Episode 7: The community activist speaks about supporting Black Portlanders and the importance of Juneteenth
On this episode of the Street Roots podcast, host DeVon Pouncey interviews activist Cameron Whitten, co-founder of the Black Resilience Fund and recent candidate for Metro District 5. In less than a month, the Black Resilience Fund has raised more than $600,000 to assist Black Portlanders in need during the present social climate of our nation.
“This started as a way for one person to help a few people," Whitten said. "Thanks to the generosity of Portlanders, we have been given an opportunity to really build a process that is responsive, impactful and transparent."
Whitten also spoke to the culturally specific model for Black Portlanders to receive the assistance.
“It’s very important for us to really reflect our values of empowerment and make this an opportunity for Blackness to be celebrated. We have created a very culturally specific model where when our applicants are being interviewed, they are being interviewed by another Black Portlander. When somebody is coming to them at their doorstep or wherever they are to hand them a check, that is a Black Portlander handing you the check.”
Whitten also speaks about the importance of Juneteenth, and his experience navigating through these times as a Black man.
Listen to the full episode below.
The Street Roots Podcast reflects the opinions of host DeVon Pouncey and his guests.
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