Hardesty Calls for Peaceful Civil Discourse

November 2, 2022

MEDIA RELEASE

Contact: Rev. Joseph Santos-Lyons, Campaign Manager

joseph@joannforportland.com | 503-395-4345

Hardesty Calls for Peaceful Political Discourse

Portland, OR - Commissioner Hardesty reiterates her call for adherence to the principles of non-violent political action.

“Our city, state, and country are seeing an increasing uptick in political violence since the 2016 election. I have dedicated my life to addressing injustices using non-violent direct action. As an African American and the first Black woman on Portland’s City Council, I have experienced political violence directly throughout my lifetime. As a child of the civil rights movement, I’ve witnessed brutality first hand. I’ve had people make threats at my office and my home. We had a Trump supporter try to sneak a gun into a meeting. My staff has had to deal with the N-word and other hate speech more times than I can count. It saddens me to hear that anyone feels unsafe in their home or their workplace.

I want to extend a clear message to Portlanders.  We can make ourselves heard and create real change peacefully. I have seen us do it in the past. Please use our cherished rights to free speech and the power of your vote to support or oppose the candidates and issues you care about. We are one community, and when one of us is threatened or attacked, we all suffer. “

###