Making P(OR)tland Home: Converge Captures An Ode to Black Joy

#ConvergePDX - At Converge, we believe in uplifting Black joy across the entire Pacific Northwest. Recently, that Black joy was on full, commanding display at The Mixer: Making P(OR)tland Home in Portland, Oregon. At our second year covering the event, the community transformed The Evergreen into a sacred space rooted in presence, storytelling, and community, bringing together Black professionals, creatives, and leaders across Portland.

Amidst the energy, we made sure to ask them one critical question: What does Black joy mean to you?

The answers were both profound and beautifully simple. We found that at its core, Black joy is people coming together in love and spirit, enjoying one another, networking, and actively building the infrastructure for Black love, Black success, and Black alignment. It is authenticity and freedom—a comfort in one's own skin that allows for living in one’s truth and being unapologetically Black in every space. 

Black joy is deeply rooted in self-love and purpose, found by understanding and embracing the power of Blackness and learning to love oneself completely. Moreover, Black joy is a powerful act of resilience, a way of overcoming obstacles and adversity while finding reasons for a deep, soul-shaking laugh in the midst of chaos.

The Mixer: Making P(OR)tland Home was designed to bring people together to share real stories, lived experiences, and meaningful conversation about what it means to build a life, career, and sense of belonging in Portland. Through its "CLT model" of Connect, Learn, and Thrive, the event helped attendees forge new relationships and partnerships to progress the Rose City. 

The room was filled with influential Black leaders, showcasing the impactful Black community in Portland. The impressive lineup included Director of Economic Development for Black United Fund of Oregon Emmanuel Williams, “Love Is Blind” TV personalities Tiffany Pennywell and Brett Brown, Bloom Agency founder Abibat Durosimi, WK Social founder Wilson Nitunga, Regional Service Director for Rose City Jam Christopher Lambert, Hayes Consulting and Coaching owner Ronesha Hayes, Portland Trail Blazers Executive Chef Edwin Redway, the official DJ for the Portland Trail Blazers DJ O.G. ONE, Stackin Kickz CEO David Jefferson, and Henderson Ave. owner Tiquette Bramlett. 

What does Black joy mean to you? 

This feature on Portland Black joy is an example of Back2Besa’s commitment to seizing the narrative and reflecting the beauty and excellence of the Northwest’s Black community. The show prioritizes sharing uplifting stories with the community first, ensuring Black people in the Rose City are seen and celebrated. 

Catch Back2Besa every Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on FOX 13 Seattle and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on FOX 13+. Viewers can also stream episodes anytime on the FOX Local app.