Business leaders say pandemic should propel change, progress Leaders of Portland-area BIPOC business groups say efforts need to adapt to economy, inequities. Leaders of BIPOC business groups on Wednesday, Feb. 3, said that lasting progress toward equity requires small but important changes involving not just government but the business community as well. Nkenge Harmon Johnson of the Urban League of Portland moderated the virtual hour-long discussion, part of a series called "State of the Possible" hosted by City Club of Portland. Participants said the state's pandemic economy was "K-shaped," meaning that some businesses and people have done well while others have suffered.