Brothers Transform Portland’s Black Business Scene With Groundbreaking XB App
Two brothers, Adrian and Ronnie Wright, have launched the XB app to change how residents can discover and connect with Black-owned businesses in their area.
The Journey Of XB
The journey began with a Facebook group named “Black Portland,” created by Adrian in 2015.
It was seen as a place of reconnection for the Black community in Portland, which faced numerous challenges during the 1980s.
These included difficulties in securing mortgages and increasing crime rates in Black neighborhoods.
“Displaced residents relocated eastward, while newcomers, often employed by major corporations, gravitated westward,” Adrian told Oregon Live. “This geographical dispersion fractured the once tight-knit bonds we shared.”
The group then quickly grew to over 13,000 members, becoming a vital networking platform.
However, Adrian noticed the limitations of Facebook’s algorithm, which often restricted the visibility of posts.
This realization sparked the idea for a more effective solution – an app.
The XB App
Leveraging his tech skills as a footwear designer, Ronnie brought this idea to fruition.
The XB app is not just a directory of Black-owned businesses; it goes beyond by featuring local events and spotlighting Black entrepreneurs.
The “X” in XB represents the multiplication sign, while “B” stands for Black, symbolizing the amplification of Black culture.
What sets the XB app apart is its roots in the Portland community, as it is designed by natives with an intimate understanding of the local landscape.
The app offers a unique perspective and relevance that other platforms may lack.
Available on Apple and Google app stores for just 99 cents, XB allows business users to get listed in the app’s directory for free, a testament to the brothers’ commitment to supporting their community.
The Wright brothers have been funding the app from their pockets, and future plans may include introducing a subscription service or ads to sustain the app.
