Engage to Change

Our third featured Black-owned PDX business is Birds & Bees Nursery, located in Southeast Portland. Owners Amanda Simard (right) and Caitlin Gaul (left) are best friends from their days at Lincoln High School. They now run Birds & Bees Nursery which has connected with the Equitable Giving Circle Plant Exchange “where white folks gift plants to BIPOC folks in the Portland area.” Be sure to check out their shop next time you’re in Southeast!

Tonight's the night! Rakeem and Kasia will be presenting "Communicating Community: Oregon Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Relationship" for Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) After Dark's RISE event. Through three historical vignettes, these team members will highlight the ways in which Oregon’s communities of color have always demonstrated the power of healing through connection. Hope to see you there!

Black history isn't just in the past. Black history happens every day and Black communities deserve your support year round. We'll get you started this February by promoting Black-owned businesses in the Portland area, starting with one of ETC's very favorite shops in town, Third Eye Books Accessories & Gifts LLC!

Happy Lunar New Year! May your Year of the Tiger be filled with bravery and confidence. ❤️

Today, on Dr. King's 93rd birthday, ETC encourages you to reflect on this excerpt from his Letter from Birmingham Jail. In what ways are you contributing to what Dr. King names as a "positive peace"?