Greater Pittsburgh Black Business Directory
sets sights on its final edition
For 29 years Constance (Connie) Portis has published the Greater Pittsburgh Black Business Directory and Resource Guide with her brother Richard. In August the 2014/15 issue Portis says will be their last. “It’s time to move on and to do new things. I feel like I can make a difference in other ways now.” The issue will be the 30th edition.
In the publishing business since 1984 when she founded Renaissance Publications, Portis within the three decades has also published the Greater Harrisburg area Black Directory, the Women’s Yellow Pages and a weekly newspaper; the Renaissance News.
“Over the years, the Black Directory has captured the essence of the region’s African-American community through the business, corporate, non-profit and church listings and through the stories we tell,” Portis said.
She describes the publication as a community resource for locating African-Americans in business in the Greater Pittsburgh area and a means to showcase additional businesses, resources and services that are available to build and enhance opportunities in the community. She quotes the leveling of the playing field for African-Americans in the marketplace and for majority-owned businesses to reach the African-American market in a medium primarily targeted to them was the purpose of the Directory. “The concept was designed to reach out to and list as many business owners and service providers as we could identify,” Portis said.
The Directory is broken down in what she calls three convenient sections; the white, yellow and blue pages. The White Pages provides consumer products and services with business listings, and the inclusion of cover bios of the featured business and professional people on the cover. The Yellow Pages consist of a useful business resource section inclusive of corporate purchasing and vendor listings. The Blue Pages is inclusive of agencies, organizations and educational and employment services along with the Black Church Directory section.
The publication is distributed at businesses, agencies, churches and organizations. Several years ago an online version was created and now can be found on social media sites including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest and on Blog sites. The website is www.pittsburghblackdirectory.com.
A perfect example of a serial entrepreneur, while publishing the Directory, Portis has been engaged in several other business ventures along her journey. “Every year I added something new,” she reflects. “I started with a People- to- People Networking Happy Hour in 1984.” She also initiated a Trailblazer recognition at the Hill House Association which later moved to Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall. The event recognized pillars in the community and because of its growth moved to the Carnegie Museum and expanded to include entertainment and food. The first African-American to rent the entire Carnegie Museum, she changed the event name to the Black Extravaganza and Trailblazer Awards and built-in a component for young people called the Young Achievers. Describing it as a red carpet “Academy Award” style affair Portis said more than 300 Trailblazers were celebrated and over 200 youth were recognized. John Johnson of Johnson Publications was also recognized as a Trailblazer. “Thousands of Pittsburghers attended over the years and felt the pride of how African-Americans contributed to the progress of the greater Pittsburgh region,” she pointed out. Lasting 16 years, Portis said more than 50 chefs and caterers participated and more than 100 volunteers helped make the Black Extravaganza a grand event.”
Other entrepreneurial ventures during the 30 years included, Womanpower Seminars for African-American women, a Womanpower Cruise to the Bahamas, annual holiday Business Expos, hosting of Pittsburgh Public Theater nights and all-African- American audiences to see August Wilson’s plays.
Currently she is the Program Coordinator of the Sisters and Friends Getaway to Martha’s Vineyard, an annual week or two week getaway to relax, rejuvenate, and connect with other women. “While many of the women don’t know each other, sisterfriends come from varying backgrounds, stages and ages in life and share the common bond to experience a peaceful, relaxing vacation,” said Portis. She said women have traveled from Washington, Nevada, California, Georgia, Florida, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York and many states in between.
A former Glen Hazel resident, Portis while continuously operating the event and publishing business obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree from Geneva College in Human Resources and is a certified PHR, Professional in Human Resources. “I was determined to complete my college degree by age 60,” she says. One month before graduation in 2004 she relocated to Harrisburg and served as assistant director of Equal Opportunity for the Department of the Auditor General under the leadership of Auditor General Jack Wagner. She says she stayed throughout his two terms before retiring.
Pointing out that the 30 years have not been without struggles, trials and challenges, Portis said, “I stayed in this business that I started on a wing and prayer. I had mentors, people I met along the way some for one day and others for a moment and others for lasting relationships. I have strong faith in God and believe the best testimony is to strive to live a good life. There were many lonely, frightening nights of indecision, of thinking I was a failure or hoping I wouldn’t mess up or disappoint and thoughts of losing everything.
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