Fundraiser for Black-owned businesses in Portland’s ‘Soul District’

PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) – A man living in the Soul District of northeast Portland is hoping to create a space for Black business owners to thrive. Karanja Crews, an entrepreneur who was “born and raised” in northeast Portland, said that his neighborhood isn’t the same place he remembers it being when he was a kid in the ‘90s. SEE ALSO: Nearly half a billion dollars from the federal government aims to revitalize part of Northeast Portland split apart by I-5 decades ago. “It’s completely gentrified,” Crews said. “Let’s bring diversity back.” He said for years he has had his sights set on a property that he believes would be a great “hub,” and would pave the way for Black businesses to thrive. He calls his plan “One Stop Plaza,” which is a nod to James Barry, who was the owner of a Black-owned record store that was around when he was a kid. He said he inspired him Crews said he believes renovating the space would give the next generation the same opportunity. SEE ALSO: Albina reconnection project called a national blueprint for federal funding “They can be inspired as well to do that very same thing James Barry did...