The Pitch Black Podcast

In the Season 2 premiere of the Pitch Black Podcast, hosts Stephen Green and Jelani Memory reflect on a powerful year of growth, experimentation, and community impact across 2025—and set the tone for what’s ahead in 2026.They unpack the momentum behind Pitch Black events like Pitch Black Food and the Pitch Black Showcase, highlighting how trust, collaboration, and showing up consistently have become the foundation of the movement. Against the backdrop of a shifting cultural and economic landscape in Portland, the conversation centers on resiliency—what it really takes to keep building when conditions are uncertain.Stephen and Jelani also share how Pitch Black is evolving: fewer but deeper partnerships, more intentional programming, and an even sharper focus on supporting Black founders through every stage of their journey. The episode closes with a look forward to new collaborations, guests, and initiatives shaping the future of Pitch Black.Chapters00:00 – Recap of 2025 and Looking Ahead to 202608:13 – Building Resiliency and Trust in Community18:44 – The Future of Portland and Community Engagement25:46 – Exciting Guests and Future Collaborations

In this episode of the Pitch Black Podcast, Stephen Green sits down with designer and entrepreneur Precious Hannah-King (she/her), founder of Mister OK’s Essentials. From a childhood love of art and sneakers in Miami to designing at Nike and launching her own scent-based wellness brand, Precious walks us through her deeply personal and creative journey.They discuss how mentorship, courage, and taking risks played pivotal roles in her path—from being part of the very first class at Pensole to her leap into retail entrepreneurship. Precious shares how candles became her medium for healing and memory, and how Pitch Black helped her build a one-of-a-kind immersive scent experience that’s rooted in identity, storytelling, and community.📌 Topics CoveredGrowing up in Miami & falling in love with designThe sneaker culture pipeline from Miami to PortlandBeing in the first Pensole class and the power of mentorshipBreaking into Nike and navigating corporate lifeCreating Mister OK’s Essentials while raising a newbornThe origin of her first candle drop at Nike’s 5 to 5Why scent is memory—and her dream for immersive retailWhat it means to leave the “dream job” for a new dreamBuilding with community and finding your voice as a founder🔗 More from this episodePrecious Hannah-King on LinkedInMister OK’s EssentialsPitch Black

In this powerful episode, Olympic medalist, UNICEF ambassador, and executive trailblazer Karina LeBlanc joins Stephen Green for a heart-opening conversation about resilience, purpose, leadership, and living out loud. From her childhood in Dominica and early struggles with identity in Canada, to her rise as a world-class goalkeeper and her current role reshaping women's sports in Portland, Karina shares how sport helped her find her voice—and how she’s using it to build a legacy far beyond the pitch.She talks candidly about failure, motherhood, her near-death experience during COVID, and why Portland is the global epicenter of women’s sports. This one’s for anyone seeking purpose, clarity, and impact in their life and work.“Live a life where you feel alive. Love without expectation. And matter in a way that is ruthlessly, unapologetically you.” — Karina LeBlancOlympic Bronze Medalist (Team Canada, 2012)Former Portland Thorns goalkeeperUNICEF Canada AmbassadorEVP, Strategic Development & Growth at RAJ SportsTrailblazer in women’s sports and equity🔗 Follow Karina:InstagramThe Pitch Black Podcast is produced by Vanport Studio and hosted by Stephen Green, with executive production from Jelani Memory. We celebrate Black excellence in entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation. Learn more at pitchblack.org.

In this episode of the Pitch Black Podcast, Stephen Green interviews Pamela Neferkara, a trailblazer in corporate leadership and founder of Elmira Street Associates. They discuss Pamela's journey from being the first black female vice president at a major footwear company to her current role as an advisor and investor. The conversation covers themes of diversity in leadership, the importance of setting career goals, work-life balance, and empowering women in the workplace. Pamela shares her insights on board service, the significance of personal history, and the excitement surrounding the next generation of black leaders.TakeawaysPamela Neferkara is a pioneer in corporate leadership.Setting clear career goals is essential for success.Work-life balance is a personal choice that requires intention.Empowering women in the workplace is crucial for progress.Diversity on boards enhances company performance.Investing in startups is about supporting dreams.Understanding personal history shapes perspective and values.Young people today embrace diversity and question norms.The importance of mentorship and networking in career growth.Planning for financial independence is key to making life transitions.Chapters00:00 From Corporate to Creative: Pamela's Journey13:08 Empowering Women: The Wing Women Initiative20:43 Investing in Dreams: Pamela's Approach to Angel Investing

In this episode of the Pitch Black Podcast, host Stephen Green sits down with Bimma Williams—veteran of the sneaker industry, founder, and storyteller—to talk about his journey from Baton Rouge to working with iconic brands like Adidas and Nike. Bimma shares how community has shaped his path, the transformation of sneaker culture in the digital age, and why authenticity is non-negotiable in business.They dive into what it means to claim your space in the culture, the evolution of storytelling in marketing, and the responsibilities that come with visibility. From building a platform through podcasting to the power of collaborations grounded in values, Bimma shares hard-won insights about creating impact while staying rooted in who you are.💡 Key Takeaways:Bimma Williams’ path from Baton Rouge to the global sneaker industryCommunity is the foundation of both personal and professional growthSneaker culture continues to evolve through digital and cultural shiftsCreating meaningful, human-centered experiences matters more than everPodcasting became Bimma’s platform for authenticity and connectionEmotional resonance and real stories attract the best collaborationsCulture is not dictated—it's created and carried by the communityAuthenticity is a strategy, not a vibe—especially in businessNavigating public perception requires care and clarity of purposeDiversity in leadership drives innovation, impact, and longevityStorytelling should lead product development in brand partnershipsHuman connection outweighs metrics when building brand loyaltyChapters:00:00 – Introduction to the Pitch Black Podcast03:01 – Bimma Williams: Journey from Baton Rouge to the Sneaker Industry05:53 – The Importance of Community in Personal Growth08:47 – The Evolution of Sneaker Culture and Community Engagement12:08 – Creating Meaningful Experiences in a Digital World15:00 – Lessons from Podcasting: Building a Platform17:46 – Claiming Your Space in the Culture21:07 – Navigating Challenges in the Sneaker Community24:21 – Navigating Public Perception and Responsibility30:25 – The Importance of Authenticity in Business32:52 – Creating Impact Through Community Engagement39:35 – The Evolution of Sneaker Culture and Storytelling46:50 – Diversity in Leadership and Its Impact on Business48:45 – Future Collaborations and Content Creation

What does it take to move from performative DEI to real, lasting change? In this episode, strategist, educator, and facilitator Alexis Braly James joins Stephen Green to unpack what equity and inclusion work really looks like in 2025—and why it’s more essential than ever.As founder of Construct the Present, Alexis brings a grounded, deeply informed lens to conversations around leadership, organizational change, and accountability. From corporate missteps to community breakthroughs, this conversation is a candid look at the present and future of DEI—especially in Portland.Alexis Braly James is a longtime educator and innovator. She has supported national nonprofits, companies, and government agencies in activating contemporary responses to leadership development and employee needs through training, coaching, and team building.Her clients include the Smithsonian, City of Portland, Metro Regional Government, and Multnomah County Library. A former classroom teacher, Alexis is an engaging, empathetic presence in any room—from board retreats to mediation sessions. She brings her perspective as a biracial, Black, cis woman into every strategy session and works to build systems that center those most often left behind.Born and raised in Oregon, Alexis earned her master’s degree from Lewis & Clark College and is currently pursuing her MBA at Cornell University. Outside of work, you’ll find her dancing to Beyoncé or talking movies.Chapters:00:00 – Welcome + Introduction to Alexis03:15 – How DEI Changed (and Didn’t) After 202008:42 – Alexis’ Personal Story: Biracial Identity and Early Awareness14:20 – From Teaching to Consulting: Building Construct the Present19:00 – Performative DEI vs. Structural Change24:38 – Allyship vs. Accompliceship29:11 – Metrics, Measurement, and Why Neutral is a Red Flag33:05 – What Organizations Get Wrong About ERGs37:40 – Remote Work, Neurodiversity & the Future of Inclusion41:15 – Alexis’ Dream Projects and Inspirations44:20 – Closing Thoughts + Where to Find Alexis📲 Connect with Alexis Braly James:🔗 Website: constructthepresent.com🎧 The Pitch Black Podcast is produced by Vanport Studio and executive produced by Stephen Green and Jelani Memory.Learn more and get involved at pitchblack.org

In this episode of The Pitch Black Podcast, Stephen Green sits down with one of Portland’s own, JT Flowers—a former Ivy League basketball recruit turned Rhodes Scholar, now investing his life and work back into his hometown.From the hardwood courts of Northeast Portland to the halls of Yale and Oxford, JT’s journey is anything but linear. He shares how injury rerouted his identity, how higher education expanded his sense of purpose, and why—despite every opportunity to stay elsewhere—he came home to help reshape Portland’s future.Together, Stephen and JT explore the power of perspective, the importance of storytelling, and the urgency of reclaiming Portland as a place where Black excellence can thrive. As Director of Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships at Albina Vision Trust, JT is helping lead the largest restorative redevelopment project in the U.S., centered around Black community, culture, and well-being.📌 Chapters:00:00 – Welcome & JT’s Homegrown Story08:00 – Navigating Between Worlds: Portland’s Many Realities13:20 – From Basketball Dreams to Ivy League Reality20:00 – What JT Found at Yale (And What He Let Go Of)27:00 – Discovering Community as a Calling35:00 – The Power of Perspective & Self-Compassion41:00 – Why JT Came Back to Portland48:00 – The Albina Vision: Rebuilding a Zip Code55:00 – A Call to Black Talent: Now’s the Time60:00 – Closing Reflections: Dream Bigger, Build Bigger🌍 Organizations & Projects Mentioned:Albina Vision Trust – Reimagining 94 acres of Portland with Black community at the center1803 Fund – Investing in Black Portland with a new model of philanthropic partnershipCenter for Black Excellence – The first publicly funded space of its kind in the U.S.

In this powerful episode of The Pitch Black Podcast, Stephen Green is joined by Anyeley Hallová, founder and CEO of Adre—a socially responsible real estate development firm based in Portland, Oregon.Anyeley shares her journey from a career in traditional development to founding a company rooted in equity, sustainability, and community repair. From earning degrees at Cornell, MIT, and Harvard, to developing landmark projects like the Meyer Memorial Trust headquarters and now the Williams & Russell Project, Anyeley has made it her mission to reshape the built environment for good.Together, they talk about what it means to be a developer who centers justice, why she wrote A Kids Book About Real Estate Development, and how cities like Portland can adopt a pro-housing stance that works for everyone.Adre Website: Adre 

In this episode, Stephen Green and Jelani Memory sit down together for the first time on mic to reflect on the journey of Pitch Black—from a $300 prize at a brewpub to a national movement that's given nearly $1M to Black founders. They unpack what makes Pitch Black so different, the importance of celebrating Black excellence without centering competition, and how they’re taking the magic of Portland to cities across the U.S. They also share the inside scoop on Pitch Black Food, the wildly popular new event that swapped pitch decks for six-course meals—and sold out in hours.00:00 — Meet the Co-Hosts01:25 — How Pitch Black Began04:06 — From $300 to Nearly $1M07:17 — The Debut of Pitch Black Food12:37 — Taking It National15:00 — Equity ≠ Success18:32 — Building Real Social CapitalLearn more about Pitch Black: www.pitchblack.org

In this episode, Stephen Green sits down with Clarence Bethea, former founder of Upsie and now a partner at True Ventures, one of the largest seed funds in the country. Clarence shares real talk about what it means to go from founder to VC, the art of the pitch, why storytelling is everything, and how founders can navigate the often confusing and high-pressure world of venture capital—without losing themselves in the process.Clarence doesn’t hold back. Plus, he gives a behind-the-scenes look at True Ventures’ approach to backing great people and building real community, from Founder Camp to True Talks and weekly office hours.Whether you're raising your first round, thinking about becoming an investor, or just trying to find your voice in this industry—this episode is solid gold.True Ventures – trueventures.comClarence on LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/clarencebetheaClarence on Instagram – @clarence_betheaJoin his Friday Office Hours – Email Clarence at [email protected]:00 – Welcome to the Pitch Black PodcastStephen sets the stage for a powerful conversation on community, authenticity, and VC.01:40 – Meet Clarence BetheaFrom Upsie founder to Partner at True Ventures—Clarence shares what brought him to Portland.04:18 – The Founder Mindset: Chip on Your ShoulderClarence reflects on how the “us vs. them” mentality shaped—and sometimes limited—his early founder journey.07:02 – Storytelling is Your SuperpowerWhy a founder’s ability to craft a clear, compelling narrative is non-negotiable.09:30 – The Art of the Pitch (and Getting Reps)Practice doesn’t make perfect—it makes progress. How to pitch smarter, not just more.13:20 – What Seed-Stage Investors Actually Care AboutClarence outlines what VCs like True are really looking for in that first 30-minute meeting.17:40 – Anatomy of a First MeetingHow to structure your pitch for maximum impact—and a second meeting.21:30 – Deck Do’s and Don’tsFrom poor design to too many slides—what your deck says about you before you even speak.25:40 – What Makes a Great VC-Founder RelationshipWhy the best investors show up after the check, especially when things fall apart.30:18 – Being a Black VC in a Tier One FirmClarence on DEI, authenticity, and showing up in an industry that still resists change.33:50 – Creating Space for Truth and VulnerabilityWhat founders need to hear vs. what they're told—and how we can do better.36:42 – Why You Should Be the Red Dot in a Yellow RoomClarence shares the value of standing out by showing up as your full self.38:25 – What Founders Should Expect From InvestorsBeyond capital—how True Ventures builds real community and founder support.41:20 – The AI Gold Rush (and the Game Behind the Game)Clarence talks about what’s real in AI, what’s noise, and how True Ventures is investing.44:50 – Closing Thoughts: Be Yourself, So the Right People Can Find YouClarence drops his final gem on why the long game starts with self-belief and clarity.