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.

Chapters

00:00 – Recap of 2025 and Looking Ahead to 2026
08:13 – Building Resiliency and Trust in Community
18:44 – The Future of Portland and Community Engagement
25:46 – Exciting Guests and Future Collaborations