The Black community has been especially hard hit by the pandemic. Just as much now as ever, local Black-owned businesses and nonprofits need and deserve our support—part of a long-term, sustainable commitment to helping dismantle white supremacy in our community. The following are just a few of just a few of Portland’s awesome, family-friendly, Black-owned businesses and nonprofits.
Willco
Is your Portland home in need of an update or expansion since becoming your families primary location for work and play? If you are in desperate need of an office addition, bigger kitchen, outside patio space or just a spring paint job, this is the business for you. For growing families, Willco is the general contractor to choose, with their focus on remodeling, historical renovations, and residential and commercial painting. Co-owned by James Garrett and Ruth Warren, Willco’s diverse team of experts have years of experience to take your home projects from dream to reality. Like most small businesses, Warren says, Willco has felt the impacts of the pandemic, but have had the good fortune of remaining open and retaining most of their employees, adjusting policies to provide a safe working environment for all. The Black Lives Matter movement “shines a light and exposes what has been happening for too long,” Warren says. “I am comforted by the marches in my community and the desire to speak up against racism and injustice, and the willingness to listen and have hard conversations.”
5215 S.E. Flavel Dr.
Portland
Online: willcopdx.com
Related: How to Support Local Asian American-Owned Businesses in Portland Now
Mimi's Fresh Tees & PDX Love Over Hate
Mimi's Fresh Tees
If you are looking for some new threads for the family, you want to put these hoodies and tees on your "must buy" list. Founded in January 2018, Mimi’s Fresh Tees is a Portland-based t-shirt company that amplifies tough social justice conversations and allows people to wear their truth. Motivated by systemic racism her Black son experienced in the education system, owner and designer Kamelah Adams wanted to create a product that brought conversations around discrimination out into the open, in a quick and straightforward way. She started designing t-shirts as away for people to take a stand, break the silence and start a dialogue by wearing their truth.
Buy yours online: mimisfreshteespdx.com
Signs of Justice
Jameesa and Bryan Oakley already had a sign printing business, but when Trump was elected, they decided to use their vocation to impact social change. Their online shop now features striking yard signs, bumper stickers, and apparel featuring progressive statements on a range of issues, available for bulk order. Red Tricycle asked the Oakleys what they loves about what they do. "Our graphics bring progressive truths to the mainstream," Jameesa says. "The narrative in America is changing and we believe we played a small role." During the pandemic, the Oakleys have encountered supply chain issues and have had to use their creativity to overcome them. "It tested our resolve," the Oakleys say. "We’re stronger because of it."After the George Floyd murder tapes were released, demand increased more than Signs of Justice could have ever expected, and orders were temporarily delayed. "We couldn’t believe how kind and patient most people were. Love is winning."
9220 S.W. Barbur Blvd., Suite #119-122
Portland
Online: signsofjustice.com
Fat Cupcake
Anjelica Otness started Fat Cupcake for good reasons: she has always loved eating dessert, she enjoys the creativity of decorating cupcakes, and she wanted to create an environment where people feel loved, welcome, and known. “I love sharing the joy of a cupcake and celebrating exciting life events or being there when things are challenging,” Otness says. She jokes, “It's also a perk to be able to eat a treat whenever you want." In the wake of the pandemic, Fat Cupcake has added extra safety precautions to prioritize team members’ and guests’ health and safety. And with the world’s increased support for the Black Lives Matter movement, Otness says they’ve seen a tremendous amount of support from the local community in placing orders, coming in for the first time, and promoting Fat Cupcake.
19273 Molalla Ave.
Oregon City, OR
6011 S.E. 72nd Ave.
Portland
13203 S.E. 172nd Ave.
Happy Valley, OR
Online: fatcupcake.com
Related: Our Favorite Portland Sweet Shops to Treat Youself (or Someone You Love)
Flouriche Preschool
With over 24 years of experience working with children, Paula Rogers founded Reggio-inspired Flouriche preschool with the intention to combine the best of three guiding principles for developing minds: flourish, nourish, and niche. “The best part is the laughter and natural compassion that I am privileged to witness every day,” Rogers says. During the pandemic, the community has had to adjust to many changes designed to keep kids safe, from daily health checks to rotating mealtimes in order to reduce the number of children at the table. They’ve also begun incorporating Zoom circle times to include children who are unable to come to Flouriche, in order to help children feel connected. Flouriche stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement that is resounding all over the world, and has started a Facebook group for discussion around the history of racism. Rogers says she loves idea sharing and would love to connect with other diverse preschools in Portland, as well as develop a scholarship program for children who want to attend Flouriche but may not be able to afford it.
Online: flouriche.com
Deadstock Coffee
With a slogan of “coffee should be dope” and sneaker-themed art, this is the hippest coffee shop in town, for sure. But it’s not all style: the coffee, which is roasted in-house, is some of the city’s best blends, like the chocolatey Nenemar or the fruitier Fresh Prince. Grab your beans to grind at home, or order a drink for the signature sneaker latte art.
408 N.W. Couch St.
Portland
Online: deadstockcoffee.com
Related: Beloved Drive-Thru & Pick-Up Coffee Shops for Busy Portland Parents
Hue Noir
In a business that doesn't always cater to darker complexions, founder Paula Hayes is out to change that. Her mission is to empower women to look and feel their best while changing the face of beauty by putting multicultural women at the center of modern beauty movement. A product chemist herself, Hayes combines scientific-based research and development with leading color and light technology into gorgeous products like flawless foundation, perfectly tinted lip butters, and show-stopping eyeshadow. Products are mostly made from natural ingredients, and are cruelty free, hypoallergenic, and noncomedogenic. It's time to go shopping!
Online: huenoir.com
EcoVibe PDX
At home on Alberta Street in NE Portland, owner Len Allen comes from generations of NE Portlanders. His store offers a beautiful array of plants, gardening supplies, home decor like baskets, mirrors and throw pillows, and more. They also donate a percentage of each sale to non profits working in the community to better the planet and society.
1906 N.E. Alberta St.
Portland
Online: ecovibestyle.com
This is just a small sample of the many amazing Black-owned businesses and nonprofits in the Portland area. Visit the BlackPDX.com directory for more, where you can search by industry and location. Also check out Support Black-Owned Portland Restaurants, an extensive online directory and annual event.
