Black creatives in Portland
Updated: Aug 31
Hey friend 👋🏾
We hope you’re getting as much time in the sun as possible this summer. If you’re not, now’s a good time. Summer isn’t complete without family reunions, BBQs, games and movie nights. So, in this spirit and because we’re XB Community, we’re highlighting Black films and filmmakers right here in Portland who are amplifying our experience and building community power. Continue reading for community events (including youth-friendly ones!) Let’s dive in.
Events Near You
More community events brought right to your inbox. Enjoy!
(youth-friendly events are linked below this section)
2026 Word is Bond Community Showcase | August 6 – 23
The war and treaty at Topaz farm | August 13
America Next 250: Art of Imagination | August 14
Soul Stroll: Returning Home to Dawson Park | August 15
Drop The Mic 503 Cipher | August 15
BWA Oregon presents Sistah Strolls: Forest Park Hike | August 16
A Beat Happening - August DJ and Beats Showcase | August 16
Drumline Movie in Lillis Albina Park | August 16
Lower Albina Engagement Session | August 18
Portland Hip-Hop Week | August 20 – 26
Youth-Friendly Events Near You
Fun and educational youth-friendly summer events.
Next Level Academy | August 17
Friends of Noise at Gateway Discovery Park | August 12 & 19
BEAM Village Block Party | August 14
Youth PDX Peace & Unity Fest Back to School Edition | August 15
Black Family Storytime St. Johns Library | August 16
Rock the Block (Gresham) | August 22
Musical Playground at Patricia Reser Center for the Arts | August 22
The Summer Screen đź“€
In this issue, we're talking about something we love: Black films. Black creatives have always had to fight for space, but that hasn't stopped them, and right now, the Black film industry is growing in a big way here in Portland. These filmmakers are digging into justice, migration, home, love and all the big questions. They're creating uplifting, honest, and thought-provoking films that center the Black experience.
Take Dear Young Black Portland and Where We Goin?: The Power of Place, both from Devin Boss, an award-winning Black filmmaker whose work explores what really shapes our city and our identity. And it's not just about showing the Black Portland experience in a more honest light; these films are opening doors for the next generation of talent too. Projects like Outdoor School by Ime Etuk are helping build a pipeline of Black film professionals who are shaping culture and building community power.
But we can't wrap this up without giving a shoutout to the folks backing Black art and film in Portland. The 1803 Fund is one to know. They have grants that fund filmmakers to produce stories that centers the Black experience. All signs point to some exciting stuff coming out of Portland in the next few years.
Organization Spotlight 🎬
We're excited to spotlight an organization producing authentic Black films and creating pathways for the next generation of Black creatives.
Lion Speaks is a Portland-based film production organization empowering creators of color to tell their own stories. They do this by training, connecting, and placing emerging Black film talent to help increase our representation in the industry. Their projects offer mentorship and paid training across departments, including directing, production, sound, electrical, makeup, and costume, while elevating the narratives of underrepresented communities. Through intensive cohorts and incubators, Lion Speaks gives students hands-on learning experiences in media and technology, along with opportunities to collaborate with leading industry experts.
You can support Lion Speaks by employing BIPOC crew members in their directory, providing training for creatives of color, sponsoring a film or making a donation.
Black Creatives Are in the XB Community Directory
Looking for a Black photographer, producer or performer? Check out the XB app community directory for Black creatives in Portland that can help elevate your event. And if you’re a Black creative and you're not on the app, you know what to do. Tap in!
Our Social Media Packages
We now have three ways you can share your brand or event with 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. Select a package to get started.
Thanks for reading! We’ll catch you soon. See ya later 👋🏾
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