We are the Dream + America moving forward
Photo by Mika Martinez, Reclaim MLK 2021
We are overwhelmed by the coordinated efforts of our community that made Reclaim MLK a beautiful and safe celebration for Rev. Dr. King! Thank you to those who made the day possible from the artist who designed our handouts to the printers who hand printed each of our bags and the youth who designed our zines, thank you to the bikers and photographers for showing up! We are grateful to Portland Drone for following and capturing our March from above as well.
Photo by Mika Martinez, Reclaim MLK 2021
So many youth received books, families received PPE supplies and neighbors spent time reflecting over the 3 Letters. The youth leading the March gave directives from Dr. King to reclaim the dream. This year was incredibly special - it was powerful to have the energy of last summer’s youth activists using their voices.
Our community is stronger because of these efforts and we thank you!
The Children’s Art and Social Justice Council shared their favorite freedom songs with older organizers while gaining new chants as well. If children would like to receive or exchange a book, we have plenty.
Please sign up for the Don’t Shoot Portland newsletter and the youth activism link on our website for more details!
Photo by Mika Martinez, Reclaim MLK 2021
Some of you may remember the art residency we held at the Portland Art Museum during the Hank Willis Thomas’ exhibition in 2019/20. During this residency we helped produce an album, Spirit of Freedom by LaRhonda Steele and Karen Haberman Trusty. These are the same songs that were taught to our Children’s Art and Social Justice Council and listening to these songs ring loud in the streets during such a divided time gave them even deeper meaning.
On January 21, 2021, America witnessed the inauguration of the first Black woman after a tumultuous year filled with white supremacy, racial violence and a global pandemic. As we continue to navigate our way through these changing times, it is with honor that we accept the responsibility of preserving the Apple @ Pioneer Place panels that reflect the responses of so many that were witnesses to this summers’ uprisings and the joint call to action against institutionalized violence and white nationalism.
As we honor those who have been murdered, we feel closest to those who were murdered here in the city of Portland. Please continue to carry their names: Deonte Keller, Kendra James, Jason Washington, Terrell Johnson, Patrick Kimmons, Quanice Hayes, Aaron Campbell and too many names.
Black Lives Still Matter.
Photo by Mika Martinez
If you are an artist that participated in this mural, please reach out to us - we’d love to hear from you and keep you connected to these pieces.
Please reach out to us at contact@dontshootpdx.org!