Better, Smarter, Richer stands with Black-Owned Businesses

George Floyd’s death and the protests that quickly followed are reminders that injustice prevails.

By Jackie B. Peterson

Protesters are making their voices heard – once again – because equity has not been achieved.  COVID-19 has already disproportionately affected the black community’s health, and the resultant economic downturn impacted it even more (read this article in TIME about how black-owned businesses have been impacted). There is much work to be done.  One thing that people – white people – can do, is listening to the black community.  And learn.

Black PDX:  Guide to black-owned businesses, non-profit organizations

Go to Mercatus business directory, the definitive guide to black-owned businesses.  Black PDX and Black American Chamber are good resources.

Supporting black-owned businesses

Patronizing black-owned businesses is certainly a step in the right direction.  Here’s a sample of black-owned businesses in Portland, Oregon:

Insure-EZ – Henri Cross, owner. Health Insurance broker.

Photo of Black Woman at a table, on red background

BSR stands with Black-Owned Business

Junk It –  Michelle & Dupree Carter, owners. Waste management, environmental services.

Aeon Visual – Creative Company

Abby Creek Winery – Earth to Glass Winery

FC Hurdle Consulting – Strategic consulting and coaching for private and public institutions.

Non-profits that help people of color in Portland

A partial list of organizations focused on helping the Portland black community are listed below.

Africa House (part of IRCO) –  Helps immigrants and refugees from African countries.

My Word is My Bond – Builds strong relationships between Black men and law enforcement.

Black Parent Initiative – Helping families achieve financial, educational, and spiritual success.

Listening and Learning

White people, nurture your diverse friendships.  Ask meaningful questions and listen and learn.  One to one conversations can be valuable.  Here’s a list of resources (from the New York Times) white parents can use to raise non-prejudiced children:

bit.ly/ANTIRACISMRESOURCES

Make fighting racism a part of your daily life

Many people have been taking action before George Floyd’s death.  People of color face racism, and have faced this, every day of their lives for the last 400 years.  It’s important to keep conversations going, stay aware, and speak up when needed.

No justice, no peace.

Co-written with Michelle Walch, Wellness/Diversity/Equity/Inclusion Copywriter www.michellewalch.com  Thank you Michelle Barrows Carter for information about the non-profits.