The Black Resilience Fund, dedicated to the healing and resilience of Black Portlanders, presents Juneteenth 2023, a campaign supported by Portland’s small business community to raise awareness and funds for BRF’s new income guarantee initiative.
Juneteenth is a holiday recognized in communities across the US to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved Black People. In Portland, businesses have joined forces for the Juneteenth PDX 2023 campaign, donating up to 100% of this weekend’s sales to support Black Resilience Fund’s mission to provide bureaucracy-free, direct financial assistance to Black Portlanders.
Over 40 Portland-based businesses have signed up to participate so far, which includes restaurants and alcohol venues, and retail stores, including New Deal Distillery, Crafty Wonderland, Por Qué No, and Extracto Coffee Roasters.
“The COVID-19 pandemic created shockwaves that will take years to recover from, which is why Black Resilience Fund’s 3-year income guarantee initiative is focused on long term prosperity,” said cameron whitten, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Brown Hope. “We are grateful to all of the businesses who have joined us in this ambitious vision.”
Earlier this year, BRF restructured from an emergency relief fund to a village building program with an income guarantee. As the first of its kind in Portland, the new model took effect in January 2023 and has provided six months of guaranteed income to 25 Black families in Multnomah County.
Members of BRF’s village building cohort have consistently reported improvements in their economic, social, and spiritual livelihood as a result of the program. In a monthly feedback survey, one participant shared recently, “I am now and forever grateful to be able to have the information and financial nudge to move forward.”
For more information, visit: www.BlackResilienceFund.com/Juneteenth