NE Shaver Die-In, 2021 by Mika Martinez

The Reclaim MLK march organized by Don't Shoot Portland is a powerful event to be part of. The words I can’t breathe were first made famous by Eric Garner and then again six years later by George Floyd, both men being murdered by police. The violence that the Black community has and does experience at the hands of police is well documented around the country and here in Portland. In 2020, 8 Minutes, 46 Seconds became a symbol of George Floyd’s Death bringing attention to how long it took him to be murdered by police on the street. During the 2021 Reclaim MLK march, on the corner of MLK and Shaver, protesters lie on the ground in recognition of all those whose lives have been taken in this manner. Honoring, Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Akai Gurley, Tamir Rice, Freddie Gray, Philando Castile, Stephon Clark, Botham Jean, Atatiana Jefferson, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and others who were murdered by those who are supposed to protect and serve. Fuck these racist ass police.