First Fridays are back.
The MVP Sports Bar and Grill, 110 SW Yamhill St., will host the Minority Professional Networking Event on July 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. Free appetizers and one free drink will be provided to attendees.
Organizer Ken Mitchell-Phillips told The Skanner News he was encouraged by a First Friday organizer in San Francisco to hold one in Portland – an event that hasn't happened since about 2003. The social occasions allow professional minorities (and non-minorities) to network and mingle in an informal setting.
Mitchell-Phillips said about 40 to 50 people showed up for last month's first First Friday. He expects that with the nice weather, they can fill the upper deck patio at MVP Sports Bar.
"I'm a lawyer," he said. "I don't get a chance to see a lot of other minorities professionally."
He said he is currently looking for sponsors to offset costs of the event that tends to attract a good mix of African Americans, Latinos, and Asian Americans. Everyone is welcome to attend.
For more information about the national organization that promotes First Friday events, visit www.1stFriday.com.
