Mayor Ted Wheeler addresses Black community, faith leaders on Dawson Park gun violence

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Black community leaders joined hands with concerned preschool parents at Dawson Park Wednesday morning as Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler addressed the crowd on what the city is doing to reduce gun violence in the area.

This comes after dozens of bullets were unleashed on Friday at the park in broad daylight, and directly across the street from a preschool, injuring two people and worrying parents. However, this is sadly nothing new for Dawson Park, which has been plagued with deadly gun violence for years.

City leaders said increased police patrols began near the park in the Eliot Neighborhood on Wednesday. It was an emotional and intense meeting, which began with the community joining arms in prayer and a moment of silence for the two people who were shot.

Faith leaders said the victims are expected to be OK. While recent attention on Dawson Park has ramped up in light of the shooting, members of the predominantly Black community pointed out that the pain caused by violence like this is nothing new.

"We got a lot of problems and a lot of pain," said Pastor Robin Wisner. "And a lot of people that are being buried."

"Despite your frustration, I ask you to continue to work with us," Wheeler pleaded with the community. "Because again the bigger picture is it is working."

Wheeler said the Portland Police Bureau is making progress to curb gun violence city-wide, with shootings down 35% over the last three years. The number of Black victims dying from gun violence is also down nearly 40%.

Parents and the local Black community gave their suggestions to city leaders on how to improve safety.

"I do not want officers to catch my babies, I want my babies not to be committing violence against each other. What I'm asking for is a presence," said Terrance Hayes, a community activist who is also running as a candidate for Portland City Council District 1. "As a former gang member, I am asking for them to be a presence to deter, not to be an answer. Our community must answer for the needs of our community."

Hayes' demand to end what he calls "intercommunity violence" was echoed by NAACP Portland Chapter President James Posey.

"We need to take care of our own damn kids, we need to know where they are, we need to keep them from being in front of these damn bullets," he said.

Posey said he thinks investing in jobs, education and community programs would help uplift residents.

“People are trying to feed their families. Imagine you not being able to read above a fourth-grade level, not be able to fill out an application," Posey said. "A lot of people in our community don't see any hope. So they default to the least common denominator: violence, drugs, gangs."

Sam Sachs, a community activist who founded the No Hate Zone and is also a Portland City Council District 2 candidate, said he thinks an increase in the presence of park rangers would help the situation.

"I would call on the parks to have park rangers here every hour from seven to seven," he said.

To help reduce violence at the park, Wheeler mentioned the city's ongoing efforts like improved lighting in the area and the Portland Ceasefire Program, which works to prevent shootings. A new $2 million Byrne Grant is also slated to serve as an investment that will partially impact the Eliot Neighborhood.

Wheeler said they will continue biweekly meetings with the community as they work to double down efforts to increase police presence, including an incoming bike squad.

Commissioner Carmen Rubio, whose office is in charge of city parks, issued the following statement:

“Today I attended a gathering with our Black community leaders regarding the recent shooting events at Dawson Park. It was clear to me that, while gun violence is reducing across the city, we need to take additional action.

“One of the first major items I passed in Council invested millions in gun violence prevention and intervention efforts. It is a priority of mine to see those continue.

“I have also been working with Mayor Wheeler to consider additional, prompt actions such as targeted traffic calming methods around the park; increased police presence through a community policing model that works with community on shared expectations; and further fee reductions for event activation. We have to step in and support the work that our city and community are already doing together, and ensure a safe place for all to gather.”