Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile)

As we prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend, our beautiful city is on edge: An escalating global pandemic. The possibility of a deep and prolonged recession. Demands for police accountability and racial justice. People are justifiably angry, hurting and frustrated.

We have the ability to overcome these challenges and reimagine a city and a country that are welcoming, inclusive and prosperous for all. It seems far off right now, but Portlanders are resilient and I am confident that we can do it, together.

Thousands of non-violent demonstrators have marched for racial equity and justice in Portland. Their calls to action have been heard, and already the City is making historic progress.

I am proud that the City Council has begun the difficult, necessary work of dismantling institutional racism. We have much more work to do. I remain deeply concerned, however, by groups who continue to perpetrate violence and vandalism on our streets.