Today is June 2 and I participated in a demonstration in downtown Bend. Hundreds of people gathered and then marched to show empathy, anger, and grief—calling for change around the issues arising from the death of George Floyd, the black man in Minneapolis who died with a policeman’s knee on his neck.
Many if not most of the people demonstrating appeared to be in their teens, 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s. I felt heartened to see so many young people participating. They were calling for racial justice, the end to police brutality, accountability, and valuing Black Lives. Many people in passing cars honked in support.
A few Bend police officers were there to “make sure everyone gets to go home safely” as one officer said to me. I saw these police engaged in friendly conversation with demonstrators and then stepping in when traffic help was needed to make sure cars and pedestrians could all pass. They were there to protect.
One of the tenets of Compassionate (Nonviolent) Communication is that we envision a world where all people’s needs will be valued equally and met peacefully. Today’s demonstration and the following statement help to bring me hope and encouragement.
Message from Bend Police Chief Jim Porter:
“After 42 years of policing, I did not believe there existed a situation or set of circumstances that could bring me to tears in an instant or cause me to question my fundamental trust in American justice. But after having watched the brutal murder of George Floyd, I was proven wrong. Watching men who were sworn to protect and serve do the opposite by victimizing and murdering has given me doubt. The threat by leaders to march our military into cities and shooting those who are impacted by police brutality is cowardly and irresponsible and does nothing to resolve this challenge.
Our national, state, and local leaders need to focus on the causes of inequality, not the results if they truly want to end this inequality.
Members of the Bend Police Department are committed to protecting and serving, not oppressing and assaulting the community members they are sworn to serve. As we move forward, know we are open to your ideas, your comments, and your help to make Bend a better place to live where diversity, equality, and inclusion are our foundation.”
I am grateful for this statement that to me shows such empathy and compassion for the great tragedy of racism and its effects in our country. There have been many people speaking eloquently these past days for an end to racial injustice and the need to reform our broken systems. I am heartened this statement comes from a police chief.
It’s sometimes hard to see the needs met during dark and difficult times. And yet, so often it is the hard struggles that finally create awareness and then make possible the changes that can bring us more hope and light.
Let's see how we can help with the change.
