#ConvergePDX - Last month, Besa Gordon and the Back2Besa crew returned to the Rose City—this time, to explore the meaning of Black joy. Continuing to be everywhere like air, Gordon attended the The Mixer: Making P(OR)tland Home at The Evergreen in Portland, Oregon where Black joy was abundant and deeply rooted in community.

While Black professionals, creatives, and leaders across Portland came together over connection and legacy, she asked them a critical question: what does Black joy mean to you?

Black joy means authenticity, freedom, and being unapologetically Black in every space. Black joy is rooted in self-love, catalyzed by understanding and embracing the power of Blackness and learning to love oneself. It is also about resilience, overcoming obstacles and adversity, and finding reasons to laugh in the midst of chaos.

The group of influential Black leaders 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, the offficial DJ for the Portland Trail Blazers DJ O.G. ONE, Portland Trail Blazers Executive Chef Edwin Redway, Stackin Kickz CEO David Jefferson, Word is Bond founder Lakayana Drury, Henderson Ave. owner Tiquette Bramlett, Trap Kitchen owner Mikey Vegaz, Ms. Black Oregon 2026 Carmen Cowan, Lifestyle Marketing Manager at Hoka Amir Armstrong, tech trainer Kan Jones, and Marcell Goss of The W(H)EALTHY.

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.