Annie Schutz
In Portland, far-right hate groups tried to make the final weekend of September about them. But their message was drowned out by Black education, activism, and joy.
Led by an all-Black group of organizers, a large crowd of Black Lives Matter protesters gathered at the former site of Vanport City in North Portland on Saturday to educate attendees about the area's historical significance to the Black community.
Across the interstate from this gathering at Delta Park, members of the Proud Boys (a far-right club with ties to white nationalism) had gathered with like-minded activists, many of whom were armed with weapons. Instead of engaging with them, the Black Lives Matter group formed a lengthy car caravan and drove to Irving Park, where they continued to lead community conversations on Black history, allyship, and resilience in the face of racist hate.
In the car caravan, a protester holds a sign acknowledging Breonna Taylor—another Black woman that did not receive the justice she deserved. Annie Schutz
Despite Proud Boys and fascist agitators circling the area, protesters hang multiple large BLM banners in Peninsula Park. Annie Schutz
An ally participating in the Vanport caravan throws up a fist in Black solidarity. Annie Schutz
Hundreds of anti-fascists and allies gather at Peninsula Park. Annie Schutz
"No justice, no peace!" Annie Schutz
A protester waves a large "Black Lives Matter" flag as she watches the car caravan arrive at Irving Park. Annie Schutz
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