Hey ya'll, I do not ask you for much but please consider giving to this cause. As you know, my wife was hospitalized due to complications after the protest munitions. We are still recovering. The heroes who protected us that night need your help. (thread) gofundme.com/f/protective-g…
A few days ago I attended the Portland Protests I did so with what I thought was full protective gear. I quickly ran into members of the Radical Justice Party who informed me that despite my gear being expensive, it would not fully protect me.
They lamented that their gear also was leaving them exposed but they were committed to doing everything they could do at the protests. I asked if I could stay with them during the protest and they said yes.
When I asked what we would be doing the answer was simple: "we are here to help people" When I asked how they help people they said they pull people out of the crowd who cannot see due to tear gas. They help people find their partners after being separated by flashbangs.
They give people water who cannot breathe. They rush people to safety when they have been immobilized. They stand in front of vulnerable people and take the impact munitions themselves to protect others.
Within minutes, I was overcome with the impacts of the gas but I saw these comrades remaining. For hours, they pulled people from the gas while suffering themselves. Sometimes they would be taken out by gas but they would re-group and re-enter the fray just to help people.
I watched them puking, crying, sweating, and bleeding. I asked how long they would be there and they said they would be there all night. They are there every night.
I texted them the next day to see how I could help. They said they were still suffering from the violence but would be back out to help. I asked if they had better gear if they could help more people, they said that is all they need.
So I asked if I could set up this fund for them to be fully geared. My hope is that when the goal is reached you will be able to see them at every protest (marked with RJP in red tape on their helmets) helping people. And hopefully, we can make a difference.
I asked for a brief description of what Radical Justice Party is and they said "RJP is a PoC exclusive organization that aims to combat racism of all types and liberate all marginalized peoples, starting with our fellow POC.
We seek radical justice; an end to police brutality and unjust governments aims to reclaim our communities and cultures, and ultimately put an end to the age of the white man."
All proceeds will go to these BIPOC heroes as they continue to fight and protect people on the frontlines of the Portland uprising.
If we meet our goal, each of them can be fully protected at the protest. This gear includes the best gas masks available, body armor, helmets, padding, straps, and thinks of that nature. Let's do this Portland! gofundme.com/f/protective-g…
