Portland has a new luxury sports lounge that offers more than just enjoying a sports game. Honorable Mention sits below Portland’s historic downtown Benson Hotel on Broadway, where the London Grill once stood, with a powerful statement. The Black-owned lounge honors Black athletes who were excluded, overlooked, or banned in sports during the era the speakeasy takes inspiration from.
The lounge is a partnership between Urban Restaurant Group, a group of Black business leaders, and community figures, including NBA star and Portland legend Damian Lillard, entrepreneur JR Duperrier, Dr. William Johnson, David Lucas, and Mark Byrum. Together, they’ve created something Portland has never had: a high-end gathering space that centers Black excellence in sports history and hospitality.
“Portland is my home,” Lillard shares. “When I think about helping build this city back up to what made me and many others fall in love with it, I know that starts with presenting people with an experience we can all share: fellowship, fun, good food, and safety.”
Honoring Athletes Historically Left Out
In sports, an “honorable mention” is a distinction awarded to athletes who performed at a high level but didn’t make the official list. It’s a recognition that often stings because it represents the highest level of validation just outside the official winners’ circle. But historically in the sports world, Black athletes weren’t even given that recognition because they were barred entirely from major sports leagues and collegiate programs…