Members of Portland’s Black community criticize remarks made by Mayor Wheeler

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler addressed the community ahead of the weekend, extending a state of emergency to prepare for the potential of criminal activity in the wake of planned marches.

“If BLM leaders have the courage to stand up to this mob then we all should,” Wheeler said.

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On Saturday, members of the Black community responded, saying groups demonstrating should not be divided.

“They tried to make us look like we are against each other. We might not all agree on the ways that we protest or we fight, but we know that we must fight,” Kevin Wright said.

The mayor is also facing criticism for his remarks around direct action marches.

“They’re all dressed in all black. If you see this, call the police. If you can provide a license plate, if you can do so safely, that information can help later,” Wheeler said on Friday.

The mayor’s office shared a follow-up statement Saturday saying: “The only people who should be concerned are those who engage in criminal actions. The community is tired of self-described anarchists damaging churches, non-profits, and small businesses.”

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This follows vandalism at places like Starbucks in Northwest Portland earlier in the week.

Despite this, some speakers said they don’t agree with the idea of citizens surveilling each other.

“I’m wearing all black, I often wear all black, and I’ll continue to wear all black. Black is a sacred color, black is often a color that is affordable in many stores, I want to note,” Amber Boydston said.

Members of the group told listeners they want funding taken away from the Portland Police Bureau and put back into the community.