Culture+ Commerce Market Returns Celebrating Black-Owned Businesses & HBCU Excellence

A Black History Month Celebration

Photo courtesy of SEI

Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI) is excited to announce the return of the annual Culture+ Commerce Market, a dynamic pop-up marketplace showcasing Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. This year's event will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 11 :00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., offering the community an opportunity to support and engage with local vendors while celebrating Black excellence in business.

Held during Black History Month, the Culture+ Commerce Market honors the legacy, creativity, and economic power of Portland's Black community. In addition to shopping and entertainment, this year's event will feature expanded family-friendly programming, including line dancing, face painting, story time for young readers, and SEI's first-ever Culture Cafe, where guests can enjoy culturally inspired food and drink while building community.

The Culture+ Commerce Market was created to celebrate and support Black-owned businesses while fostering meaningful community connections. Over the years, it has grown into a cornerstone event that highlights entrepreneurship, creativity, and cultural pride. This year, SEI is taking the experience to new heights by integrating entertainment, education, and commerce into one unforgettable celebration.

SEI is proud to partner with the Portland Trail Blazers and Alaska Airlines as part of the third annual HBCU to the Pros Weekend, an expansive celebration showcasing the rich traditions and extraordinary talent of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

The weekend will feature marching bands from two iconic universities. Members of the Southern University Human Jukebox Marching Band (Baton Rouge, Louisiana), along with members of the Prairie View A&M University Marching Storm (Prairie View, Texas), will deliver electrifying performances that bring an authentic HBCU experience to Portland. Their high-energy musicianship, precision, and showmanship will elevate this year's Culture + Commerce Market like never before. Since its founding in 1981 by Tony Hopson, Sr., Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI) is celebrating its 45th year and has been a cornerstone for African American youth and families in Portland. With a 98% high school graduation rate and 85% of students pursuing post-secondary education, SEI continues to empower the next generation through education, mentorship, and opportunity. The organization awards over $500,000 in college scholarships annually, reinforcing its commitment to long-term success for youth.

We invite members of the press and the broader community to join us for this unforgettable celebration of culture, connection, and community pride.

The Culture + Commerce Market is a Black History Month celebration highlighting Black-owned businesses, culture, and community. The event will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Tony Hopson, Sr. Center for Self Enhancement.

This event is free and open to the public. Families can enjoy a variety of activities, including line dancing, face painting, story time, and the Culture Café.