ACAB, 2021 by Mika Martinez

On NE Emerson and NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. sits the North Portland Police precinct. The route that Don’t Shoot Portland takes during their march for Black Lives while honoring the legacy of Dr.King goes right past this building. On January 18th, 2021 protesters stopped at this intersection and were faced with a line of police cars. As the crowd chanted, “Hands up, Don’t Shoot” and “ACAB, All Cops Are Bastards” the officers sat in their vehicles watching the crowd. This peaceful march that happens every year brings together families, children, and community members to honor Dr.King. Yet, the police must have felt threatened by this notion otherwise the presence of six police cars would not have been necessary. It’s said that the police protect and serve, this image makes me wonder exactly who that is.