Black August in reflection of a decade of Don't Shoot PDX, a Community Action Plan
Gathering, 2014 by Bear Perry
A statement from Don’t Shoot Portland and The BLACK Gallery:
“The death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, on August 9, 2014, sparked a significant response for several reasons: Michael Brown, an 18-year-old Black teenager, was shot and killed by Darren Wilson, a white police officer. The circumstances of the shooting were highly disputed, with witnesses claiming that Brown had his hands up in surrender when he was shot, and law enforcement making statements that dehumanized him and claims that animalistic behavior threatened their safety, leading to the chant chant "Hands up, don't shoot."
The murder highlighted long-standing racial tensions between the predominantly Black community of Ferguson and its predominantly white police force. Many residents felt that the incident was proof that the police were overly aggressive and discriminatory in their treatment of Black citizens.
Because of the national response the shooting received extensive media coverage, which helped to bring international attention to the incident and the broader issues of police violence and systemic racism. The death of Michael Brown led to immediate and widespread protests in Ferguson and other cities across the United States. These protests were marked by a strong outcry against police brutality and demands for justice and accountability. In Portland we were committed to building a community action plan.
The police response to the protests, which included the use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and a militarized approach, further escalated tensions and drew criticism from the public and human rights organizations. Due to the amount of violence against protestors, we began using the internet to organize.
Social media played a crucial role in disseminating information, organizing protests, and rallying support. Hashtags like #Ferguson #HandsUpDontShoot and #BlackLivesMatter helped to amplify the voices of protesters and bring attention to our cause. It also helped us develop mutual aid networks in our own communities.
The shooting of Michael Brown occurred against a backdrop of other high-profile cases of police violence against Black individuals, contributing to a growing movement for racial justice and police reform. These factors combined to create a powerful and sustained response to Michael Brown's death, sparking a national conversation about race, policing, and justice in America.”
Tuesday, August 6, 4-7pm: Find us tabling at Black & Beyond The Binary Collective’s Night Out for Safety & Liberation on August 6 from 4 to 8pm!
Night Out for Safety & Liberation (NOSL) is an annual event that takes place on the first Tuesday of August where we redefine and reimagine what safety means for our communities. There will be free food, live music, children friendly activities, speakers and more! 5633 SE Division Street.
Friday, August 9, 5pm-7pm: Opening Reception for Resistance is Happening Now: Archiving the Black Lives Matter Movement at THE BLACK Gallery; Come celebrate social change and 10 years of nonviolent direct action youth will receive free books and art supplies! | Please register via Eventbrite
This exhibit and art installation features archival photos and provocative documents that spotlights unchecked violence and discrimination documented in local law enforcement reports, agency correspondences, FBI surveillance reports and more. This exhibit runs through October 3rd at The Black Gallery powered by Don’t Shoot Portland.
We are by appointment only - visits can be scheduled online at theblackgallerypdx.com!
Saturday, August 10, 11am-3pm: How to Sue the Klan documentary double screening + panel discussion at Clinton Street Theater | Secure your spot with a tax deductible donation here!
Panel speakers including early organizers and supporters of Ferguson solidarity actions will speak about the fight for justice and the centering of Black Lives. This event is a fundraiser to help Don’t Shoot Portland continue to provide no cost advocacy and community support year round. Please become a monthly donor. This work continues to play a critical role in our lives and has made enormous contributions to the movement for Black Lives.
Speakers: Juan Chavez of Oregon Justice Resource Center, artist and community organizer Glenn Waco, attorney and former secretary of Don’t Shoot Portland Jameel Rose, artist and early protest live streamer and photographer Laura Vanderlyn.
As we reflect on the ongoing movement against state sanctioned violence we believe it’s important to commemorate lives lost while honoring the actions of those who have fought for accountability and continue to demand justice.
Don’t Shoot Portland and The BLACK Gallery will be hosting additional events throughout the month at our gallery space - please follow and share our social media for updates!
