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.
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“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.
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“They can be inspired as well to do that very same thing James Barry did for me,” Crews said. “I feel like it’s my duty for my community to be able to have ownership of something like this to bring community and ownership back together. So we can empower the next generation.”
He said he has been trying to get the necessary grants for years but hasn’t had any luck. Now, the former elementary and 5th grade teacher is asking for help from the community to fundraise and bring the idea ‘to life.’
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