On Saturday, June 24, 2017, the annual ‘GOOD IN THE HOOD FESTIVAL” is set to begin in Northeast Portland. This threatening letter was sent to Good in the Hood festival organizers. which read as follows: "TO ALL####LOVERS AND ####
"OUR PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS ISSUED AN EXECUTIVE ORDER TO KILL ALL ####
"######WILL DIE AT THIS SO-CALLED GOOD IN THE HOOD!!!!
"THAT PRESIDENT SHAWN PENNIE NEEDS TO KEEP HIS MOUTH SHUT BEFORE MY THIRTY OTT SIX DOES IT FOR HIM. ONCE A SLAVE, ALWAYS A SLAVE. WHITE POWER RULES!
"THIS IS MY FREEDOM OF SPEECH! WE THE WHITE KKK NOW OWN THE NORTH AND NORTHEAST PORTLAND. SO LET THAT BLACK MONKEY PIECE OF #### KNOW WE ARE WATCHING HIM AND HIS FAMILY.
"THE GOOD IN THE HOOD WILL NOT HAPPEN UNLESS YOU WANT TO SEE A BLOOD BATH!
"WHITE POWER TRUMP SUPPORTER - FREDOM OF SPEECH"
Shawn Penney, president of the Good in the Hood organization, responded, saying “This is still our neighborhood, it’s still the people’s neighborhood. We’re not going to cancel it, because if we cancel it, they win. This year is going to be a great event. That letter isn’t going to scare us. We aren’t going to run away from it.”
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler has stated, “Our city, just two weeks removed from a national tragedy, has experienced a number of incidents this week clearly motivated by hate. Threats to the Good in the Hood festival in the heart of Albina, targeting communities of color, particularly black Portlanders. Reports today of racist language directed at a middle school child. This is unconscionable.
“We are in communication with local school districts, the Governor’s office, and are actively working with local, state, and federal law enforcement. We are doing all we can to investigate these recent incidents and protect our residents who are living under threat. If you have any information that could assist investigators, please contact the Portland Police Bureau.
“These times can be terrifying… I’ve spoken to many people who are scared. We have a tremendous opportunity to come together to ensure that everyone is welcome in our city, and we all live in safety and with dignity.
“Please, let’s continue to stand up for one another.”
Jessica Rojas, of the Northeast Coalition of Neighborhood advises that the Good in the Hood are asking for prayers from clergy and their congregations.
The Interfaith Alliance on Poverty encourages all of our members to join in prayers for Peace, Love, Justice, and Respect for all human beings as children of God.