PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A local campaign aimed at tackling hate head-on launched Tuesday night during a collaborative community event and vigil.
A variety of community groups are part of the Portland United Against Hate campaign, which involves building a “rapid response system”, reporting and tracking hateful acts and providing support and protection to members of the community.
Dozens of people attended Tuesday’s event at Da Vinci Middle School to learn about the campaign and the new website The No Hate Zone.
“The goal is to lessen hate and racism by bringing people together to understand each other, to embrace each other,” website creator Sam Sachs said. “We can set a different precedence and we can set a standard for change.”
Crowd joins in singing chorus of "de colores" #KOIN6News pic.twitter.com/Xrgc6pPpCd
— Cole Miller (@ColeKOIN) February 15, 2017
"I personally know multiple people who have experienced a real increase in harassment" says @Chloe4PDX "but we are the majority" KOIN6News pic.twitter.com/3VdAz9fFqD
— Cole Miller (@ColeKOIN) February 15, 2017
"No place in Portland for racism," "our community will remain open and safe for everyone" says @tedwheeler #KOIN6News pic.twitter.com/G9lKXWBhQg
— Cole Miller (@ColeKOIN) February 15, 2017
Last month, a swastika was painted on a family’s driveway in Northeast Portland. In early February, 2 Eugene businesses were tagged with the same sign.
Those involved in the campaign hope to make hate crimes a thing of the past.
“Our bold and intentional collaborative efforts are designed to protect communities from hate and proactively, create a strong base of support, provide the tools and resources to combat oppression, prosper economically and thrive collectively.” – Portland United Against Hate
The partnership includes participation from the following groups:
Africa House
Asian Family Center
Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon
Causa Oregon
Coalition of communities of Color
Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization
Latino Network
Milagro Theater
Native American Youth & Family Center
North Portland Neighborhood Services
Office of Neighborhood Involvement City of Portland
Portland African American Leadership Forum
Portland Two-Spirit Society
Q Center
Resolutions Northwest
SE Uplift
Unite Oregon
Urban League of Portland
Verde
YWCA of Greater Portland
For more information on Portland United Against Hate, click here.
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