Finding justice in the Portland Harbor cleanup
Portland Harbor is the heavily industrialized portion of the Willamette River running north of downtown to Kelly's Point. Since it was listed as a Superfund site in 2000, cleaning up the toxins - ranging from heavy metals to pesticides - has been a source of contention between the city, state, industry and citizen groups. Now a "Portland Harbor Partnership" composed of government and industry representatives is moving towards a final plan for cleanup and future use of the area. What will be the effect of the cleanup and redevelopment of Portland Harbor on neighboring communities of color? Will the transformation of Portland Harbor offer economic and social opportunities for those communities or create more exclusive, upscale developments?
This week, Jo Ann and Dave talk with local businessman James Posey, past president of the National Association of Minority Contractors Oregon. They'll explore the potential of the cleanup to address the economic disparities still facing black and other minority businesses of color. Do we find justice in the cleanup process or do we follow the same old formula? Join us in this important conversation.
Jo Ann Hardesty is a former state legislator, former director of Oregon Action and past board president of Portland Community Media, as well as a long-time leader in the struggle for racial and economic justice. Dave Mazza is a journalist and former editor of The Portland Alliance who has covered and been involved in Portland's civil rights, environmental, labor and peace movements for over 20 years.
Join Jo Ann and Dave every Thursday as they bring you guests and conversations on issues that are important to you. Support Voices from the Edge by becoming a KBOO member (just click the "tip jar" in the upper right-hand corner on KBOO's homepage to find out how) or consider becoming an underwriter of this program (contact KBOO's underwriting director for details).
Co-Hosts: Jo Ann Hardesty and Dave Mazza
Producers: Dave Mazza and Jo Ann Hardesty
Program Engineer: Steve Nassar
Audio Editor: Alicia Olson
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