Talking Drum Bookstore was opened in 1971 on N. Williams Avenue as an extension of the Black Education Center, a private school that served Portland's African-American community. The two were operated at different addresses until 1976 when both relocated to 4919 NE 17th Avenue. Reflections Coffeehouse was opened in 1995 at 446 NE Killingsworth and quickly became a hub for the Black community. While the Reflections also sold books at its inception, the coffee shop officially absorbed Talking Drum when the BEC closed in the '90s. The space was owned and operated by Gloria McMurtry and O.B. Hill until it closed in 2012.