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