those that are yet to come.
We’re taking care of the families on OHP and the providers who serve them. The statistics are stark. Too many
“We’re working to get no cost Community Supported Agriculture shares out to members to increase their access to fresh foods.”Eric Hunter President & CEO Care Oregon
businesses in the Soul District while activating the entire community to get out and get healthy together. More than a weekend celebration/race, MLK Dream Run is a summer long series of associated micro-events focused not just on setting future goals and raising the bar for community health awareness and improvement, but also upon achieving the goals we have already set for ourselves in past years.
The theme of the 2023 race, Eyes on the Prize, underscores a time of action, a time of realization of long laid plans and strategies and a time of renewal and rebirth. In keeping our Eyes on the Prize, now is the time to achieve and exceed the major benchmarks of our storied history. We encourage our participants to set their own personal, professional and health goals into action as a tribute to our theme and invite everyone to share on social media, with family, friends, coworkers and community to hold ourselves accountable to our goals. Please tag #MLKDreamRun #EyesonthePrize and #Missionacheivable so we can all support your dream/ achievement of a long, healthy Life journey.
There is no doubt that America is sick and has been for quite some time. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory illnesses continue to be the leading causes of death and disability while unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety resulting from attempting to keep up with the lightening speed pace of our world are overloading our abilities to cope.
Here in the first world which seemingly guarantees endless options for nourishment, the majority of us are also struggling to mitigate the effects of hasty, on the go diets loaded with bad fats, salt, preservatives, dubious chemicals and sugar. Factor in unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol, drugs and harmaceuticals coupled with car-centric lifestyles which discourage physical activity, it is no wonder that we are facing a perfect storm of catastrophic health consequences in this nation.
Beyond scrolling past the grim statistics and maybe pausing for a minute to consider the personal implications, there still remain healthy, fun, life-affirming outlets and activities to consider when setting your course towards a longer, healthier, more fulfilling existence.
Now in its 12th year, the MLK Dream Run is a signature event that carries forth a rich tradition of supporting historically underserved Black and IPOC youth entrepreneurs and small
Hosted by the Soul District Business Association, the weekend-long MLK Dream Run celebration includes food, vendors, music and sponsors such as Alaska Airlines who will be giving away 12 round trip tickets to anywhere they fly. To access the full Run schedule including free meetups, training runs and other supportive activities leading up to the weekend celebration, you can visit our website or Facebook page for more information. To register as a runner/walker/volunteer, visit runsignup.com/Race/OR/Portland/MLKDreamRun.
“The theme of the 2023 race, Eyes on the Prize, underscores a time of action, a time of realization of long laid plans and strategies and a time of renewal and rebirth.”
NOW
Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for centuries, from Plato and other philosophers, to the Aztecs to the Native Americans. A mural found in Northern Australia depicting mushrooms and other psychedelics dates back to 10,000 BCE and prehistoric rock paintings in Spain suggest the use of magic mushrooms by Europeans in 4,000 BCE. In terms of how we arrived at the present day with most of the United States still hovering in prohibition of psychedelics and other substances, one must go back and take the country’s entire history into account.
Although ‘magic mushrooms’ were made illegal under the first “War on Drugs” declared by president Nixon in 1970, it was by far not the first time the United States implemented drug laws that seemed, by design, to selectively target specific communities. Anti-opium laws of the 1870’s took aim at Chinese immigrants and anti-cannabis laws in the 1910s and 1920’s
targeted Mexican Americans and migrants. In an interview with Dan Baum in 1994, a top Nixon aide and former domestic policy advisor, John Erlichman, shockingly confirmed that “hippies” and “blacks” were the targets identified under the Nixon administration. “We knew we couldn’t make it illegal to be either against the war or blacks, but by getting the public to associate the hippies with marijuana and blacks with heroin, and then criminalizing both heavily, we could disrupt those communities. We could arrest their leaders, raid their homes, break up their meetings, and vilify them night after night on the evening news. “Did we know we were lying about the drugs? Of course we did.”
Despite these revelations and a growing body of evidence revealing the unsustainable human and fiscal costs of the “war on drugs’’, public opinion continues to run the gamut on ‘shrooms’ and other natural and botanical substances
as legitimate gateways to healing the mind and body. The conversations become more lively and interesting when factoring in significant medical research that indicates psilocybin to be a healthier and more direct treatment for depression than antidepressants/SSRI’s, which don’t guarantee quality results and have the potential to lead to a host of other problems, such as feeling emotionally numb, reduced positive feelings, negative bodily impact and suicidal thoughts. In recent years, researchers have also been able to prove that psilocybin therapy is useful in treatment for manic depression, trauma therapy, anxiety disorders (such as PTSD) and addiction, in both clinical/ pharmacological and anecdotal contexts. As a result of the preponderance of evidence, psilocybin mushrooms have now been decriminalized and legalized for therapeutic use in Oregon with ballot measure 109 in 2020, and decriminalized
in California and parts of Colorado, Massachusetts,Michigan, Washington and Washington, D.C.
In an effort to help bridge the gap between those who have borne the brunt of prohibition and equal access for all to therapeutic psilocybin and cannabis, Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board member, Dr. Rachel Knox, MD, MBA has been a frontline advocate and trailblazer. As an endocannabinologist in Portland, OR, Dr. Knox utilizes CBD, cannabis, and other natural medicines to regulate and heal the body. She received her medical and business degrees from Tufts School of Medicine after completing her undergraduate studies at Duke where she trained in family and integrative medicine before pursuing additional study in the areas of functional medicine, cannabinology, and endocannabinology.
As the immediate past chair of the Oregon Cannabis Commission, Equity Chair of the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board, a founding board member of Cannabis Regulators of Color Coalition (CRCC), and member of the National Council on Federal Psychedelic Priorities (NCFPP), Dr. Knox shared with us some of the therapeutic benefits and known side-effects of
psilocybin therapy.
“Through its activity at serotonin receptors, psilocybin is one of many natural substances that engages the endocannabinoidome, a complex signaling network in the body that manages all physiological functions,” Dr. Knox
on the safety, efficacy, and tolerability for anxiety, depression, substance abuse (like tobacco smoking and alcoholism), and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) compared with available pharmacological interventions. “There is also evidence that psilocybin may be effective for indications beyond mental health such as chronic inflammatory and pain conditions, cluster headaches, neurodegenerative disorders, and autoimmune diseases,” Dr. Knox added. “Psilocybin, like many other natural substances, has a wider safety profile than pharmaceutical drugs. This means that psilocybin has increased safety and tolerability at a wider range of doses, and with fewer unwanted or adverse effects. Psilocybin has also been shown to be more effective at treating MDD and anxiety, resulting in longer lasting effects with much fewer doses. Lastly, psilocybin is commonly administered in the context of nondirective psychotherapy or in community; adjunct methodologies that can greatly influence a person’s experience with psilocybin and its outcome.”
In terms of short and long term impact, Dr. Rachel stated that common results of psilocybin therapy can range from “anxiety reduction to euphoria and hallucination,” with individual testimony often going as far as describing it as “life-altering and deeply spiritual.” However, psychedelic experiences are commonly affected by the individual’s “set and setting” (in other words, their state of mind and environment at the time of ingestion/ experience), with side effects sometimes including nausea, gastrointestinal and/ or psychological distress, and overall impaired concentration.
explained. “This network’s engine is the endocannabinoid system (ECS) which has a primary role of homeostasis–keeping the body in balance. Being an endocannabinologist, a person who studies the function, dysfunction, modulation, and treatment of the endocannabinoidome, requires knowing how substances like psilocybin affect the human body and when they may or may not be beneficial.”
While the Food and Drug Administration has declared psilocybin a ‘breakthrough therapy’ for Major Depressive Order (MDD), there are also evidentiary studies available
In 2020, enough Oregonians took heed of the cost/benefit analysis and voted “Yes” on Measure 109 to legalize psilocybin assisted therapy in the state. “The measure directed the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to oversee the regulation of psilocybin production and facilitated use after a two-year rule-making period which ended in December 2022,” Dr. Knox concluded. “OHA began accepting applications for psilocybin manufacturing, service centers, and facilitator licenses in January 2023, and we should expect the first psilocybin service centers to open their doors to the public this summer. Until this happens, commercial psilocybin services in Oregon remain unlawful and because psilocybin is still considered a schedule 1 controlled substance, it won’t be covered by medical insurance right away.”
“Psilocybin, like many other natural substances, has a wider safety profile than pharmaceutical drugs.”
PDX Black Rose, brings in members of the Portland community that push the envelope of equality and equity. We shed light on programs and events, and we connect with people in N/NE Portland who are investing in the Soul of Portland.
Created by the Soul District Business Association in collaboration with Flossin Media, Iltopia Studios and community partners.
Amajority-minority city is a term used to refer to a city in which one or more racial, ethnic, and/or religious minorities; relative to the whole country’s population; make up a majority of the local population. According to the 2020 Census, of the 50 largest cities in the U.S. today, seven of them have a Black population majority. They include Detroit, Michigan; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Baltimore, Maryland; Washington D.C.; Atlanta,Georgia and Memphis,Tennessee.
Flossin Magazine will profile each of these cities over the course of our next several issues to find great Black-owned places to eat, Black-focused attractions in which to play, and Black-owned places to stay. We start in the Midwest with Detroit, Michigan.
Total Population: 639,111- 77.2%
Black: 22.8%
White: 65.18%
Hispanic Latino: 6.2%
2+Races: 2.2%
Asian American: 3.3%
American Indian: 0.3%
Nicknamed the “Motor City,” Detroit has been the center of the American automotive industry for more than a century. It is the birthplace of some of the most iconic African-Americans in history including activists Malcom X and Rosa Parks, heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis, music legends Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson and authors Alice Randall and Christopher Paul Curtis. It is one of only 12 cities in the U.S. who have four professional sports franchises and it will be the host city for the 2024 NFL Draft. It put the “Mo in Motown” and Detroit on the music map for all time.
Bert’s- Famous for their Saturday morning barbecue cookouts where slabs of ribs and sausages are smoked on a massive outdoor grill, Bert’s makes for a mouthwatering atmosphere. For over 30 years, Bert’s Entertainment Complex has served great food and preserved Black History. It is a center of Black culture melding live music with art and events that preserve the stories of Detroit’s Black past. bertsentertainmentcomplex.com
Willow- A swanky speakeasy with superb craft cocktails, its intimate setting is perfect for the grown and sexy. willowdetroit.com
Soul on Ice- 8867 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-646-4601; soulonice.com Dubbed the Detroit Drinking Den, Soul on Ice is a soul-food inspired bistro and lounge that also offers live entertainment throughout the week.
Kuzzo’s Chicken & Waffles- Pronounced cuz-oh, as referring to a family friend, it was founded by former NFL player, Ron Bartell. This chicken and waffle eatery is comfort food for the soul. kuzzoschickenandwaffles.com
Detroit Soul- has been a soul food favorite in the City since 2015. Operated by two brothers, they have two locations where their farm-to-table eatery style takes a healthy spin on classic soul food and boasts 90% of its ingredients sourced locally.
Joe Louis Southern Kitchen- a nod to Detroit’s most famous heavyweight champ, Joe Louis, this place houses some of the best Southern-style breakfast staples in the city. joelouissouthernkitchen.com
Petty Cash- Brings a swag, upscale vibe to Detroit’s Avenue of Fashions district with its craft cocktails and small and large bites. pettycashdetroit.com
Motown Museum- Motown Records- home of the Hitsville U.S.A studio, was one the the first, successful Black-owned music labels in the country. Founded by the great talent Berry Gordy, it launched the careers of legendary artists like Diana Ross, the Temptations, Stevie Wonder and the Jackson Five. It is responsible for some of the best Soul, Funk, Jazz and Pop hits of all time. The Motown Museum is a tribute to Black music excellence. Be prepared to sing, dance, laugh and cry.
Charles H Wright Museum- For over half a century, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African- American History has dedicated itself to exploring and celebrating the rich cultural legacy of African-Americans. Its current and past exhibits include, “Think”, a tribute to music legend, activist and fashion icon Aretha Franklin; “And Still We Rise,” documenting Black resilience from Middle Passage through the Civil Rights era and “Detroit Performs”, which celebrates the luminaries of theater, dance and music that transformed the Motor City’s performing arts scene, and with it, the American pop culture landscape.
Hart Plaza- The city’s riverfront destination for concerts and festivals. Not far from the plaza, you will want to click a pic at the iconic “ Fist” , a giant memorial dedicated to Detroit’s legendary heavyweight boxing champion, Joe Louis. The sculpture was a gift from Sports Illustrated to the people of the city of Detroit in the 1980’s.
Avenue of Fashion-The Avenue of Fashion emerged in the ‘60s as a shopping destination for African-Americans with substantial incomes who moved into the neighborhood. The Avenue was an anti-shopping mall, with stores meant to be walked through down the block, no matter the weather. Independent, African-American-owned boutiques and businesses have been the lifeblood of the neighborhood for over 50 years and the Avenue remains home to local fashion designers, service providers, retailers and restaurateurs who provide unique options that suit the tastes of a discerning crowd.
Roberts Riverwalk Hotel- is the only African-American-owned historic boutique hotel located on the banks of the majestic Detroit River. The hotel was recently renovated and many of the guest rooms feature 12-foot high ceilings and spectacular Detroit River and Canadian views.
The Cochrane House- is an art-filled, 19thcentury mansion turned Bed and Breakfast, located in Detroit’s historic Brush Park in the heart of Downtown Detroit. It is Black-owned and the innkeepers are sisters, Roderica & Francina James.
To learn more about all things Detroit Michigan, go online to visitdetroit.com
A utopia of Black culture. Here are some of the sites you won’t want to miss.
FORCED MIGRATION DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE IS AN ALARMING TREND THAT IS EXPECTED TO DISPLACE 117.2 MILLION PEOPLE BY THE END OF THE YEAR.
BY DANIEL BARRICK ARTWORK JAMAAL HALEHumans have long been a nomadic species and there are many reasons people decide to pack up and leave home. While some move in search of work, study or economic opportunities, others are forced to relocate due to war, persecution, terrorism and most recently, climate change. With soaring numbers fleeing the environment they formerly lived in due to uninhabitable conditions, It is projected by the United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees (UNHCR) that by the end of 2023, 117.2 million people will be forcibly displaced or stateless.
You may have heard the term “global warming”, but what exactly does it mean?
Carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, and nitrous oxide are all important greenhouse gasses that help regulate the Earth’s temperature by trapping the sun’s heat
within the atmosphere. However, excessive amounts of these gasses, produced by fossil fuel emissions from cars, coal-production, livestock farming, waste management and more, are causing ‘global warming’, more aptly described as ‘climate change’, to accelerate faster than at any point in recorded history. Over time, changing weather patterns are disrupting the usual balance of nature, posing many risks to human beings and all other forms of life on Earth.
“It is projected by the United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees (UNHCR) that by the end of 2023, 117.2 million people will be forcibly displaced or stateless.”
Amongst the unnerving effects of climate change are widespread forest fires. According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Center, wildfires alone have forced an average of over 200,000 people to leave their homes every year for the last decade. For example, in 2021, a forest fire in Paradise, California destroyed over 19,000 buildings in one day, and killed 86 people. Even Europe’s famously mild Mediterranean climate is now plagued by dangerous temperature fluctuations leading to soaring heat which then causes blazes, smoke, floods and, most recently, collapsing glaciers.
Studies of the Arctic region reveal that 20,000 square miles of ice have been melting per year since 1979. Data compiled by the World Meteorological Organization has shown that as a result, the sea level has risen faster since 1900 than it has in the last 3000 years. And this isn’t a problem that will only affect those in the distance. Not only are places like Bangladesh, India, China, and London in danger, but places with low coasts in America are soon likely to become uninhabitable, such as New York and Los Angeles.
The prospect of one becoming a climate refugee themselves in the near future is not unthinkable and it is a growing problem that will only worsen with time. The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) predicts that by the year 2050, 1.2 billion people could be affected by these threats. Exacerbating the problem is that despite a 2015 Paris climate agreement that called for a task force on climate related migration and a 2018 global compact which outlined the need for protection for those on the move, there are still no international laws or processes in place to mitigate the oncoming cataclysm.
Climate change is not only something that affects the very environment that we stand and live on, but it’s also something that affects our food and water supplies, creating shortages and many difficulties in acquiring the various resources we need to stay alive. Often, climate change issues are shrugged off by individuals who don’t see the problem manifesting within their vicinity, but if there’s any good to come out of the millions of people being forced to migrate from their homes, it’s that hopefully those of us currently less affected will take heed of the warnings and do what we can to circumvent the process before it becomes more widespread and eventually, too late.
BY U.S. SENATOR RON WYDEN PHOTOGRAPHY FLOSSIN MEDIA
Last month, on the day we honor the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I got the chance to learn more about the incredible work being done for BIPOC-owned businesses in the Soul District, right here in my hometown of Portland, OR. As we recognize Black History Month this year, let’s make sure we all support the economic growth and community that is Portland’s Soul.
I was proud to secure, along with my colleague Senator Merkley, $750,000 for the Soul District Business Association (SDBA) so this phenomenal organization can continue to support Portland’s business owners and entrepreneurs from marginalized communities. I heard from SDBA Director,
John Washington, that more than 200 Black-owned small businesses have opened up shop in the Soul District with SBDA’s help. Supporting these entrepreneurs should be a priority for the future of our city and our state at large.
priority
Post-pandemic, we must use every tool to ensure small business owners— particularly BIPOC and women business
owners—get a fair shake in having access to capital, finding resources, and receiving mentoring. Women and BIPOC-owned businesses represent some of the fastest growing parts of our economy. However, they are often unfairly stuck competing for the same scarce sources of seed money, have been historically turned away from crucial resources, and as a result, have access to fewer mentors who share their life experiences. Consequently, many women and BIPOC-owned businesses start small and stay small.
Last year, I introduced legislation to protect small business borrowers from bogus lenders and loans that prey on business owners who have been turned away from trusted sources of capital. I am also using my role as Chair of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee to help give entrepreneurs a leg up by proposing two new tax incentives to shift the market and unlock the growth potential of new small businesses. The first is a first-ever tax credit that would subsidize 25% of wages, allowing entrepreneurs to expand with competitive pay for employees without breaking the bank. The second is an investment tax credit of up to 50% of the dollars invested, which would support investors taking a chance on first-time business owners.
Starting and getting a business off the ground is incredibly difficult, but here in Portland, many of us look forward to supporting the local places that make our city and our state so special. I firmly believe these tax credits would grow Oregon’s women and BIPOC-owned small business economies and create jobs here. I’m fighting to secure resources for hardworking small business owners and innovative entrepreneurs in the Soul District and beyond to give them a fair shot at competing and thriving in the global economy, now and in the future.
“Supporting these entrepreneurs should be a
for the future of our city and our state at large.”
In the next few pages, we shine our spotlight on the way-makers and innovators who are creating economic engines for Black empowerment. These Black-led organizations have stood in the gaps, working tirelessly to strive for the best within themselves and the people they serve. Topping our list is Raimore Construction, followed by Portland Community Reinvestment Initiatives Inc, Teaching
With Purpose, the World Stage Theatre and Williams Russell CDC. We profile their organizational leadership styles, accomplishments and their philanthropy. In addition to reading about their stories, you can also listen to their interviews in their entirety on Black Beat Podcast or YouTube/Flossin MediaTV. Enjoy.
Organization: Established in 2004, Raimore Construction is one of the most accomplished General Contractor companies in Oregon. Black-owned and operated, over 80% of their staff, from management to field operations, are people of color and/or women. Specializing in heavy civil construction, their portfolio of work is next level, and includes some of the biggest public and private projects in the State. In 2018, Raimore Construction won the 80-million-dollar bid for the TriMet Division Transit Project. At the time, it was the largest contract ever awarded to a certified minority firm in the State. Then they shattered their own record in 2020, landing the Prime contractor position as part of a joint venture with Hamilton/Sundt, for the now billion-dollar-plus I-5 Rose Quarter Project (I-5RQ).
Leadership: Jeff Moreland Sr., is the President and Managing Partner of Raimore Construction. If you have had even a brief conversation with Moreland, you quickly
understand that he feels deeply responsible for the people he leads.
“I am a man of faith and it drives everything I do. I look at my company as a hospital, especially because 70% of our management and 50% of our field staff are people of color, specifically Black people. My whole focus is how do I now take what has been given to me and give that to others. I see employing people as a blessing and a ministry. It’s an opportunity to help them grow and become the best versions of themselves, to help them get free of their traumas, because it is amazing how much trauma our people have,” shared Moreland.
Staff: With a staff of nearly 100, Raimore Construction has employed more people of color to work on construction sites than any other firm in the state. For Moreland, that’s restorative justice. Where other firms struggle to find skilled Black labor, Raimore excels. Moreland says this is because he seeks talent above and beyond the parameters set within an industry historically owned and dominated by white men.
“If you have a willingness to work, then that’s all you need for me. I am able to see the diamonds in the rough, because I look for talent, and Black people are the most talented people on the planet. That’s why we shape the culture for the world,” stated Moreland.
He also doesn’t want the lack of a formal education and other barriers to be a reason for young people to succeed. “A lot of our people don’t come in as engineers because our kids aren’t being afforded those opportunities to go to engineering school. So I bring a kid in whether they have a degree or not and if they have the aptitude, we work with them, hold them accountable and help them strive for excellence, because we are excellent.”
Getting the Gold: With all of the success Raimore Construction has been able to amass, its foundation was built on the simple willingness to begin. “I started with a truck. One truck.”, laughed Moreland, who has traveled a long road on the rise to where he is today. He went to college because he was told he needed to “get one of them good jobs,” and then did the corporate dance for a while as an executive. However, he always had a side hustle, like buying and fixing up houses. He finally spun out of the corporate world to start his own consulting firm where, coincidentally, many of his clients were contractors.
“That’s when I realized construction was a gold mine of opportunity. People don’t realize that of the top 50 companies in Oregon, 26 of them are construction companies,” revealed Moreland.
So he launched his own construction firm and took the time to grow it. For 15 years, he
laid bricks, poured concrete and tied rebar by day, then in the evening, he was in the office doing the paperwork. “You can’t manage or run anything if you don’t know how to do it yourself,” states Moreland.
Eventually, his company started to grow, at first hiring people from his network of peers and then later, from a network of youngsters who grew up watching him and his partners. Today, his team is fully resourced. “We win these jobs because we are competent and we don’t need you to tell us how to do our jobs. Give us the plans and we will go build it,” stated Moreland confidently.
Philanthropy: Building Black Better
Raimore’s footprint in the Black community is deep and so is the love he has for his people.
“We’ve been taught to have this ‘only one’ syndrome, but for me, if I win, everybody’s got to win, otherwise we don’t win.” One of the unique things that drew Moreland’s firm to bid for the I5 Rose Quarter project was its potential to change the entire landscape of his people and his community.
“It is a billion dollar contract that has the potential to infuse millions and millions into our community in terms of living wage jobs,” he shared proudly. “When those that come in as an apprentice go on to being a journeyman, they will be making $60,000-$70,000 a year, enough income to buy a house. Foremans make $70,000.00-$90,000.00 a year and superintendents make over $100,000.00. The opportunity to give these kinds of jobs to our people is very critical for me because that is how you change and build wealth in a community. We keep these dollars amongst ourselves like Black Wall Street and Greenwood because you have to have the dollars first in order to get it going.” His approach to supporting community based events and programs is similar. “We need to be the first dollars that go in instead of always looking for White benevolence, because our first dollars need to be ours. Especially to support the things that are upwardly mobile and that are going to change our conditions. We don’t just want to say we love each other, we need to show that we love each other by our actions,” Moreland concludes.
“You can’t manage or run anything if you don’t know how to do it yourself,”Executive Director
Organization: The Portland Community Reinvestment Initiatives Inc. (PCRI), was established in 1992 and has grown to become one of the largest Black owned and led nonprofit development organizations in Oregon. Their real estate portfolio consists of over $500 million dollars worth of property assets, primarily residential. Their ongoing mission is to promote housing justice through advocacy and education. PCRI was formed much to the credit of Attorney Ernest Warren who clawed back 350 single family homes, mostly Black occupied, that were being unjustly foreclosed on by a predatory lender in the early 1990s. The value of those homes at the time were about $32,000, three decades later they are worth about $450,000.
Leadership: Kymberly Horner is the Executive Director of PCRI. Hired
in July 2019, she is only the second person to serve in this position since PCRI’s formation. Her predecessor and community icon, Maxine Fitzpatrick, held the title for 25 years before retiring in 2019. Both women are a testament to the grit needed to lead a complex organization that requires a deep knowledge in, and commitment to, both human and real estate habilitation.
“When I come to work every day, I sit in my car in the parking lot and meditate, reflecting on the people we are serving,” shared Horner. “Most of them are lowincome, Black families. I say a prayer that I am making the right decisions for them and the portfolio we manage. I show up for the staff doing this work alongside me, I can’t do it without them, or without a good strong Board of Directors. We are all in it together and very rooted to the mission of making sure that people who have been systematically disenfranchised and left out of opportunity for growth and development have our representation.”
Horner, attributes her parents and grandparents for instilling in her strong leadership values. Her father served 16 ½ years on Thousand Oaks City Council and was the City’s first and only Black Mayor serving 4 non-consecutive terms.
Staff: Their staff is 35 strong, consisting of a diverse, culturally responsive team who specialize in communicating and serving thousands of vulnerable families. They offer a suite of services focused on stability, self-sufficiency, and wealth creation. Their property management and maintenance team are tasked with keeping the “brick & mortar” of their portfolio in safe and healthy working order. Some of their properties date back as far as the late 1800s, so upkeep is critical. Other staff focus on programs and residential services, including robust homeownership education classes.
“We look at the holistic spectrum of a person getting into housing, staying in housing and moving into homeownership opportunities,” shares Horner. “We hold your hand through the process from start to finish.”PCRI’s development team analyzes ways to redevelop existing properties or expand into new ones as part of the response to Portland’s housing crisis and need for more affordable inventory. “The Governor has set a lofty goal to create 36,000 units of affordable housing. It will take all of us willing to step up to the challenge,” states Horner.
PCRI has amassed significant victories
for the organization and the people they serve including 1) The creation of the Pathway 1000 Displacement Mitigation Plan. This will bring 1000 displaced African Americans back into N/NE Portland through affordable housing and homeownership over a span of 10 years. 2) They shaped what is now Portland’s groundbreaking “preference policy” giving first rights to return to occupy newly constructed housing units in N/NE Portland to Black Oregonians unethically displaced. 3) Awarded the affordable housing development contract for the Williams & Russell Project honoring Portland’s Black community.
Looking to the future, Horner is focused on the continued implementation of Pathway 1000, knowing that building these homes would pump about $460 million into the local economy over a 10-year time span. With inflation on the rise, this type of cash infusion is just what vulnerable communities need. She would also like to see PCRI take the Pathway 1000 strategic plan and launch it nation-wide.
“The vision I have for the organization is to become that beacon as to how homeownership opportunities for lower income communities, specifically Black communities, can be a form of reparations,” states Horner. “Building these homes and providing generational wealth opportunities for those who have had it either stripped away, or never taught the true value of home ownership to begin with, then that is building the Black community better,” Horner concludes.
“The vision I have for the organization is to become that beacon as to how homeownership opportunities for lower income communities, specifically Black communities, can be a form of reparations.”
Organization: Teaching with Purpose (TWP) was established in 2001 in response to the lack of relevant multicultural education and proficiencybased teaching and learning practices within Oregon’s educational system, despite State equity laws put in place to integrate it into curriculum.
Karanja Crews, TWP Executive Director, was just 23 years old when he conceived the idea for the organization. He was an undergraduate at Portland State University and part of the NAACP’s education committee. It was the late 1990s, and Portland was in the thick of gang violence issues.
“It was definitely divine. I felt like God put it on my heart, the name and everything. I saw the vision,” recalls Crews. “At the time I was part of a crisis team protesting against the school board regarding the achievement gap within students of color. We were inspired by
Black education activists Ron Herndon and Senator Avel Gordly.”
A series of meetings ensued and Crews recalls a voice from the crowd crying out, “We need to know about our history.” Senator Gordly took this to heart, succeeding in passing multicultural education bills and policies.
“They pretty much still sit on the shelf,” Crews reminisces. “Alot of districts don’t really implement them.TWP works to activate these bills, putting a little more teeth and accountability to them.”
Team Building: In 2001, Crews facilitated the first TWP Conference and convened a network of educators, parents, and community advocates to take a deep dive into their individual and their districts current equity policies, and explore innovative culturally responsive pedagogy practices. He organized a list of guest speakers representing the upper echelons of innovative pedagogical methods including Bob Moses, professor, author and civil rights leader who directed a historic student voter registration in Mississippi, and created the “Algebra Project.” Also representing was Harriet Ball, educator and creator of the teaching method “Rap, Rhythm & Rhyme.”
“She taught math in a rhythm way because, in a sense, we’re rhythm people. We’re souls, right? She was able to put that into a teaching method/ pedagogy and get great results with our kids. The method was picked up by her student teachers who founded the KIPP Academy Charter schools in the early 2000s. It’s still around today,” shared Karanja Crews.
Leadership: From 2002 to 2010 Crews became an elementary school teacher, and taught at the Jefferson High School’s Young Men’s Academy. “I put the TWP conference on hold because I had to start to teach with purpose, be in the classroom, in the trenches,” shared Crews. Over the course of the decade he grew frustrated that inequitable education practices with Black students continued to persist.
“One of my favorite books is, “The Spook Who Sat by the Door.” I felt like I was that. I was in the system now, learning the inner workings. I noticed that everything trickles down to what happens in the classroom. I wanted to make my classroom the best. But I began to understand that just me, being in the classroom, wasn’t going to make a great enough impact. I was pouring into these young people, giving them information
they might not be receiving anywhere else, but it was being undone because of the way the system is structured. That’s when I got the epiphany to bring the TWP conference back,” Crews shared.
Philanthropy: Building Better Education for Black Students
14 consecutive years later, the TWP conference is going strong. This year’s conference will be held on October 14, 2023 and the line up is impressive. It includes; political activist, scholar, author, and icon Angela Davis; Dr Sandy Wolmack, Area Superintendent in Columbus City, Ohio known for turning minority achievement in entire districts around; and “Principal Kafele” from New Jersey, one of most sought-after school leadership and classroom equity presenters in America,
State of Black Education in Oregon: According to Crews, statistics for Black students still showing that the disparities in discipline data and achievement proficiency data hasn’t changed. “If you look at the education stats and the prison system stats, you can see a direct correlation,” stated Crews. However,he does see a silver lining in terms of the intentionality changing. “We have a Center of Black Student Excellence and all kinds of initiatives that are focusing more on the Black student, but we have a long way to go in terms of connecting that to the classrooms, accountability, and results. That’s why I continue to bring the TWP conference.”
Listen to the interview in its entirety on Flossin Media TV YouTube Build Black Better- Karanja Crews. Teaching With Purpose.
“I felt like God put it on my heart, the name and everything. I saw the vision.”
BUILDING BLACK BETTER
Organization: The World Stage Theatre (WST) is fundamentally the strongest multicultural and multigenerational art education performance organization on the West coast. It was established in 2006 and over the course of nearly two decades, has raised up thousands of predominantly Black aspiring artists across the spectrums of acting, singing, dancing and other talent positions in front and behind the curtain. The organization’s curriculum is steeped in Black History, teaching critical race subject matters long before the term was newsworthy. WST is also the curator of the annual Black History Festival NW, a celebration of culture and heritage held through the month of February.
Leadership: Shalanda Sims is the Founder, Executive Director and Artistic Director of WST. She manages all aspects creative and administrative for the company. She is a powerhouse of talent in her own right as a highly skilled singer, actor, author/ playwright, director and producer. Just ask
her to sing a rendition from one of her favorite artists, Mahalia Jackson, and you will get a glimpse of the depth and breadth of her gifts.
Under her leadership the organization has produced thousands of performances held in venues across Oregon, including packing out the auditoriums at one of Portland’s Centers for the Arts and the Portland Center Stage at the Armory. Accomplishing these goals for Sims hasn’t always been smooth sailing.
“It is hard being a Black woman in leadership, because you have so many hurdles that you have to jump over, especially in the arts world here in Oregon, and I think across the globe. Like having to prove to others that you are, and your work is, as good as the next person.”
Despite barriers of elitism that can sometime proliferate within the Art society, Sims is quick to point out that some of their greatest work has been done in the classrooms and community rooms, melding together talent from people ages from 2- 82.
“I love bringing generations together because I value the wisdom of our elders and I think kids really benefit from the wisdom of our elders. Also, our elders benefit from the energy and the life of our young people,” shared Sims. “I created WST in part as a tool of communication that allows our history to be passed down, because somewhere along the way we lost that communication as a people.”
Whether you are an amateur or a seasoned veteran, WST is a place where you can grow your skills and confidence in performing arts work with dignity and respect. For Sims it is important that there be an atmosphere that feels like family.
“You don’t know where someone is coming from or what their home life is like, so the experience can be emotional,” shares Sims. “That’s why we sing, dance, laugh hard, and even cry.”
One of WST biggest accomplishments as been a 17- year run of the play “Who I am Celebrating Me.” Written and directed by Sims, the play highlights a montage of African American figures and movements of past and present. Her passion for bringing history to the stage in the context of current experience and events affecting the Black community is rooted in a background largely devoid of knowledge surrounding true American history.
“In a nutshell, I didn’t get it growing up.,” she admitted. “I didn’t know much about American history that had been hidden, things that happened on this soil that we didn’t get to learn about. Your perspective as a young Black person changes when you
see Black doctors, scientists and others who did amazing things and you begin to realize you can do these things yourself because we can mirror what we see.”
Bringing “Who I am Celebrating Me” to the World Stage Theater was a watershed moment for Sims. “We started with Africa, because our history didn’t begin when we arrived in America. We go from there to modern day, to present day so you are getting the whole historical journey from a factual perspective. I did a lot of research before I wrote it, constantly asking myself, ‘Is this just for me or is it for a wider audience?’ I felt this needed to be shared with students and other community members because we live in the Pacific Northwest so we are definitely not being taught all this information.”
One of the biggest gifts the WST gives to the Black community is access. “We don’t charge to be a part of our program. We removed those barriers,” shares Sims, Which is huge, considering some programs can cost thousands of dollars to give out the kind of arts education technical support and structure that WST offers for free.
“We reach out to kids in remote areas, give space to promote organizations who aren’t as well-known as ours and to artists who want to get on stage but don’t have the experience.”
At the end of the day, Sims sees the vision for WST focused on three principles, Love, Learn and Heal. “We need to learn from our past and love one another so we can move forward and heal. Yes, we need to resist those things intended to harm us, but love is a form of resistance too,” Sims concludes.
“It is hard being a Black woman in leadership because you have so many hurdles that you have to jump over, especially in the arts world here in Oregon, and I think across the globe. Like having to prove to others that you are, and your work is, as good as the next person.”
displaced 171 families, 70% of which were African-American. At the time, PDC (now Prosper Portland) signed an agreement with the hospital committing to rebuild housing for the displaced. 40 years later, they finally made good on the deal when Dr. George Brown, CEO of Legacy, Mayor Ted Wheeler and Prosper Portland formalized their commitment to return this property back to the Black community and assist in helping them develop it.
Organization: The Williams Russell CDC (WR) is a Black community organized 501c3 nonprofit based in Portland, Oregon. It was convened to help guide a restorative justice real estate development project in NE Portland, Oregon. The project has a long history which involves Legacy Health [Hospital] returning to the community a 1.7 acre undeveloped block on the corner of N. Williams and N. Russell. This was land that the City of Portland sold to the hospital group back in the 1970s by using eminent domain as a tool of urban renewal to raze homes and businesses in order to meet the hospital’s expansion needs. This action
Leadership: The WR construct is impressive in its deliberate intent to lead with Black community values and passion. A big part of upholding this integrity comes from its leadership. Bryson Davis, who is also a partner at the PNW Business Law firm, has been the committee’s Co-Chair since day one, working tirelessly alongside as many as 30 fellow committee members from the Black community to lead and shape what has been a lengthy process. Because of their commitment, two priorities were upheld.
“One, the community is deciding what is being built. Two, they get to partake in what actually gets built by using it and owning it,” shared Davis.
Those decisions ended up being entrepreneurial support for Black businesses, a community gathering space, affordable housing and homeownership and a Black-led development team. These values were rolled up into an RFP and in July of 2021, the committee selected the firm Adre to bring it all together.
The Team: Adre is a real estate development agency led by Anyeley Hallova who has 18 years’ experience developing housing and commercial properties. For her, the win was perfect timing.
“It came at a unique time in history and for me,” stated Hallova. “It was 2020 and there were communities across the US searching for answers to social justice issues. Specifically, people were looking to their own fields of work asking, what can we do? My field just happens to be real estate development.”
She had just finished developing a major lead-certified, green building for the Meyer Memorial Trust’s new headquarters as an associate with another firm and decided to launch out on her own.
“I wanted to start a company that is centered on thinking about Black folks and other folks who don’t traditionally get good design, sustainable buildings or equity,” shared Hallova.
Adre will partner with five other organizations to build 3 separate parcels on the site that includes a commercial office and retail building, an affordable housing apartment complex, and 20 properties for homeownership. Their partners are Lever Architects, Colas Construction, PCRI, CDP and Hood Design Studios.
“I am excited about all of our partners,” shared Hallova. “We are bringing some things that haven’t been in most black communities. Chandra Robinson with Lever Architects is an international, award-winning African American designer who grew up in the neighborhood and lived in affordable housing at one time. So you get great design work from someone who gets it.”
Hallova has been appointed the Chair of the U.S. Green Building Council, the body that makes the policy for lead certification, and is excited to also bring that lens to the project.
“The green building movement has not been very inclusive of the Black community up until this point. The number one benefits of living in green buildings is health. Think about the wildfires, people breathing in all that smoke. We need to build buildings that are resilient to these factors. Second, it’s more cost effective. If you put the money up front, you are going to be paying less on your bills.”
Philanthropy
Davis agrees with Hallova’s innovative approach, saying it is a great step in the right direction to repair the harm that’s been done. He also sees another value.
“One of the biggest visions for the WR project is that it can be a template for not just us to use here in Portland, but for other Cities to study and implement as well. Portland was not the only City where redlining happened, or where Black people were eminently domained out of their communities, or where gentrification is pushing people out. Having a template of how Cities can do development in a way to give back to those communities that they’ve harmed, that is what I am most proud of,” concluded Davis.
“One, the community is deciding what is being built. Two, they get to partake in what actually gets built by using it and owning it,”
Everyone has a story. Recognizing this is a key to empathy and compassion for the journeys, trials and triumphs of others and a guide that serves as a roadmap for the richness and complexities we individually experience along the winding paths of the human experience known as Life.
While most of us have stories that the majority of us will never hear or know about, the predominant outlets for the stories of those experiencing houselessness in America are inarguably most controlled by the mainstream media. Coming through channels the people experiencing houselessness themselves have little to no control over, the media narrative is thick with condemnation and character judgement and noticeably absent of reflection on the growingly catastrophic systemic realities and failures that are forcing human beings out of their homes and into the streets in greater and greater numbers.
Skyrocketing housing costs, a global pandemic, economic distress from a collapsing federal reserve and its unbacked paper money, 3 major global wars, countless US global interventions, the seemingly endless “war on drugs”, “war on terror” and wars on life itself have created and are responsible for maintaining an unparalleled degree of mental illness in this country. And I’m not just talking about the mental illnesses
of those easy targets for the label, I’m talking about the degree of mental illness it takes for ALL of us to continue our uncomfortable participation in the real life hunger games of the 21st century, pretending the wars will never come for us, never invade our individual silos of growing discontent.
One of the ways that we can move beyond the pejoratives blatantly created by the mainstream purveyors of “news” and the stigmas they create to keep class structures in place and participants in line, is through first-person narratives that take us back to the roots of the struggles individuals face navigating this crisis-driven reality.
As the son of an FBI agent father and a mother who was a human resources manager of large tech companies, Eddie Holford grew up in majority Black neighborhoods from Topeka, Kansas to Houston, Texas. Culture shock ensued when his family moved out west to Hillsboro, Oregon where they were the first Black family to live in the area. Despite successfully acclimating to the environment and living a seemingly normal, upper-middle class existence with parents who were featured on the cover of “Money” magazine, there were problems bubbling below the surface. Holford’s parents divorced and his father moved to another State while he was a sophomore in high school, causing the
young Holford to slip into less than helpful coping mechanisms to deal with the pain. “There really wasn’t anything to do in Hillsboro except drink and smoke weed in the country so that’s where the use started for me,” he remembered. Despite achieving a measure of success through college scholarships and opportunities, Holfords drug and alcohol use never stopped. “It eventually progressed into a problem, and one that I could no longer control. It controlled my thoughts, how I woke up, how I went to bed. From that point, life started to unravel.” Progressively capturing more and more attention from law enforcement led to jail time and eventually, periods of houselessness. “My story is no different than anybody who has ever been behind walls and has risen,” Holford said. “I came to the point where I got tired of the cycles, tired of being lost. I went to my parole officer and emptied the drugs and paraphernalia on the desk in front of her saying, ‘you can either put me in jail, put me in treatment or I’ll walk out the door and that will be the last time you see me because I’ll jump off the Fremont bridge.” The parole officer acquired him a bed in a treatment facility and Holford began his journey towards healing. “That was the beginning of the rise,” he shared. Navigating the troubled waters of past trauma and the arduous journey through the pain and redemption of feeling led Holford to his purpose of helping others through the trials and struggles of addiction recovery. “Today I have the keys,” Holford shared. “Today I am ok with whatever happens, even things I don’t like because I am doing the work through an emotional and spiritual approach to the problems.”
Destigmatizing those experiencing the depths of despair through first hand stories such as Eddie’s is the first seed in growing the compassion and empathy necessary to combat hatred and fear in hearts not familiar with the modern-day gauntlet that only a fraction of our society can successfully navigate. In a polarized climate where the majority don’t understand the challenges, hurdles and roadblocks of an entire demographic, the misery and despair behind the glaring mounds of trash, crime and drugs in their neighborhoods and splashed across their flickering screens are invisible, creating tripwires for landmines that far too frequently have life and death implications.
Despite declaring a ‘state of emergency’ with regards to houselessness in 2015 and extending it five times since, Portland still struggles to implement long term solutions to the multi-faceted problems plaguing the City. Mayor Ted Wheeler has even issued an impassioned clarion call for effective
intervention on his Portland.gov page, calling the houseless situation “The Humanitarian Crisis of Our Lifetime”.
“One of the most challenging issues facing Portland today is our homeless crisis,” Wheeler said. “According to the 2022 official point in time count, thousands of people are living unsheltered on our streets, and unsheltered homelessness in Portland increased by 50% from 2019 to 2022. Those who want affordable housing face years-long waiting lists.” Grim statistics outline the incredible dangers of experiencing houselessness in Portland. Accounting for 20% of all homicide victims in 2021, a 53 percent increase in deaths throughout the city and 31 percent of Portland’s fire deaths, Wheeler and Commissioner Dan Ryan crafted a “Five Resolution Plan” to address the problem. The proposal, which passed City Council, allocates $27 million to build 20,000 affordable housing units by 2033. In addition, the City intends to rewrite its outdoor camping protocols and connect people experiencing houselessness with available sanitary, mental health and substance abuse recovery services. In addition, Wheeler is passionate in promoting Temporary Alternative Shelter Sites while people wait for long term housing. “What is up with these new temporary alternative shelter types is we will refer people into them who can benefit from soup to nuts case management, connections to behavioral health, connections to substance abuse disorder treatment and navigation to appropriate housing when they want to or are able,” Wheeler shared.
While the Mayor’s approach is novel and backed by a solid plan to help guide people into a long term solution to their plight, there is no
one size fits all approach to the problem. No one knows this better than houseless advocates across the City, including Jacqueline Hodges.
“As long as you lump everyone into one group, many are going to fall between the cracks,” Ms. Hodges sighed. “There has to be education in the sense that in order to reach some of these people, you have to be able to listen to them at whatever level they are on. You can’t address the issue while you are thinking inside the box. You are dealing with people, emotions and circumstances that are not human, not normal. They revert to survival mentality, meaning you have to offer them something and be with them while they process through their emotional issues–feeling bad, feeling guilty, feeling angry. They already feel invisible.”
Kristle Delihanty and Adriana Gonzalez of PDX Saints Love, a direct outreach/mutual aid organization primarily serving E. Portland and Clackamas county since 2017, believes that the answer lies in relationship building from a deeply human perspective. “The way we differ from the hundreds of other organizations serving is that we believe in creating relationships,” shared Delihanty. “Not just sitting and holding space for 5 minutes but the kind of relationships that go
through trauma and crisis and mourning and laughing and crying with the people we walk with. In those relationships, we begin to understand the real need which is very complex. No one can put our homeless crisis into a paragraph, yet we all keep trying to.”
Networking with neighborhood business associations is another powerful strategy that can provide a bridge to understanding and a means to accessing resources for property/business owners and people experiencing houselessness alike. “When I’m sitting in meetings with business associations, I let them know that sometimes what we are calling a ‘homeless crisis’ is actually systemic and goes back further than we are seeing on the streets now,” added Delihanty. Helping the street bound navigate labyrinths of bureaucracy from local shelters to the VA, Social Security, housing, available financial resources and addiction recovery programs is a good start. Additionally, formation of rapid, compassionate response networks ready to help intervene on behalf of property and business owners and provide help with neighborhood clean ups and repairs are but a few ideas for how neighborhoods and business associations can be part of solutions that take everyone’s needs into consideration. Meet and greet potlucks in the park for people to come together and get to know each other on a human to human basis can also provide another effective venue to get beyond our perceived differences and down to the core of what it means and takes to be a human being doing our best to survive in 2023.
“Here in Portland, we have to not look at people as cattle,” concluded Jacqueline Hodges. “We have to see them as human beings, who were once thriving kids with a mother and a father, maybe siblings. They weren’t born homeless. They weren’t born with mental illness. We have to address the root causes of the issues if we are ever going to come up with solutions that honor the humanity of those who can’t hold on anymore, can’t cope.”
“Mayor Ted Wheeler has issued an impassioned clarion call for effective intervention, calling the houseless situation “The Humanitarian Crisis of Our Lifetime.”
By the end of 2025, 40%, or about 1 million, of the vehicles sold and on the road in the United States will be electric vehicles (EV). This projection was stated by GM executives participating in a keynote conversation at the 2023 FORTH Mobility Roadmap Conference held in Portland, Oregon this past May. The conference drew thousands of EV industry professionals from across the US, and the world, representing manufacturing, power, software, hardware, payment solutions and workforce development business sectors. Considering EV makes up about 7% of car sales currently, this leap will signify a major shift in the transportation industry, and radically transform our global economy. Not since the ushering in of the information superhighway (the Internet) have we seen such a world-wide phenomenon.
Here in the United States, thanks to a major infusion of cash from President Bieden’s infrastructure bill-Build Back Better- green & clean energy has been inundated with billions of dollars, and EV infrastructure is one of its big recipients.
Even though the EV industry has been solidly in place for about 15 years, the average John-Q citizen has been largely unengaged with it for various reasons. The expensive price tags associated with early EV models like the Tesla, the lack of knowledge by both auto dealers and customers on how to sell/buy/care for these vehicles, and lack of access to
and one of the Roadmap conference vendors. Indeed the vocabulary of the EV world is a language all in its own, before acronyms like SOC, GHG and BEV are spoken casually among EV pros.
Today, spurred by funding, there is a laser focus on EVs that is fueling, or should I say electrifying, the perceptions, knowledge, and benefits of EV ownership to the general public. And more momentum is coming. Original equipment manufacturers (OEM-i.e General Motors) are building more affordable EVs such as the Chevy Volt that retail at around $30,000 for new and $17,000 used. Charging EVs has been simplified too. Many need only be plugged into a standard electrical outlet. Live in an apartment? No problem, innovators are coming up with multiplex chargers to discourage the long electrical cords dangling from the 4th story. Another benefit of EV ownership is the hefty tax credits. Some are upwards of $7,500, although many luxury brands are now exempt and certain geographic areas have been temporarily suspended pending a replenishment of funds.
Despite the mass infusion, there is hesitancy from much of the population, particularly from low income Black and Brown communities who historically aren’t given a seat at, or are late to, the table when conversations of economic and technological advancements are being discussed. This begs the question, will BIPOC groups be included in this major transportation shift or run over by it?
Jeff Allen, Forth”s Executive Director, set the intention on this very matter in his welcoming remarks to this year’s conference attendees,vowing to keep equity and inclusion forefront in the work ahead for this industry.
convenient charging stations, are some examples of why EV ownership has primarily consisted of industry insiders and or the elite.
“For years, many EVs sat on the far backsides of car lots because it meant a two hour conversation between salesman and customer. It was just easier to sell fossil fuel cars” cited Jonathan Colbert, former auto salesman turned VP of marketing at Voltera-a fleet charging solution company
“You are going to hear the term equity thrown around a lot during this conference. and you probably have in your work as well,” stated Allen. “ So I want to take a minute on what that means for us at Forth. For us, equity starts with race at the core tenant. It starts with recognizing that transportation has a long history of being used as a tool for racial oppression, exclusion, and harm. In Oregon, it starts with that methos of the Oregon Trail, which was really a transportation investment that brought White folks West to occupy land that was being stolen from Native communities. Fast forward a 100 years or so, it is basically the same story.The convention center, the I-5 freeway nearby, the [now named] MODA center sports stadium were all part of an intentional
“...will BIPOC groups be included in this major transportation shift or run over by it?”BIPOC leaders from India, South Africa and Costa Rica, all countries from the “Global South” took to the stage in testimony that the next wave of EV users and innovators will be powered by people of diverse cultures and color.
program of Urban renewal that destroyed most of the Albina neighborhood, which was the historic cultural hub of Portland’s Black community and incredibly vibrant neighborhood. Everyone of us has a role to play in contributing to make this transportation system more equitable, and one of the first steps we can all take is just recognizing where we stand. Literally, physically, and also in that historic trajectory of how transportation investments have been used. To recognize that history is a small step, but a very important step towards ensuring [and being responsible] that history doesn’t repeat itself as we think about electric transportation and advanced transportation investments.”
For BIPOC communities in Oregon, much of the equity concerns echoes their national counterparts, all advocating for affordable pricing and opportunities in the workforce during the transition. Oregon is currently on its way to investing nearly 100 million dollars into EV charging stations distributed under the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. To ensure state funding is spent equitably, States must follow the Biden-Harris administration’s Justice40 initiative. The initiative calls for 40% of the overall benefits from federal investments in climate and clean energy to flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution.
EVNoir has compiled extensive data on mobility needs within diverse communities. Travis works diligently to engage diverse and disadvantaged communities, including in Oregon, on the financial & public health benefits of driving next-generation zero emission vehicles.
“We want to make sure our communities are involved at all levels of conversations and opportunities,” shared Travis during a break in sessions at the Forth Roadmap Conference.
Travis has organized his own conference in October in Washington D.C called E-Mobility Diversity Equity and Inclusion Conference. When asked how it may differ from the Roadmap conference, he stated,
“The Forth conference is great, I have been coming for five years now. Our conference will share similarities, but double down on equity and diversity conversations to ensure our people are getting the access they’ve been promised.”
True to their commitment, Forth recruited stellar Black leaders for their conference including Maurice Muia, the Founder and CEO of Muia Materials- a blockchain platform for distributing electric battery materials to manufacturing and recycling companies. Muia led one of dozens of insightful break out session at the conference. Additionally, BIPOC leaders from India, South Africa and Costa Rica; countries from the “Global South”; also took to the stage in testimony that the next wave of EV users and innovators will be powered by people of diverse cultures and color.
Next year’s Forth Mobility Roadshow will head to Detroit, bringing the best of its accumulated data to the home of the motor city. Let’s hope the BIPOC communities are at the table and charged up.
To see snippets and interviews from Forth’s conference go to Flossin Media TV on YouTube.
Black organizers across the US are working to ensure that Justice40 is staying in compliance.
Terry Travis is Chief Disruptor and Managing Partner of EVNoire-a Mobility Intelligence consulting group that works in the areas of transportation, energy, and environmental health equity.
“The Forth conference is great, I have been coming for five years now. Our conference will share similarities, but double down on equity and diversity conversations to ensure our people are getting the access they’ve been promised.”Maurice Muia, the Founder and CEO of Muia Materials led one of dozens of insightful breakout sessions at the Forth Mobility Roadmap conference.
Few projects have impacted the landscape of Portland, Oregon as deeply and divisively as the construction of Interstate 5, especially in the North and Northeast segments of the City. Installed in 1964-65, the urban freeway decimated, devalued and ultimately depopulated areas that were directly in its path, with homes and businesses demolished and nearby neighborhoods flooded with traffic. Predictably, the racially segregated and most densely concentrated population of African-Americans in the state bore the brunt of the wreckage. When the Oregon State Highway Department demolished 300 homes which it also did not replace, the resulting floodgates of cars overwhelmed the area, leading to the collapse of local neighborhoods and setting the stage for yet another wave of displacement, especially amongst people of color.
Nearly six decades later, North and Northeast Portland are once again in the crosshairs of another storm… the I-5 Rose Quarter improvement and expansion project (I-5 RQ). Determined to learn hard, sobering lessons from the past, ODOT and the City of Portland have prioritized community involvement, bringing aboard longtime community leaders and business owners to bridge and facilitate the process of public engagement and opportunity.
I-5 RQ strategic advisor, Dr. Steven Holt, knows all too well the devastating impact of generational displacement. His family put down roots in Portland during the 1940’s and worked in the shipyards during the World War. Experiencing displacement from
Vanport, they moved into what is now known as the Industrial District, where they were displaced again and again, first with the building of the Coliseum, then with the building of the first I-5 freeway and Emanuel Hospital. “You can’t understand where you are unless you understand where you have been,” Dr. Holt said. “Oregon’s racist history cannot be ignored. Simply google ‘white utopia’ to catch a glimpse into how the state of Oregon was virtually created to be a place where people of any color, black, indigenous and so on, were not welcome. Systems, structures and policies were all created to benefit a small, privileged segment of the population and even now, home and business ownership by Black folks continue to lag behind at the levels present during the first construction of I-5 in 1965.”
Dr. Holt acknowledges that while the original I-5 construction project was initiated under the pall of racist systems and ideologies and resulted in widespread multi-generational destruction and trauma, the current I-5 RQ project has been proactive in engaging in practices of restorative justice. “When the I-5 was put in, there was no engagement, concern, evaluation, no interaction whatsoever with the people who lived in the neighborhoods,” he remembers. “It was intentionally placed in an area that wiped out a whole community. It wiped out houses and businesses and it wiped out a thriving opportunity for people identified as Black. And now, it’s the first time in the history of ODOT and Oregon where there has been an acknowledgement by a Government agency that states a commitment to being better and more responsive, leveraging the possibilities in finance, economy and opportunity and doing something to benefit the community by hiring people, representatives and descendents most negatively impacted. We can’t overlook that.”
Despite the strides being made towards equity and inclusion in the project, many roadblocks to earning public trust still exist and transcending the barriers to moving forward involve substantial mediation by trusted community leaders. “Is it
“You can’t understand where you are unless you understand where you have been.”
messy? Absolutely,” acknowledged Holt. “Is it awkward? Absolutely. Is it difficult? Absolutely. But why wouldn’t it be? You are talking about an institution that has been around for hundreds of years that has never done this and when they attempt to right the wrongs of the past, people who look like me are quick to say, ‘it’s not enough’, it’s not significant, it’s not real. I assure you, it IS real, it IS happening. Raimore is on the scene, my company is on the scene, and there are several other black-owned companies on the scene that are engaged in a process of bringing people who look like us into the opportunity. There has also been the establishment of a COAC (Community Oversight Action Committee) that was specifically put together to look for opportunities for Black and Brown people to be working on the project and the historic Albina Advisory Board is helping to oversee and speak into how the project is done and the way that it is designed through the artistry and the look.”
In addition to meaningful engagement efforts through trusted community leaders, ODOT and the state are committed to fundamentally readdressing how large scale projects are contracted out. “ODOT is changing the way it does business by setting goals to achieve values-based outcomes on how the project will contract with disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) and engage with the community in its request for proposals,” ODOT said in a statement. ODOT included a provision that the proposers meet a goal of 18 to 22
percent use of DBEs, a 20 percent goal for apprenticeships, 25 percent minority male and 14 percent female workers.“The project’s values include a focus on restorative justice for communities harmed by previous government actions and using community input to shape the project and the outcomes for the community,” ODOT said. “Having the construction management/general contractor on board early in the design process is a key step toward those commitments.”
Determined to make good on that commitment, Portland DBE firm, Raimore Construction, was awarded one of the largest contracts signed by a minority firm ever in the state of Oregon. Chief of staff at Raimore and the Community Involvement Coordinator for Public Engagement efforts for the project, DeAngelo Moaning is a 3rd generation Portlander whose family settled in the area in the 1890’s, worked in the shipyards and surmounted soaring obstacles, including displacement.
“In the past, when we have been given an opportunity, it has been an opportunity with conditional caveats and parameters from people who don’t look like us. We now have an opportunity to engage with a workforce that looks just like us with a contractor who also looks just like us with a storied history of working for and by Black people. So it’s not just saying, ‘Hey come join construction which has traditionally been a good ol’ boy system, it’s saying, ‘Hey come earn a living wage with people who look like you and build skills with people who look like you. These skills are also transcendental beyond
this project to include upcoming work on the Interstate bridge, I-405, and more. It’s really about where you want to go and a leveraging point to entrepreneurship and sustainability. That’s the goal here.”
For people of color and others who are enticed to get involved, the opportunities are still vast and lucrative. “We are about 30% complete which means we have 70% to go,” Holt shared. “Ground hasn’t been broken yet, no concrete laid, nothing really torn or ripped up, so there are still plenty of opportunities to get employed, to respond and engage and plenty of opportunity to find out what specifically is going on. You can go to ODOT’s website and look at the I-5 Rose Quarter and you can reach out to Raimore Construction and get connected that way. If you are a business owner and you have specific skills and talents that connect to construction, you have a direct opportunity, a direct pipeline to employability.”
The pipelines created by Raimore are numerous and one need not wait until 2025 to get involved. “We have a workforce advocate to give people a pipeline into the trades,” Moaning revealed. “Even if this project is not going now and doesn’t start until 2025, we have other job sites that we can put people on right now. The whole point is to get people into that pipeline and give them skills to hit the ground running on this project.”
The finished product is projected to be a significant game changer for people previously underrepresented in the construction industry. “What we are hoping for is to create a whole host of people with new skills, living wages, better lifestyles,” remarked Holt. “The result of it will be the restoration, per se, of the community, or the opportunity.”
Moaning concludes that the opportunities presented in the I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project represent just a sliver of the scope of opportunity that opens up for people who choose to engage in the trades. “We have to understand our historical importance and significance of the trades, especially as it pertains to us,” he stated with fervor. “We need to make sure we are using this opportunity as a real engine to move people forward because it’s not just about the skills, it’s not just about this project. This project is a trampoline, a leveraging point. There are going to be other projects like this across the country. There are going to be other projects like this around the world. My hope is that we are restoring people and that they build a place they cannot be compromised from.”
College athletes have generated billions of dollars for the NCAA. Electrifying athletes like Marcus Mariota, Candace Parker, and Anthony Davis gave sports fans jaw dropping highlights in college that will be cherished until the end of time. In return they received love from their fans, pressure from the media….and no compensation from the NCAA or their university.
About half of the athletes get scholarships (and only a handful are a full ride) to play at the collegiate level. After tuition, books, and housing, athletes are left with little or nothing, like 2018 national champion Donte Divincenzo who reported that, after expenses, only $3.71 remained in his account.
There were talks for decades about college athletes deserving pay. Some coaches paid players under the table or discreetly offered gifts as incentive to play for them (hoping they wouldn’t become the next scandal). Athletes had merchandise sold with their name on it and were in video games at one point, but never received a dime for the value their name brought to the NCAA. Things began to slowly change once lawsuits made by former players cost the NCAA 60 million dollars.
The NCAA was also hit with a one-two
combo by the NBA and basketball overseas.
brand via endorsements, marketing, and personal endeavors.
There are a wide variety of deals athletes can get from N.I.L. including getting paid for their autograph, social media postings, endorsements, hosting events, training camps, and more. Deals can be for one athlete, or an entire team. It all depends on what the client is looking for. More often now, you’ll see athletes post their student athlete experience on social media to increase their followers. Even players that don’t get much play time can grow their brand and receive deals.
Today, there are NIL valuations for the top recruits/athletes in the country. Second generation athletes (Bronny James and Arch Manning) and social media stars (Mikey Williams and Sunisa Lee) are projected to be worth millions of dollars based on their social media presence, in-game performance, and popularity. International students can’t receive any compensation through NIL due to immigration laws, but they still have the opportunity to build their personal brand
There are concerns with NIL being a distraction for athletes. Student athletes have a full schedule including practices, games, and class. Adding endorsements to their plate can cause problems with time management. NIL can also cost athletes their eligibility if the deal they make isn’t legit. Given NIL is a new industry, athletes may be unaware of the regulations (which vary by state).
The NBA now welcomes players straight to the NBA G League after high school and they’re eligible for the NBA draft the following year. The EuroLeague and NBL (Australia) have increased their talent over the past decade and highschoolers have seen these leagues’ level of competition as an opportunity to show their skills. What the NBA G League and overseas play have in common that the NCAA doesn’t, is that they pay their players. High level prospects like LaMelo Ball, Jalen Green, and Jonathan Kuminga electing to take their skills down the non collegiate route put the threat of these emerging leagues on the NCAA’s radar.
If the NCAA continued to operate how they were up until that point, they would lose top recruits to the non-traditional path to professional sports (the one-and-done era isn’t helping their case either). This rollercoaster of events led to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), an opportunity for college athletes to earn money through their personal
I’ve met student athletes that balanced their schoolwork, sport, and a part time job or NIL endorsements. I’m not saying it’s easy, but with organization and commitment, it’s more than possible. For athletes who need help with paying for books, food, or supporting their family, NIL endorsements could be their only option to make some money. For eligibility concerns, it’s up to the athletic departments of each university to keep up with NIL regulations and relay them to their athletes. It’s important to have a team dedicated to helping athletes navigate the NIL industry without worrying about contract fraud.
Experts are still working to define and interpret the rules in NIL, so it’s still not clear what’s in store for student athletes in the future. Right now, student athletes can build their personal brand through NIL. By the time they graduate, they’ll have a blossoming portfolio providing a jump start to their career. One thing is for certain, this is a golden opportunity every college athlete needs to take advantage of.
“There were talks for decades about college athletes deserving pay.”
Examples of pass-through entities include sole proprietorships, partnerships, and S corporations. LLCs are also pass-through unless another election is made.
On the other hand, a non-pass-through entity is a business structure where the business itself is taxed as a separate entity. The company itself pays a tax on profits before they are distributed to the owners who may also have a separate tax to pay. C corporations are non-pass-through entities.
Tax structure and tax rates vary by business which could strongly favor one structure over another. Talking to your CPA or attorney about entity choice and tax minimization beforehand can help you keep as much money as possible.
the rights and responsibilities of the owners of the company, provide a roadmap for the management and operation of the business, and outline a procedure to follow if there is an impasse or a dispute between owners. These documents are especially important for multi-owner companies and well-drafted governance documents can help prevent costly litigation if there is ever a dispute between owners.
Starting a business can be a liberating and profitable experience, even more so if your legal structure is tailored to your business. There are many important steps and considerations to keep in mind when forming a business, among those are choosing the right legal structure, preparing good governance documents, and having solid contracts. This article will provide a basic overview of some of the important legal checkboxes for entrepreneurs starting their business.
The varying types of entities are taxed differently and do not provide the same level of protection for your personal assets from the debts and liabilities of the business. A key tax distinction to know is “pass-through” vs. “non-pass-through” entities. A pass-through entity is where the profits of the business “pass through” to the owners and are reported on the owner’s personal tax returns. The business itself is not taxed, but the owners pay taxes on their share of the business’s profits.
In addition to taxes, one of the main benefits of legal entities (entities that you must register with the secretary of state) like limited liability companies (LLCs) and corporations is liability protection. Forming an entity to own and run your business can shield your personal assets, such as your home and savings, from being seized to pay business debts or legal judgments against the business. Without liability protection you can also be personally liable for your business partner’s mistakes. Filing an “assumed business name” or “doing business as” for business is not the same as a legal entity and will not provide any liability protection. Just forming the company by itself isn’t enough, however. Make sure to follow corporate formalities, keep personal and business finances separate, and comply with all laws and regulations as well to prevent a future plaintiff from “piercing the veil.”
For any legal entity, there are standard governance documents that outline the internal rules and regulations of the company. Corporations have “bylaws”, partnerships have “partnership agreements” and LLCs have “operating agreements.” There may also be other agreements which govern the relationship between the owners like “buy-sell agreements” and “shareholder agreements.” These documents set forth
One of the best rules that you can follow as a business owner is to always document your transactions in written contracts. The main purpose of a contract is to clearly outline what each party is supposed to do to and how problems are addressed if the unexpected arises. Businesses should have good contract forms for transactions that they engage in often. They can be the difference between recovery and nonrecovery if you have a delinquent client. If you need a contract drafted or have questions about one that you are presented with, be sure to contact an attorney to help you.
Understanding the legal basics and having good professional advice when forming a business is essential for entrepreneurs who want to build a successful and sustainable enterprise. The legal aspects of starting a business can be complex, not to mention the myriad of other legal issues not included in this article. By taking the time to familiarize yourself with the key considerations and seeking professional advice when needed, you can ensure that you get the most from your business.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available in this article are for general informational purposes only. Please contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter.
“There are many important steps and considerations to keep in mind when forming a business”
Starting a small business can be an exciting journey filled with challenges and opportunities. As a Black entrepreneur, you may face additional hurdles, but with perseverance and hard work, you can turn your dreams into a successful reality.
According to the 2019 Survey of Business Owners, there were 2,289 black-owned businesses in Portland, Oregon, representing 4.1% of all businesses in the area.
Despite facing challenges, black entrepreneurs in Portland have been able to establish successful businesses across a variety of industries, including retail, professional services, and construction.
Market research is a crucial first step in starting any small business. By understanding the needs of your target market and identifying your competition, you can develop a product or service that meets the needs of your customers and sets you apart in the market.
Let’s take a closer look at an example of market research using a business case
scenario. Imagine you’re interested in starting a mobile car wash business in Portland, Oregon. To conduct your market research, you would:
1. Define your target market: Start by gathering data on the demographics of car owners in the Portland area. Get to know your potential customers by surveying them to learn about their needs and preferences when it comes to car washing.
2. Study your competition: Take the time to research existing car wash businesses in the area, including their services, prices, and customer reviews. Consider what makes these businesses unique and how you can differentiate your own business.
3. Evaluate the demand: Use the information you gather from your target market research and competition analysis to determine the demand for your product or service. Reach out to potential customers to gauge their interest and willingness to pay for your services.
4. Once you have a solid business plan in place, it’s time to secure funding. As a black entrepreneur, access to traditional funding sources may be limited, but there are many alternatives available. From grants and loans to angel investors and online lending platforms, there are many ways to raise the capital you need to start and grow your business.
Networking is also essential for any business owner, and black entrepreneurs are no exception. By building strong relationships and connecting with other entrepreneurs and business leaders, you can access valuable resources, gain advice, and find new customers. Consider joining a black business association or entrepreneur group in Portland to connect with like-minded individuals and grow your network.
Finally, it’s important to be prepared for the challenges that come with owning and running a business. This includes understanding your legal and financial obligations, managing cash flow, and dealing with the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Having a strong support system in place, such as a mentor, business coach, or trusted advisors, can help you navigate these challenges and keep you motivated.
Starting a small business as a black entrepreneur in Portland, Oregon can be a rewarding and challenging experience. With over 2,000 black-owned businesses in the area, you’re part of a thriving community of entrepreneurs. By conducting thorough market research, securing funding, building a network, and being prepared for the challenges of entrepreneurship, you can turn your vision into a successful reality. Best of luck on your journey!
“Despite facing challenges, black entrepreneurs in Portland have been able to establish successful businesses across a variety of industries, including retail, professional services, and construction.”
DESPITE BEING A LONG-OVERDUE EFFORT TO HELP BIPOC COMMUNITIES IN OREGON RECOVER ECONOMICALLY FROM THE ‘WAR ON DRUGS’, EQUITY AND JUSTICE STILL FACE A FIRING SQUAD.
BY MICHELE DARR ARTWORK JAMAAL HALEOn March 3rd, 2023, the Equity Investment Act (SB 1579) was passed by the Oregon State Legislature and the Economic Equity Investment Program was born. Sponsored by lawmakers Janelle Bynum, Akasha Lawrence-Spence, Julie Fahey and Kayse Jama, the bill represents years of tireless work by equity advocates led by Jeannette Ward-Horton of the NuProject and is Oregon’s first step in repairing the grievous economic and systemic harm done to Oregon’s Black, Indigenous, and Latinx communities through the war on drugs and over-policing.
The $15 million fund was reportedly intended to help close the wealth gap in Oregon through bolstering the work of culturally responsive, communitybased organizations with a mission and history of supporting people facing two
or more economic equity risk factors. “While we are a long way from resolving the wealth gap and economic inequities fueled by racially-biased enforcement of cannabis prohibition, the creation of the Equity Investment Fund means the state of Oregon has taken the first step towards accountability for the deliberate, government-sanctioned harms against these historically excluded communities,” said the City of Portland’s Cannabis Program Manager, Dasheeda Dawson.
This is not the first time that an equity bill of this nature has been introduced. A previous version, HB 3112, sought to provide grants funded by cannabis tax revenue and went further to create legislation around cannabis licensing and record expungement. That bill did not make it through the Legislature. In the words of Jeannette Ward Horton, founder
of the Cannabis Equity PAC and executive director of NuProject, “We urgently wanted to pass HB 3112 this session because we believed our collective community’s outcry to correct criminal justice system ills must include an economic justice response.”
Surprisingly, while the bill had already passed through numerous hearings and committees, it never made it to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, which determines state budget policy. Blocking its progression were three cochairs, all democrats. “Everyone was really surprised,” says Ward-Horton. “We don’t have a good explanation for why. Ultimately, we weren’t met favorably by the tri-chairs and the bill died on their desks.”
Removing the language addressing licensing and record expungement, The Oregon Equity Investment Act passed with bipartisan support in both the Senate and House, yet advocates and representatives alike still face an uphill battle to ensure equity for communities disproportionately affected by marijuana law enforcement. An audit by the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission revealed that while a considerable share of the disproportionate harm from cannabis prohibition was proven to be race-based, there are still significant barriers hindering the state from allocating cannabis tax revenue to repair the harm done to these communities. Barriers to justice include pushback from addiction recovery programs and pharmaceutical industry lobbyists with vague affiliations and deep pockets. Both seek to divert the money from the communities it is intended to benefit by seizing control and taking over allocation of resources.
The struggle for equity and justice continues and impediments to progress have dire implications if detractors are successful in derailing the momentum. “If we don’t act soon, Oregon will miss the opportunity to right the wrongs of the War on Drugs,” warns Rep. Janelle Bynum.
For more information on the Oregon Equity Investment Act, visit oregonequityact.com/ and nuproject.org/
“Advocates and representatives alike still face an uphill battle to ensure equity for communities disproportionately affected by marijuana law enforcement.”
WE ARE LOSING AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE….HUMAN CONTACT.
BY JURELL SCOTT ARTWORK JAMAAL HALEAristotle once said humans are social animals. We are meant to build families, be involved with the community, and create relationships with other people. Walking down the street and greeting someone you’re passing by may not seem like much, but the little interactions matter. We thrive in the company of others. The evolution of technology has done wonderful things for mankind, but you can have too much of a good thing. As people have become more accustomed to technology, we are losing an important part of the human experience.
After the pandemic, people began finding ways to be productive in their own space. Virtual meetings, virtual events, virtual interviews were not a temporary thing since we still use them today. Businesses decided to close down their offices and have employees work from home. Some people are hired out of the country and never meet their coworkers. In the past, people have made friends at work, events, clubs, the Saturday market, etc…. I can’t
imagine not meeting some of the friends I now have because an event was virtual or because I only worked from home.
dies). The majority of their time is spent alone but that doesn’t mean they refuse to spend time with others. As an introvert with multiple introverted friends, we still do our share of spending time with others.
People can go days without talking with someone in person. Think of this: people can shop online, have food and groceries delivered to their doorstep, work from home, and chat with Artificial Intelligence. There is texting, phone calls, and FaceTime, but that isn’t the same as an in person conversation. You can’t read body language, hug, or shake hands (you can’t even see the fresh kicks).
You might be asking, “Well, what about introverts?” Introverts prefer alone time, but they will hang out with friends or attend social gatherings (until their social battery
As we move forward, it is important to recognize the era we’re living in while understanding what we need as human beings. Having Zoom meetings and Skype calls is better than nothing, but it won’t fulfill our social needs. It is important for people to spend time with one another even if that’s only enjoying each other’s company. Don’t allow the ease of having everything on your porch with one touch of a button stop you from going outside (beyond your porch of course). Now I’m not saying “never order online” or “delete all social media” because those things have benefits. I want people to understand the importance of being in each other’s presence. We are social creatures after all.
“The evolution of technology has done wonderful things for mankind, but you can have too much of a good thing.”
THE SHOCK OF SEEING TWO YOUNG BLACK LAWMAKERS UNDEMOCRATICALLY OUSTED FROM THE TENNESSEE HOUSE
BY ROSA COLQUITT ARTWORK JAMAAL HALE“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.” -Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
In April, Oregon and the nation witnessed Nashville’s disgusting episode of disenfranchisement and racial acrimony for which the American “south” is historically famous. (Perhaps, some say, “the south” is much more than a simple concept of geography - a topic for a much more detailed opinion piece). In contrast, we have watched the resilience and fierce determination to overcome injustice, for which many Black and Brown Americans, women, our LQBTQ+ family members, and other marginalized communities, are respected and applauded.
Amazingly, the whole Nashville affair erupted from a deadly school shooting that took the lives of six innocent people--three beautiful children, and three devoted members of their school staff. Indeed, the intersection of gun violence, racial justice and democracy came together in Tennessee to grab the world’s attention.
After the shock of seeing two young Black lawmakers undemocratically ousted from the Tennessee House allegedly for a violation of the House’s rules of decorum, along with a third member, a white woman, escaping expulsion by one vote, I am still thinking about what this situation teaches us about the ongoing work for justice and democracy.
Thankfully, Democratic Representatives Justin Pearson and Justin Jones were interimly reinstated to their seats by their local county commissions. Rejoining Representative Gloria Johnson, now known as the ‘Tennessee Three,’ each has had a lot to say about justice and democracy.
The thoughtful, honest and unambiguous words of Rep.
Johnson, in particular, are widely quoted in the national press in her answers to questions about the unprecedented actions taken by the super-majority Republican lawmakers against the two Black legislators. I believe her words teach us a lot about the “arc of the moral universe,” and the work ahead to bend it more towards justice. She is quoted as saying,
“The shameful acts of expulsion, played out before the world in the Tennessee House, amounted to nothing less than a depressingly antiquated Jim Crow voter suppression tactic designed to subvert true American democracy.”
“. . . the role race played in the expulsions of Jones and Pearson is hard to ignore. . . If you listened during our expulsion hearings, if you listened to the questions that were asked of the two young men, it was a different tone entirely than what was used with me. The tone, to me, was demeaning. There was definitely a difference in the questions, like, ‘How dare you speak up or stand up without our permission? You need to act like us and dress like us and speak like us.’”
We all need to let this sink in for a moment. A very painful moment. Also of added significance, Representative Johnson offers a pivotal point that all Oregonians and all Americans need to hear and to embrace: “Younger voices aren’t necessarily being heard and lifted up and voices that are in opposition to the MAGA Republican supermajority that we have. We need a multiracial, multigenerational representation in this body.”
For sure, Democratic state parties and progressive, prodemocracy Democratic legislatures across the nation must pursue the representation of multiracial, multigenerational voices with great intentionality. Beyond the demeaning personal experiences of Reps Jones and Pearson, there is a larger historical impact that America must recognize. In stripping away the individual voices of two Black lawmakers, the real impact, by a super-majority Republican legislature, was to eradicate the representation and voices of thousands of predominantly Black voters in their districts.
The shameful acts of expulsion, played out before the world in the Tennessee House, amounted to nothing less than a depressingly antiquated Jim Crow voter suppression tactic designed to subvert true American democracy.
I believe that future history books will record the young Nashville voices of peaceful protest, in the image of Dr. King and other prolific civil rights leaders, as a watershed moment for racial justice and democracy in America. The weeks’ long resistance reverberates in the four remarkably simple words of Representative Justin Pearson: “You cannot expel hope.”
This, I think, is one of the greatest reminders and lessons learned about the continuing work for justice and true democracy in America.
In unity of purpose,
Rosa Colquitt, PhD State Party Chair Democratic Party of OregonBuilding Black Better starts with embracing the past and preserving places that memorialize our unique Black experience and legacy. Oregon’s Black history is a unique American story, and historic preservation affirms Black communities whose presence and contributions have not been represented in previous preservation efforts. Documenting and preserving Black places, spaces and objects is a powerful and impactful way of bringing awareness to the social, cultural and building history of Portland and the state of Oregon. Experiencing a historical place invokes a unique, personal encounter with space and time. Preserving historical sites brings honors to and connects us with special people, places, and events significant to Oregon’s Black history.
Preserving remnants of Portland’s African American historic places can be very challenging because the stories about the people who lived in the building are often more substantive than the architectural features. We walk or drive by historic buildings, unaware of the stories that lie within these small wonders. Brent Leggs, Director of African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, and one of the authors of Preserving African American Historic Places commented, “African American sites are often small and unadorned structures. For the most part, they are not as grand and visually impressive as traditionally recognized places such as homes of the political leaders or wealthy industrialists.” (Leggs, Rubman & Wood, 2012). However, these sites are no less significant to the history and dynamic story of America.
Government-sponsored projects and policies such as urban renewal and construction of highways, bridges and civic buildings, severely damaged the cultural and social fabric of Portland’s historic Black community. Historic buildings and places associated with Portland’s historic Black neighborhoods are often situated in areas vulnerable to redevelopment. Land use policies, deferred maintenance and land speculation trigger historic buildings’ demolition and the disruption of the socioeconomic fabric of
Black communities. Understandably, African Americans have lost their connection to the built environment, which has left gaps in understanding the context of where we have been. It is tough to recover from an onslaught of disruptions.
According to an NPR discussion with Brent Leggs, the interviewer Manoush Zomorodi stated that nationally, there are nearly 100,000 entries in the National Register of Historic Places, but only two percent of those focus on African American history. Oregon has approximately 2,000 entries in the National Register including districts, but only eleven properties, less than one percent, are listed for their association with Black history. Leggs stated that national statistics mirror America’s social issues, and there is a coalition of advocates working to rectify this inequity and reconstruct our national identity. Historic preservation should tell the full American history. It is an equity issue therefore efforts are underway to streamline the National Register nomination process, engage new stakeholders and re-examine the inequity of rating architectural heritage significance as a primary threshold for nominating historical buildings. Recent efforts by the City of Portland, led by Brandon Spencer-Hartle, Historic Resource Manager of the City, exemplify how historic preservation can address inequities. The recent approval of Portland’s African American Historic Resources Multiple Property Document (MPD), and approval of National Register nominations for the Billy Webb Elks Lodge #1050, Dean’s Beauty Salon and Barbershop, Golden West Hotel and Mount Olivet Baptist Church, prove that Black gathering places, businesses and worship centers add to the richness of local, state and national history.
Beyond federal designation strategies, historic preservation must embrace innovative ways to tackle these critical issues, including social justice. Equity can be accomplished by establishing historic or conservation districts illuminating existing and former African American communities in Portland that have experienced aggressive gentrification and displacement. Traditional methods will not solve these complex issues. A collaborative and robust coalition of new and diverse, interdisciplinary stakeholders include the talented Intisar Abioto, a Black artist who led a community movement to purchase the historic $1.5 million Beatrice Morrow Cannady house. While unsuccessful in buying the property, Intisar elevated historic preservation and the significance of preserving Cannady’s home. The new players can bring forth innovations and/or use historic preservation tools in ways that have not been considered, such as Cleo and Kayin Davis, creative designers and Portland natives. The couple moved the historic Mayo House to their vacant lot that was once occupied by an apartment complex, owned by Cleo’s grandmother and unjustly condemned by the city. The relocated site will be the home of the ARTchive, a place for collective memory and recording an accurate story of Portland Black history.
While historic preservation is far from the solution to amending past harms and restoring Portland’s historic Black community, it can build better Black spaces and places by serving as a pathway for honoring the past, celebrating Black culture and stopping the erasure of Black culture and memories. Historic preservation works best when everyone’s truth and story are valued, shared and preserved.
“Historic preservation should tell the full American history. It is an equity issue.”
If there is something that the majority of Americans can agree upon, it is that our world has changed since the Plandemic of 2020 took the world by storm.
For those who know me, know that I have been preparing all my life for a situation like this. My passion for preparedness stems from my childhood spent on my family’s 26-acre homestead in Southern Oregon in the early 1970’s and I was the first African-American student to attend the three community schools. I have a little sister but I was my father’s only son. My U.S. Marine father taught me how to fight, use knives to protect myself and be self-sufficient through farming, hunting and fixing my own vehicles. My background seeded my dreams and determination to help others to survive any disaster that might come their way and my identity as “Afrovivalist” was born.
In 2020, the COVID shelter in place mandate forced me to relocate to the Bug Out Location (BOL), our 1-acre family compound in Boring, Oregon. We packed up the survival gear, food and supplies from my city home and left the furniture behind. We headed to the compound where there was an old 18-ft travel trailer ready for me and my dog. It was wired to the main house so I could have electricity and with the whole country on lockdown, this allowed me to work remotely at the Bug Out Location. There were 8 of us and we made it work. The
best part about the move was seeing and spending time with my 6-year old grandson everyday. He helped me start a small garden, raised rabbits and cleaned up the property for more people to arrive. I lived there for about 4 months until a wildland fire forced us to relocate again.
Unfortunately, it was not in my plan to bug out of my Bug Out Location so I moved back to the city. After all, I was still paying a mortgage. However, in March of 2021, after extensive research to find a new Bug Out Location, I sold my home of 20 years and negotiated a land lease to live on an 80-acre working farm in Beavercreek, Oregon. This was my practice ground for living off the grid. I knew the winters at my property in Washington state were really harsh and really, really cold, so I stayed in Beavercreek through the winter months to make sure I was ready. Once I found my confidence to move forward, I gave my notice to the landlord. I really did not want to leave because I loved it there, but it did not make sense to me to continue to pay to stay there when I had land in Washington state that was paid in full.
Due to the pressure to be vaccinated, I decided to leave my positions as Administrative Specialist and Incident Commander for the State of Oregon Radiological Emergency Response Team. In September 2021, on my 57th birthday, I submitted my resignation and officially retired a month later.
On March 18, 2022, I left the practice ground in Beavercreek to move to my property where I currently live on 66 acres. I survived my first winter on the property by living in a 45 ft. Helibase Communications Incident Command trailer that I’m currently remodeling. It was brutally cold but the potbelly stove that I installed kept me warm and cozy. For winter transportation, I was fortunate to purchase a snowmobile from a nearby landowner so I could get back and forth to my truck that was parked 2 ½ miles down the road due to 3-6 feet of snow. Walking was not an option, although I tried. Needless to say, I’ll never do that again.
“Do you have food stored away to feed every person in your family? What if there is a war on US soil? What would you do? Would you survive?”
In conclusion, I would like to recommend that everyone start thinking about preparing for upcoming disasters, war, etc… We are not in a good situation right now with the economy, the food supply, and increasing job losses. I could go on and on. You may not want to live the way I am, but think about how you would live without electricity. Do you have food stored away to feed every person in your family? What if there is a war on US soil? What would you do? Would you survive?
For more information you can visit my website at afrovivalist. com or contact me by email at afrovivalist@gmail.com. In addition, go to decampoutdoors.com for weekly challenges to help you get prepared.
TO PREPARE = PEACE OF MIND. FIND YOUR PEACE.
BY MICHELE DARR PHOTOGRAPHY
In the history of America, there are few institutions representing racial equity and equality as well known as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Founded on February 12th, 1990 in the wake of the deadly race riots that had occurred in Springfield, Illinois, the NAACP has sought to secure for all people the rights guaranteed in the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the United States Constitution and works to remove all barriers of racial discrimination through democratic processes.
As the oldest continuously chartered branch west of the Mississippi, the Portland NAACP Branch 1120-B was founded in 1914 by Dr. J.N. Merriman as its first president and Beatrice Morrow Cannady, editor of African American newspaper The Advocate, as its first secretary. 108 years later, the mission and purpose of the local branch of this iconic organization is still strongly rooted in racial justice and elevation of the presence and purpose of people of color in Portland, Oregon and beyond.
“As a community, we have to really appreciate the institutions that we do have because we don’t have that many,” reflected incoming President James Posey on Flossin Media’s Black Beat Podcast. “If we neglect those institutions, trust me, something
bad is going to happen unless those of us who have a moral conscience about community step up and stand out. Black people have the highest incarceration rate and highest rate of disparities in education and health care while the lowest rate of homeownership, business ownership and accrued wealth. I could go on and on but at the end of the day, the truth is that we are in trouble. Black people across the country are still living the same existence whether it is Florida or Oakland or anywhere else. Yet it is important to be very cognizant of the fact that we have been able to survive it all.”
Under his newly minted leadership, Posey is determined that the Portland NAACP be a vehicle for change to be used by the community to further its own best interests. “I have boots on the ground experience,” he shared. “Lots of people want to play this, use it on their resume, use it as a stepping stone to other places and I’m not that guy. As I tell people in my speeches, this isn’t James Posey’s NAACP. This is your NAACP. It’s a vehicle for you and your community to use to make things better and improve our condition. It’s a lean-in on behalf of everyone in this community.”
With the chapter office at the Lloyd Center reopening after being closed during the pandemic for 2 years, Posey is looking forward to making the space available to the community for meetings and planning sessions around burning issues plaguing people of color in Portland.
“One of the things that bothers me most is that we have a 50% achievement gap between black kids and white kids,” he said sadly. “If you extrapolate that out 10 years, our kids won’t have
FLOSSIN MEDIA
“This isn’t James Posey’s NAACP. This is your NAACP. It’s a vehicle for you and your community to use to make things better and improve our condition.”
a snowball’s chance in hell competing in the economic market. Everything we do rests on our kid’s ability to be able to compete and if they don’t have the tools to do that, the future continues to look grim.”
The strategies and approaches that Posey plans to implement sets him apart from past leaders who have relied more on party politics to achieve their goals than utilizing more strident approaches to addressing the widening racial socioeconomic gaps. “The State and the Department of Education have not been doing their job,” Posey cited grimly. “For the last 40 years, the Democrats have been in control. People don’t like to hear me say this, but all of the misery that Black folks have been experiencing over that time have come from that party. The truth of the matter is, their record speaks for itself and having been in control of this State for the last 50 years, things haven’t gotten any better for Black people. Not that it would be any better under Republicans, but we shouldn’t let the Democrats off the hook. We have to hold their feet to the fire too.”
Another concern that Posey intends to address as President is student achievement and the relevance to economic viability. With Oregon lowering the benchmark for graduation, he is deeply concerned that existing disparities will widen and students will fail to reach their potential.
“When you can’t get out in the real world, a competitive, capitalistic society, people are going to hire people that can help them make money,” he said. “If you can’t read the process or follow instructions that you have been given or understand how to
be creative in your approach to how you do business in a dynamic way, you are going to be in trouble.”
While he admits to not having a magic bullet or charm to attract youthful participation in the NAACP, he feels that the fresh energy he is bringing to the table will help to dispel negativity from the past and provide an attractive option for those seeking a roadmap to equity and success. “I’ve always tried to be around and engage young people on my crew who don’t always have the experience, but they do have untainted energy and fresh ideas,” he shared proudly. “The key lesson that I recognize from our past is our inability to listen. If I don’t listen to someone and internalize what they are saying, walk a mile in their shoes, then we can’t make an adequate assessment. As an organization, we need to reassess ourselves. If we want to make progress, we need to not be afraid of criticism. We need to not be afraid of taking a different path.”
In his leadership role, Posey is clear that time invested is of the essence and sacrifices have to be made to move the needle towards bettering the lot of the historically underserved. “We have to love ourselves and appreciate who we are,” Posey shared. “We have to take care of ourselves. We do this by investing our time, our energy and our money into our people. When you give yourself to your community, you begin to make sacrifices for your family. Make no mistake, our community is an extension of our family. You have to invest in your own people because who else will do that if we don’t?”
As incoming President of the Portland NAACP, Posey has a firm plan of approach with an emphasis on restorative justice for those most negatively impacted by systemic racism. “Right from jump street I’m going to be down at the legislature getting records expunged for cannabis. What are the reparations for these people who have lost years of their lives due to unjust laws? You can’t piecemeal that, you have to come correct on the wrongs committed against these Brothers and Sisters. Who else can do this better than the NAACP? It’s me, it’s you, it’s all of us around this table. Even our own black politicians aren’t going to do it. It’s up to us.”
Moving into the next phase of growth and development begins with empowering community members through sharing and elevating the good that is inherent in the experience of the Black community in Portland and beyond. “Sharing our history, some of the good things about our community is important,” Posey stated with conviction. “We need to press the agenda of how great Black people really are. We have to get that out in front of our own people and convince our own people because we were pumped full of imagery growing up that depicted us as being not as good as white people. Young people have to leverage the power of technology to get out there on Tik Tok and social media. It’s important to put stuff out there to change our minds about who we are, talk about history, and rap about something meaningful for our children. You have to think about your destiny. Forward looking is more powerful than looking backwards.”
“You have to invest in your own people because who else will do that if we don’t?”
It’s that time of year again! Good in the Hood is celebrating its 33rd Annual Multicultural Music, Arts & Food Festival at King School Park on June 24th-25th, 2023.
Founded by the parents and staff of Holy Redeemer Catholic School in 1990, The Good In The Hood (GITH) is a non-profit organization with a vision to raise funding for the school and to celebrate diversity. The GITH staff of volunteers has continued that tradition over decades through providing a viable venue to maintain ‘Unity in the Community’ (the organization’s motto) and most importantly, the ability to provide scholarships to enrolled college students.
As the largest event of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, GITH opens with a parade that travels through Northeast Portland and ends at the festival, a site that provides a setting where businesses are able to share their resources, small businesses are able to sell their products, and where locally and nationally renowned musicians showcase their extraordinary talents. Headliners Andy Stokes and Keith Washington join a plethora of popular local artists for a weekend of blues, funk, reggae, and more, including Jubba Reggae Band, Hot Tea Cold, This is Portland, Versie Jean, Galen Clark Trio, Funk E Fusion Review, Norman Sylvester, Zhanea June and Mach X.
Good in the Hood is also getting out ahead of the festivities by entering one of very few black-identified floats in the Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade on June 11th, 2023. Sponsored by the Soul District Business Association, residents in N/NE Portland and throughout the city are invited to come out and get your groove on with us! Can’t make it? Catch exciting, exclusive behind the scenes coverage by Flossin Media on our youtube channel at flossinmediatv.
plethora of popular local artists for a weekend of blues, funk, reggae, and more.”
In addition to seeking sponsors for all levels of the festival, nothing happens without a team of dedicated volunteers to make for a memorable festival and parade. Numerous volunteers are necessary to help coordinate the hundreds of participants and their associated floats and vehicles into the parade lineup, so please consider signing up to make this special event better than ever!
For more information you can visit: goodinthehood.org
The event is located at King School Park, 4906 NE 6th Ave Portland, Oregon -97211 See you there!
“Headliners Andy Stokes and Keith Washington join a
THE VANPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL CARRIES THE TORCH OF THOSE MUSICIANS WHO MOVED TO OREGON FOR WORK AND FILLED THE AIR WITH ART.
BY MICHELE DARR PHOTOGRAPHY FLOSSIN MEDIA
Boasting world-class jazz in a vibrant festival atmosphere, the Vanport Jazz Festival(VJF) is celebrating its 6th year of regaling audiences with a full spectrum jazz experience. Established in 2017, the festival was created to honor the history of Vanport, once the nation’s largest public housing project and the second-largest city in Oregon.
Built in 110 days in 1942, Vanport was constructed on a floodplain just outside city limits in order to meet the needs of newly arriving shipyard workers, including thousands of African-Americans who were restricted by a so-called “real estate code of ethics” which limited them to living in just one area. 40,000 people called this makeshift community home until Memorial Day, 1948, when the Columbia River broke through the nearby levees, unleashing a historic flood that displaced 18,000 people from their homes—a quarter of whom were African-American.
Newly homeless and looking for work in racially segregated Portland, Vanport’s uprooted Black community opened jazz clubs in their designated neighborhood. These clubs attracted the biggest names in jazz, and the vibrant culture soon established Portland as a true jazz city.
More than 8 decades later, the Vanport legacy is still alive and well as the Vanport Jazz Festival carries the torch of those musicians who moved to Oregon for work and filled the air with art. Storms of ongoing displacement and a worldwide pandemic be damned, the event prevails to this day, and is carving out a unique niche on the national jazz scene.
Against a backdrop of sumptuous world cuisine and rich offerings on display from local vendors selling their goods and services, The Vanport Jazz Festivals musical lineup is impressive to say the least. World renowned saxophonist, Mike Phillips and Joseph Lewis Thomas (known mononymously as Joe) kick off the event on Friday. Grammy-award winning Jazz/ R&B saxophone player, Boney James, gets the party started on Saturday, followed by chart topping artist, Julian Vaughn, indie artist role model and paragon of female empowerment, Goapele, composer and band leader, Adam Hawley, and the Average White Band, a top Soul, R&B, and Jazz-Funk group rounds out the day’s festivities.
The Vanport Jazz Festival will be held at The Colwood Golf Center, 7313 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR 97218 (Approximately 1 mile from Portland International Airport). While VIP tickets and ticket packages are currently sold out, you can still experience the revival by purchasing general admission tickets at vanportjazzfestival.com/packages.
“TheVanport Jazz Festival carries the torch of those musicians who moved to Oregon for work and filled the air with art.”
In 2007 Leslie Goodlow was the First Ever Black Rose Festival President in the event’s 100 year history. She loves ALL things Rose Festival Catch her Story on YouTube/Flossin MediaTV The Portland Rose Festival 2023 Black Entertainment Experience PDX Black Rose Podcast.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY FLOSSIN MEDIA TV
PHOTOGRAPHY FLOSSIN MEDIA
It is a time of new beginnings in Portland, Oregon. The City of Roses, with all of its diverse communities and cultures, is home to nearly 36,000 Black Portlanders who embody the Spirit of the City. Like the mysterious Black Rose, the presence, resilience and fortitude of these Spirits signifies hope, courage and confidence— qualities that are most needed when ushering in major change.
Flossin Media has teamed up with the PDX Black Rose Podcast and the Portland Rose Festival Foundation to capture this year’s Rose Festival activities from the perspective of the Black Entertainment Experience. We are turning our lenses on former dignitaries who were instrumental in breaking the glass ceilings of the now 116 year old event. This includes the festival’s first ever Black President, Leslie Goodlow (2007) and first ever Black Prime minister of the Royal Rosarians, Dwight Terry (2020). We
will be cruising in on the US Navy Ships during “Fleet Week” talking to the sailors from across the country.We will be featuring Princesses from the past to to current day and all of the other great community members who make the Rose City a world class place to be. We will close out the series with our “man/women” on the street perspectives during the Starlight and Rose Festival Parades.
Catch these great stories by tuning into YouTube/Flossin MediaTV, On Open Signal Public TV, or PDX Black Rose podcast on spotify.
Larry Miller and Laila Lacy
Few stories are as compelling as those written from the perspective of someone who has risen from the ashes to live the life of their dreams. Overcoming grim odds, 73-year old chairman of the Michael Jordan brand at Nike and a former president of the Portland Trail Blazers, Larry Miller reveals his stunning rise from the mean streets of West Philadelphia in the 1960s to the highest ranks of American sports and industry. Despite a checkered past and a number of years spent in jail growing up, Miller changed course through a Pennsylvania education-release program offered to incarcerated people and graduated with honors from Temple University. His journey of healing and self discovery is a powerful voice for criminal justice reform and expanded educational opportunities for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people in the United States.
Reed College creative writing professor and poet, Samiya Bashir’s award-winning 2017 collection, Field Theories, blends the complex concepts of quantum mechanics, thermodynamics and blackbody theory (blackbody light absorption, as opposed to the whitebody reflection) through the parallel journey of real black bodies. Her richly descriptive poems take us on a historic journey from the roots of African-American folklore to our present day reality through sonnets and experimental lyrics that draw historical and scientific correlations between modern issues while examining the ways the Black body is and has been interpreted by American society. Field Theories is well on its way to reinterpreting the dominant narrative with mathematical equations and scientific theories transposed into the fabric of the rich cultural and emotional African-American experience.
Javelin Hardy
The Girl Inside Me is a heartfelt collection of autobiographical poems by Portland writer and healer, Javelin Hardy. Chronicling her life and experiences as a little girl struggling to survive sexual abuse and trauma during the turbulent 80’s in Minden, Louisiana, Hardy’s book exemplifies her purpose and calling to help others overcome the ghostly heat of childhood and intergenerational trauma. In this book of poems, Hardy shares her story in a way that immediately engages readers to delve further into the life experiences of the little girl she was as expressed by the resilient, powerful woman she has become. Drawing upon her personal experience, therapeutic training and ancestral healing modalities, The Girl Inside Me is another of Hardy’s blessings upon the world she seeks to help transform.
Aaron Clarey
Still relevant today, Aaron Clarey’s 2015 book, “The Black Man’s Guide Out of Poverty’’ plumbs the depths of the disproportionate struggles and challenges that continue to plague Black men in America and provides a roadmap to navigating and circumventing the socio-economic and political structures and systems that keep them from achieving their full potential. While citing grim statistics that indicate little improvement in the lot of Black men over the past 6 decades, this author is determined to help them overcome even the most seemingly insurmountable obstacles to embrace life and shift outside of the constructs of poverty. “The Black Man’s Guide Out of Poverty” is a clarion call to those who society has relegated to the sidelines to rise up and truly be free.
Tope Ganiyah Fajingbesi CPA
What is your relationship like with money? Are you an investor or saver? Are you perpetually incurring debts for the flimsiest of wants, or for religious or personal beliefs highly conservative with your money? Does money make you happy or miserable? In this book, author Tope Ganiyah Fajingbesi breaks down your money personality into one of five colors- Green, Blue, Yellow, Grey and Red. Which one are you? Fajinbesi has a CPA, ACA and MBA in accounting and over 15 years experience working with Big Four public accounting firms, Fortune 500 and nonprofit organizations across the USA and Africa. She uses her experience to help aspiring and existing entrepreneurs navigate the important world of financial management.
BY DANNY BELL ARTWORK JAMAAL HALE
“You are either part of the problem or part of the solution.” -Elderidge
Cleaver, Soul on IceIn the Halls of Fame illuminated by champions, heroes, and the vanguard, there are legends and then there are lasting legacies. One is contained within the annals of the Knott Street Boxing team, which set the tone for the rest of the state of Oregon as a bastion of great boxers on the West Coast.
A vaunted legacy and tradition of champions and contenders, the Knott Street Community Center was started and directed in the 1950s by a White man, Clyde Quisenberry, who had a deep and abiding empathy for Black and other BIPOC children. Under the tutelage of Charles (Chuck) Amato that incorporated a boxing regime of training pioneered by Quisenberry and Chuck Lincoln, the Community Center became known for developing a technique that combined weight training, leading to a tradition of boxing that has left an indelible impression on the boxing world. However, more importantly, the Center and its programming served as an alternative to a life of crime in the ghetto that was sadly common for so many low income residents at the time. For youthful members of the community of Portland, Oregon, circa 1959, living in a geographical ghetto has had a ripple effect right through to the present day and contributes to the throes of divisive race relations in which we still find ourselves.
Trainers have played a very important role in grooming these young men for acceptable behavior in the broader community outside the confines of their status in our society. Mr. Quandrae Robertson and Stanley Dunn, as well as James Franko (who runs the Rip City Boxing Club program) have contributed to buttressing the community in a positive and constructive manner and have strengthened the fabric of the community at large through their investments of blood sweat and tears made in guiding these young people toward a more socially acceptable way of life. Boxing as a
team sport fulfills several important aspects in a young person’s life by giving them a sense of family as an alternative to the sense of family they get as a gang member. Additionally, it gives them a chance to travel and experience different ways of life as well as interact with people from different cultures.
Oregon has produced a long line of well-known boxing personalities and Olympic hopefuls as well as a litany of AAU national Golden Glove champions and professional contenders.
Those of you who are familiar with boxing should know names such as Wade (Papa) Smith and Ray Lampkin (who fought Roberto Duran and is credited with being the first Portland Boxer of color to compete for a world belt), and Halim Rashad and Johnnie Howard, both of whom competed in the 1964 Olympics held in Japan. These guys put the Knott Street Boxing Club on the map, essentially starting a boxing program that would gain worldwide attention among boxing fans.
The tradition of elite athletes which began in the 1980s continues to produce more rising stars in the boxing world, such as Cory Hill in 2007. Curiously enough, the Knott Street Boxing Club, now known as Matt Dishman Community Center Boxing team, has also spun off another elite program, the Rip City Boxing Club, which now competes at an international level and has current AAU Champions led by James Franko, another Knott Street alumni on the team formerly known as Knott Street (now the Matt Dishman Boxing Team). In all fairness, the Knott Street Boxing Club was also not the only boxing program to develop contenders. The Grand Avenue Boxing Club was where a young man named Quandrae Robertson started boxing at the age of 23, going on to fight for the world welterweight belt against Marvin Hagler in Texas in 2006.
When asked what motivated him to do what he does in the Salem community, from running a popular barber shop to working with children and teaching them how to protect themselves, Robertson reflected for a bit and said that while boxing had given him the opportunity to travel and make a little money, it was the people he met who opened doors for him, his barber shop and the boxing program. What boxing did for many youth who otherwise would have followed a different path in life, was to provide a lifeline to mainstream America and being embraced by people across the spectrum of the human experience. At the same time, new doors were being opened for young men and women to choose a different road than many of their peers who ended up in the school to prison pipeline, making them an apt metaphor to Maya Angelou’s poem “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”. In a way, these young men became the progeny of Joe Lewis with all the hopes and prayers of the promise of democracy.
Fighting can be a larger metaphor for life in general, especially for people who exist in adverse circumstances. To succeed, one needs a game plan and a support system, one must be tenacious when approaching a challenge or seeking a goal and in order to win, one must train and be disciplined. There was a saying at Knott Street when I trained there as a 9 to 13-year-old kid, ‘Winners never quit, and quitters never win’. Inspiring words to live by.
“Oregon has produced a long line of well-known boxing personalities and Olympic hopefuls as well as a litany of AAU national Golden Glove champions and professional contenders.”
It’s the summer of 2023 and we are halfway into Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary year. The celebration jumped off big this past February during the Grammys Awards Show. The genre, once snubbed by the Recording Academy, was welcomed with esteemed praise. Hip Hop legends from the past and its current day influencers, took to the stage in full Hip Hop regalia. DJ Kahlid, Jay Z, Lil Wayne, and Rick Ross closed out the show in a display of decadence and power, performing the song,“God Did.”
We are doing our part in honoring Hip-Hop by diving into its impact on the Black entertainment experience in Oregon. We decided to focus on some of our region’s hardest working DJs. After all, it was DJ Kool Herc (Clive Campbell), a JamaicanAmerican who earned the title, “Father of Hip-Hop” when he threw a back-to-school jam at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx on August 11 1973. Instead of playing the songs in full, he played only their instrumental sections, or breaks. During these breaks, his friend Coke La Rock hyped up the crowd with the mic, and the audience went wild and Hip Hop was born.
DJs across the world continue to be hugely influential in
sustaining this complex genre. On a recent Black Beat Podcast with Flossin Media host John Washington, DJ Michael Morris (Michael Morris), DJ Solo (Solomon Kofi), and DJ P.I.Z (Ron Smith) chopped it up, reminiscing on the early pioneers of Hip Hop they admire, how they moved from house parties into nightclubs, and how being a Black DJ, drawing large majority Black crowds can be perceived as intimidating to certain oligarchies in Portland’s bureaucratic systems.
One of Oregon’s most seasoned spin masters is DJ Michael Morris who has been active for nearly 40 years. He caught the DJ bug early as an adolescent.
“As a kid, we used to take our stereos to house parties in shopping carts. We were doing cassette tapes back then, making mix tapes before mixtapes was a thing” laughed Morris. “In high school I got involved in the band program and then gravitated into working in radio. I couldn’t stand the repetitiveness of radio though, having to play only certain songs because of advertising, so I got out and started doing more parties and clubs. When I think of early memories of Hip Hop artists there are so many. Of course, Run DMC, LL Cool J and Kurtis Blow come to mind, and
then I think of Too Short who started a lot of stuff out here on the West Coast” shared Morris.
Another long-standing Oregon based DJ is Ron Smith, aka DJ P.I.Z. He was one of the first African DJs to play in popular Portland nightclubs of the 80s and 90s like the Red Sea, Seges, and Ballzers. Honorable mentions for Smith when thinking about early Hip Hop artists also include Method Man and Redman. Smith shared admiration for his DJ associate Morris.
“The fact that we even had places to play back then was because of DJs Like Michael Morris and others who held the line,” recalls Smith. “The Hip Hop fight was going on politically and in order for Black people to be able to do our shows freely, we had to find pockets within the community to hold shows, but it was a struggle. Guys like Michael helped keep it going no matter what.”
Solomon Kofi, aka DJ Solo, was born and raised in Ghana Africa where he was a part of the entertainment community. He moved to Portland in 2007 to chase the Dream.
“Early memories of Hip Hop for me came from performers like Nas, I was a big fan. We were listening to a lot of Hip Hop in Africa, more so than sounds from our Motherland at
that time. When I first moved to America, I started playing at house parties and making connections. Then I moved into playing lounges. My first gig was at a space called Afrique and then things just took off from there,” shared Kofi, who has been highly influential in elevating Afrobeats into Oregon’s club scene. This is a unique blend of African Dancehall mixed with American Hip-Hop influences.
Afrobeats isn’t the first to mash up Hip Hop with another genre. All three DJs pointed out that R&B melded with Hip Hop in a big way in the 90s with Mary J. Blige and P-Diddy leading the pack As Black DJs who often draw majority Black crowds to their events, they admit that they can still face ongoing bias and prejudices from past perceptions of Hip Hop culture.
“Back in the day, they were closing clubs down if they were playing Hip Hop. OLCC (Oregon Liquor Control Commission) would come in and put stipulations on them such as you had to close by midnight and keep your blinds open,” recalls Morris who doesn’t play as many club gigs today as he used to in part because of the drama. “We don’t really go for that anymore; we’ll just do our own event.
Indeed, many Black owned or operated night clubs were shuttered by OLCC from the 1990s to mid 2000s only to be reopened under White ownership activating the space similarly to their Black predecessors but without the harassment.
For DJ Solo, and DJ P.I.Z, who are more active in Portland’s night club scene, there is still deep frustration.
“I have people reach out to me all the time, who say we want you to DJ over here but we don’t want you to promote. I was like, hold up, you want my vibes but not my people? Why is that?” asked Kofi.
They have experienced first-hand that Black DJs drawing large Black crowds are perceived more of a risk than White DJs, playing the same music for majority White crowds.
“If you go to other cities with professional sports teams, often you will find a club owned by one of the players, but not in Portland. It is still too much of a liability,” shared Morris.
Despite the perceptions, each DJ is hopeful for what they see happening in the Portland markets. Black diasporas are starting to blend, congregating through music.
“We have put in our work to bring Africans and African Americans together in a space. Now you’re seeing other events like Black Girls Brunch, Melanin, and Brown Sugar all doing their thing in Portland,” Kofi pointed out.
With most of the Blacks moving into Portland coming from bigger cities they are hungry for this connection. “We shouldn’t have to be forced to water down the culture because Hip Hop is a culture and a lifestyle,” concluded Kofi
Listen to more of this conversation on Flossin Media TV YouTube Channel or Black Beat Podcast_ Hip Hop 50th Anniversary.
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Follow: @djmichaelmorris on Instagram and Facebook
Follow: DJ_PIZ on Instagram and Facebook
Follow: @ DJ Solo_Pdx on Instagram and Facebook
“I was like, hold up, you want my vibes but not my people? Why is that?”
“My impact is to inspire audience members to connect with the “human-ness” of one another in our society. By theatrically sharing my personal story of joy and heartache and shame and family (that centers around rainy Oregon), I hope to infuse an air of curiosity into my audiences. Perhaps the next time they encounter a homeless youth, a survivor of domestic violence, or a black teenage boy, they’ll remember my story and see them with curiosity as a whole, a complex person much like themselves.” -Vin Shambry, published Writer, acclaimed Storyteller and award winning Broadway Actor and Director.
In a day and age when the mainstream media depiction of people experiencing houselessness is at its most punitive, “Outdoor School” promises to be an unforgettable glimpse into the world of the unsheltered through the eyes of a Black, 12-year old child.
Written and directed by rising star, Ime Etuk, a Nigerian-born, Portland-grown Director and Producer, “Outdoor School” chronicles the real-life experiences of Vin Shambry, who was thrust onto the streets of Portland in 1994 and slept under a tree in Irvington Park with his mother and baby sister. “When I was a kid, I never cried. I never had time to,” Shambry recounts. “I was always put in adult
situations, like the time when I was 12 and my Mother abruptly woke us up in the middle of the night, tears streaming down her face, her mouth filled with blood from being punched repeatedly. We knew that it was time to flee from him.”
Once on the street, Shambry’s new role as the ‘man in charge’ involved pushing a shopping cart filled with the family’s belongings around during the day and salvaging cardboard for the little family to sleep on at night. “My 4 year old Sister and I would wait down the street at the park while my Mother would scope out the shelters,” he remembered. “But those places always had social workers and police, meaning we might get taken away from her. So most of the time, we would sleep under a tree at the park. All we needed was cardboard underneath us, a blanket that we all shared and plastic on top of it.” During the day, they did the best they could to find resources to meet their needs. “We had a routine all worked out: showers at the local swimming pool, free breakfast at school then we would walk around with the shopping cart until dark,” Shambry shared. “We knew exactly when the police would patrol the parks and when they were done with their rounds, we could safely crawl under this tree without being seen.”
Struggling to maintain a veneer of normalcy despite not having his own place to call home, Shambry’s outlook was transformed through the rite of passage for middle schoolers known as “Outdoor School”. In addition to his delight at spending 5 worry free days and nights in nature, Shambry was relieved to have his own bed, hot meals and the freedom to just enjoy himself. “For the first moment in my life, I felt like a kid,” he said with a smile lighting up his face. He went on to describe heading up his team in a competitive game
of tug o war with a rival middle school, a role which cost him his only pair of shoes. “You gotta understand, these were patent leather, white and red Deion Sanders Nikes that I got as a gift from a girl at school whose Dad worked at Nike. I knew that next week when I went to school with dirty shoes that the other kids would know that we had no money.” Deciding that it was worth the sacrifice, Shambry went on to help his team win the game and the powerful life lessons he gleaned from the experience make “Outdoor School” a most memorable journey.
While Portland has been a backdrop to many movies, “Outdoor School” is in a league of its own as a story that actually took place here. “The significance of “Outdoor School” being based on events that actually happened in Portland is profound,” shared writer and director Ime Etuk. “It provides an opportunity to showcase the realities and experiences of Black Portland in the ‘90’s and other communities within the city that have historically been overshadowed or misrepresented in mainstream media. It also reinforces the idea that people need to learn to tell their own stories to ensure authenticity and accuracy. “
“They say at the end of outdoor school, everybody cries. In the end, I did too.”Photo of Vin Shambry and Ime Etuk
EDMUND MUNDO HOLMES SHARES HIS PASSION FOR BRINGING TO LIFE THE BLACK EXPERIENCE IN THE SOUL OF PORTLAND.
BY FLOSSIN MEDIA PHOTO FLOSSIN MEDIA STAFFAnyone who truly appreciates the language of art knows that it has the power to speak louder than words. As the artist and designer behind the Soul District Brand Identity Campaign banners, Edmund Mundo Holmes’ love and passion for bringing to life the Black experience in the Soul of Portland will be on full display in inner N/NE neighborhoods throughout the District in June, 2023.
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Mundo was captivated by art and illustration early in his life and explored his talents by drawing everything that he saw or loved: Garfield, Ninja Turtles, and Looney Toons characters. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in fine arts and product design from the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, interned at Nike, and after graduation, he returned to Portland to attend Pensole Academy
and pursue a career in the footwear industry. Through exploration of creative outlets including dance, graffiti, sculpture and sports, he currently channels his art through expressions such as footwear, apparel, stickers, buildings, interactive experiences and transportation. He has spent the past 12 years with Nike and now designs lifestyle shoes for the Jordan brand.
Mundo’s impressive portfolio now includes being the creative force behind the banner designs for the Soul District Business Association’s district identity campaign. The powerful images he uses speak through the lens of representation, empowerment and the journey of being a Black expressionist in the City of Roses. “The whole message is Investing in the Soul,” Mundo reflected. “Whether it is mental, physical, financial, you have to invest yourself in it.”
Blending bold colors, textures and dimensions, his signature jazz, funk, and graffiti inspired style is infused with a soul-driven message to the world about who he is, where he stands and his thoughts on society. With a steady focus on finding happiness, positivity and new ways to balance heavy subject matter, Mundo seeks to open eyes, minds, and hearts with his art and creative endeavors. His aim is to leave his audience inspired, encouraging them to reflect on what they have learned from his work and how they feel after digesting his art.
For more information about the Soul District Business Association, hop on over to souldistrictbiz.org or stop in at our office located at 6607 NE MLK Jr. Blvd. Portland, OR -97211.
To hear more of Mundo’s story, check out our PDX Black Rose podcast on Flossin Media’s youtube channel.
For questions or professional requests of Edmund Mundo Holmes, you can reach out via email to mundo@theartofmundo.com
GET IN TOUCH:
mundo@theartofmundo.com
Facebook: (Edmund Holmes-Mundo)
Instagram: @mundooo
“The whole message is Investing in the Soul,” Mundo reflected. “Whether it is mental, physical, financial, you have to invest yourself in it.”
The Soul District Business Association (SDBA) is implementing its decadelong vision to roll out its district identity campaign that will serve as a beacon to welcome back the cultural elements that were stripped from the NE Portland area through gentrification.
Working with its members, community partners and supporters, leaders from SDBA will work to beautify the streetscapes and landscape of the community that has been historic to Portland’s Black community since before the Civil Rights era.
• The Establishment of the Soul District Wikipedia Page
• Soul District mobile podcast trailer to cover community events
• Convening Small Business Accelerant Programs
• Black Vendor Weekend Launch Party
• Activation of more small businesses in commercial/outdoor spaces
• Placemaking Art and Music Identity Projects
• Mobile PDX Black Rose Podcast set profiling Black/IPOC newsmaker profiles
To support their efforts please consider volunteering or donating to the Soul District Business association at www.SoulDistrictBiz. org or call 503-841-5034
We were, we are and we will be Black History
Picture a people, caramelized under African Sun Raising strong families, radiant Daughters and African Sons
Black History was already being made
Ask Tertullian, the first Black church Father
We come from Grandfathers and Grandmothers
Church planters and Church Fathers
The hands of my ancestors built this country and shaped my Faith
All while being told they were not worthy.
This is why Black self-love is a form of resistance
A persistence on our own existence
Like Shirley Chisholm we’re not going to ask for permission
This is our inheritance of the Heart
Like Baldwin that just keeps on beating
A mind like Malcolm that never thinks of retreating With the grit of Harriet that just keeps on believing
It is our birthright to be sojourners for Truth
This is why our people make something good out of everything
We never take an L
It’s our legacy to follow leaders who lift eyes towards liberty
Literary lionhearts who left a lineage of being limitless
In the ways that we lean on God
Boldness is in our bloodstream
The same confidence Black Mothers have cleaning pots and pans
After they know they put they foot in them greens
Like Black church has always been a catapult
Look at the way that it launches stars
They ask us, how do you have Faith still?
After all you’ve been through, how can you sing the way you do?
I asked them a question
How do we invent rock and roll while we were still singing the blues?
Like they asked us, your Faith
Why is it not in a shredder?
How do you still believe?
I asked them, well, how during bondage do we invent mac and cheese?
You’re welcome Earth
We held on because we have a Father who said all things work together for our good
And we believe we can do this together
So how are we still here?
It’s no longer a mystery.
We were, we are and we will continue to be Black History.
Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
The Soul District Business Association youth entrepreneur career leadership program provides young men and women (ages 16-24) with career training and internship opportunities in order to help them improve and expand skills that come from operating successful businesses and organizations.
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For More info call 503-841-5032
