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Black Innovation 2026

This print issue of the Mercury focuses on the Black innovators and changemakers that are really shaking things up in Portland. Plus Reader Valentines, music, arts, funny stuff, and more!
Posted inBlack Innovation 2026

Don’t Miss the Mercury’s Black Innovation Issue—On the Streets NOW!

Celebrating Portland’s Black changemakers—plus Reader Valentines, music, books, food, fun stuff, and more!
Avatar photo Wm. Steven Humphrey

For the month of February, the Mercury is celebrating Black History Month with a feature package dedicated to Black innovation in Portland—edited by author extraordinaire Donovan Scribes. Including: • 10 Black Portland Innovators and Changemakers You Should Know: Meet a few of the Black Portlanders who are reimagining and rebuilding the fabric of the city. […]

Posted inBlack Innovation 2026

Ten Black Portland Innovators and Changemakers You Should Know

These people are helping change the very fabric of the Rose City.
Avatar photo Donovan Scribes (fka Donovan Smith)

[What follows is one of the many articles in the Mercury‘s Black Innovators & Changemakers issue. Find a print copy here, subscribe to get a copy mailed to you here, and if you’re feeling generous and want to keep these types of articles coming, support us here.—eds.] Black History Month is equally about reaching into […]

Posted inBlack Innovation 2026

Twenty-Eight Moments in (Recent) Black Oregon History

An abridged look at some of the most transformative events that have shaped the state in the past decade.
Avatar photo Mercury Staff

[What follows is one of the many articles in the Mercury‘s Black Innovators & Changemakers issue. Find a print copy here, subscribe to get a copy mailed to you here, and if you’re feeling generous and want to keep these types of articles coming, support us here.—eds.] History isn’t just in the black and white photos. […]

Posted inBlack Innovation 2026

Ronin Roc on Why He Sees Black Art as “More Than February”

The prolific digital painter, and soon-to-be gallery owner, explains his approach to spotlighting icons through art.
Avatar photo Juma Sei

[What follows is one of the many articles in the Mercury‘s Black Innovators & Changemakers issue. Find a print copy here, subscribe to get a copy mailed to you here, and if you’re feeling generous and want to keep these types of articles coming, support us here.—eds.] Sometimes celebrating Black History Month feels fraught. It’s a […]

Posted inOpinion

THE BLACK BYLINE: Kamala Harris, and Why the History of “First Blacks” Is Complicated

Avatar photo Donovan Scribes (fka Donovan Smith)

[What follows is one of the many articles in the Mercury‘s Black Innovators & Changemakers issue. Find a print copy here, subscribe to get a copy mailed to you here, and if you’re feeling generous and want to keep these types of articles coming, support us here.—eds.] Domino. Domino. Only spot a few Blacks the higher […]

Posted inFood

The Secret Is in the Sauce

Portland’s Sunday Sauce is an homage to old-school Italian eateries.
Avatar photo Ben Coleman

[What follows is one of the many articles in the Mercury‘s Black Innovators & Changemakers issue. Find a print copy here, subscribe to get a copy mailed to you here, and if you’re feeling generous and want to keep these types of articles coming, support us here.—eds.] “Judson and I met in Hoboken, New Jersey, working […]

Posted inromance

Mercury Clip ‘n’ Send Valentines!

Send your lover one of these Portland-centric valentines, and stay off their shit-list forever!
Avatar photo Steven Wilber

[What follows is one of the many articles in the Mercury‘s Black Innovators & Changemakers issue. Find a print copy here, subscribe to get a copy mailed to you here, and if you’re feeling generous and want to keep these types of articles coming, support us here.—eds.] Steven Wilber

Posted inNews

“We’re Investing for the Long Term”: How the Future of Portland’s Historic Albina District is Coming Together

The 1803 Fund is dedicating $70 million to Albina redevelopment amid a broader period of investment in Portland’s historically Black district.
Avatar photo Taylor Griggs

It’s been decades since a series of construction projects transformed Portland’s historic Albina district, dismantling the thriving enclave that was once the beating heart of the city’s Black community. Now, years of planning to revitalize the inner North and Northeast Portland district are coming to fruition, bringing hope for Albina’s rebirth—even as questions linger over […]

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