When Doves Cry: OEC Remembers Prince
Michael Jackson. David Bowie. Prince.
Some of the world’s greatest pop icons have passed recently – and each time, it can hurt. We don’t necessarily grieve because we know them personally, but we grieve because these artists have helped many of us get to know ourselves. And for many of us at OEC, their music served as the soundtrack for our time as we became environmentalists, advocates, and Oregonians.
The most recent passing of Prince particularly hit home. He actively campaigned and supported urban farming, health, and disadvantaged youth – many of the same issues that we care deeply about.
Here are some of the thoughts from staff on what Prince meant to us:
“Prince taught me that it was ok to be creative, that it was indeed something to treasure. I think that’s why I am so taken by his death. He inspired me to pursue art for art’s sake. ” – Michelle McGrath, Grassroots Engagement & Membership Director
“Prince was not only the soundtrack of my teens, but he let me know that being different was something to celebrate and not hide from.” – Anessa Lewis, Special Projects Manager
“I’ve been in awe of Prince throughout his career – his musical genius, his dedication and hard work, and his celebration of love, social justice, equality and peace. I wore a purple boa to his concert in Portland in 2004 and it was AMAZING!” – Angela Crowley-Koch, Legislative Director
“Prince’s earliest hits were on the top of the charts when I first moved to Oregon. As I fell in love with this state, I was dancing to his iconic sound.” – Chris Hagerbaumer, Deputy Director
“I admire that Prince was a fearless advocate for artistic freedom. And I loved that he did it with a sense of humor along the way. Fearlessness and humor are great traits for all dedicated advocates no matter the cause.” – Jana Gastellum, Program Director (Climate)
“Growing up in Minnesota, Prince was a timeless symbol of homegrown pride. He busted the walls of conformity wide open in everything he did and his influence is pervasive in nearly every genre of music today. His legacy will never be forgotten.” – Samantha Murray, Program Director (Water)
“Let art have no limits, let simple word speak their full volume, let pain kiss beauty, invent and reinvent yourself freely, let your freak flag fly: these are the blessings that shaped my adolescence and live on in the music of Prince.” – Jen Coleman, Health Outreach Director
“From his music, to the audacity of simply becoming a symbol, Prince didn’t think years ahead. He thought about progress in terms of centuries – both with his art as well as his activism.” – Simon Tam, Marketing Director
OEC and Allies Push Back Against Fossil Fuel Industry in Climate Battle
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Guest blog by ELB Member Jessie Kochaver
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E-Bike Events this Fall with OEC
At OEC, we believe that a high-quality transportation system is one that offers people healthy and safe choices to meet their transportation needs.
Electric bicycles and other kinds of small electric mobility devices, like scooters and skateboards, are potentially transformative because they can meet many of the same needs as a car, but with fewer costs, and a lot less
November 8, 2021, 7:31 pm
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OEC & Partners Advocate to Strengthen the Climate Protection Program
July 16, 2021
Governor Kate Brown
Office of the Governor
900 Court Street NE, Suite 254
Salem, OR 97301-4047
Director Richard Whitman
Department of Environmental Quality
700 NE Multnomah St. Suite 600
Portland, OR 97232
Cc: Chair
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OEC and partners call on ODOT to consider climate and equity
July 14, 2021
Oregon Transportation Commission
355 Capitol Street, NE MS 11
Salem, Oregon 97301
Dear Chair Van Brocklin and members of the Oregon Transportation Commission:
Our organizations write this letter as communities around the state are reporting dozens of deaths in the wake of a record-breaking heatwave while preparing for another summer and fall of destructive wildfires. Climate change is already bringing enormous human suffering to
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Board Member Profile: OEC Board Chair Phil Wu
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