John Washington has amassed over four decades of experience as an entrepreneur, community advocate, cultural consultant, urban developer, and national multimedia producer. Raised in Patterson, New Jersey, amidst adversity and loss, he rose to become a beacon of inspiration. He excelled as an All-American football player at Rutgers University before personal tragedy redirected his focus to addiction studies at Washington State University and Evergreen College in Washington.  

John Washington currently serves as Executive Director and Chair of the Soul District Business Association (SDBA), overseeing a team of seven staff members dedicated to advocating for and supporting BIPOC small business owners and youth entrepreneurs in N/NE Portland. Under his leadership, the SDBA also manages the "PDX Black Rose Podcast and Video Training program," which trains youth in film and video production with a focus on authentic Black storytelling. This initiative encompasses a Summer Works Internship and coordinates the MLK Dream Run Weekend Celebration, contributing to community unity and economic prosperity in the area.  

Beyond his community roles, Mr. Washington has served on former Governor Ted Kulongoski's Juvenile Justice Task Force, the Salvation Army White Shield, and Regional Arts & Culture Council. He currently sits on the Historic Albina Advisory Board (HAAB) and the N/NE Housing Oversight Committee, and is actively involved with the Most Honorable Prince Hall Masons, Coalition of Black Men, and NAACP Portland Chapter. He is the Father of 4, Grandfather of 2 and has helped raise over 25 Black male youth through Oregon’s foster care system.