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In response to ongoing behavior seen as detrimental to Black Liberation, Black protesters have drafted a letter addressing the larger Portland Protest Community, so that our values and observations are clear to all.

As Black Oregonians concerned with the ongoing lack of accountability for the police violence that continues to disproportionately impact Black communities, the disabled, those with mental illness, the unhoused, and other marginalized people, it is important for us to stand in solidarity and state our shared values. 

There is no excuse for the police to murder civilians. This is completely unacceptable and every abuse of power is a stain on our nation, and an obstacle to peace. Every cover up, lie and delay prove to us further that this system is not reformable. 

As an array of Black writers, speakers, artists, activists, teachers, parents and professionals, we already struggle to survive in a state that makes every effort to reshuffle and erase us. We need our allies in this fight to understand and honor this fact. Understand that doing damage to us, our communities, and our resources undoes the work we do. 

Black people are not a monolith, and having a complicit Black person in your planning space does not indicate support from the Black community. For decades, efforts towards Black Liberation have suffered at the hands of both well-meaning allies and predatory opportunists, and over the last year we have watched as people have profited from and damaged our movement without our consent or approval.

Revolutionary times call for revolutionary measures, but success requires thoughtful action. Actions that neither increase solidarity nor broadcast purpose while making the lives of local Black communities more difficult are not acceptable. 

In solidarity,

Donovan Smith

Kendall Brown Clay

Amber Boydston

Keith Jones

Mac Smiff

Ragina Rage

Gary Floyd

Jahdi

Simona Bearcub 

C3 The Guru

Damany “Truth” Iqwé

Aqiylah Collins

Omar Collins

Zion Breau

Mic Crenshaw

Alexander “Casso Dinero” Wright

Tealeanna Lindseth

Destiny Houston 

Erandi Jones-Vega

Solamon Ibe

Bourbon

Bear

Erika C.

Kinsey

David Myers 

Big Mondo

Seneca 

Braxton Hale

Byrd

Chrissy Wood

Dre Miller

Quanneisha “Cadillac Montè” Brooks 

Yanga Uuka

Jhasmineh Hussein

Leo Moxley

Dwayne Moxley

Jazz

Bruce Poinsette

Cicely Thrasher

Ronin Roc

Joseph Breaux

Tammy Hutchinson 

D’Artagnan Caliman

J’reyesha Brannon

Akasha Lawrence Spence

Arya Mormon

BeatzillaPDX

Tamia Deary

Letha Winston

Shelley Washington

Amber Templeton

HB3

Reginald Richardson Jr.

Quinton Blanton

André Middleton

Chris Wise

Danialle James