Don’t Shoot PDX Takes the Fight for Justice to the Federal Courts

Since the 2016 election the Portland area has seen a massive increase in hate crimes like white supremacist graffiti, harassment in schools and on the streets, and brutal murders by police and nazis.

Oregon lead the nation in reported hate incidents following the election, and more than half of those incidents happened in the Portland-area, a supposedly progressive leader that is really one of the most racist cities in the country.

This is nothing new for communities of color that live here, but still the new boldness we are witnessing from racist extremists, the increase in hate crimes and human rights violations is alarming.

Don’t Shoot Portland and other grassroots leaders are going to be working to connect with community to gather details about racism and violence, including systemic discrimination, and will be working to connect community members with legal resources that can help them fight for justice and human rights through the federal court system.

On June 19 the community will be filing complaints with the federal court.

“It's time to take our movement into the federal courts!” says Teressa Raiford, leader of Don’t Shoot Portland. “It's time to lawyer up. Black, brown and red people need human rights representation, lawyers and legal professionals who can assist us with filing the necessary complaints and hiring the right investigators and partners to hold this system accountable.”

This is a grassroots community Initiative organized by Milenio.org, Don’t Shoot Portland, and Voz Hispana Cambio Comunitario.