11/9/16
As many of us shudder with shock, fear, and anxiety today, there are folks who are saying, “Everything will be okay.” Their intentions are good, but the truth is, so many of us do not feel that everything will be okay. It feels like dangerous times are ahead. It feels like many of us will be ignored, harassed, or marginalized just because of what we look like, what we sound like, what first language we speak, what headdress or clothing we may wear, and how we look at life in a non-corporate, humanistic way.
Now, more than ever, we need to look out for and support each other. Now, more than ever, we must organize, unify, and fight the fight of our lives. We cannot be silenced or pushed to the side. We have to explain to our children that hate and fear are not our allies. We have to be prepared to stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves.
Take time to breathe, reflect, talk with each other, and re-commit to making this city, this state, and this country a better place for everyone. The Office of Equity will remain steadfast in its commitment to bringing greater equity to the City of Portland. We have made progress—changes have been made in how the City does business and minimizes detrimental impacts to communities of color.
When you’re ready, please join us in moving equity forward. It won’t feel okay for a long time, but I know we’re going to see a social justice movement more energized, more passionate, and fiercer than we have seen in decades. Institutional racism exists, it is fueled by individual acts of bigotry and expressed in the halls of government and corporate America. We must do better and we will call upon those newly in power to do just that—to stand on a moral and spiritual platform to do better. I send my hope for Peace and Blessings for all.
Join our community conversation as we partner with MRG Foundation, this Monday at APANO JAMS. There’s so much work to do.
Free registration and information at this link: http://pdxracialequity.brownpapertickets.com