UWCW condemns recent hate incidents against Asians in Portland

Message from United Way of the Columbia-Willamette Board Chair, John Ewert and President & CEO, Cindy Adams

United Way of the Columbia-Willamette condemns the recent incidents involving violence and threats against the Asian community, fueled by hate and racism. Recent vandalism in Portland’s Jade District has exposed increased levels of racism and anti-Asian bias across our region since the onset of the pandemic. 

Everyone deserves to live in a society where they feel safe, respected and protected. We encourage our supporters to join in creating safer communities by addressing racist and hateful rhetoric and combating fear with facts.

At United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, we recognize that structural racism and other forms of oppression have contributed to persistent disparities in our region including the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color. We address the root causes of poverty by putting racial equity at the center of our work. We remain committed to building a more inclusive and equitable region where people from all races, cultures and communities have the resources and opportunities to thrive.
 

Cindy Adams, President and CEO United Way of the Columbia-Willamette	John Ewert, Board Chair United Way of the Columbia-Willamette