Summary
September 30th marks the 2 year anniversary of the death of Patrick Kimmons. His mother, Letha Winston, has been a staple at Portland protests ever since his death, and since the George Floyd Protests began has been leading weekly marches in honor of her late son. Tonight, Letha organized a march and memorial for Patrick, and the community showed up in the hundreds. At its peak there were an estimated 500 people at the event. The event began at Pioneer Square in Downtown Portland, and from there the group marched to their final destination: SW 3rd and Harvey Milk Street, where Patrick Kimmons was killed by Portland Police two years prior. Here, there were food and drink vendors set up to feed protesters, and multiple black community members spoke to the crowd before Letha Winston took the mic, gripping the crowd with an emotional speech about losing her son. After the speeches concluded, local black artists performed for the crowd and the demonstration took on the atmosphere of a block party. This relaxed feeling, a rarity in Portland protests, carried throughout the night, and by 1 am the night ended quietly and without any interruption by police.
Scheduled Events
- PDX Car Caravan Protest – 5:30 pm
- Justice for Patrick Kimmons – 6 pm
- DIFFERENT PLANES OF EXISTENCE – 7 pm
Timeline
The nightly demonstration is taking place downtown tonight and marks the 2 year anniversary of the death of Patrick Kimmons, who was killed by Portland Police.
Today’s event was organized by Letha Winston, Patrick Kimmons’s mother. For the past 2 years, Winston has been leading marches calling for her son’s case to be reopened and to change PPB’s use-of-force policy. Following the death of George Floyd, the marches have become weekly.
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) October 1, 2020
Tonight (30 September, 2020) in #PortlandOregon, people are gathering at Pioneer Square in memory of Patrick Kimmons.
— Lesley McL (@Human42LM) October 1, 2020
The Square currently has a polka dot art installation by Bill Will.#PortlandProtests #PDXprotest #PortlandProtest #PDX #PNW #blm pic.twitter.com/gKM0lfbGNy
A beautiful evening down at Pioneer Courthouse, where several hundred #blm protesters have assembled for a memorial to Patrick Kimmons, killed by 9 shots from the PPB, 2 years ago today. The music was just wrapping up as we arrived. There’s also borscht! For your family! pic.twitter.com/pAD3DdZZ9b
— 45th ןǝןןɐɹɐd ʇsıpɹnsqɐ ǝpɐbıɹq (@45thabsurdist) October 1, 2020
People are relaxing in small groups.
— Lesley McL (@Human42LM) October 1, 2020
A banner has emerged and is being walked around the Square. pic.twitter.com/JPrwmVmPVw
As is usual, I won’t be updating live but here’s the scene at Pioneer Courthouse Square. A couple hundred folks at least I’m a call-and response.
— Eder Campuzano ????✏️?? (@edercampuzano) October 1, 2020
“What’s his name?”
“Patrick Kimmons!”
“Justice for?”
“Patrick Kimmons!” pic.twitter.com/YtnylAR96K
Just after 7:05 pm, protesters leave Pioneer Square and begin marching through the downtown area.
The planned March is about to begin.#PatrickKimmons #PDXprotest #BLM #PortlandOregon #PDX pic.twitter.com/vNsvTHGWD4
— Lesley McL (@Human42LM) October 1, 2020
And the crowd is moving. Energy is really high tonight. pic.twitter.com/lJm1MelfqY
— 45th ןǝןןɐɹɐd ʇsıpɹnsqɐ ǝpɐbıɹq (@45thabsurdist) October 1, 2020
"Say his name."
— Lesley McL (@Human42LM) October 1, 2020
"PATRICK kimmons!"
"Say it louder!" pic.twitter.com/KhQ9Tf9vMC
This #BLMprotest and memorial march is complete with a #MarchingBand.
— Lesley McL (@Human42LM) October 1, 2020
30 September, 2020.#PortlandOregon pic.twitter.com/H8L77AlJkS
Lot of energy on the street tonight, reminiscent of early days BLM marches pic.twitter.com/HNeyKEGyfM
— Beth Nakamura (@bethnakamura) October 1, 2020
Huge crowd tonight–well north of 500, I'd say pic.twitter.com/5ipx2pOfv0
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) October 1, 2020
As the group marches through downtown, customers at bars and restaurants come out to chant along in support.
— Cascadianphotog Media (@Cascadianphotog) October 1, 2020
Snacks and food are set up pic.twitter.com/cvryvemNrk
— 45th ןǝןןɐɹɐd ʇsıpɹnsqɐ ǝpɐbıɹq (@45thabsurdist) October 1, 2020
The march has stopped at SW Third Ave. and Harvey Milk St. by the parking lot where Kimmons was fatally shot by Portland police in 2018.
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) October 1, 2020
“Say his name!”
“Patrick Kimmons!”
“Know his name!”
“Patrick Kimmons!” pic.twitter.com/uLbIKiqSrM
Holding a moment of silence pic.twitter.com/h1UZpiYs0d
— 45th ןǝןןɐɹɐd ʇsıpɹnsqɐ ǝpɐbıɹq (@45thabsurdist) October 1, 2020
A Land acknowledgement just took place. pic.twitter.com/ZHk0phSZpy
— Lesley McL (@Human42LM) October 1, 2020
The crowd is invited to light candles, mingle, and eat the provided food
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) October 1, 2020
The activist reminds us that tonight is about Patrick Kimmons, and to keep that in mind when considering our thoughts and actions
Patrick kimmons sprayed repeatedly on the ground all across the block in Harvey Milk St where the murder took place pic.twitter.com/aVbMRytIeh
— Alissa Azar (@R3volutionDaddy) October 1, 2020
A Hand-printed cloth table, a bouquet filled memorial, and the vigil candles being passed out are all part of the memorial for #PatrickKimmons who died 2 years ago today.
— Lesley McL (@Human42LM) October 1, 2020
30 September, 2020. pic.twitter.com/uA5WW38A8D
A memorial is set up as people take turns placing down candles and others taking a moment to say a prayer pic.twitter.com/OMvdCljUNE
— Alissa Azar (@R3volutionDaddy) October 1, 2020
The crowd gathers around the newly-painted commemoration. It's that moment just between day and night: too dark to see, sky too bright for the eyes to adjust
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) October 1, 2020
They chant: All Cops Are Bastards
“ACAB all cops are bastards!” “Who’s this for? Patrick Kimmons!” pic.twitter.com/AkI2uC6co1
— 45th ןǝןןɐɹɐd ʇsıpɹnsqɐ ǝpɐbıɹq (@45thabsurdist) October 1, 2020
There’s 300-400 people here pic.twitter.com/IXGXo9BRmP
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) October 1, 2020
Protestors are chanting in the street pic.twitter.com/Qbv3VNRN6T
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) October 1, 2020
A speaker on a megaphone calls out people inside the Hi-Lo Hotel who are recording the event from their hotel windows.
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) October 1, 2020
“Out of your house and into the streets!” the crowd begins to chant.
At 8 pm, speeches begin at the site of Patrick Kimmons’ death.
The speeches are about to begin
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) October 1, 2020
"Black people to the front! Press get out of the way!"
The nice thing about being a words guy is I'm already out of the way. Leaning on a wall, listening and watching
“Rest in power, rest in love, Rest In Peace Patrick Kimmons” pic.twitter.com/aB6yDlRed8
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) October 1, 2020
Ragina states that Patrick Kimmons' murder was a product of white supremacy baked into our system
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) October 1, 2020
He was shot 9 times. "9 times!" The crowd chants, anger mounting
"The only way we can fix this is to abolish the police"
An emotional speech from @RageRagina pic.twitter.com/dnhGfrEUpH
— Alissa Azar (@R3volutionDaddy) October 1, 2020
A Black male activist takes the mic
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) October 1, 2020
"I want y'all to understand that we aren't just out here fighting police brutality. We're fighting against an America that doesn't respect us, that doesn't protect us, that doesn't value us"
"This country was not founded with us in mind"
Speaker @Jahdi_ “when I look at white neighborhoods I see no cops and an abundance of safety, when I look at brown and black communities, I see a lack of safety and an abundance of cops” pic.twitter.com/l0hP4gH2AX
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) October 1, 2020
A truck driving erratically nearby towards the protest distracts the group briefly.
I'm told a truck tried to get through the cordon. Worried that they may circle around again
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) October 1, 2020
Someone admonishes us to listen to black voices instead of worrying about it. I'm gonna go ahead and do both
Moments ago, a dark color lifted pickup truck crashed over the sidewalk curb at SW 4th & Washington & sped towards the #protest taking place a block away.
— Lesley McL (@Human42LM) October 1, 2020
It passed right by me.
Glass was thrown & liquid streaks the pavement.
Protest security attempted to follow the truck. pic.twitter.com/oQn5r97PQn
He admonishes white press for being in the front
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) October 1, 2020
It is a thing that was said
A representative of the Black Youth Movement steps up
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) October 1, 2020
They address the many closed curtains in the apartments overlooking the park. As though it were an inconvenience. "My life is not an inconvenience!"
"It just makes me angry seeing where people's priorities are" pic.twitter.com/IqzCXNpIQk
“One thing I have learned is that doctors are to Black women what police are to Black men”.
— 45th ןǝןןɐɹɐd ʇsıpɹnsqɐ ǝpɐbıɹq (@45thabsurdist) October 1, 2020
— 45th ןǝןןɐɹɐd ʇsıpɹnsqɐ ǝpɐbıɹq (@45thabsurdist) October 1, 2020
Bella, a Black woman activist, steps forward
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) October 1, 2020
She says that existing on the periphery of this movement, being vaguely aware and vaguely supportive, "you are doing the bare fucking minimum!!"
About the need to commit
— 45th ןǝןןɐɹɐd ʇsıpɹnsqɐ ǝpɐbıɹq (@45thabsurdist) October 1, 2020
@MacSmiff pic.twitter.com/PbUEndE7RP
— 45th ןǝןןɐɹɐd ʇsıpɹnsqɐ ǝpɐbıɹq (@45thabsurdist) October 1, 2020
@MacSmiff calls for unity. For coming together as a community and figuring out a way to resolve disputes that isn't just cancelling and ostracism and schism and fury
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) October 1, 2020
"Yes, we need to talk about it! But we cannot just send each other home when we have a mission to accomplish!"
He reminds everyone of the stakes. That every single prominent activist during the Ferguson riots is dead
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) October 1, 2020
He wants to be there for his kids. The community had to protect itself"
Deafening applause
A Black activist talks about Audre Lorde's famous words: "the master's tools will not dismantle the masters house"
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) October 1, 2020
The master's tools, he says, are ostracism and cancellation and punishment
The tools of the people are deep listening and resolution
"All power to the people!"
A Black activist named Ya-Ya steps forward to speak
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) October 1, 2020
He tells us the police injured him in June when they rammed his car
That the feds in July blew our his windshield with flash bang and sent shards of glass into his passenger's eye
Letha Winston, the organizer of the demonstration and mother of Patrick Kimmons, steps up to the mic.
Letha Winston takes the mic! Letha is Patrick Kimmons' mother and a tireless advocate for racial justice
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) October 1, 2020
The crowd is on its feet, cheering
A reportedly intoxicated individual briefly disrupts Letha Winston but is quickly escorted away from the protest.
A man who is clearly having a bad time runs through the crowd and screams, "I am your savior!"
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) October 1, 2020
He is rapidly and peacefully walked out by two strong gentlemen
— 45th ןǝןןɐɹɐd ʇsıpɹnsqɐ ǝpɐbıɹq (@45thabsurdist) October 1, 2020
"I am an angry mother who is looking for and demanding justice!! He got shot down NINE TIMES in the back!!"
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) October 1, 2020
She talks about the horror of watching the video of her son getting murdered in the DA's office
She talks about how her son's death radicalized her. Made her understand that the police aren't here to protect or serve the people. Or at least, not all the people
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) October 1, 2020
More Letha Winston pic.twitter.com/lgbR7XwlhW
— 45th ןǝןןɐɹɐd ʇsıpɹnsqɐ ǝpɐbıɹq (@45thabsurdist) October 1, 2020
— 45th ןǝןןɐɹɐd ʇsıpɹnsqɐ ǝpɐbıɹq (@45thabsurdist) October 1, 2020
Letha Winston, Patrick Kimmons’ mom, “I am going to keep going because I am a beast!” pic.twitter.com/EKBcZ52Ga4
— 45th ןǝןןɐɹɐd ʇsıpɹnsqɐ ǝpɐbıɹq (@45thabsurdist) October 1, 2020
“Enough is enough! It does not take one murder to wake up America, this has been happening for years and years!” pic.twitter.com/sUOxwmLiFJ
— 45th ןǝןןɐɹɐd ʇsıpɹnsqɐ ǝpɐbıɹq (@45thabsurdist) October 1, 2020
Yes, she says, he was gang affiliated. It doesn't mean he was a bad man
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) October 1, 2020
This is really important, I think. We throw people's souls away, dismiss them as valueless, for all kinds of bullshit reasons
We are all human
"you don't know what I've been going through. There's so many times I've wanted to give up. Two years, I've wanted to give up." She is crying. Her pain is unfathomable
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) October 1, 2020
"Well I'm not going anywhere and I'm not giving up!!"
The crowd roars
“Retraining is no longer the issue, reform is no longer the issue! Fire them and don’t let them come back!, we don’t want justice! We demand it!” pic.twitter.com/K8DudEhlyB
— 45th ןǝןןɐɹɐd ʇsıpɹnsqɐ ǝpɐbıɹq (@45thabsurdist) October 1, 2020
"I'm gonna keep marching! I'm gonna keep chanting! I'm gonna keep fighting!"
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) October 1, 2020
The crowd chants it with her. Fired up
Letha Winston urges the crowd to come out and march with her down MLK every Thursday, 10AM to 2PM
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) October 1, 2020
For more info: https://t.co/rKRnbepJE3
Letha is wrapping up. She salutes the people here, the organization that went into making this day possible, the safety precautions. It's a good event!
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) October 1, 2020
But she cautions against people taking the meaning out of Black Lives Matter and about the demonization of the movement
Letha wraps up by introducing her grandchildren, Patrick Kimmons’ kids.
— 45th ןǝןןɐɹɐd ʇsıpɹnsqɐ ǝpɐbıɹq (@45thabsurdist) October 1, 2020
A car is circling the east side of the vigil reving it’s engine.
Speeches & music continue on SW 3rd.
— Lesley McL (@Human42LM) October 1, 2020
Meanwhile, at SW 4th & Washington, several extremely loud vehicles aggressively approached the intersection and went the WRONG DIRECTION down SW Washington. pic.twitter.com/RqzyNKBnDQ
Patrick Kimmons' son steps to the mic
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) October 1, 2020
He says, my dad didn't deserve to be killed
He talks about how his dad got him ready for school every day, bought him new shoes, took care of him
Kimmons' tiny daughter steps forward and leads the crowd in a chant of "Black Lives Matter!"
A Black activist announces that the rest of the evening will be a music performance by local artists. It'll start in about 10 minutes
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) October 1, 2020
Three Multnomah County Sheriff's cars and one City of Troutdale police car just drove by with lights on. pic.twitter.com/GDSPm9Tcyd
— Cascadianphotog Media (@Cascadianphotog) October 1, 2020
Music has begun. pic.twitter.com/Vbg5xx3xTo
— Lesley McL (@Human42LM) October 1, 2020
#ProtestArt #PortlandProtest #pdx pic.twitter.com/GJAw39V22J
— Lesley McL (@Human42LM) October 1, 2020
A stage lined with the words “PATRICK KIMMONS” has been set up on the corner of SW Fourth Ave. and Harvey Milk St. where rapper Norf Jordan is performing a piece he wrote about 120+ days of Portland protests. A crowd of ~100 people dances and cheers from the street and sidewalk. pic.twitter.com/temBm36vvS
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) October 1, 2020
Rapper Pish Posh performs: pic.twitter.com/7zd5V94FvY
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) October 1, 2020
Portland rapper Mic Crenshaw performs: pic.twitter.com/BFKIFFn7DK
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) October 1, 2020
He said what he said ? Performing his song “making a change” @Jahdi_ @cremebruleepdx pic.twitter.com/IMeNXmJ4mc
— Alissa Azar (@R3volutionDaddy) October 1, 2020
Candles, art and flowers have been left where Patrick Kimmons was shot, the spot where his mother Letha was speaking earlier.
— Lesley McL (@Human42LM) October 1, 2020
The crowd has diminished to several dozen dancing to music and dozens more people standing around in small groups. pic.twitter.com/3E2DOpa6TO
For the past hour, folks have been gathered by the stage on SW Fourth and Harvey Milk, dancing and cheering on musical performers. The mood in the area feels calm (very different from the way things felt in downtown Portland on Saturday night). pic.twitter.com/woOQxrkInF
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) October 1, 2020
No more sign of police since they drove by earlier, now the Protesters are holding space in the street for Patrick Kimmons, while local artists perform. The mood is good and the community is vibing.
— Cascadianphotog Media (@Cascadianphotog) October 1, 2020
The crowd has shrunk to about ~25 people and the DJ just announced the night’s final song (the theme song from Fresh Prince of Bel-Air).
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) October 1, 2020
Signing off from downtown Portland with a photo of the Patrick Kimmons memorial, including a sign reading “MY BLACK SON MATTERS!” Night. ✌? pic.twitter.com/IIGvQqKJm8
Media
Present
- Alissa Azar @R3volutionDaddy – CashApp: $pdxalissa / Venmo: @R3volutionDaddy
- Beth Nakamura (The Oregonian)
- Cata Gaitán – CashApp: $catalinagaitan / Venmo: @catalina-gaitan
- Eder Campuzano (The Oregonian)
- Jacob Hanning & Melissa Lewis (Cascadianphotog Media) – Cashapp: $cascadianphotog / Venmo: cascadianphotog / paypal.me/cascadianphotog
- Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) – CashApp/Venmo: misanthrophile / PayPal: askmisanthrophile@gmail.com
- Lesley McL (KBOO) – CashApp: $LuhCreative / PayPal: http://PayPal.me/LuhCreative / Venmo: @Human42LM
- Sergio Olmos
- 45th Parallel Absurdist Brigade – CashApp: $45thabsurdist / Venmo: the45thabsurdist
Articles
Courthouse News Service
The Nation
OPB
- Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty still wants the Portland Police Bureau. Here’s what she’d do with it.
- Police arrest far-right protester who pointed gun at Portland rally
- Trump on defensive over white supremacist group after debate comments
- US Attorney says Portland police will remain federal deputies, against mayor’s wishes
- US statue removals inspire Indigenous people in Latin America to topple monuments
The Oregonian
- Demonstrators gather in downtown Portland on 2-year anniversary of fatal police shooting
- ‘I don’t know who Proud Boys are,’ Trump claims after debate remark
- Man pleads guilty to federal arson charge for fire set inside Justice Center in late May
- Oregon’s U.S. marshal, U.S. attorney won’t cancel federal deputization of local, state officers
- Portland Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty says she no longer endorses Mayor Ted Wheeler’s reelection campaign
- Portland police trainers vouched for officers in fatal shootings at grand juries without full knowledge of facts, report finds
- Trump claims in debate ‘Portland Sheriff’ gave him endorsement; Reese quickly responds: I ‘will never support him’
- Trump supporter who shot paintballs into downtown Portland crowd booked into jail
- $10 million lawsuit filed against Multnomah County in 2019 drug overdose death of inmate
Portland Mercury
- Good Afternoon, News: Violent Feds to Continue Controlling Portland Police, Trump’s Debate Disaster, and (Sniff, Sniff) Is That Smoke I Smell?
- Good Morning, News: City Officials Fooled by Feds, Police Union vs. First Amendment, and Trump Answers Proud Boy Prayers
Truthout
- Anti-Fascists Worked to Keep Portland Community Safe Amid Proud Boys Rally
- Grand Jury Not Given the Option to Indict the Cops Who Shot Breonna Taylor
- Trump’s Refusal to Condemn Proud Boys at Debate Reflects His Electoral Strategy
- Trump’s “White Supremacist Project” Was on Full Display at First Debate
Willamette Week
- A Candidate for Congress Is Bringing the QAnon Conspiracy Theory to a Baseball Stadium Near You
- An East Portland Dad Says a Police Officer Gave Him a Concussion Near His House. The City Won’t Release the Cop’s Name.
- Gov. Kate Brown Joins Coalition of Governors Demanding President Trump Commit to Peaceful Transfer of Power
- Mayor Ted Wheeler Loans His Campaign $150,000 After Desultory Fundraising Effort Flags
- Proud Boy Alan Swinney Arrested on Charges of Assault and Unlawful Use of a Weapon
- Single-Parent Families Are More Likely to Face Poverty, and They’re More Likely to Be Black
- The QAnon Belief System Is Funneling Oregonians to Some Dark and Radical Places
Police
Agencies Present
None
Munitions
None
Arrests
None
Charges
None