Black Lives Matter

OVLA believes that Black lives matter.

We mourn and are outraged at the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and countless other Black Americans who have been murdered or harmed by systemic racism and brutal law enforcement practices. We stand in solidarity with the Black community and those exercising their constitutional right to protest against racial injustice.

We also know we can do better.

We recognize the role that law has played in establishing and perpetuating systems of anti-Black racism. From constitutional restrictions on the ownership of property to redlining, Oregon and the City of Portland have a long history of anti-Black discrimination, and reform is urgently needed on current day racist policy.

We believe that our position as a legal services organization heightens our duty to speak out against and work towards reforming racist systems, policies, and activities that continue to oppress Black communities.

OVLA is taking action.

We will be contacting our state and local representatives and urging them to address abuses of power, racial injustice, and violations of First Amendment rights. You can join us in this effort here:

https://www.uniteoregon.org/defund_ppb_special_units

We are also making monetary contributions to the following local organizations that amplify Black voices and promote justice and access to the arts:

Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI)
https://www.selfenhancement.org/
Mission: “SEI is dedicated to guiding underserved youth to realize their full potential. Working with schools, families, and partner community organizations, SEI provides support, guidance, and opportunities to achieve personal and academic success.”

The Portland African American Leadership Forum (PAALF)
https://www.paalf.org/
Mission: “PAALF helps our Black community imagine the alternatives we deserve and build our civic participation and leadership to achieve those alternatives.”

OVLA believes in equity.

Equity is central in OVLA’s mission to provide accessible legal services to our arts community. In working to achieve equitable and anti-racist programs, we prioritize marginalized people’s safety over privileged people’s comfort.

We acknowledge that we don’t always get it right. But we continue to work towards being anti-racist in all of our actions and ensuring that our services are available to those who need it.

We are listening. We are here for you. We stand with you.

Black lives matter.