How to spend a day filled with Black culture in Portland

Nestled in a lush urban forest, Portland, Oregon is a bustling city enveloped in natural beauty and vibrant culture. From Portland's trendy coffeehouses and dimly lit jazz clubs to its cultural gardens and global cuisine, it's a destination with a place for everyone.

The welcoming city is steeped in rich Black culture, making it easy to fill a day with meaningful experiences. Here is a sample itinerary.

A Morning Stroll Through History

Once the heart of Portland's Black community, Portland's historic Albina neighborhood was home to generations of Black-owned businesses, musicians and civic leaders. And its legacy is still alive. Today, visitors can stroll the neighborhood on a self-guided audio tour of Black music history. The Albina Soul Walk celebrates the vibrant art and music scene that sprang from this cultural community in the late 20th century. Along the way, celebrated blues, jazz and gospel musicians share their stories and the music that shaped their legacies.

The Albina Music Trust preserves the historic music culture of Portland's Albina District with programs that amplify the Black community's archival media, oral histories and special events. They curate the Albina Soul Walk audio tour

A walk through Albina can work up your appetite. Thankfully, Kee's Loaded Kitchen is right around the corner. Featured on Netflix's Street Food USA and social media food reviewer Keith Lee's recent trip to Portland , the popular Black-owned food truck dishes up heaping plates of Cajun soul food and home-cooked sides. The menu changes daily, and the eats never disappoint.

Choose Your Afternoon Vibe
The afternoon is open and you set the vibe. Need a little self-care? A stop at Mister OK's Essentials is in order. Browse the Black-owned shop for mood-lifting soaps, candles, body lotions and room sprays. Or hit their Maker's Lab to pull up a chair and create a signature candle.

Black-owned bookstore Third Eye Books is a booklover's dream. Comb the shelves for Black-centric literature and poetry or shop their collection of inspirational African wares. 
Art enthusiasts, the Portland Art Museum calls. Thanks to a multi-year grant from 1803 Fund , visitors can immerse themselves in the inspiring works of contemporary Black artists at the new Black Art & Experiences Gallery.
A Night to Feed Your Belly and Soul
By now, bellies are rumbling for a taste of cultural cuisine. Portland's food scene is unmatched and global flavors are always on the menu.
First Stop: the Alberta Arts District, where the community-driven cocktail bar, Kaya hits all the right notes with their elevated street style. The menu includes tasty bar eats and sophisticated cocktails with a creative cultural twist.
Then, it's on to Akadi PDX   for some true West African comfort food. Chef Fatou Outtara brings the flavors of her childhood to life - like yassa grilled eggplant, beef brochette and suya chicken wings. Just save room for dessert. There is no better way to top off a Portland day than a dish of sweet plantain bread with ice cream.

No matter which experiences you choose, Portland's welcoming spirit will have you feeling right at home.
Learn more about Portland's thriving Black community (LINK):

Travel Portland