top of page
Search

On breaking barriers 💪🏾

Writer: XB LLC
XB LLC
Apr 7
4 min read

Updated: Aug 31



Hey friends 👋🏾

When I think about breaking barriers, my mind goes to the pioneering Black figures in sports, academia, music, art, activism and faith. Those who were the firsts to ever do it. But this month, I want to honor Jackie Robinson stepping onto that field as the first African American player in Major League Baseball's modern era, and Erin Jackson, the first Black woman to carry the U.S. flag at a Winter Olympics.

These are just two names on a very long, beautiful list. That resilience lives in each of us. It shows up in how we move, how we build, and how we keep going despite everything. I'm proud of that. I'm proud of you. So keep being you, you never know who you're inspiring.

 

In this issue, we’ll be talking about the Fair Housing Act, what it means and the work that still needs to be done. Then we'll spotlight a few Portland-based organizations doing the work right now in our community.



Events Near You

Spring is officially here and I know you’re itching to go outside, so here are some fun and inspirational events for you. Our lineup is sure to get you relaxing, reflecting and breaking some barriers 💪🏾 Click on each link to learn more.

Live Events at The Downbeat Bar | April 2 - 26



Breaking Barriers in Housing


This month in 1968, The Fair Housing Act was signed, being the third major civil rights law of the 1960s. For years, Congress tried and failed to pass it. Talk about filibustering. Then everything changed in one week. In April 1968, after a national tragedy, burning cities, a generation of grassroots organizing, and the moral weight of a senator's personal story, it was passed because the cost of not passing it became too high to ignore.

While we celebrate the Act, it is still an ongoing fight. In 1968, 65.9% of white families owned homes compared to 41.1% of Black families. Decades later, the Black homeownership rate has barely changed, while white homeownership has actually increased. The law broke a legal barrier but not an economic one. It also didn't stop people from individually acting on their biases against Black people to unfairly restrict their ability to own and build wealth through homeownership. So we honor some of the organizations championing this fight in our community. Albina Vision Trust, Portland Community Reinvestment Initiatives, Williams & Russell CDC, Portland Housing Center, and Taking Ownership PDX for their work in advancing equitable housing in the Black community.


What do you think?

What field needs its barrier breaking moment right now?

A. Tech

B. Politics

C. Finance

D. Health & Medicine


Organization Spotlight 🏡


Randal Wyatt, Founder and Executive Director of Taking Ownership PDX. Photo Credit: Taking Ownership PDX
Randal Wyatt, Founder and Executive Director of Taking Ownership PDX. Photo Credit: Taking Ownership PDX

Taking Ownership PDX is dismantling systemic barriers that have long threatened Black homeownership in Portland. Founded by Portland native Randal Wyatt in 2020, taking Ownership PDX helps prevent predatory real estate practices by providing free home repairs and renovations as reparations to Black families. By covering home repair costs from $5,000 to $30,000, they protect families from the financial pressures that prevent them from aging in place.

This intervention is strategic and offers multiple benefits. A well-maintained home, an opportunity to build generational wealth and deflecting gentrification. And this amazing work does not end with Black homeowners. They also support small business owners with business development support through their partner DevNW and up to $10,000 in grants. Taking Ownership PDX has been helping Black families break barriers since day 1.




Review Your Favorite Black-Owned Business!


By reviewing businesses on the XB App, you are informing other community members and supporting the businesses you love. To rate a business, navigate to the business page on the app, scroll down, leave a review and rating and post! If you don't yet have an account, download the XB Community app to get started.




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. Click on your desired package to get started.


That's it! Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this newsletter, forward it to a friend. If a dear friend sent you this newsletter, subscribe to stay in the know about Black events, excellence, and businesses in Portland👇🏾



Culture - Connection - Community

Comments

bottom of page