A community event focused on Black economics is slated for Sept. 1 at the Hollywood Theatre.
Black Friday is part short film premier, part community gathering and part education to help community members find resources available to them to start or grow businesses.
The start of the evening will feature two short films. One is the story of Paul Knauls who went from owning a premier West Coast nightlife venue to co-owner of Geneva’s Shear Perfection, his late wife’s barbershop and an institution in Northeast Portland.
The second film is about David Jackson, better known as DJ O.G. One, and his move from Watts, California, to being the official DJ of the Portland Trailblazers. Also featured is the new BIPOC creative hub envisioned by Creative Homies.
Following the screenings there will be a panel discussion moderated by Cobi Lewis executive director of Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon with several leaders of organizations that work to help Black entrepreneurs. Panel guests are Stephen Green, founder of Pitch Black and CEO of Business for a Better Portland; Paige Hendrix Buckner, CEO of All Raise; and Marquita Jaramillo, principal at BFM Fund.
About 45 minutes of the two-hour event will be left for people to connect with each other, including the different resource groups in attendance.
“It’s about agency and having the ability and the space to speak to your own experience and say what you want and have an environment that is conducive,” said Devon Boss, owner of North East Production and co-executive producer of the event. “I hope that more important conversations are had and people that don’t have the access to the information gain access.”
The event is based on gathering and storytelling to get the information across, not a stodgy presentation.
“Data and economics don’t always speak to people, but to sit down, listen to music and hear stories and have a conversation” can move people, Boss said.
Organizers intend for the event to center on and celebrate Black brilliance, but it is also meant to be a place for anyone who shares in that belief.
“The event appeals to a number of different demographics,” said Boss. “The opening story is a love letter to Geneva from Paul Knauls. (So there is appeal) to people who love and care about their impact. The second story is DJ O.G. One and his move to Portland. (So there is appeal) to fans of him. Then we highlight Creative Homies, who are trying to do something close to my heart, and changing the dynamics of Portland Black cultural and creative space.
“This conversation around economics, I hope, people who are blossoming or still trying to find their way through business can find deeper connections in what they are trying to do,” Boss said.
The event is organized by Boss and Zoe Piliafas, who has organized other community events and mural projects around Portland.
“Events like Black Friday are more important now than ever. It is vital that we connect and celebrate the successes of smart and talented Black entrepreneurs. Our community is no stranger to innovation because Black people have often innovated to survive,” said Hendrix Buckner. “Black creators have shaped our country socially, politically, and economically, unlocking economic freedom for generations.”
Organizers are hoping to host future events that will focus on different elements of Black economics told through the lens of Black leaders and the Black community.
