Portland’s NAACP President Remains Optimistic About the Fight for Racial Justice

Portland’s NAACP President Remains Optimistic About the Fight for Racial Justice

Portland, OR. The President of the Portland Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is feeling optimistic about the future of race relations in the Rose City. Rev. E. D. Mondainé, a renowned musician, and U.S. Army/Air Force veteran took the helm of Portland’s chapter in 2018. His voice has become increasingly important during this time of downtown protests and civil unrest. Mondainé’s says, “Even though times are bleak, we can make change. Portland is a perfect storm for change in this country and the ninety-plus days of noise is the start of revolution.”

While many organizations and individuals protesting are calling for a complete defunding of the police in Portland (and across the nation, for that matter), Rev. Mondainé says that the NAACP does not stand with the goal of abolition, but rather, reformation.

Starting in May 2020, demonstrations over the police killing of George Floyd have been held in the city of Portland, concurrent with protests in other cities around the United States and around the world.

When asked about the death of George Floyd and the reverberations across the nation, Mondainé’s said he believes Floyd’s death was nothing less than a “horizontal, modern-day lynching” and not to be convoluted else wise. (Former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin is charged with murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd.)

Reverend E.D. Mondainé believes in Portland and the ability of residents to confront nationwide and global equality and equity. “We’re on a mission for justice, truth, and equality. And we’ll never stop fighting for that.”

The Portland NAACP has taken a stand on many issues including renter’s rights in 2019. 

Mondainé’s spoke to Portland Society Page reporter Daniel Chilton about his views on the strategy of the Black Lives Matter movement and where the NAACP stands regarding the policing institution, as well as the prison industrial complex.

While the public conversation has primarily revolved around police institutions and police brutality, Mondainé also discussed the often-absent subject of the prison industrial complex. With Black inmates outnumbering whites by a large margin until very recently (according to Pew Research Center, this gap has begun to narrow) Rev. Mondainé says that the NAACP is trying hard to keep this conversation going and has major plans in the future to continue to address both police and prison reform; that one cannot exist without the other present.

Thousands marching into downtown Portland; a photo strikingly familiar to those of the 1960s civil rights march on Washington.

About the Portland NAACP:

Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. We have over 2,200 units and branches across the nation, along with well over 2M activists. Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

The vision of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights without discrimination based on race.

To find out more about Portland’s NAACP branch and any upcoming events, including their monthly meetings downtown, click here. If you’re interested in donating to their cause, you can do so directly here. To register to vote for the upcoming election and make your voice heard for change, you can do so here.

Upward and Onward for Komen Race for the Cure in Portland

Upward and Onward for Komen Race for the Cure in Portland

Portland, September 16th. Nearly 25,000 runners and walkers took to the streets of downtown Portland for the 21st Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

Devon Downeysmith, Marketing & Communications Manager, Thomas Bruner, Chief Executive Officer and Toni Mountain, Survivor Programs Manager

Devon Downeysmith, Marketing & Communications Manager, Thomas Bruner, Chief Executive Officer of Portland and SW Washington Susan G. Komen and Toni Mountain, Survivor Programs Manager

The Komen Race for the Cure raises significant funds and awareness for the breast cancer movement. Every week 61 women in Oregon and Southwest Washington are diagnose with breast cancer, and sadly eleven women die. The Race for the Cure is a time to celebrate survivors and their families while raising money and working toward the promise of ending breast cancer. Enjoy this collection of the images from the event!

There are five different races:  Timed 5k, Timed 8k,  1-mile walk,, Untimed 5k run,  5k Walk

There are five different races: Timed 5k, Timed 8k, 1-mile walk, Untimed 5k run, and 5k Walk

The race brought traffic to a standstill on several downtown streets, but police try to keep motosits happy by advanced warnings and thoughtful detours.

The race brought traffic to a standstill on several downtown streets, but police try to keep motorists happy by advanced warnings and detours.

Family and friends formed, "The Chest Nuts"

Family and friends formed, “The Chest Nuts”

Finish Line Volunteer Dee Madden gets a hug

Finish Line Volunteer Dee Madden gets a hug.

Some Local pageant winners off their support.

Some Local pageant winners off their support.

Survivors enjoy the support of their families.

Survivors enjoy the support of their families.

Komen CEO, Thomas Bruner was pleased with the turnout. He expected the number of participants to be down about 17% from last year – likely due to the national controversy over the group’s decision to cut off, then restore funds for Planned Parenthood including breast cancer screenings. The Portland event raised an estimated $2.5 million in cash and in-kind services, short of the $3 million fundraising goal. Still, Portland’s dip was not as dramatic as many other cities including San Francisco and New York where participation was down 25%. Now it’s upward and onward for the Portland Komen Race for the Cure!

Michelle Price and Jackie were two of the hundreds of survivors inspired by the Race for the Cure!

Michelle Price and Jackie were two of the hundreds of survivors inspired by the Race for the Cure!

It's a family affair for many.

It’s a family affair for many.

Part of the fun is getting dressed up

Part of the fun is getting dressed up.

Four legged friends feel the love

Four legged friends feel the love.

It's a chance to get creative!

It’s a chance to get creative!

No wigs are too big

No wigs are too big or too pink!

Survivors have a special finish line

Survivors have a special finish line

The race requires hundreds of volunteers including this group of mothers and daughters from the National Charity League

The race requires hundreds of volunteers including this group of mothers and daughters from the National Charity League

NCL Portland Chapter volunteers, Marti Jacobsen and Martha Nielsen

Waterfront Park comes alive for a cause!

Waterfront Park comes alive for a cause!

Survivors recieve VIP treatment!

Survivors receive VIP treatment!

Touching the finish line banner is a tradition for many

Touching the finish line banner is a tradition for many.

The Race for the Cure in Eugene will take place October 21st. Here’s a link to find out more: http://www.komenoregon.org/

From Komen: The effectiveness of Komen Oregon’s mission is entirely dependent on our network of sponsors and volunteers. Money raised by Race participants helps expand access to lifesaving screening and treatment while providing funding for cutting-edge breast cancer research.

For the past twenty years, Komen Oregon has provided tens of thousands of low-income women access to critical breast cancer screening and treatment. Our 360-degree approach is making a difference, with breast cancer mortality rates down and five-year survival rates up.

We support survivors by removing barriers to lifesaving care while also investing in cutting-edge research. Every major advance in global breast cancer research in the last quarter century has been touched by Komen for the Cure dollars.

Race for the Cure Local Sponsors:

CRYSTAL SPONSORS:
Legacy Health
Macy’s
Stash Tea
The Old Spaghetti Factory
The UPS Store – Greater Portland Locations
Wells Fargo

PATRON SPONSORS:
KPMG LLP
Metro West Ambulance
New Balance Portland
Shari’s Restaurants
Pacific Power

IN THE PINK SPONSORS
Honey Bucket
PrintGraphics
Adventist Health
Standard TV & Appliance
The Jay and Diane Zidell Charitable Foundation