What is it really like to navigate the "whitest city in America" as a Black woman? Host Leigh LaRie and guest co-host Charlisa "Chadowboxx" Harris sit down with the vibrant Alexis McKinney—better known as Lex in the City—to discuss the reality of being Black and bougie in Portland, Oregon.

Alexis, a Milwaukee native and professional content creator, shares her journey of moving to the PNW for work and the "culture shock" that came with it—not because she wasn't used to diversity, but because she was used to Black excellence being the norm. From experiencing microaggressions at a Jesuit college to navigating the "transplant bubble," Alexis gets real about the elitism that exists within the local community and why "where the Black people at?" is a lazy question.

They dive deep into the Portland dating scene, the "resentment spirit" in ambitious relationships, and why Alexis isn't afraid to shoot her shot. Plus, stay tuned as Alexis curates the ultimate Portland guide, sharing her favorite "Black & Bougie" spots, the best hiking trails, and why following DJs is better than following venues.

Whether you're a Portland native or a new transplant, this episode is a masterclass in building community, maintaining boundaries, and living your best "Black Girl Magic" life in the Rose City.

• [00:00] Intro: Welcome to Episode 6 – Black & Bougie in Portland
• [01:10] The Small Community Reality: Understanding Portland’s 6% Black population
• [02:55] Meet Alexis McKinney: The "Lex in the City" Origin Story
• [04:20] Milwaukee vs. Portland: Growing up in one of America's most segregated cities
• [05:40] The Awakening: Dealing with microaggressions at a PWI
• [07:15] Blackness is not a Monolith: From Anime nerds to Creative musicians
• [09:20] Spike Lee and Cinematography: Leigh’s high school awakening
• [11:00] The "Transplant Bubble": The Class of 2017-2019 Yearbooks
• [12:30] Swiping for Friends: Using apps to build community pre-pandemic
• [14:15] Pivot to Curation: Throwing events for Black women in Washington County
• [16:15] Defensive Natives: Why transplants should stop complaining about their new city
• [18:15] Regional Segregation: Why you only see Black people on the North Side
• [19:15] The Soul Food Debate: Why restaurant soul food rarely hits like Sunday dinner
• [21:00] The Mediocrity Trap: Professionalism and feedback in Black-owned businesses
• [23:15] Following the DJ: How to find your vibe in the Portland nightlife
• [24:10] Generational Spaces: Why we need more 30+ clubs in Portland
• [25:35] Shooting Your Shot: Alexis’s different experience with dating in the PNW
• [26:50] Hair Narratives: How different styles attract different types of men
• [28:10] The "Spice Intolerant" Ex: A pandemic dating cautionary tale
• [30:50] The Resentment Spirit: When men struggle with ambitious, career-driven women
• [33:15] Living Alone: Why having your own space is a dating non-negotiable at 30
• [36:40] Content Creation Burnout: Moving from corporate marketing to personal branding
• [39:2...