Make Some Noise 

This is a period unmatched in American history. As a society, we are facing unprecedented
challenges. In an era where hate and indifference is more prevalent than ever in our lifetimes, the
coronavirus has rendered our nation to a state of “suspended animation”, and social isolation. But
some things haven't changed...My experience as a Black man in this country was already fraught
with tribulations and deadly pitfalls. Indeed, studies have shown 62% of Black men have directly
experienced a traumatic event in our lifetimes, 72% have witnessed a traumatic event, and 59%
have later learned of an traumatic event involving a friend or family member.These were
pre-coronavirus statistics; and not unlike other structural disparities that institutions like PPS
have witnessed being highlighted during this challenging period, the statistics are getting worse.

One issue that has been both perennial and pervasive, is the Black community’s relationship with
law enforcement. It has been complex, problematic, and intergenerational. It has not improved or
evolved for the better. The same careful, stern talk (“life preserving protocol when encountering
police”) that is an essential “rite of passage” given to me by my father, was given to him by my
grandfather. I have now passed this advice down to my son. We should not have to “pass this
advice down”, like some strange, hurtful heirloom...The recent murder of George Floyd (on the
heels of so many other murders) illustrate a harsh fact of life for the Black community. Despite
this, I have pushed back from this seemingly inevitable destiny by asserting my rights and
dignity as a citizen, and a human.

One of the most important aspects of my resistance (and I believe others as well) is the
reassurance we provide to the young that things will get better. They get better by demanding
that institutions care and nurture our young, and not “pre condition” them for a life of negative
interaction with law enforcement . Although clearly, School Resource Officers were an area long
ago targeted for defunding within the city budget, it is a good first step for Portland Public
Schools to finally have evolved on this issue. It will be closely monitored by the communityand PPU. As
we move to a societal model that does not look to first discipline our Black children, we move to
a more nurturing, and productive society. We will get there.

-By Richard Gilliam