Gender Non-Conforming, Chicago
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 27, 2026

Man Arrested After Allegedly Stabbing Neighbors Over Dog Urinating On His Lawn

A man was arrested on assault charges after stabbing his neighbors whose dog peed on his grass.

A man in Queens, New York, has been arrested on assault charges after allegedly stabbing a couple whose dog had urinated on his lawn.

Hakeem Alexander of Queens, 34, has been charged with three counts of assault after allegedly stabbing a 39-year-old man and a woman outside his home on 229th Street on April 23, ABC 7 NY reports. Authorities say the incident began when Alexander saw the couple’s French Bulldog urinating on a patch of grass near his residence in Laurelton.

Surveillance footage shows a man and woman walking their French Bulldog along 229th Street near 141st Avenue just before 11 a.m. The dog appears to urinate on a patch of grass outside a neighboring home, prompting two men inside to come out and seemingly retaliate by relieving themselves on the adjacent lawn.

The situation quickly escalated, with the woman striking one of the men and a chaotic altercation breaking out between the neighbors.

The footage shows the woman striking him from behind, after which he begins throwing punches at the couple, escalating into the stabbings. Authorities say the attacker slashed the woman’s left hand and stabbed her boyfriend in the back. Authorities say the suspect’s 62-year-old father was also injured, suffering a slash to the hand. The New York Police Department recovered the knife at the scene.

All three were taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and are in stable condition.

“It’s really senseless to get violent and go to that extreme over something like that,” said neighbor Bobby Sauro.

Alexander was arrested and charged with three counts of felony assault, and authorities say he has no prior arrests. His arraignment was pending in Queens Criminal Court as of April 24.

The incident comes weeks after 75-year-old Linda Scott was attacked in Crown Heights after asking two women to clean up after their dogs—an assault that ended when a Navy veteran neighbor intervened.

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Julius
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 27, 2026

NBA Legend ‘Dr. J’ Encourages NBA Players To Brush Up On All-Star Dunk Contest History

He feels most players don't know the history and if so, they would participate in the contest

NBA Hall of Fame player Julius “Dr. J.” Erving has called on current players to “learn the history” of the All-Star Dunk Contest to encourage some of the bigger stars to participate in the annual event.

According to TMZ, while catching up with the former Philadelphia 76ers legend recently, the outlet spoke with him about the lack of spark the dunk contest has shown in recent years. Dr. J was known for playing the game “above the rim” and was the standard-bearer before Michael Jordan took what he had done and raised it to another level.

Dr. J was the winner of the first-ever All-Star Dunk Contest when it was initiated in 1976.

When asked whether the league should make participation mandatory for players, he said it shouldn’t be.

“They can’t make people do stuff these days. They make too much money to make them do anything. Sometimes they don’t even want to play.”

However, he feels that some of the stars should step up, and if they knew the contest’s history, they would probably feel compelled to participate.

“It’d be nice if some of the stars would step up,” says Dr. J.

Citing that some of the players weren’t even born when the first contest was introduced, Dr. J understands they may be oblivious to it.

“I was in the original, way back in 1976. So, some of them weren’t even born, so they don’t know the total history.”

“So, once you learn the history… you’re going to let some of the stars know that they should participate, right?”

Dr. J has recently partnered with Rockport in an endorsement deal.

In 1976, he was the first professional basketball player to have a sneaker deal. He signed his latest footwear deal as part of a campaign that uses artificial intelligence to recapture his younger playing days.

In the promo video, the 74-year-old basketball legend is shown on a basketball court, in a younger version of himself, wearing a basketball uniform, showcasing his skills. As the video progresses, so does Dr. J in age, but also, transitioning from a basketball player to a businessman. He starts the clip in a uniform and sneakers, but ends in a suit and shoes.

Dr. J was also recently featured in the Prime Video docuseries, Soul Power: The Legend of the American Basketball Association.

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Ice Spice, Dunkin' Donuts, collab, Munch, munchkin
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 27, 2026

Ice Spice Moves On From McDonald’s Drama, Teases Possible ‘Spicy’ Wendy’s Link-Up

The rapper used the viral attack to further promote her partnership with Wendy's.

Wendy’s and Ice Spice hope to turn a negative moment into marketing gold, with the rapper hinting at a collaboration with the fast food chain.

The news comes as Ice Spice reappeared in the public eye over a viral attack at a McDonald’s in Los Angeles. Ice Spice is already a partner with Wendy’s, which chose to capitalize on the ordeal for further publicity. She and the fast-food eatery teased a new collaboration in which the newly coined “Ice Spicy” will make her debut.

Initially, Ice Spice did not shy away from addressing the altercation at McDonald’s. Instead, the 26-year-old rapper poked fun at the matter by posting the video herself and mentioning the fast food chain’s competitor.

“This wouldn’t happen at Wendy’s,” she wrote on the viral post.

The video, mainly taken from security footage, showed a woman approach the entertainer and a friend while they ate at the restaurant. The girl threw a jab at the Bronx rapper, leading to a brawl between them.

Before the video went viral, she also mentioned that her new financial status had not stopped her from craving Wendy’s new spicy chicken sandwich.

“Still rich, still craving @wendys new spicy chicken sandwich #wendyspartner,” she wrote in a X post on April 9.

Now, Ice Spice has seemingly put the McDonald’s attack behind her. As for what her Wendy’s collaboration entails, fans are speculating it could involve a spicy meal deal. The burger chain has already solidified its relationship with the “Big Guy” rapper, calling her “our princess” with a fiery heart emoji in their response to the X post.

While Ice Spice brushes off the incident, she hopes to begin a new era with her Wendy’s partnership on the way. However, when fans can expect a rollout of the spicy campaign remains under wraps.

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Nortth Carolina A&T, NCAA,
by Sharelle B. McNair

April 27, 2026

NC A&T Audit Reveals $5M In Financial Aid Went To Officials’ Student Relatives

Out of $5 million, over $780,000 went to students who were employed by the Greensboro-based HBCU, family members of university employees, or had a personal or professional connection to NC A&T.

North Carolina A&T State University is facing a criminal inquiry by the State Bureau of Investigation after an audit found that more than $5 million in financial aid may have been distributed to ineligible recipients, including family members of university employees, The Carolina Journal reported. 

An Investigative Special Report by the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor (NCOSA) found the HBCU’s Division of Business and Finance distributed funds as financial assistance without evidence of merit or need-based criteria between 2017 and 2025. Administrative Recovery Funds (ARF), fees charged to Aggies for services such as housing, dining, and parking, were used to provide $5 million in financial assistance to students, some of whom had connections to former senior university officials.

Out of the massive amount, over $780,000 went to students employed by the Greensboro-based HBCU, family members of university employees, or had a personal or professional connection to NC A&T. 

The nephew of the former executive director of the Real Estate Foundation received $73,063 in financial awards, the daughter of an NC A&T Center for Teaching Excellence external advisory board member received $23,052, and the son of a former part-time English instructor received $22,545.

In addition, the son of the former associate vice chancellor for campus enterprises received $18,707, and the daughter of the former assistant vice chancellor for business and finance was awarded $14,888. 

The audit also revealed controversial moves by the former vice chancellor, authorizing tuition assistance of $36,654 and $12,000 for two friends of an out-of-state student. Per a discussion between the former associate vice provost for enrollment management and the former director of financial aid operations, the former associate vice provost’s son was able to remain at the school despite a policy that prevented him from remaining enrolled. 

Instead, the family member received a $10,000 scholarship award, exceeding the $2,000 budgeted amount of said scholarship.

According to AfroTech, State Auditor Dave Boliek, in his report, said the moves set the students up for favoritism. “The influence and actions by former senior officials, combined with the lack of internal controls at North Carolina A&T, led to several instances of preferential treatment that resulted in personal advantage and gain,” Boliek said. 

“Public university dollars that could have benefited other students or programs were instead directed toward those who had the benefit of having a personal connection with senior officials.”

As the report went public, Chancellor James R. Martin II sent communications to students about what was reported and how the school is correcting the wrong, stating the Division of Business and Finance will no longer award financial aid and will “immediately discontinue” awarding scholarships to students who the audit revealed were wrongfully awarded.

“N.C. A&T identified this problem through our own internal audit process, and I personally contacted State Auditor Boliek because full transparency demands nothing less,” Martin continued. “I am grateful to Auditor Boliek and his team for the thoroughness and professionalism of their review. Our students deserve to know that every dollar they pay is managed with integrity, and the corrective actions we have taken reflect that commitment.”

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Norah O'Connell
by Sharelle B. McNair

April 27, 2026

CBS’ Norah O’Donnell Reads White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting Suspect ‘Manifesto’ Out Loud, Upsetting Trump

Chaos broke out during the April 25 evening event after Allen allegedly charged a security checkpoint outside the dinner while being armed with a shotgun, a handgun and knives.

The White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting suspect, Cole Allen, wrote a “manifesto” with plans to target Trump administration officials, “prioritized from highest-ranking to lowest,” and claims that he “no longer willing to permit a pedophile, rapist, and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes,” CBS News reports

However, when CBS News’s Norah O’Donnell read the manifesto aloud to President Donald Trump during a “60 Minutes” segment just 24 hours later, Trump didn’t seem pleased.

“I was waiting for you to read that because I knew you would, because you’re horrible people. Horrible people,” he said. 

“Yeah, he did write that. I’m not a rapist. I didn’t rape anybody.”

Shortly after, O’Donnell interjected, asking, “Oh, do you think he was referring to you?”

Chaos erupted during the April 25 evening event, where journalists and political dignitaries gather annually. Allen, 31, allegedly charged a security checkpoint outside the dinner while being armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and knives. Trump and Vice President JD Vance were immediately escorted out after shots were heard being fired, canceling the remaining festivities. 

In his manifesto, the suspect, a native of Torrance, California, said law enforcement, hotel employees, and guests weren’t intended targets but claimed he would attack if it came to them getting in his way of the administration. “I really hope it doesn’t come to that,” Allen wrote. 

However, there were a few administrative leaders that Allen seemingly had no issue with, including “Mr. Patel,” he said, in reference to the FBI director who was present at Saturday’s dinner, the Secret Service, Capitol Police, or National Guard troops, unless necessary. “I hope they are wearing body armor,” he wrote. 

He even criticized the Secret Service, questioning their operation. “Ok, now that all the sappy stuff is done, what the hell is the Secret Service doing? … No damn security. Not in transport. Not in the hotel. Not in the event,” Allen wrote. 

According to NPR, Allen sent the manifesto to his family members just minutes before the incident. During an interview with the Secret Service and Montgomery County Police, Allen’s sister said her brother was known for making radical statements and continued to refer to a plan to do “something” to address issues in today’s world. 

She also said he purchased two handguns and a shotgun that were kept at his parents’ home, unbeknownst to them. 

The suspect faces charges of using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault of a federal officer using a dangerous weapon after a Secret Service agent was shot in the process. U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro said additional charges are expected following his April 27 arraignment.

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Russell Wilson
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 27, 2026

Russell Wilson Pinch-Hits In Savannah Bananas Appearance

'Fun Times with the Fans! My kids loved the day!'

Former New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson made a surprise appearance as a baseball player when he stepped in as a pinch-hitter for the Savannah Bananas in their recent game.

The free-agent NFL player was in The Bronx at Yankee Stadium on April 26 as the Bananas were playing against the Party Animals, according to ESPN. As the announcer introduced him in the fifth inning, causing baseball fans to react in excitement, he stepped up to the plate after acknowledging the crowd. He ended up hitting the ball into the infield, where he was thrown out near first base, nearly colliding with the opposing player, ending the inning.

https://twitter.com/BananaBall_/status/2048536705955778789

According to Heavy, this was not the quarterback’s first time on a baseball diamond, as Wilson played college baseball before setting his sights on a football career. Wilson played baseball in high school at Collegiate High School in Richmond, Virginia, and at North Carolina State University from 2008 to 2010. He was actually drafted two times in the Major League Baseball (MLB) Amateur Draft. In the 2007 June amateur draft, the Baltimore Orioles selected him in the 41st round. The Colorado Rockies took him in the fourth round of the 2010 June amateur draft.

Wilson also played for the Gastonia Grizzlies in the summer of 2009, alongside Jesse Cole, who was the team’s general manager and also founded the traveling baseball-entertainment Bananas. Wilson acknowledged that Cole, who invited him to play, was the person who recruited him to play for the Grizzlies.

“Fun Times with the Fans! My kids loved the day! Thanks, Jesse Cole, for the Call! I remember you were my GM when I was 19 years old!”

The Party Animals beat the Bananas, 7-2, for their second loss of the year.

Wilson last played for the New York Giants during the 2025-26 NFL season.

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Zara
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 27, 2026

Zara Faces Heat Again After Another ‘Shopping While Black’ Incident At Atlanta Storefront

The clothing store is back in the hot seat again after another incident of allegedly mistreating Black customers.

A Zara location in Atlanta is facing backlash for another instance of alleged mistreatment toward Black customers.

An Atlanta shopper called out the Zara at Atlanta’s Perimeter Mall after security accused her of shoplifting. The woman, named on Instagram as Mika Terrell, detailed the humiliating” experience” on Instagram.

Terrell explained that she spent over $350 at the store before the altercation. As she tried to leave the establishment, security accused her of stealing a piece of clothing. While she went along with getting her bags checked to clear her name, the situation escalated into an alleged case of racial profiling.

“He got loud, snatched my bag out of my hands, took it to the front of the store, and dumped everything out in front of everyone,” she explained in the caption. I was completely embarrassed and humiliated. When I asked for a manager, I was told to “calm down” instead of being treated with respect.

In the video, the store’s manager could not locate the missing red skirt in the woman’s shopping bags. This led security to ask her if she had it on. The frustrated shopper then pointed the camera at her leggings, noting that a red skirt could not fit underneath the tight garment.

She continued, “I know exactly why I was singled out. I was profiled because of how I was dressed. That’s not OK. No one deserves to be treated like that.”

The shopper then called the employees out for “stereotyping” her as a shoplifter, accusations that they promptly denied. However, she noted that their treatment of her did not warrant the crime, especially since she did not commit it.

“This kind of behavior is excessive, embarrassing, and unacceptable,” asserted the customer. “This was emotionally distressing, and I’m tired of seeing this happen over and over. I’m done supporting places where I’m made to feel targeted and disrespected.”

Zara has received flak before for its aggressive tactics toward Black customers, with another incident going viral a week prior. Commenters noted the incident, also covered by BLACK ENTERPRISE, in which store employees chased a woman they believed had stolen merchandise.

“This is the second incident in one week that I’m seeing. UNACCEPTABLE! We need to stop shopping here until they learn to value our money and presence and can provide a better shopping experience other than what their employees like to portray us as,” exclaimed a frustrated commenter.

Another one suggested a boycott of the brand, similar to the Black community-led protest of Target.

The social media user wrote, “Time to give Zara that Target energy period tf.”

One user echoed this sentiment, “Yep, @zara is done for this is becoming common practice, so let’s give them the same treatment we gave @target.”

As commenters began to note the pattern of aggressive tactics toward Black customers when accused of stealing, many hinted at the clothing brand becoming next on the boycott list.

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Remembering These Jazz Greats During National Jazz Month
by Ahsan Washington

April 27, 2026

Remembering These Jazz Greats During National Jazz Month

Jazz Appreciation Month was established by the Smithsonian Institution in April 2001

Jazz Appreciation Month was established by the Smithsonian Institution in April 2001. It recognizes Jazz as a fundamental American art form originating from Black historical culture. This celebration honors the influential Black Jazz musicians whose artistic contributions continue to shape the global soundscape.

Louis Armstrong: Pioneer of the Jazz Solo

Louis Armstrong (1901–1971) took jazz to a worldwide audience during the early 20th century. Born in New Orleans, Armstrong transformed jazz from regional dance music into an international art form. During the 1920s, his Hot Five recordings moved the genre away from collective improvisation toward solo virtuosity, redefining jazz structure through his unique tone and improvisational ability.

Duke Ellington: Architect of Big Band & Orchestration

Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington (1899–1974) was a prolific jazz composer and orchestrator. During his five-decade career, he led his orchestra and created over 1,000 musical works. Performing at the Cotton Club in Harlem, Ellington gained national recognition for combining elaborate orchestration with cultural storytelling, notably in his suite “Black, Brown and Beige.”

Ella Fitzgerald: The First Lady of Song

Ella Fitzgerald (1917–1996) earned global acclaim for her unmatched vocal influence. Known for her scat singing technique and perfect phrasing, she redefined jazz vocals. Her “Songbook” series transformed popular standards into high art, and her collaborations with Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington cemented jazz singing as a sophisticated art form.

Jelly Roll Morton: The First Great Jazz Composer

Jelly Roll Morton (1890–1941) was a central figure in transforming jazz from spontaneous origins into an organized musical style. By merging ragtime, blues, and improvisation, he proved that jazz could be structured through complex musical arrangements, shaping the future direction of the genre.

Charlie Parker: Architect of Bebop

Charlie Parker (1920–1955) was a primary architect of the Bebop movement in the 1940s. He introduced a fast, complex harmonic style that challenged swing conventions. His improvisational techniques in Kansas City established the foundation for modern jazz through intellectual experimentation.

Miles Davis: Catalyst of Cool Jazz & Fusion

Miles Davis (1926–1991) was a visionary trumpeter who spearheaded several jazz developments, including Cool Jazz, Modal Jazz, and Jazz Fusion. His 1959 album, Kind of Blue, remains the best-selling jazz record of all time. Davis is celebrated for his restless creativity and his mastery of space and silence in musical composition.

John Coltrane: Master of Spiritual Jazz

John Coltrane (1926–1967) pushed the saxophone to its technical limits. He moved from the “sheets of sound” in the 1950s to the spiritual explorations of the 1960s. His masterwork, A Love Supreme, transformed jazz into a medium for deep philosophical and religious inquiry.

Thelonious Monk: The High Priest of Bop

Thelonious Monk (1917–1982) is the second-most-recorded jazz composer in history. He is famous for his dissonant harmonies and percussive piano style. Works like ‘Round Midnight challenged traditional musical structures, making him a titan of modern harmonic innovation.

Charles Mingus: Visionary of Social Protest

Charles Mingus (1922–1979) was a brilliant bassist and composer who blended gospel, blues, and classical influences. His “Jazz Workshops” promoted collective improvisation, and his compositions often served as powerful social commentary on racial injustice and the Black experience in America.

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A pair of African hands planting seeds in the soil in order to have a sustainable future in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
by Ahsan Washington

April 27, 2026

8 Black-Owned Companies That Produce Sustainable Products

Go Green!

The rising consumer demand for ethical production has led more Black-owned companies to integrate sustainability into their business models through eco-conscious materials and ethical labor and community-centered missions. These brands, from fashion to beauty and lifestyle goods, are transforming responsible commerce while decreasing their environmental footprint.

Lean Into A Sustainable Lifestyle With These 8 Green Products

BLK + GRN

Dr. Kristian Henderson established BLK + GRN as an all-natural online marketplace that links consumers to non-toxic products created solely by Black artisans. The platform operates from the United States to offer plant-based skincare and wellness products along with home goods which are cruelty-free and free from harmful chemicals. The health disparities caused by toxic products led to the founding of BLK + GRN, which maintains its sustainability focus through clean formulations and ethical sourcing. BLK + GRN functions as a main destination for consumers who want products that are both environmentally friendly and ethically sourced.

Hamilton Perkins Collection

Hamilton Perkins started Hamilton Perkins Collection in 2014, in Norfolk, Virginia, to create bags and accessories from recycled materials. The brand uses plastic bottles, pineapple leaf fiber, and repurposed banners to make their products. The “Earth Bags” collection from the company aims to reduce waste and provide affordable durable products. Through their transparent supply chain, Hamilton Perkins Collection leads circular fashion innovation by reducing carbon emissions and water consumption.

The Honey Pot Company

Bea Dixon established The Honey Pot to transform the feminine hygiene market through herbal-based plant products. The pioneering brand focuses on sustainable sourcing practices and toxin-free formulations. Through its eco-conscious methods and holistic wellness approach, The Honey Pot Company expanded to national scale without compromising its dedication to clean, environmentally responsible production.

Brother Vellies

Brother Vellies is a luxury accessories brand established by Aurora James that creates shoes and handbags through traditional African methods, using sustainable materials. The brand started in New York and focuses on artisan craftsmanship with ethical labor practices, and low-impact production methods to preserve cultural heritage through small-batch manufacturing.

Yam

The New York-based jewelry company Yam creates its distinctive pieces through the use of recycled metals and materials. Yam produces items on-demand, which eliminates excess production and waste while using recyclable packaging. The company follows the slow fashion trend because consumers now consider environmental effects when buying accessories.

Elexiay

Elexiay is a brand that produces handmade crochet garments through local artisans under the leadership of Elyon Adede in Nigeria. Elexiay follows a slow fashion approach with manual production methods that reduces environmental harm and protects traditional cultural craft techniques. The brand demonstrates its sustainable values through its ethical labor standards,  limited machinery use, and recyclable material implementation, which shows its dedication to environmental and social responsibility.

Hope for Flowers

Tracy Reese’s U.S.-based fashion brand Hope for Flowers implements sustainability throughout all production phases. The brand employs organic cotton and Tencel fabrics, which are biodegradable, while steering clear of synthetic materials. The brand maintains fair wages for its employees and produces limited quantities of their products. Hope for Flowers exists to help customers buy consciously, so their choices create environmental transformation.

KNC Beauty

Kristen Noel Crawley established KNC Beauty and produces natural collagen lip masks together with clean beauty products. The brand bases its formulations on cruelty-free principles while maintaining environmental consciousness. KNC Beauty has become a leading brand in the eco-friendly beauty industry through its successful combination of sustainable practices with accessible products.

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The Downbeat, Portland
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 27, 2026

The Downbeat Is Portland’s Latest Black-Owned Bar Pouring Up Community Through Music

The Downbeat is reclaiming Portland's Black artistic legacy.

The Downbeat is the latest Black-owned bar in Portland to do more than pour drinks.

Instead, the Black establishment has plans to foster community through music. Welcoming local artists to perform, visitors near and far walk down the stairs to a new hub for the culture. Alongside a kitchen serving a blend of Caribbean and Southern-inspired drinks and cuisine, a full stage is ready for music to fill the room.

OPB reports that music is a major theme throughout the pub, with appetizers and small plates called “openers” and entrees and desserts called “headliners” and “closers,” respectively. On its walls are framed photos of R&B, Jazz, and Soul legends from Sade to Billie Holiday. Even its drinks pay homage to hip-hop classics, as the Hennessy sidecar cocktail is reimagined as “Stunting Like My Caddy,” referencing the 2006 hit by Birdman and Lil Wayne.

Portland’s small-but-mighty Black community has voyaged to the establishment, which is considered a rarity for its focus on Black art.

“I didn’t think Portland had something for Black people, and so to see this be done by Black people, I think, is so cool and dope,” shared one patron, Jamon Jordan, to a news outlet.

The Downbeat’s owners, Cyrus Coleman and Adewale Agboola, fought for years to get a space for their lofty idea. Their mission for the bar, which sits right in Old Town-Chinatown, is to connect the city’s Black community through music.

“The first step is just having a space, right? So that’s been the biggest hurdle for us. Over the past five years, we’ve been trying to get this thing off the ground. Now, we’ve got an amazing community,” shared Coleman. “We’re just music lovers, in general, trying to create something unique across generations and genres.”

Since opening in February, they have maintained this momentum. The Black-owned bar offers Black Portlandians a chance to connect and feel empowered in a city that often leaves them feeling marginalized. According to Oregon ArtsWatch, Portland’s Albina neighborhood once housed many Black musicians, especially in the middle of the 20th century. However, gentrification and systemic displacement led to the decline of this community.

Now, The Downbeat hopes to reclaim Portland’s Black musical legacy and history. Folks can have a drink and catch a performance nightly from Thursday to Sunday.

“The entire building itself is a gym for the creative mind,” Agboola added. “I’ve always loved people and loved my community, so The Downbeat is a reflection of that: that togetherness.”

However, this celebration of Portland’s Black artistic scene doesn’t end with music. Upstairs, the Contrast Gallery promotes local artists and their work. The next floor even has a photography studio, with plans for more programming that brings the community even closer.

“It’s a beautiful way to realize we’re a part of something bigger than ourselves,” Coleman said. “Imagine if, when we moved here, this existed. The city would have been a lot less daunting and culturally shocking. To have this space where we can be seen and felt and heard and safe, to be able to be a part of making the change that you want to see, as opposed to waiting around and hoping somebody else will make it, just felt like a no-brainer.”

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