Think Out Loud

Stephen Green has done a lot of thinking about the barriers that Black business owners face in Portland -- access to capital, a wealth gap, and economic inequity writ large. Green is the founder of PitchBlack, an event to uplift and invest in Black entrepreneurs. He says he sees the uprising against police violence and anti-Black racism as a possible turning point, if white business leaders can show their commitment with more than just statements about equity. He recently created a website asking businesses and individuals to commit "to move beyond statements and pledges. To move toward attainable and measurable goals." We talk with Green about his vision.