Uplifting Black voices and stories in Portland.
Converge Media
The 4th annual Hip Hop, Wine and Chill event, a cornerstone of PDX Hip Hop Week, was a resounding success, uniting a diverse blend of artists, entrepreneurs, and hip hop aficionados. Hosted by Leadertainment LLC, and held at Abbey Creek Winery, Oregon's pioneering Black-owned vineyard and winery in over half a century, the event underscored the harmonious fusion of music, wine, and community spirit.
Under the visionary leadership of Bertony Faustin, Abbey Creek Winery has become a unique haven where hip-hop and fine wine converge, creating a welcoming space for individuals to indulge in their passions. DJ O.G. ONE, a key organizer of the event and co-founder of PDX Hip Hop Week, emphasized the event's role in fostering connections: "Hip Hop, Wine and Chill, in particular, is an event that we highlight where we have business individuals...people from City Council... It gives a chance for us to gather in a way that is not always seen."
Besa Gordon shared her thoughts on the event's significance: "Hip Hop, Wine and Chill is a testament to the power of collaboration and the unifying force of music. It's a space to celebrate our culture, uplift one another, and build bridges within the community."
Besa Gordon Honored at PDX Hip Hop Week Celebration
Meet Melody Brown, Owner of L&M Hair Lounge in Portland, Oregon
L&M Hair Lounge, owned by Melody Brown, has quickly become a cornerstone of haircare in North East Portland, Oregon. Melody launched L&M as an online store in 2020 and expanded to her first salon in 2022. By 2023, she opened a second location, showcasing her dedication and entrepreneurial spirit. But the story doesn't end there.
Melody's journey began with an online store, catering to a growing demand for quality hair products. The success of this venture led her to open the first L&M Hair Lounge salon in 2022. Just a year later, she opened a second salon, solidifying L&M's presence in the Portland haircare scene. Each salon provides a welcoming atmosphere where clients can enjoy top-notch services tailored to their unique haircare needs as they specialize in textured hair.
In addition to running two salons, Melody also founded the Wealthy Hair Stylist Academy. This academy is dedicated to teaching students how to work with textured hair and helps them obtain their licenses. Melody's commitment to education and empowerment is evident in the comprehensive training her students receive, preparing them for successful careers in the haircare industry.
Cool Nutz: Portland's Hip-Hop Icon Keeps the City on the Map
We recently caught up with Portland's own Hip-Hop legend, Cool Nutz, a true force in the music scene.l Cool Nutz has been making waves since his early days. Cool Nutz's journey began in the underground, where he honed his skills in basement studios and local venues. His unique sound and unwavering passion quickly gained recognition, propelling him from the local scene to international stages. He has toured extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and Australia, spreading his music and representing Portland with pride.
With an impressive discography of 14 solo albums, Cool Nutz has consistently delivered fresh and innovative music. His talent has earned him features in major publications like The Source and XXL, solidifying his status as a respected figure in the industry. Sharing stages with hip-hop legends like Wu-Tang Clan and Ice Cube further demonstrates his influence and impact.
Dr. Robin Beavers Works To Build Community Through Soccer In Portland
Besa Gordon headed to Providence Park in Portland to tap in with Portland Timbers and Thorns FC VP of Community and Social Impact Dr. Robin Beavers, who works to build community through soccer in the Rose City.
“My job is basically to be out in community using soccer to help uplift the city,” Beavers said. “The owner gave me the opportunity to use this platform to go out and work in the community.”
Beavers, a Portland native and third-generation Oregonian, is also in charge of Diversity efforts at the organization. She and Gordon discussed growing up in the Pacific Northwest and the importance of creating outlets for people to express themselves, both through soccer and other avenues.
“I want everyone to have an amazing childhood and an amazing time while they’re here in Portland. This is my city and I love it,” Beavers said.
Like Father, Like Son: Portland DJ’s O.G. ONE and O.G. TOO keep the Rose City Rocking with the Rip City Remix
Growth, development, leadership, and all the signs of future success are definitely things I found in my short time with the Rip City Remix a few weeks ago. The Remix is a new NBA G League team in Rip City (aka Portland, aka The Rose City) where players who are not quite ready for the bright lights of the NBA can literally develop their talents through a close partnership with the Portland Trail Blazers.
The growth, development, and leadership at the Remix is not limited to just the players on the court. From the front office to the back office to the crew of interns that comprise more than half of the staff, they are all developing for what's next. Including the D.J.'s who play all the right jams to get the players pumped up before tip-off and to keep the fans dancing in the seats during breaks in play.
Trap Kitchen Christmas Tree Giveaway
During these current times the people of our community need as much support as possible, so CJ McCollum and the viral chef's of Trap Kitchen PDX, Cool Nutz of Converge Media and The Northwest Breakout Show, and B&R Tree Farms teamed up to distribute FREE Christmas Trees to the community.
Channing Frye's Chosen Family Wines Brings Flair, Opportunity to Oregon's Wine Scene
What’s former NBA Champion Channing Frye up to now? We headed down to Portland to find out. Besa Gordon caught up with the hooper-turned-winemaker to hear about Chosen Family Wines and the way he’s turned his passion for wine into a business. “It’s about gathering people to the table and having them enjoy time with each other and good wine,” Frye said. “We’re not trying to hit you with the salesman's speech, we’re trying to talk the way we do in everyday life.” Frye says that the response in the Willamette Valley, where his winery is located, has been positive. “We try to respect tradition, but also put our own flair on what is happening for the future,” Frye says. “I want to share this with the world. We’re breaking down barriers one sip at a time.”
Besa Gordon Checks In At Trap Kitchen PDX
Our Besa Gordon traveled down to the Rose City to check in with some Black-owned businesses for #NationalBlackBusinessMonth. While there, she stopped by Trap Kitchen PDX ahead of Dame D.O.L.L.A.’s listening party at the Roseland Theater.
“We’re doing everything,” Mikey Vegaz of Trap Kitchen said. “We’re trying to curate a vibe for our people.” At the restaurant, Gordon tried deep-fried lamb chops and a Louisiana fried shrimp basket.
“Everything had so much flavor, and I definitley suggest trying them,” Gordon said.
Besa Gordon Taps In With DJ OG One At The Trailblazers Game
Besa Gordon headed down the I-5 corridor to the Rose City to tap in with some of the folks who make it special. While there, she hit up the Moda Center for a Trailblazers game and linked up with her good friend DJ OG One. As the official DJ of the Trailblazers, OG One brings the vibes to the arena on gameday. His trendsetting taste and award-winning talent have made him a crowd favorite, and he shared the inspiration behind his work on last week’s #BackstagePass. “I just love serving people through music,” OG One said. “Getting the chance to rock with some of the best fans in the NBA is a DJs dream. I’m having fun.” It was also Plaid Night at the game - a tribute to legendary Trailblazers coach Jack Ramsey who was famous for his plaid outfits. Much like Ramsey, OG One wears his pride for the Rose City on his sleeve. “I just love being a DJ period, so being a DJ on this platform and representing the city of Portland is amazing,” OG One said. “Why not me?”
Besa Gordon and Abby Plaatjes Hop On The Train and Head to Portland
Award-Winning Radio Host on Mjini FM in Tanzania and Author of The Life In My Men Abby Plaatjes travelled to Seattle, Washington to spend time exploring the Pacific Northwest and promote her book. She teamed up with Back2Besa Host Besa Gordon to head to Portland, connected with Dr. Robin Beavers of the Portland Timbers and Thorns, met up with DJ OG One and even attended her first hockey game. She was also present at our company uplift at the Black Media Matters studio and visited local gems like TASWIRA.
“It was very exciting to be able to come and experience the city,” Plaatjes said. “Last time I was there, it was during COVID and only for 48 hours so it was great to be able to spend some more time taking it all in. Converge paints such a beautiful picture of the people in Seattle and so seeing that for myself was really amazing.”
Our Legacy Harvested Opens Doors In The Wine Industry
Our Besa Gordon traveled down to the Rose City to check in with some Black-owned businesses for #NationalBlackBusinessMonth. While there, she stopped in wine country and spoke with Tiquette Bramlett, founder of Our Legacy Harvested. Her organization works to create opportunities for people from all walks of life to get involved with the industry. “We want to show you and get you connected with all of the different opportunities. You don’t need to be a winery owner to be successful in this industry,” Bramlett said. As part of the program, those with an interest in wine join the harvest for four months so they’re able to tell the story “from vine to wine”. Through those four months, Our Legacy Harvested takes participants on various trips around the industry, from bottle shops to bottling facilities and even meeting wine journalists.
Damian Lillard Hosts Listening Party For New Album DON D.O.L.L.A. in Portland
Last week, when Besa Gordon talked about her trip to Portland, she mentioned Portland Trailblazers star Damian Lillard, aka Dame D.O.L.L.A as he was having a listening party for his album, DON D.O.L.L.A. On her show last Saturday, Gordon recapped the event to get you up to speed. “This was something you had to experience in person because the energy still has me buzzing,” Gordon said. “What I loved most about DAME’s listening party is how personal it was, there was a point when he was signing autographs, he brought a kid on stage, his mom was there, and he even gave us a glimpse of his vocals.” If you haven’t grabbed DAME’s new album, “DON D.O.L.L.A” it’s out now on all streaming platforms.
The Black Mannequin
This week, we’re telling the stories of some Black-owned businesses in the Rose City. This is one of a series of Support Black Business segments in the coming weeks and months. Led by hip-hop legend Cool Nutz, our production crew spent time in Portland visiting local staples. We stopped at The Black Mannequin to visit CEO Bryan Walden, who started the company in 2017 as he pursued his passion for fashion and clothing sales. Always an entrepreneur, Walden was looking for ways to expand his business horizons and did so when he opened the brick-and-mortar store in 2019. “It was great transition, because I was able to continue my hustle legally and I can make people happy,” Walden said. The name came from what his fashion school friends would call him on Instagram, honoring his sense of style. “When you go into high end stores, people don’t notice, but the mannequins are black,” Walden said. “They always have on the most expensive or newest items. If you’re a Black mannequin, you’re the flyest wherever you’re at.”
Yea Dat Clothing
This week, we’re telling the stories of some Black-owned businesses in the Rose City. This is one of a series of Support Black Business segments in the coming weeks and months. Led by hip-hop legend Cool Nutz, our production crew spent time in Portland visiting local staples. We stopped at YeaDat Clothing LLC, owned by Cyril Teal. He began the company in 2010 starting with merch centered around music. As demand increased, Teal grew the brand and expanded into a brick-and-mortar store at the Vancouver Mall. “It was a no-brainer to throw it into a clothing line,” Teal said. “Us coming to the mall was a major elevation for us to showcase our brand.” The shop sells jackets, jerseys, hoodies, masks, socks, hats and more. Teal said that being in the mall has helped him see where the company should expand and what new products to add. “We try to do different stuff. It’s your every day apparel but it’s distinctive and it’s trendy,” Teal said. “The mall life has been great to see what to do differently.”
Mizzter Chuck's Auto Detail
This week, we’re telling the stories of some Black-owned businesses in the Rose City. This is one of a series of Support Black Business segments in the coming weeks and months. Led by hip-hop legend Cool Nutz, our production crew spent time in Portland visiting local staples. We stopped at Mizzter Chuck's auto detail to hear from owner Marcus Windom. Windom said the name of the company came from his nickname ‘Mizzy’ as well as his legal first name of Charles. He’s been detailing cars for over two decades, and launched the mobile side of his service three years ago. “I have OCD, so I’ve always liked to clean. I used to sell cars with my friend, and I always loved cleaning them as part of that,” Windom said. “I’ll just say I’m good at what I do and if you want your car looking brand new I’m your guy.”
Stackin Kickz Clothing
This week, we’re telling the stories of some Black-owned businesses in the Rose City. This is one of a series of Support Black Business segments in the coming weeks and months. Led by hip-hop legend Cool Nutz, our production crew spent time in Portland visiting local staples. “I wanted to create a great alternative to collecting shoes,” Stackin Kickz founder David Jefferson said. “I wanted to make my contribution to the culture and be honest with who I am and what I believe in.” At Stackin Kickz, we spoke with founder David Jefferson who started the brand thirteen years ago from the trunk of his car and opened the store in the Lloyd Center Mall in January. Jefferson’s intention was to embrace the streetwear culture in Portland and create a brand which echoed his personality. Jefferson’s inventory features hats, tracksuits, sneakers, tee shirts and more.
