Thousands marched across Portland and gathered at the fenced off Justice Center for a sixth night of protests over the killing of George Floyd, a Black man from Minneapolis who was killed after an officer pushed his knee into his neck for nearly nine minutes on June 3, 2020. The night came to an undramatic end with a much smaller group of protesters staying past midnight chanting outside the Justice Center.
Jonathan Levinson / OPB
A coalition of Black community leaders known as Reimagine Oregon say theyre unsatisfied with the incremental progress elected officials have made in responding to a list of demands the group issued a year ago.
The group held a press conference Tuesday to update Oregon media as well as several lawmakers who joined the virtual meeting on where things stand since they challenged Oregon leaders to do better by the states Black community in a series of requests.
Those requests include major changes to policies on a number of topics including housing reform, policing and community safety, education, public health, transportation, economic development and the states legislative process.
In total, the group listed more than 40 specific actions they hoped to see taken by the Oregon Legislature, Metro regional government, the three metro-area counties and the city of Portland.
Reimagine Oregon was established last summer in response to mounting social discourse on equity and racial justice following the murder of George Floyd and the disparities in opportunity and services in America further exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The group is comprised of community organizers and leaders such as Nkenge Harmon Johnson, president and CEO of the Urban League of Portland; Katrina Holland, executive director of housing advocacy group JOIN PDX; Lamar Wise, political coordinator of public employees union AFSCME Local 75 and ACLU of Oregon board member; Kali Thorne Ladd, executive director of KairosPDX; Marcus Mundy; executive director of Portland-based Coalition of Communities of Color; Elona J. Wilson, executive director of Next Up, a nonprofit incubator of leaders of color; and Justice Rajee, executive director of Reimagine Oregon.
Thats just to name a few who spoke at Tuesdays press conference and provided grades on how Oregons elected officials have responded to the key issues over the last year.
And those grades werent particularly favorable.
Holland kicked things off, giving the state an incomplete, grade forthcoming for what she described as incremental progress and promises for the future on key housing requests. Those include things such as rent cancelation for people affected by the pandemic, removing barriers to housing assistance and more stringent tests to assure fair housing standards are met.
In our second year of this project we got a lot of work to do to get to that hopeful A, Holland said. Its time for catalytic change.
Holland did acknowledge that theres been some good progress in terms of helping Oregonians who have struggled through the pandemic to pay their rent with the passage of House Bill 2100.
But according to Holland, theres still room for vast improvement in the process with which the state uses to push out rent assistance dollars.
Wise took a moment to provide grades for local jurisdictions on their response to policy demands in the realm of police accountability, which were somewhat more flattering.
According to Wise, Reimagine Oregon has been working with Metro, the Portland areas regionally elected government, and the Washington, Multnomah and Clackamas county governments to look at ways to reform how the region approaches public safety.
Both Washington and Multnomah County received a B grade for work theyve engaged in and investments made in that area.
Clackamas County on the other hand was given an F following what the group characterizes as a complete drop-off in communication between Reimagine leaders and the county following County Chair Tootie Smith taking office.
We would love to continue some type of partnership (with Clackamas County), but there hasnt been much communication, Wise said.
The city of Portland was given a C grade as Reimagine awaits results of the citys fall budget monitoring process. Wise said that despite a high turnover rate within the city government that hasnt allowed much progress, there are some staff within city hall who remain committed to working with the organization on pushing for further accountability within the Portland Police Bureau and an overhaul of policies and practices.
The state of Oregon also received a C grade, a mark that had some lawmakers on the virtual call a bit taken aback considering the states major push in this years legislative session to pass a flurry of police reform bills aimed at many of the specific values shared by Reimagine.
Wise pointed to the bodys failure to pass House Bill 2002 in its entirety as the reason for the C grade. Some provisions of the bill were carved out into other proposals, but the bulk of that bill which wasnt acted upon this year wouldve reformed the states mandatory sentencing laws something lawmakers have had their eye on for years.
Rep. Janelle Bynum, D-Happy Valley, who was on Tuesdays call, and Sen. Floyd Prozanski, D-Eugene, committed to leading that charge in the 2022 short session with support from the legislatures Black, Indigenous and People of Color caucus.
A few other notable grades included Mundy doling out a D to efforts within the legislature to require all bills to include racial impact statements, as well as requiring the same for state agencies during rulemaking processes. Mundy commended lawmakers for bringing those bills forth this legislative session, but noted that they remained stuck in committee when the legislature adjourned in June.
Wilson graded efforts by both Metro and Multnomah County to implement a requirement that community advisory boards be consulted in rulemaking processes as tentative A dependent on how those requirements are or arent centered around voices of their respective Black communities.
Rajee said that Reimagine Oregon remains focused on holding the state and local governments accountable to the voices of Black Oregonians who have called for widespread reform and more opportunity in the state.
According to Rajee, the group will continue to work with its partners in organizations throughout the state to put pressure on elected leaders to take action in responding to their requests for change.
We have seen movement, but we have yet to see movement from our elected leaders, Rajee said. The movement is in the streets. Its in our lives. But in the halls of power, were still largely resisted, and were here to make sure the spotlight doesnt fade on that fact.
Visit link:
- The Daily Progress: The Daily Progress, Charlottesville News [Last Updated On: March 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 25th, 2016]
- Progress Lighting - Home [Last Updated On: March 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 25th, 2016]
- WTC PROGRESS - One World Trade Center [Last Updated On: July 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2016]
- Postpartum Progress - postpartum depression and postpartum ... [Last Updated On: July 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2016]
- Center for American Progress [Last Updated On: July 18th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 18th, 2016]
- Contact Us - Progress Energy [Last Updated On: July 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 27th, 2016]
- National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2016]
- Progress Announces ProgressNEXT 2017 Partner Conference - Business Wire (press release) [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Think Progress Editor Mocks Audi for Equal Pay Super Bowl Ad - Breitbart News [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Penguins injuries: Hagelin has concussion; Malkin still out, but making progress - NBCSports.com [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Patel: Syria progress at risk without new push in 2017 - ReliefWeb [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Market Recon: There's Progress on the Deregulation Front - TheStreet.com [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Assignment Helps Students Assess Their Progress - Faculty Focus (blog) [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Kiener Plaza reopening in May; Gateway Arch renovations continue progress - STLtoday.com [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Progress being made on possible grocery store co-op in Winston-Salem - myfox8.com [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Nioh Review-in-Progress: FromSoftware's Formula Evolved - Shacknews [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Deutsche Bundesbank Cites Progress With Blockchain-Based Settlement - CryptoCoinsNews [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Progress apparent on defense - Pittsburgh Steelers - Steelers.com [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- IMF: Greece's Debts are Still Unsustainable, Despite Progress - Voice of America [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Haupt's Take: It took eight years to destroy 50 years of progress - Watchdog.org [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Cavaliers' pitching rotation a work in progress - The Daily Progress [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Can US disrupter-in-chief trigger some progress? - Jerusalem Post Israel News [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- The Cost of Progress - Slate Magazine [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- DACC women making progress - Danville Commercial News [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- City police cite progress vs. drugs - Rutland Herald [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Women's Progress in the Boardroom Took a Hit in 2016 | Inc.com - Inc.com [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Britney Spears Says Niece Maddie Is 'Making Progress' After ATV Accident: 'Let's All Keep Praying' - PEOPLE.com [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Progress on vet's Mustang to be unveiled - Indianapolis Star [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Through the looking glass: Tower view showcases progress on Amazon's unique biospheres - GeekWire [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Blight Elimination Progress, Uplifting - MyWabashValley [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Forecasters See Slow Progress in Labor-Market Measures Favored by Trump Administration - Wall Street Journal [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- United coach Adrian Heath looks at steady progress after third straight draw - TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Evgeni Malkin making 'progress,' could return Saturday in Arizona ... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Franks recognized as 2016 Partner in Progress - Chanute Tribune [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- 49ers players optimistic about progress under Shanahan, Lynch - The Mercury News [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Colts position review: OL showed legit progress, but work remains - Indianapolis Star [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Jimmy Cheek: UT chancellor appreciative of hard work, progress on journey - Knoxville News Sentinel [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Egyptian Economy Making Slow, Tentative Progress - VOA News - Voice of America [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Marginal progress for Turkish-backed forces in north Syria - PBS NewsHour [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Syria Regional Crisis 2016 Emergency Appeal - Progress Report - Reliefweb [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- CWLP officials: Bailout repayment would set back progress - The State Journal-Register [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Clairton works: Real progress is coming to the former steel town - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Pistons' Johnson making halting but definite progress - The Detroit News [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Bluefield officials urge those that want to see city progress to take online survey - Bluefield Daily Telegraph [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Virginia lawmakers making big progress despite shorter session - The Charlottesville Newsplex [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Tech industry shows little progress on racial diversity - VentureBeat [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- North Korea Claims Progress on Long-Range Goal With Missile Test - New York Times [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- How Travel Bans Can Impede America's Progress - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Adele, Beyonc, and the Grammys' Fear of Progress - The Atlantic [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Ionis Earns $75M Milestone from Bayer for Progress of Antisense Drug Program - Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (press release) [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Guilford Schools annual report shows mixed results on progress - Greensboro News & Record (blog) [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Sniper Elite 4 review in progress - PC Gamer [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- At California's Oroville Dam, Progress Made, but Threat Lingers - Wall Street Journal [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- For Honor Review In Progress - GameSpot [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Downtown Seattle's 'incredible year of progress' - The Seattle Times [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- CDC reports more progress against HIV, but gay Latinos contracted more infections - Washington Post [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- China's military progress challenges Western dominance, says IISS - Deutsche Welle [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- PFW in Progress Recap 2/14: Patriots Offseason Outlook - Patriots.com [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Huntsville-based Progress Bank to acquire Birmingham's First Partners Bank - Birmingham Business Journal [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- California officials lift evacuation order for 200000 threatened by damaged dam - CBS News [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Indiana Regional Cities Initiative Gets Progress Report - Tristatehomepage.com [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Clean Samish Initiative partners discuss progress - goskagit.com [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Man United's Jose Mourinho: Progress in cups will create 'many problems' - ESPN FC [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Google Touts Progress in Android Security in 2016 - Threatpost [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- UW coach Lorenzo Romar: Markelle Fultz making progress but still not cleared to play - The Seattle Times [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Some Progress On Occupational Licensing But Much More Needed - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Officials making 'great progress' on California dam repairs, remind residents to stay vigilant - Fox News [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Republicans' health care overhaul still a work in progress - Press Herald [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Why Do We Pay So Much More for No Progress? - Cato Institute (blog) [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Halo Wars 2 Review in Progress - IGN [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Lenovo's data center ambitions remain work in progress following Q3 results - ZDNet [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- S&P 500: 'Blow-off' Phase in Progress - DailyFX - DailyFX [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- F-35 Program Makes Significant, Solid Progress, Official Says - Department of Defense [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- PFW in Progress Recap 2/16: Free Agency and Potential Patriots - Patriots.com [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Combine invites are another sign of progress at Michigan - Big Ten ... - ESPN (blog) [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Donald Trump touts promise progress at press conference - PolitiFact [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Mild winter helping crews make significant progress on East End Connector - WRAL.com [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Latest edition of Pig Progress goes to Asia - Pig Progress (registration) (blog) [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Committee updates Legislature on precinct consolidation progress - Chicago Tribune [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- SEC basketball shows progress but has room for growth - STLtoday.com [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]