Ferguson Decision: Portland Activists Pledge to Demonstrate
Monday, November 24, 2014
Michael Brown, 18, was shot and killed Aug 9. The incident sparked weeks of civil unrest in the largely African American community as the nation and world watched as local law enforcement, brandishing military hardware, clashed with unarmed demonstrators.
A number of Portland demonstrations were planned by activists for the day the decision came down. Organizers Teresa Raiford Mazique said residents intended to gather at the Justice Center at 1120 SW 3rd Avenue, the Federal Building at 1000 SW 3rd Ave and at the corner of Southeast 162nd Avenue and Stark Street, regardless of whether Wilson was indicted.
Some activists demonstrated earlier Monday along the South Park Blocks, where Portland State students had protested a plan to arm campus police.
"People have a right to speak their minds on this and any other issue," wrote Portland Mayor Charlie Hales in a statement. "Our Police Bureau policies on demonstrations reflect our city’s commitment of these rights."
Hales added that the city is working to address the problem of racial inequity in Portland.
"The city, and all our public institutions, must work to address these issues," Hales wrote.
Raiford Mazique told GoLocalPDX earlier in the month that she wanted demonstrations to be safe, but worried about police and others using it as an excuse to attack black citizens.
“We want to make sure the police are on high-watch so that people don’t get hurt,” Raiford Mazique said. “The KKK want to use this as a excuse to shoot (people) up.”
Raiford Mazique said activists she worked with wanted to see more gun control legislation and changes to laws that she says, allow police to shoot unarmed people, come out of the Ferguson incident.
"We need policy changes and accountability" Raiford Mazique said. "The shooting of unarmed people of color and those with mental disabilities is something that we cannot continue to ignore as a safety issue for Police. Their training should be more substantial if they are not feeling safe when they approach children and people with disabilities. Community involvement is not happening."
Headed down to the Portland Justice Center to protest. I encourage all who are in the area to join me! #RIPMikeBrown
— Max McHugh (@max_mcq) November 25, 2014
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