This photo shows police troops who are harassing residents living in the Albina community in Portland. This is because the majority of the residents were Black and there was social segregation between the races. Police brutality like this made it harder for African Americans to gain the basic rights, that whites already had, and enforced stereotypes that Whites held. Most of the police officers were white, which meant that Blacks were often treated more harshly because of racism. This photo was taken in 1969.
Keep Your Eyes on the Prize Audio:
Keep You Eyes on the Prize:
Performed by Joss Stone Paul and Silas bound in jail Had no money for to go their bail Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on Hold on, why don't ya Paul and Silas was locked in jail Even though they were not violent, Paul and Silas spoke their mind and got what they wanted, setting out a good message. The jail doors opened and they walked right out Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on Hold on, why don't ya Hold on, Hold on Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on Hold on, why don't ya Hold on, Hold on Keep your eyes on the prize Hold on, why don't ya Hold on, Hold on Keep your eyes on the prize And hold right on Just keep your eyes right on the prize Hold on mmm yeah Hold, hold right on Hold on Keep your eyes on the prize Annotation: Paul and Silas were friends and all they wanted to do is serve God and tell others his story, they ended up being thrown in jail for telling others God’s story and annoying the public, but never used violence or protested. Like Paul and Silas, African Americans had a disadvantage when it came to economics so it was common for many of them to not be able to afford bail, unlike whites, who were much better off when it came to money and could easily pay the bail. While in jail, God created an earthquake, opening to doors to the cells which gave Paul and Silas a way to escape. They ended up not leaving, and instead, created a bond with the guard by teaching him about God. The guard then brought them home and he told the family about God that Paul and Silas taught him in jail. All in all, the story of Paul and Silas was important to the black community because it taught others to not use violence when fighting for their equality, and it will end up being a benefit. Even though they were not violent, Paul and Silas spoke their mind and got what they wanted, sending out a good message. The prize that is mentioned in this song represents a general idea of equality for minorities and basic human rights. Songs like this brought people together to fight for basic human rights in a non-violent way and brought the community together. |
Bruce Springsteen Covers “Keep Your Eyes on the Prize”
This cover of Keep Your Eyes on the Price shows how the problem with police brutality still connects with issues that stand today. Overall, the fact that Bruce Springsteen is White and singing about Black rights shows that the relationship between Blacks and Whites is improving, but there are still issues with police brutality against the African American community. Peaceful protest songs allow people to come together and fight in a non-violent way which helps create change. Overall, pieces of art whether books, paintings, or music bring people together and create tighter knit communities. This photo shows police officers about to attack an African American at a Irvington Park riot in the Albina community. The protest started peacefully until some African Americans started to throw bottles at buildings. The Police came and tried to stop all protesters whether they were acting peacefully or not. The riots lasted many days and lots of damage was done. Though this was originally intended to “start a revolution” and encourage Blacks to fight for their rights, many argued more harm than help happened.
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On the Murder of Rickey Johnson
This is a brochure that was sold to the people of Portland on Rickey Johnson. Rickey Johnson was out with his friends and they were about to take on a robbery. When the police came, instead of arresting Rickey, the police assumed Rickey was was armed and was planning to kill them. Because of this, the police went ahead and shot Rickey Johnson multiple times, killing him on the spot, no questions asked. Protesters successfully fought for a public hearing for Rickey Thompson, because they knew that without one, his death could be easily unjustified.
This is a brochure that was sold to the people of Portland on Rickey Johnson. Rickey Johnson was out with his friends and they were about to take on a robbery. When the police came, instead of arresting Rickey, the police assumed Rickey was was armed and was planning to kill them. Because of this, the police went ahead and shot Rickey Johnson multiple times, killing him on the spot, no questions asked. Protesters successfully fought for a public hearing for Rickey Thompson, because they knew that without one, his death could be easily unjustified.
Black United Front
This is a press release from the Black United Front declaring their wishes and hope that the media will investigate the case of the Black Police officer whom was harassed and mistreated by other police trainers and officers. The Black United Front really pushed for equality in schools and everywhere in general. They were an African-American organization formed in the 1970s, made up of Black nationalists fighting for equal rights.
This is a press release from the Black United Front declaring their wishes and hope that the media will investigate the case of the Black Police officer whom was harassed and mistreated by other police trainers and officers. The Black United Front really pushed for equality in schools and everywhere in general. They were an African-American organization formed in the 1970s, made up of Black nationalists fighting for equal rights.
“We’re going to defend ourselves”
The Portland Chapter of the Black Panther Party and the Local Media Response
The Black Panther Party was originally founded and began in Oakland during the fall of 1966. The party was highly requested and was a huge success in Portland and Eugene, Oregon. The Panther had a certain image, African American men who were militant, disciplined and willing to fight for what they want. They also wanted to make the Panther Party appeal to the younger African American kids in the black communities.
On the left there is an image with the "What we Want/ What We Believe" of the Black Panther Party.
http://www.ohs.org/research/quarterly/upload/OHQ_111_3-Gies-and-Boykoff_BPP.pdf
The Portland Chapter of the Black Panther Party and the Local Media Response
The Black Panther Party was originally founded and began in Oakland during the fall of 1966. The party was highly requested and was a huge success in Portland and Eugene, Oregon. The Panther had a certain image, African American men who were militant, disciplined and willing to fight for what they want. They also wanted to make the Panther Party appeal to the younger African American kids in the black communities.
On the left there is an image with the "What we Want/ What We Believe" of the Black Panther Party.
http://www.ohs.org/research/quarterly/upload/OHQ_111_3-Gies-and-Boykoff_BPP.pdf
Current Example/Issue:
http://www.portlandcopwatch.org/PPR16/oct24march.html
In Portland there have been many days within the year in which there have been violent and peaceful protests against police brutality from all over the country. On Saturday October 24, about 350 people varying in age, race and economic background were on the streets marching against police brutality. The march was called "Communities United to Stop Police Brutality, Repression and the Criminalization of a Generation" after the National Day of Action on October 22. The highlight of the gathering was when representatives from two families whose children had died at the hands of police custody spoke for the whole crowd and Portland to hear. One of the October 24th Coalition demands was that police brutality is not acceptable in any form whatsoever. This is something that every state and country should adapt as a mandatory law.
http://www.portlandcopwatch.org/PPR16/oct24march.html
In Portland there have been many days within the year in which there have been violent and peaceful protests against police brutality from all over the country. On Saturday October 24, about 350 people varying in age, race and economic background were on the streets marching against police brutality. The march was called "Communities United to Stop Police Brutality, Repression and the Criminalization of a Generation" after the National Day of Action on October 22. The highlight of the gathering was when representatives from two families whose children had died at the hands of police custody spoke for the whole crowd and Portland to hear. One of the October 24th Coalition demands was that police brutality is not acceptable in any form whatsoever. This is something that every state and country should adapt as a mandatory law.
Blacks Protest Choke-Hold Death In Portland Oregon:
(http://www.nytimes.com/1985/05/05/us/blacks-protest-choke-hold-death-in-oregon.html)
This article posted by the New York Times specifies what happened to Lloyd D. Stevenson, a husband and a father of five. Mr. Stevenson was a Marine Corps veteran and was buried in the Willamette Cemetery after his death. While this story was spreading through every community in Portland like wildfire, two Portland police officers were suspended from the force for selling tee-shirts with the writing: ''Don't Choke 'Em. Smoke 'Em.'' The word "smoke" means "shoot to death" in police slang. The message would read, 'Dont Choke Them, Shoot them to Death'.
(http://www.nytimes.com/1985/05/05/us/blacks-protest-choke-hold-death-in-oregon.html)
This article posted by the New York Times specifies what happened to Lloyd D. Stevenson, a husband and a father of five. Mr. Stevenson was a Marine Corps veteran and was buried in the Willamette Cemetery after his death. While this story was spreading through every community in Portland like wildfire, two Portland police officers were suspended from the force for selling tee-shirts with the writing: ''Don't Choke 'Em. Smoke 'Em.'' The word "smoke" means "shoot to death" in police slang. The message would read, 'Dont Choke Them, Shoot them to Death'.
This image shows Portlanders protesting against the police from the murder of Lloyd "Tony" Stevenson in 1985. Lloyd "Tony" Stevenson was an African American security guard outside his neighborhood convenience store in Northeast Portland. There had been an altercation near the store between the owner and a civilian, and Lloyd graciously helped calm the area down. But when the police came to the scene, Lloyd ended up being the only black man in the crowd and was wrestled to the ground by three portland police men and was chocked to death. The police then proceeded to use a "sleep hold" on him, although Lloyd had done nothing wrong.
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Don't Die by Killer Mike:
This is a current song released and produced in 2012, while the Ferguson protests were at their peak all over the country. Son of a former police officer, Killer Mike "Michael Render", speaks about the police brutality and violence he has seen and expirienced throughout his life. This record was actually written with brutality victims both recent and historic in mind. Killer Mike told Pitchfork the song was made “so we never forget Fred Hampton, Oscar Grant, Sean Bell and other good men killed unjustly by police in this country. R.I.P. Trayvon." Michel Render is an amazing artist with a passion to make the world a better place and fight against police brutality. He gave a very inspiring speech before a show he had in St. Louis just hours after the Ferguson verdict was released to the press. It is heartbreaking, and amazing how passionate he was about the whole subject. A video of Michael saying his speech ended up going viral. |
Groups most likely to be killed by cops:
This graph displays diverse ethnic groups and which are more likely to be harmed or killed by law enforcement by age in Portland Oregon. Looking at the graph, it is clear that African Americans are the highest at ages 20-24.
This graph displays diverse ethnic groups and which are more likely to be harmed or killed by law enforcement by age in Portland Oregon. Looking at the graph, it is clear that African Americans are the highest at ages 20-24.