Black and Proud 💪🏾
Hey friends 👋🏾
How are you? How would you describe your Black heritage? In this issue, we’re talking about Black heritage, what it means and why it’s important to keep passing it on. There are many ways to teach future generations about our culture, and we offer some in our Black heritage corner. There’s also an amazing business doing just that in our directory. Check out XKnown!
Speaking of businesses, we’re on LinkedIn, so if you’re a business owner, connect with XB Community. We spotlight new businesses every week.
Events Near You
More community events brought right to your inbox (youth-friendly events are linked below this section)
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding (Oregon City) | September 10 – 18Â
KMHD’s A Month Supreme | September 16
Pillars of Practice by Sankofa Counselling | September 18
PassinArt Open House & Block Party | September 18 – 20
The House Party by Taking Ownership PDXÂ | September 19
ELSO INC. We’re Joyful Jubilee | September 19
2026-2027 Miss Black Oregon Pageant | September 20
Chance the Rapper Coloring Book 10 Year Anniversary Tour | September 27
Fall 2026 Culinary Academy | Harvest Kitchen: Skills for life | September 29
Table 17 @ Portland Playhouse | September 30 – November 1
CAIRO’s Rooted & Rising Gala 2026 | October 4
Best Friends Podcast | October 7
American Strings: Leyla McCalla | October 7
Preserving Albina's Historic African American Churches | October 10
Miracles Club Social Hour on Tuesdays | Ongoing
Youth-Friendly Events Near You
Fun and educational events for youth and the whole fam!
Black Family Storytime Online: Back to school! | September 15
CullyFest | September 19
Pajama Storytime at Kenton Library | September 15 & 22
From Book to Table at Albina Library | October 6
African American Heritage
Our heritage speaks of our history, culture and contributions to the world. It’s where we come from and who we are. It’s in things like our food, hairstyles, music and fashion. Much more than the struggles, Black heritage is in the beautiful people and their experiences. It is important that we don’t forget this so we can continue passing it on. There are a few ways to do that. Consider going with family or friends to these ongoing Black heritage and legacy experiences:
The first is Oregon Black Pioneers’ walking tours. They provide opportunities to learn about Black history throughout the state (last one in Portland is on the 26th!) Also check out the Black Art and Experiences exhibitions at Portland Art Museum which includes an exhibition by Lisa Jarrett that weaves migration and familial histories to beauty supply stores and salons. There is also Albina Soul Walk – North, an audio self-guided tour by Albina Music Trust that explores the historic music culture in the mid-20th century as well as current revitalization efforts underway.
✨Business Spotlight✨
XKnown is a brand built around one mission - keeping overlooked Black history alive and they deliver this through three connected arms; Wear It (clothing), Learn It (education), and Hear It (music). The name XKnown represents our unknown ancestors, and wearing this clothing means wearing legacy and history. XKnown’s nonprofit education foundation brings Black history to schools and youth programs through its Color + Learn™ activity books and the Strategy, Leadership & Resistance™ curriculum. This innovative approach helps K-12 students and learn about Black history and the people who made them through interactive and fun coloring books. The lessons from these books also help students develop reading skills, critical thinking, character, empathy, courage and more! They feature historical figures like Robert Smalls, Ida B. Wells, Mary Turner, Claudette Colvin, Lewis Latimer and others. Listen to their music project called EX KNOWN which produces songs centered on history, identity, resistance, and legacy. Check out Voices of the Unknown, Young, Gifted and Lit, Dream Like King and more on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and Amazon Music.
Follow Us On LinkedIn
We’re on LinkedIn! If you’re reading this, follow us to learn more about the businesses in our directory. We spotlight Black-owned businesses doing amazing things every week!
XB CommunityMarketing Packages
We now have three ways to amplify your brand or event within the community through our social media channels and app. Our platform connects you to tens of thousands of engaged members who celebrate Black culture, creativity, and excellence. Get started with one of our packages and spotlight your work in an authentic and relatable way.
Thanks for reading! See you soon 👋🏾
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Culture - Connection - Community
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