Like many across our nation, we have watched in horror as so many black lives have been brutally taken. The tragic killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor in recent weeks has shaken us all. We are overcome with shame and frustration as we witness yet another generation of brown and black children lose the sense of safety and belonging that all young people so desperately need and deserve. This must end.
We deplore the riots and vandalism in Portland and elsewhere this past week which seemed to have nothing to do with a genuine concern for black lives or justice. The inexcusable violence wrought upon the memory of George Floyd became merely an opportunity to wreak havoc and sow discord in our communities by those with a separate agenda. Those who commit such acts should be held accountable as should police who commit brutal acts. While pain, rage and righteous anger over injustice is understandable and should be expressed, what we desperately need are genuine efforts to come together, learn, evolve, and openly confront oppression in all its forms. Only collective action by all of us will make our city a safer and more equitable place where all Portlanders can thrive. We need to take that action now.
Portland Public Action Safety Coalition (PSAC)
pdxpsac.org
We are so relieved that this group has begun and hopefully will advocate with and for us on important issues.