Neighbors West-Northwest mourns for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and other Black Americans killed by law enforcement each year. Our country’s foundational institutions are deeply rooted in white supremacy—we recognize that systemic change is the only way forward.
We also recognize that our organization can and must do more to work towards racial equity. We commit to educating ourselves and others about systemic and individual racism. We invite our affiliate neighborhood associations and community partners to join and challenge us as we strive to do—and demand—better. Black lives matter. Black joy and prosperity matter, too.
“In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist.”
–Angela Davis
Become A Better Ally: What to Read, What to Do
There is an abundance of recommendations out there for how white people can expand their education and start being better allies to Black people. Here are just a few resources that have been meaningful to NWNW staff.
Read and Listen:
- Powell’s Antiracist Reading List
- Why is Oregon still so white? learn more with OPB:
- “Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack,” an introduction to thinking about white privilege
- “Seeing White,” a podcast about the construct of whiteness
Do this today:
- Support local Black-owned businesses and restaurants: mercatuspdx.com, blackpdx.com, iloveblackfood.com
- Donate to Black-led organizations in Portland such as the Urban League and the Portland African American Leadership Forum
- “75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice”