New Portland Rising: How Entrepreneurs of Color Are Turning Crisis Into Opportunity

"Launched in 2023 by Amir Morgan, a Black fashion designer who previously worked at Nike, this loftlike Old Town shop — also known as “Tea and Threads” — features exposed-brick walls and sells vests, smocks, hats, and bags designed by Morgan alongside a branded collection of loose teas. For Morgan, raised Muslim in North Carolina, the teahouse is a place of connection: “So Tea and Threads is really a community center, a gathering point for fashion, art, music, and education,” he said. He also highlighted Old Town’s historical mix, noting, “When Oregon became a state in 1859, the first Black-owned business was a men’s furnishings and mercantile shop owned by Abner Hunt Francis, his wife, and his brother.” A cross-promotion with the local restaurant gave reservations to the first 300 shoppers and, in his words, “More than a thousand people came out. The line went for blocks. Visitors saw firsthand that Old Town was not terrible. The community realized that we’re stronger together.”" - Tony Perrottet Tony Perrottet Tony Perrottet is a historian and journalist based in New York City. He contributes to Smithsonian Magazine, The New York Times, and WSJ. Magazine, and is the author of six books. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines