As thousands of you already know, the Portland Business Journal is partnering with Built Oregon to celebrate Black leaders in the region.
We published the first 50 in what we envisioned as a list of 100. Well, once the initial list landed, the emails, texts and DMs flooded in to me and Built Oregon Board Chair Stephen Green. Many were from folks expressing excitement about seeing such a dynamic group of executives, founders, artists, politicians and advocates collected in one place.
Others, lots of others, had suggestions of people who should be included in the next installment.
It turns out, my editing skills failed me. Trimming the list to 100 wasn't going to happen. So settle in and enjoy meeting 50-plus more Portlanders who are making big contributions to our region.
Delia Grenville
Intel Corp.
What it does: Semiconductor manufacturing
Title: Director, Business and Operating Environment & Chief of Staff, Fab Materials, Supply Chain
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: "I cannot be more grateful that Portland supports Jamaican Homestyle Cuisine. I grew up in a thriving Caribbean diaspora on the East Coast and this restaurant reminds me of home."
Favorite Black authors: Isabel Wilkerson, "Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, "because of her ability to tackle a deep topic, with both research and storytelling. Lorraine Hansberry, great artistry, great sense of the Black community, and timeless. She’s most famous for 'Raisin in the Sun,' but the storytelling in her informal autobiography 'To be young, gifted, and Black' stole my heart as young person."
Black-owned businesses you should know: "Our Black Women’s affinity group was founded in the mid-2000s to launch products and to rethink careers. Black business people are challenged by the double jeopardy of 1) lower income often prohibiting us to self-fund and 2) being less likely to attract outside capital. Our affinity group faced these challenges head-on. Some of my favorite businesses are my co-founder's products: Ebby Rane, a luxury luggage brand by Sonja Salmon; 'Sela Blue,' an illustrated picture book with a charming Black family, and Maren Designs, a sporty fun mother-daughter brand by Alisia Grenville-Mangold. My upcoming book expected this fall is being marketed to publishing agents this spring. Black business owners working in affinity is the way we support each other."
Karol Collymore
Nike Inc.
What it does: Footwear and apparel
Title: Senior Director, Inclusive Community | Social & Community Impact
Favorite Black-owned restaurants: Fuel Café on Alberta and Cason’s Meats on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Favorite Black authors: "Right now, I’m really learning a lot from Tressie McMillan Cottam, Ph.D. Her book, "Thick," has changed me at a soul level. I also love Yaa Gyasi. "Homegoing" and "Transcendent Kingdom" are both beautiful books.
Black-owned business you should know: "My friend, Jessica Winslow, owns a small business called Be Intentional Body & Mind. There are buttery lotions and potions that I love and will get that dry skin in check."
Jesse Beason
Northwest Health Foundation
What it does: Grant-making and health care advocacy organization
Title: President and CEO
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Akadi
Favorite Black author: "I'm a sci-fi geek, So N.K. Jemisin. Favorite: The Broken Earth Trilogy."
Black-owned business your should know: "Capitol Bar suffered a big setback when a drunk driver plowed into their bar just a week into their reopening. They have a GoFundMe."
Berk Nelson
Prosper Portland
What it does: Portland economic development arm
Title: Project Manager
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Plant Based Papi. "It’s a vegan restaurant. I’m not vegan but the food is fire. It’s located at Fortune in The Sentinel Hotel."
Favorite Black author: Ta-Nehisi Coates. "I have the 'Water Dancer' on my coffee table. And Michelle Alexander."
Black-owned business you should know: Cason’s Fine Meats. "I love to BBQ and the meats there are cut to perfection as is the flavoring."
Kehlay Luchaco
A Kids Company About
What it does: Publisher of books, podcasts and apps to spark important conversations
Title: Chief of Staff
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: "I recently had FiMi Kingston — Jamaican Jerk Shack and it was incredible! I also get excited when I find good African food in Portland that reminds me of home."
Black-owned business you should know: "I'd like to celebrate Abibat Durosimi, an incredibly talented beautician and dedicated parent. Abibat is paving a way for models of color through her company Bloom Beauty Collective, a boutique production and talent agency."
Kiauna Floyd
Amalfi's Restaurant & Mercato
What it does: Northeast Portland eatery
Title: President and owner of Amalfi's; Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Control commissioner
Favorite Black author: Toni Morrison
Tory Campbell
Oregon State University Foundation
What it does: Higher education
Title: Senior Associate Executive Director of Experience
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Union Burger PDX
Favorite Black author: "Lagoon," Nnedi Okorafor; "Souls of Black Folks," W.E.B. DuBois
Black-owned business you should know: HAR Gallery: Artist, Habiba Abdul Rahim (@habiba_abdulrahim_art)
Jaiden Love
Held and Heard Consulting
What it does: DEIA consulting
Title: Founder
Favorite Black author: "There are SO many great black authors; too many to name! So, I will just share the one I have read most recently, "My Grandmother's Hands" by Resmaa Menakem. A fantastic book addressing the trauma we all hold within our bodies is a key step in ending racism."
Alando Simpson
City of Roses Disposal & Recycling
What they do: Solid waste and recycling services
Title: CEO
Isaac Dixon
PSU / Vista HR Consulting
What it does: Higher education / consulting
Title: Associate Adjunct Professor / President
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: "Erica’s Soul Food is a favorite place. Her authentic down home cooking and warm personality brings folks back."
Favorite Black authors: "Ralph Ellison’s 'Invisible Man' is one of the best books ever written. I have read it several times over the years. Maya Angelou is also one of my favorites. She is one of the best storytellers of all time!"
Black-owned business you should remember: "Although they closed sometime ago, one of my favorite places to go was Geneva’s Sheer Perfection. It was a wonderful place to connect with friends, and meet young women and men that were up and coming."
Cobi Lewis
Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon
What it does: Lending to small businesses
Title: CEO
Favorite Black authors: Share a title or two if you like: Tina McElroy Ansa, "'The Hand I Fan With' is my all-time favorite book. Also a book called 'The Seasons Of Beento Blackbird' by Akosua Busia."
Janelle Bynum
State of Oregon
Title: State representative representing East Portland, Damascus, Gresham, Boring, North Clackamas, and Happy Valley
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: "Bete-Lukas is an Ethiopian restaurant I love to visit, not just for the food, but the owner is such a warm and friendly spirit. My order- meat combo with the spicy doro wat chicken."
Favorite Black authors: Brittney Cooper, "Eloquent Rage." "Her talks and Twitter feed are even better." Malcolm Gladwell, "Outliers." "I love non-fiction and people who take the time to look at data to try and make sense of this crazy world."
Black-owned business you should know: "I can't miss a chance to give a shout-out to my husband and his mom for leading our family McDonald's restaurants in the Portland area over the last 30 years. Our greatest joy is giving a kid their first job and seeing our seniors out and about each morning."
Aaron Hankins
Nike
What it does: Footwear and apparel
Title: Material Engineer
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: "Kabba’s Kitchen Senegalese Cart makes some great Senegalese meals!"
Favorite Black authors: "'Outside With Elephants," by Martin Angus Jr.; "BABA AND THE CREW: A True Story of a Single Black Father's Journey to Redemption," by Bill Davis Jr
Black-owned business you should know: Mister OK's Essentials. "Where I get all of my home good and smell goods, it’s more than just candles!"
Jo Ann Hardesty
City of Portland
What it does: City government
Title: City Commissioner
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Amalfi’s Restaurant & Mercado. "This restaurant has been in the same family for three generations and is currently owned by a born and raised Portlander."
Favorite Black author: "The one and only Maya Angelou."
Black-owned business you should know: "If you want to know where some of my fashion inspiration comes from, I recommend checking out the African clothing store N’Kossi Boutique at Pioneer Place downtown. This is where I purchased my election night outfits!"
Rashad Floyd
Heart and Hustle Production
What it does: Creative agency specializing in film and photography
Title: Founder / Filmmaker / Photographer
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: "Well there’s no doubt I’m bias to my wife’s restaurant Amalfi’s Italian Restaurant and Mercato, which has been one of the great cornerstones in the NE Portland community for decades. Best homemade pizza and spaghetti in town by far. But I’m also a big fan of Plant Based Papi who’s vegan recipes go crazy!"
Favorite Black author: "I’ve always loved Langston Hughes. When I was a kid, his literature inspired me to tell stories through poetry and creative speech. Now, I’m telling stories through film and photography. His invention of ‘Jazz Poetry’ was genius and he was one of my first Black Heroes."
Black-owned businesses you should know: "I’m incredibly impressed with the strong roster of Black-owned businesses in our area that have amazing products and are culturally connected and professionally managed. So instead of celebrating just one, I want to give them all their flowers. So if you don’t mind, I’m gonna shout out all the Black business entrepreneurs who are dedicated to owning their future! I’m proud of my people."
Arthur Williams II
The Influential Grooming Lounge
What it does: Social barber lounge that connects culture and community
Title: Co-owner, Barber
Favorite Black authors: "James Baldwin, Ibram X. Kendi, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Angela Y. Davis …there’s so many."
Black-owned business you should know: Tabiba Styles, owner Abibat Durosimi
Lakeitha Elliott
State of Oregon/Gordly Burch Center for Black Leadership and Civic Engagement
What it does: Community leadership organization
Title: Community Engagement Director in the Oregon Legislature’s House Majority Office; Director Gordly Burch Center for Black Leadership and Civic Engagement
Favorite Black Owned Restaurant: Amalfi’s Italian Restaurant. "Get the Sista Sangria and remember to grab a bottle of the Garlic Blue Cheese Dressing to take home."
Favorite Black Author: Daniel Black. "His books 'Perfect Peace' and 'The Coming' are my favorites. I meant to say my favorite author is Portland’s own Mitchell S. Jackson but, he’s my cousin so, I decided to steer away from nepotism."
Black-owned business you should know: "It’s a tie between Joe Brown’s Popcorn and DB Desserts. Both have high-quality, tasty products and their owners are active in the community."
Chad Brown
Soul River Inc.
What it does: Nonprofit that brings veterans as mentors together with inner city youth into the wild rivers of nature.
Title: Founder and President
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: PoShines Cafe De La Soul
Favorite Black author: Matthew Henson, James Baldwin
Black-owned business you should know: Love is King
Scot Thompson
Thesis
What it does: Digital agency
Title: Head of Engagement, Inclusion, and Culture
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: "Ezell's Famous Chicken is the newest restaurant by us and my family loves their chicken."
Favorite Black author: "Tomi Adeyemi and her series 'Children of Blood and Bone' is my favorite. I've read it a few times with my oldest son and am excited about the movie adaptation."
Black-owned businesses you should know: Classic Men's Barbershop (@classmendpdx) where Joseph and Andy give my boys an amazing cut and experience. Also Circle of Winners, (@crclofwnnrs) and Garren Strong, who's created a clothing brand focused on the values and characteristics embedded in the winner's mentality."
Joy Fowler
The Port of Portland
What it does: Manages Portland International Airport, marine terminals and industrial properties
Title: Senior Manager, Diversity & Inclusion
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Miss’ipi Chef
Favorite Black author: "So many to choose from! James Baldwin, "I Am Not Your Negro;" Ta-Nehisi Coates, "Between the World and Me;" Ibram X. Kendi, "How to Be an Antiracist"
Black-owned business you should know: Olive or Twist
Eboni Lovell
Profile Theatre
What it does: Theater productions and community engagement activities
Title: Director of Communications
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Po' Shines Cafe. "Excellent comfort food."
Favorite Black author: Zora Neale Hurston. "'Their Eyes Were Watching God' was the first novel I read by a Black woman for school. It touched me profoundly and is still one of my all time favorites."
Black-owned business you should know: Abbey Creek Winery. "Bertony and his team have become standouts in our region and the wine scene nationally. I'm proud of the work they have done and what they have done personally for my family. Plus, delicious wine crafted locally? I'm here for it!"
Greg Johnson
Interstate Bridge Replacement
What it does: Overseeing the effort to replace the I-5 connector between Oregon and Washington
Title: Administrator
Favorite Black-owned Portland restaurant: Po' Shines
Favorite Black author: Isabel Wilkerson, The Warmth of Other Suns, Caste
Black-owned business you should know: Espousal Strategies, LLC
Jennifer Madden
Linfield University
Title: Dean, Business School
Miles K. Davis
Linfield University
What it does: Higher education
Title: President
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Jamaican Homestyle Cuisine in Portland
Favorite Black authors: Octavia Butler and James Baldwin
Black-owned business you should know: Abbey Creek Winery. "Bertony and his crew are making it happen, so proud of him."
Jordan Thierry
Dream Chase Media
What it does: Multimedia production company
Title: Founder and Creative Director
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Miss'ipi Chef
Favorite Black author: Nadia Owusu, "Aftershocks"
Black-owned business you should know: JJT Studios!
Greg McKelvey
Praxis Political
What is does: Political advisory firm
Title: Director of Advocacy
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Trap Kitchen. "They catered my wedding and did an amazing job. They also have vegan options and the food is great."
Favorite Black author: Jelani Memory, "A kids book about racism." "It is a great resource as a parent of two young children and the entire A Kids Book About series is fantastic. For adult books, I love everything Angela Davis writes."
Black-owned business you should know: Pregame. "A Black-Woman-owned business that partners with you to create a game plan for your business, organization, or team. Founded by Ciara Pressler it is a tremendous resource for our community."
Genesis I. Mullins
Intel
What it does: Semiconductor manufacturing
Title: Strategic Programs Manager, Global Public Affairs
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Olive Or Twist.
Favorite Black author: Octavia Butler. Genre: Science-Fiction, Afrofuturism, "Parable of the Sower"
Black-owned business you should know: "My cousin David Mullins is a Black server and cook in the Portland/Vancouver area. I have to thank him for introducing me to all the delicious bites around town. I am mostly excited about Gregory Gourdet’s Haitian restaurant Kann. I am looking forward to celebrating the opening of the restaurant!"
Marsha Williams
KairosPDX
What it does: Nonprofit that serves children in grades K-5 through the KairosPDX Learning Academy and advocates for equitable education policy
Title: CEO
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Jamaican Homestyle Cuisine
Favorite Black author: Edwidge Danticat
Black-owned business you should know: Cason’s Fine Meats and Deadstock Coffee
Nina Byrd
EXP & Nina B. Consulting
What it does: Corporate strategy
Title: Principal Strategist
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Erica's Soul Food on NE Russell. "The shrimp and grits, black-eyed peas, collard greens are savory and delicious."
Favorite Black author: "The Sum of Us," Heather McGhee. "Through meaningful storytelling, this book explores the economics of racism, civic engagement, class structures, and empowerment from a Black policy maker's perspective."
Black-owned business you should know: Neeboo Creative & Aeon Visual. "These are very talented Black videography teams that produce high-quality content."
Van Gatlin
Intel
What it does: Semiconductor manufacturing
Title: Director of Supply Chain SIMS
Favorite Black author: Maya Angelou. "Her writing is poetic yet down to earth. One of my favorite quotes by her, "If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be."
Black-owned business you should know: Abbey Creek Vineyard. "Takes a courage to go into an industry that has less that 1% Black ownership."
Deanna Dudley
Kaiser Permanente
What it does: Health care system
Title: Vice President, Human Resources (Northwest)
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: "Southern Kitchen PDX is comfort food that reminds me of my childhood."
Favorite Black author: Maya Angelou. “Phenomenal Woman” and “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”
Black-owned business you should know: "I would like to celebrate With Love, From PDX. I love being able to build my own gift boxes with local goodies. As Inger would say 'Happy gifting!'"
Jelani Memory
A Kids Co. About
Title: Founder and CEO
What it does: Publisher of books, podcasts and apps to spark important conversations
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Deadstock Coffee
Favorite Black author: Langston Hughes
Black-owned business you should know: Partake Foods
Jeannette Ward Horton
NuLeaf Project
What they do: Nonprofit that supports underserved cannabis businesses
Title: CEO
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Trap Kitchen PDX. "Check their Instagram to see where the Trap Truck is parked."
Favorite Black author: bell hooks (may she rest in power)
Black-owned business you should know: LOWD cannabis flower
Jacobsen Valentine
Feed the Masses
Title: Founder
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Kees loaded kitchen.
Favorite Black author: TD Jakes, "Crushing," and "Soar"
Black-owned business you should know: Jason Hill Photography.
Danaya Hall
Alliance of Black Nurses Association of Oregon
What it does: Advocacy organization
Title: President
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Nacheaux
Favorite Black author: "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf," Ntozake Shange's; "Becoming," Michelle Obama
Black-owned business you should know: @switchbladesistasvintage
Cyreena Boston Ashby
Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest
What it does: Nonprofit focused on empowering girls
Title: CEO
Chabre Vickers
Wells Fargo
What it does: Financial services
Title: Vice President, community development officer
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Kee’s Loaded Kitchen
Favorite Black author: Sorry I couldn’t offer just one author, this list of 4 was an arduous process. Yaa, “Homegoin;,” Nikole Hannah Jones, “The 1619 Project;” Tressie McMillan Cottom, “Thick;” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, “Americanah”
Black-owned business you should know: Black Pearl Acupuncture, owner Sita Symonette
Vicki Guinn
Legacy Health
What it does: Health care services
Title: Corporate public relations strategist
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Amalfi’s
Favorite Black authors: "I'm currently reading 'The 1619 Project' by Nikole Hannah-Jones. Also on the nightstand, 'The Water Dancer' by Ta-Nehisi Coates and 'The Original Guide to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.'
Black-owned business you should know: "My cousin, of course, Chris Guinn, owner of Dwell Realty and Property Management."
Avery Jessup
Nike
What it does: Footwear and apparel
Title: Head of Men's Division, Jordan Brand
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Olive or Twist
Favorite Black author: "I had to do three! Maya Angelou, W.E.B Dubois, Langston Hughes."
Black-owned business you should know: Classic Men Barbershop in Beaverton. "They are a step above the rest!"
Michael Lewellen
University of Portland
Title: Vice President, Marketing and Communications
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Olive or Twist Bar in the Pearl District
Favorite Black author: Zora Neale Hurston. "Having lived in Central Florida for five years prior to returning to Oregon in 2012, and having attended the annual community festival in her adopted hometown of Eatonville, Hurston’s works are a special treasure. Hurston’s classic writings were just released as a boxed set. A personal favorite is from 2020, “Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick,” a series of stories from the Harlem Renaissance.
Black-owned business you should know: Travel agent LaNae Bowles and www.ladybugtravel.info.
Marceau Michel
Black Founders Matter
Title: Founder
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: "Amalfi’s is the Italian spot in my neighborhood. It happens to be Black owned! Always comforting to grab for there."
Favorite Black author: "bell hooks! May she rest in power. I recommend everyone read her masterpiece All About Love."
Black-owned business you should know: "Year One, a local Black-owned startup that is creating a path for Black and other engineers of color to be placed in excellent jobs and progress in their careers."
Karis Stoudamire-Phillips
Moda Health
What it does: Health System
Title: Vice President, DEI and Community Initiatives
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: "I support and enjoy Amalfi’s Italian Restaurant 100%! They kept my family and I well fed and very entertained with live music during the pandemic."
Favorite Black authors: "Poets Nikki Giovanni and Langston Hughes. I am a lover of poetry and have been since an early age."
Black-owned business you should know: "Crystal Ball Botanicals. Look it up on IG!; and Harris Photography at www.antonioharris.com."
Tonya Adams
Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon
Title: Senior Vice President, Customer Experience and Operations
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Southern Kitchen
Favorite Black authors: Maya Angelou, "I know why the caged bird sings," Toni Morrison, "Getting Happy"
Black-owned business you should know: Jayah Rose Salon
Tyrone Poole
NoAppFee
What it does: Helps connect renters with available apartments
Title: Founder and President
Kheoshi Owens
Empress Rules Equity Consulting
Title: CEO
What it Does: Anti-Racism, Racial Equity, and Inclusion Consulting
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Amalfi’s. "I love their food and they have music in the summertime on Fridays."
Favorite Black author: "My favorite Black author is Alex Haley. Not only did Alex bring me 'Roots,' but he also brought me the 'Autobiography of Malcolm X,' which I just fell in love with. I love Malcolm because not only did he stand for justice, but when he felt that his convictions were manipulated by his spiritual guide, he changed. Malcolm is someone that leaders of any shade can learn from."
Black-owned business you should know: Portland Chocolate Laboratory, owned by Ayomide and her partner Kian, on SE 13th St. "They specialize in making all different types of chocolate and I just love it!"
Bimma Williams
Claima Stories
What it does: Podcast spotlighting BIPOC founders, creators
Title: Founder
Winta Yohannes
Albina Vision Trust
What it does: Nonprofit working to redevelop the lower Albina neighborhood
Title: Executive director
Favorite Black-owned restaurants: "Love Belizean is my go-to for a delicious and quick Caribbean lunch. I'm also a fan of Chef Anthony and Nacheaux on NE Fremont, which combines Mexican cuisine with southern soul."
Favorite Black authors: bell hooks, "All About Love" and more recently, Jesmyn Ward "Sing, Unburied, Sing"
Black-owned businesses you should know: "Hue Noir's lipstick line, especially "Cordially Yours" is unmatched. I also admire Jospin and Japhety, founders of "Bproud" for the quality of their clothing line and the courage and joy their business represents."
Joe McFerrin II
Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center and Rosemary Anderson High School
What it does: Provides economic, professional and social opportunities to African American youth and families
Title: President and CEO
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Amalfi’s. "I love the pizza, meatballs, pasta, bread, and salad!"
Favorite Black author: Michael Eric Dyson. “I'm a 'tweener,' man! I couldn't march with Dr. King and them. And I'm too old to be a hip-hopper. But I've been granted honorary status in each generation... I see my tongue as a bridge over which ideas can travel back and forth.”
Black-owned business you should know: Dr. Keith Dempsey Counseling and Consulting
Chaunci King
Royalty Spirits
What it does: Spirits retailer, including Miru Vodka and Rex Whiskey and Cocktails in a can!
Title: Owner
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Rose City Eats
Favorite Black filmmaker/author: Ava DuVernay, Wahida Clark
Black-owned business you should know: The Joynt Juice Bar
Eric K. Ward
Western States Center
What it does: Think tank focused on building inclusive societies by inoculating communities from social movements that seek to divide
Title: Executive Director
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Nacheaux "I grew up in Southern California and the neighborhoods I grew up in were either Black or Latino, so it's the food I grew up on. And as a kid I used to love to mix different foods together. My family was known for, when we were eating to-go food, stopping at 3 different restaurants: two tacos at the taqueria, a shake from the burger place and fried okra from the bbq joint. When I saw Nacheaux, I was just like oh my God someone has finally made the fusion of my childhood, except it's so much better! If you haven't eaten at Nacheaux...well, you want to eat at Nacheaux - it's phenomenal."
Favorite Black author: Aya de León. "Aya is someone I follow on social media and I saw she put out this book called 'A Spy in the Struggle.' So I decided I'm going to buy the book because I know her and I just want to support her writing. I got her book in the mail and I opened it up and I got like 20 pages into the story - and then cancelled everything for the rest of the day and curled up and read the book. It was so much fun and it was super powerful too. It was like a great kind of mystery/spy novel and I hope to see lot more books from her."
Black-owned business you should know: DB Desserts. "If you haven't had their cake-in-a-jar...there's nothing I can tell you. If you have had the cake-in-a-jar, you know it's amazing." Green Muse. "The first hip-hop dispensary - local, Black owned, mom and pop owned."
Paul Loving
Holland & Knight
Title: Attorney specializing in sports and entertainment law
Serilda Summers-McGee
Workplace Change Founder
Title: CEO
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Heavy Plays Restaurant & Care
Favorite Black author: bell hooks,"Ain't I a Woman? Black Women and Feminism"
Black business you should know: Influential Grooming Lounge
Kamelah Adams
Mimi's Fresh Tees
Title: Owner
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Plant Base Papi
Favorite Black authors: bell hooks and James Baldwin
Black-owned business you should know: ShoeBox by Ki Boutique, "Keyuana Baker has the best sweaters and jumpsuits!"
Sita Symonette
Black Pearl Wellness
Title: Owner
What it does: Acupuncture and wellness services
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Miss'pi Chef. "It is not a restaurant but is owned by two Black Women Chefs who cater events and their food is amazing!!"
Favorite Black author: N. K. Jemisin. "The Broken Earth Trilogy" is fantastic!
Black-owned business you should know: Colas Construction
Emmanuel Williams
Equity Training & Consulting
Title: Owner
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Everybody Eats PDX
Favorite Black author: Neely Fuller Jr. - "The United Independent Compensatory Code/System/Concept," Dr. Frances Cress-Welsing - "The Isis Papers"
Black-owned business you should know: Holy Beanz Coffee shop on Alberta
Karina LeBlanc
Portland Thorns
What it does: Professional women's soccer
Title: General Manager
Chandra Robinson
Lever Architecture
What they do: Architecture and design
Title: Principal
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Po'Shines. "I picked up Thanksgiving dinner from them last year and the deep fried turkey and the mac and cheese were the best I have ever eaten!"
Favorite Black author: Octavia E. Butler. "I read 'Parable of the Sower' and 'Parable of the Talents' last year and it was so visceral and terrifying. I loved it."
Black business you should know: "Hue Noir Cosmetics - created by a local chemist Paula Hayes. She makes a wide range of richly pigmented cosmetics that look beautiful on people of color."
Antoinette Chandler
Port of Portland
What it does: Managers Portland International Airport, marine terminals and industrial properties
Title: CFO
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Jelana's Bake Shop. "Those holiday cookies in 2020 were divine!"
Favorite Black authors: Toni Morrison, "Sula" and "Their Eyes Were Watching God"
Black-owned business you should know: Colas Construction
Julia Mines
Miracles Club
What it does: Recovery and health services
Title: Executive director
