Messages of Love, Hope and Gratitude from the Hollywood Transit Center Memorial

May - June 2017 Portland, Oregon, USA

May - June 2017 Portland, Oregon, USA

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. – Martin Luther King, Jr. ~~~~~~~ Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure… We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. – Marianne Williamson Messages of Love, Hope and Gratitude Hollywood Transit Center

We will never forget what you have done

Faith

Grace

Please tell everyone on the train I love them

Love, RIP

One world

Your bravery and sacrifice will become legend and not in vain

The arc of history bends toward love

Stand up to hate

Love and unity

It is not enough to be compassionate. One must act. Thank you for acting.

Girls: Our Hearts Are With You

If it is not love, it’s bullshit

It is not tolerable, it is not possible that from so much death, so much sacrifice and ruin, so much heroism, a greater and better humanity shall not emerge. – Charles de Gaulle

Let us rise 144,000 strong in love and peace

Thank you for standing up for your principles

METTA lovingkindness

Love holds things together

This land is your land, this land is my land Cure the hate

Love outnumbers hate

Love has no limits

I love you

We love everyone

Only once it is lost do we truly love

Oppression breeds the power to oppose it

L’amour toujours (love always)

Perfect love casts out fear

Thank you for leading us

Speak out now, always be proud of who you are

Thank you to my Muslim students and friends. You teach me every day.

Love lifts us to peace

Keeping your flame alive

In your debt - heroes forever

Kindness

You were the best among us

You won’t be forgotten

Human resilience

I wish I was there

Hail Mary, full of Grace

I will live my life with love

This is scary, but I will never forget you Om Shanti - peace

We will remember

You made a great sacrifice for everyone

The only thing more powerful than hate is love

That this happened was wrong - so sorry

Fare you well

Girls: We will keep working to have a community which respects all people and is free of hate

Thank you for reminding us of the goodness that is possible

No Nazis in Portland. Stand up June 4th in Chapman Square.

I love you

We will not forget you

Hearts stronger than hate

Keep standing up for love and peace

Give peace a chance

You used your privilege wisely

There’s no room for hate

Thank you for being heroes & standing up, thank you to the parents and teachers who taught them

Girls on the train, never doubt that you are worth it – you are completely worth it

Keep fighting for justice

You are heroes for us all

Hate has no place

My heart is broken Everyone deserves love

Thank you Taliesin, Rick and Micah

Thank you for saving us

You are heroes - forever inspiring us to stand up 4 love not hate

Brave hearts

You are in my heart

No limits for all of our daughters

Gave his life to something bigger than oneself

Look for the helpers

Thank you for your courage and kindness

Blessings to all who stand up against hate

So much love

We can be nice together

No greater love

God - Everyone

Thank you for the love

Thank you for showing my children how to be

Love our Muslim neighbors - never forget

Goodbye Ricky

People are people - we are all the same - we need to love, not hate

You inspire the brave

You can stop racism

Love always Romans 13:10

If you see something - say and do something

Love cannot be taken away

Their example lives on

Thank you for doing something

Jesus was brown

Islam = peace, not hatred

Love heals

Love forever

Group hug

Wear your hijab with pride

I see your love and I love you

Corinthians 13: 4- 7

#respect

Not all heroes wear capes

Thank you beloved heroes

Sorry but not afraid

Focus on love

Someone gave his life to something bigger than himself.

Stop hate

Namaste brave hearts

Makasi Tilly - we love you

There is only one race - the human race Civic love

Never hide, always love

Tragic! Be Angry!

Girls: Do not let anyone else define you

Tout humain est humain. Every person is human.

Never forget

Stand together

The cracks are where the light shines through

One race

Love wins

A lucha continua (a struggle continues)

RIP brave neighbors

You stood up!

Your bravery lives on

Thank you for inspiring my generation to take up the fight against hate

This is not an isolated incident but loving communities are stronger

Keep listening - keep fighting

No sympathy for racists

Love unites us - hate destroys

RIP heroes

Heroes died

Riders unite

Love many people Respect

Don’t stop loving

Thank you so much – we will remember

Ricky, Micah and Taliesin - your courage inspires us to be greater and love more deeply

Your love and courage shall not be forgotten

We will stop this

The two girls are in my thoughts and prayers

Gone, but never forgotten

May we all walk in your courage - love never fails

No more hate

No more hate speech - stand 4 what’s right

Tri-Met – a free and fair zone - stand for justice and love

Portland - confront your racism

Love has the power to tear down strongholds.

Never hate

My husband and son were supposed to be on that train. May they always be as brave as you were and may I be that brave.

Love is the most powerful force in the universe

They will not have our hate

Rest in paradise

May we all be as brave as you

Love has the power to create life

Thank you for standing up to hate UGH

You’ve made us all so proud

For God so loved

Nevertheless they persisted

Hug your people today and all days

Stand together, stand united. We will conquer hatred, thank you.

No man should have to die like that

Love wins the day

Compassion to all of those on the train and all of the families

Heroes - we stand with you. Thank you.

Read the writing on the wall

Come together

Be the change

When will we end human war?

We’ve got the angels all around us. They keep us surrounded.

Love you dude

Love is awesome

They might have guns, but we have flowers

Purge the Nazis from your communities - protect your neighbors

Work with you

I love you

They did what nobody else would do

Hollywood 4 Ever RIP

Love not hate

Don’t lose hope

In times of tragedy, look for the helpers - Mister Rogers

Spread love

Still choose love

Love has no color - love is best

Love your enemies - Jesus

Hate speech is not free speech

Ricky, Taliesin and Micah - thank you

Love enemies

Love has no color

Que en el camino esperas – amor

May comfort, strength and hope come to the girls

Together we are 1

Rest in peace Tilly - you will not be forgotten

In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart - Anne Frank

Do the next loving act

Respect Allah

America is great. Muslims make it greater.

Somehow the hurting must end

I will carry your light in my heart for the rest of my days. Thank you.

Peace to your brothers and sisters Don’t hate

We are all together

Hope and love will prevail

Thank you for standing up

Deconstruct whiteness and go forth with compassion

Hugs

Heroines: Girls and women being themselves in a world that tries to stop them

We ♥ all

Thank you

We are stronger together

We are here to love and care for each other

Love your neighbor

Rest in peace, our heroes

Help each other

I choose love

Everyone is equal

Love trumps hate

Racism has no place in a loving heart

We are all one ♥ family

Love

Thanks for standing up

Everyone is welcome in our world

Love and understanding Help PDX

Beautiful PDX

Only love

All stand with you

Love persists

No braver act than to lay down your life for your neighbor

Amor y paz (love and peace)

Girls – I will think of you

Speak up always, even when it’s scary

Some heroes wear capes, others help people, then die

Hatred never wins

We are all one community

Love is power

We are all one family

Be caring and love

Rest in peace

Girls, may you feel comfort and love

I’m sorry

We will always remember

Your sacrifice will ignite change

Inaction is acceptance. Thank you for taking action.

You are brave

Hugs from us Courage conquers hate

This is not ok

Thank you for your kind hearts

We will all take on after you

Thank you for your bravery

Love not fear

We need more people like you. Rest in peace.

I am sad that you were killed

You are heroes

Path of the peaceful heart

If you could see this you would know that you won

They were better angels

Shake off the hatred

You are safe here

You are loved

Be strong

In heaven

Heroes like you save our future.

Anyone can be a hero but only a few are.

Our thanks will always be with you.

With love from Ashland

Love is powerful

In ♥ there is hope We love you

Your memory lives in us

No limits for girls and women

If love is what we want, why can’t we love even just one?

Blessings to you and us – Amen

Thank you to the heroes

Jesus weeps here

Thank you John, Taliesin and Micah

I loved you

Bless you and your families

You didn’t deserve this

May you always be humble

You are our Portland heroes

PDX heroes

We love you

Thank you for the hugs, Tilly

We miss you guys

RISE

Nothing can stop us now!

Reach out

Love!

Love makes the world grow

Love first, always No words but resist

Rest in peace, dear friends

Do something about it

God = love

Girls – You will rise

Love over hate

Equally, equally love ♥

Can’t we all get along?

All religions

You are beautiful

Be the change you want to see

Peace be with you – and also with you

I love everybody

We are all the same

I respect

The heart of all true religions – love

Assalam – Alaikum

Peace and shalom 

I pledge to love everyone on the train

Stop the hate

Never submit

You will be missed

Paz (peace) Look for the helpers – it must be all of us

Never let fear conquer bravery

Muchas Gracias

Stand up and follow your heart

We all belong here. We will defend each other.

Love is more powerful than hate

Daughters – remember your community cares

Love prevails

Love is our weapon

Love, respect, resist

Thank you

You are so special

Love more

Listening, understanding, forgiving, engaging

Peace will win eventually

Be the love

Let the world be sunshine and puppy dogs

Unleash love

No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, his religion or background. People must learn to hate and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love. For love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. – Nelson Mandela

Mercy

Just as the sun shall set then rise with each and every dawn, the souls of those who lived life well, eternally live on.

Teach the children.

Teach the adults.

I will work harder so all girls are safe wherever they choose to be

They bravely refused to be silent

The opposite of love is not hate. It is indifference. – Elie Wiesel

Those who pass with love will return as love forever in our hearts

Teach love

I want to send my condolences to the families of the brave men who were murdered. They stood up to protect those innocent girls. - Angelique Cousey

Thank you for your dauntlessness, bravery and courage. – Community Transition Program

Love heals all

Om sai sri sai jai jai sai – baba

Hate doesn’t belong here or anywhere

Love heals – believe

Love ALL

There is only one of us here – we are one

May all love and learn ♥

I stand for: My family

Never forget ♥

United we stand, divided we fall

No hate, no fear

Love is strong

Missed but not forgotten I hope my child would do the same

Hate does not discriminate

I will always stand for equality and love no matter what. Thank you for your example.

STAND UP

Thank you

Diversity is our strength

Bend towards justice

Thank you for standing when others would have watched

Interrupt hate even if you die

Sisters and brothers: We are all one!

You matter

Love must never be forgotten

Our blood is all red – equality

Thank you our brave heroes. Remember Mulugeta Seraw.

Know no fear

Where there is love there can be no fear

They bravely defended their fellow Americans and our core American values of equality and freedom. They are heroes.

Hatred is easy but we are not cowards

They tried to bury us. They did not know we were seeds. – Mexican proverb

Don’t give up. This will not stop us.

We will make it through this. ♥

We can be heroes

Be the kind one

Black and female lives matter

Love is what keeps us going

Love – peace – God

Love always wins

You lived your truth when your lives were at stake!

You are Portland

Om Namaha Sivaya – I respectfully invoke His name

Love thy neighbor whether they live next door or across the world

We will not forget your sacrifice

All will bring out the best in us

You are heroes - we love you

Fight with forgiveness or lose the war

Build together

Peace and love and hope

Love is the answer

Hate is not innate – teach love

Thank you for standing with people of color

Not my president

This is a place worth fighting for

Increase love for all

Love conquers hatred

Imagine May we all stand to depend on each other

You inspired me to do more

Always choose

We welcome you

More love, less hate

May we all stand together against hate

Your legacy of courage will live on

One love

Love is all you need to be a hero

Dare 2 be brave

The brightest lights of humanity – true American heroes

Thank you for standing up for your sisters

We are all God’s children

Gracias heroes. ♥ Don’t be afraid. Be true.

Love is why

Thank you for your selfless acts of courage

Love one another

Love is better than hate

Hope is not a strategy

I will not be silent in the face of hate. Thank you.

Salamat

All daughters deserve our respect

In sacrificing your lives, you saved their lives and my faith in humanity Thank you for showing us the way. You showed us how we stand for black lives.

Your sacrifice is not in vein. We ♥ you.

We miss you – love

Never forget John, Micah and Taliesin

Kindness is everything

Tilly, Micah, Ricky ♥ u

You are all heroes. He does not get to win.

All our love to the families of these heroes and the families of the girls. We will remember. I thank you with a heavy heart- Robin

Gracias

I salute your heroism and grieve the harm that came to you. - Veta and Mary Nebel

He who loves has discovered the clue to the ultimate meaning of reality. He who hates stands in immediate candidacy for non-being. – Martin Luther King

In peace and solidarity with the two young women who were terrorized, the three men injured or killed fighting racist bigotry and the passengers on the train. White supremacy is hateful and dehumanizing. Love is healing and helps us see the beauty in our uniqueness.

Love

Empathy is a gift

Rick and Taliesin: Thank you for being brave and kind. Thank you for standing up for another out of the kindness of your hearts. We are so sorry you were taken from us so soon. You will never be forgotten. You did the right thing and I thank you for that. Micah, you are a hero. I wish you a speedy healthy recovery. Portland please be kind to others.

Love is love is love. Cannot be killed or swept aside. Thank you.

The price paid is bittersweet

Work hard to eradicate racism

I ♥ Portland

Love every time

We love you

Girls – love, kindness, and compassion to you

We are one

You and me together

Show your life

Look up to the ones who helped out

Thank you for your awareness. You risked your life to save two. We love what you did.

You make the world a better place

No room 4 hate

Not everyone would do what you heroes did

We the people

Our prayers are with you

Thank you for your love

Gracias. Estamos juntos – Thank you. We are together.

May your courage and prayers be healing

Peace Portland

Courage is fear that has been conquered by love

Thank you for standing up for love

Peace

Gone but not forgotten Love one another

Support each other

Mental health PDX

City of love

Instruments of peace

When the power of love overcomes the power of hate

Stand up, stand together

We will follow your example

I will fight back

Black lives matter

Remember!

Thank you for the courage of the ultimate sacrifice

Let’s make this true love

Mr. Best, RIP – Caitlan, Tiffany, Lorie

Thank others with your heart ♥. Embolden peace.

What you did takes guts. May we have the guts when we need it.

We are better than this

I want to be brave like you

We are love

When we rise: LOVE

All are welcome here – let’s make this true

Straight to heaven

Daughters – may you have many blessings and enormous love always around you

Thank you

No one deserves to die

Choose love

Hearts unite

Thank you Tri-Met helpers and emergency responders

Be kind with others

Tell the truth even if your voice shakes

Praying

We stand united

End white supremacy

Respect human life

Heroes ♥

I love you

May we be as brave

Resist

Angels among us

Thank you for facing your fears

You are ♥

Thank you Good Samaritans

You are courageous and brave

You did not die in vain

Weep for the dead. Stand up for those who still suffer.

Sending the light and warmth You are courage and love

Hate is cowardice

All 3 rock

May we be instruments of peace

Thank you with love

We need each other

Shalom 

Love conquers hate

End racism

Red, yellow, black or white, we belong

Thank you for standing up to hate

No more of this

May we be safe, may we have peace

Love is brave

Heroes

We must practice vulnerability and take risks

Compassion for all those on the train

True heroes, real leaders, I follow you.

Portland, this wasn’t you

You are forever cherished

Let these heroes remind us to stand strong against injustice of any size

I’m sorry you all had to bear the brunt of hatred

Soar heavenly sky, carry them forever. Loved ones, go rest on high. You are loved

Get well, Micah

Stay in love with each other

Your love wins

We will never forget. They will live in us.

God bless

Next time the whole train will stand up

Listen to each other with a compassionate heart

Shine on

Hate cuts through love to attack fear. Don’t let it. Hate hurts all of us.

Choose lovingkindness

PDX heroes, thank you.

Love to you

May all live with ease and peace

I am strengthened by your strength

Thank you for showing us what is right

Be nice

We ♥ you Portland

I love you

Stand and speak out for love

Never fear

Love will always win

Love is bold Fight hate with love

It’s not the end

Amor no odio (Love not hate)

We will remember them in our hearts

You can’t stop love

We have to fight

Smash divisions

Seek the love and glory that was the gift

All humans are children

Do everything with love

War is obsolete

Amor para todos (love for all)

Can’t stop, won’t stop

Ricky, you made this world a better place. You are an inspiration to us all.

Be peace

To the victims, the families and everyone impacted, much love – Ashley

Rest now

Stand up for what you believe in

Love has no boundaries

True American heroes

Don’t be afraid

Dignity

I love you guys Keep Portland kind

We can all learn from your sacrifice

Defend one another

Respect Islam

Be the person you want to be

Show love, show compassion

The human race has one heart

Always choose love

You are love

We can do better

City of Roses, you are brightest

Always stay strong

Thank you for your compassion and courage

Teach common ground

Those who are weak bully others

Get well soon Micah. Your city loves you.

Daughters, your lives are worth it

Everyone can do the right thing. Those who choose to do so are heroes.

We can one day hope to be brave

We respect and hold the three courageous men in our hearts. You stood up for common decency and what you believed in. We honor you. - from all your TRIMET operators

Stronger together. People, do something to improve the world each day.

Love is the cure for hate

We can only hope to be as brave

Stand up really hard

We stand up – we stand together

You belong here

When I had no wings to fly, you flew to me

Please stop the racist standard that protects white supremacists

Melt the guns

As happened sometimes, a moment settled and hovered and remained for much more than a moment. And sound stopped and movement stopped for much, much more than a moment. John Steinbeck

Thank you for your sacrifice

We will make it through

Heroes, we stand with you against hate

Heroes, help me find the courage

PDX united against hate

I stand for my family

Speak the truth even if your voice trembles

Teach love avoid chaos

An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind - Gandhi

Thou shalt not stand idly by

How much love can you spread?

Virtue is bold

Free the Middle East - Unite Christians, Muslims and Jews

You are heroes for fighting against hate. I’m so sad to lose good people. All people should be free

We stand and will protect the Muslim community from hatred

Integrity matters

Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche, Ricky Best, Micah Fletcher: A change is brought about because ordinary people do the extraordinary – Barack Obama

Hope is the thing with feathers that persists in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all. – Emily Dickinson

Stand up to bullies

Peace, love

We can only hope to be as true and brave

Love will save us all

Love stays

We are more the same than we are different

You are welcome here

There is space for all to love and be loved

Together we are stronger than hate

My prayers are with you

Don’t forget this time

We are resilient

Thank you

Peace for all

Life for all

Love for all

I would have loved to stand with you

Thank ♥ you

Forever heroes

I see you

Thank you, everyone

Taliesin Myrddin Namkai Meche + Rick Best + Micah Fletcher + 2 Muslim girls: Thank you for standing up for what is right. You have brought us hope. I am so sorry. ♥ Michelle

America, you are killing me

This will not silence those who believe in equality

Unconditional love and caring

Thank you, brave humans

It is for love that we resist, gracias

Love is, love is

I respect them ipalante! Love all, Thank you

We are all on the Green Line

Amor conquista todo (love conquers all)

We love our Muslim neighbors

Teach kindness, nothing less

We are all Muslim

I would die for you

Thank you, Micah

Portland thanks you

I would never forget

Thanks for your courage

My home, my city, never forget

The time to end the violence is now. I will stand up, I will.

I will raise my children to be like you

Black, white, Mexican or whatever race, there is a place for you and everyone in this world

Diversity

Refugees welcome

If love is where we stay, we will find our way

Love trumps hate, RIP brave souls

Keep standing up

Thank you for the heroes who defended humanity

Give love and support to the girls, too

Love all, protect the oppressed, stand together

Love’s in need of love today. Don’t delay, send it right away.

Keep standing up

The no hate zone

Get to work, Portland

Peace and love, America

The time for peace is now

I am so proud

I love all of you

I hope I can be as brave as you, thank you

There is no peace without struggle

The world needs more like you

This will not stop us

We can heal

Trust love, it’s easy

End racism

Protect the oppressed

Si se puede (yes you can)

We belong to each other

Stronger together

We will not forget you

You have restored my faith in humanity

This is what love did

Hatred will not win out

Thanks 4 giving everything

Nihilism: The belief all life is meaningless, and the rejection of all moral religious belief. This is the war - not against governments, but against hope, love and faith, against your heart

Blessings

Don’t give in

Viva la libertad (long live freedom)

All races loved!

Portland is a safe community

Be love

Love brings healing. Thank you.

We are all =

Ricky Best, Taliesin, Micah, thank you for sticking up for us

Wear your hajib with pride

“Hate cannot drive out hate - only love can do that” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

Courage to act

Thank you for standing up for your principles

Safe travels - peace

No racism - love always

Be the ♥ media, be the change, courage matters

Just take a moment and think, this could have been you

Let us respect differences

Hate destroys

Love begets love

Thank you for your courage, you make the world a better place

Remember to be the change you want to see

Girls – your community believes in you.

Courage matters

There is more love than hate

Life is composed of collective choice. What do you contribute?

Stronger united ♥

Always respect each other

Not here, not anywhere

Be kind to all

Thank you for your bravery. You will never be forgotten.

Never hide, always help

Thank you for looking beyond skin color and faith. Bless you & thank you.

You care, friends

I love all of you. We are one.

♥ Jeny

Portland Public Schools loves you

The power play goes on, and you may contribute a verse. - Walt Whitman

Stand united against hate

Proud to live in Oregon

Stop the hate and be peaceful

Love now, hate never

Despite hate, we persist

There will be an answer - let it be

Facebook posts are not enough

It could have been me

Peace will win and fear will lose

I see your love and I love YOU

We teach love

You will be remembered

Love heals all things

We will continue to be the light

LaSalle prays for you

So don’t you forget no way who you are and where you stand

Thank you Rick, Taliesin Myrddin Namkai Meche, Micah Fletcher

They saved us, honor them

Seulement amour (only love)

Je t'aime (I love you)

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Love

Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within. – James Baldwin ~~~ Love doesn't just sit there, like a stone, it has to be made, like bread; re-made all the time, made new. – Ursula LeGuin ~~~ Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive. – The Dalai Lama

Hope

Many of the great achievements of the world were accomplished by tired and discouraged people who kept on working. ~~~ To hope is to risk pain. To try is to risk failure, but risk must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. – Leo Buscaglia ~~~ Hope is not a dream but a way of making dreams become reality. – L.J. Suenens

Gratitude

Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind. – Lionel Hampton ~~~ No one is as capable of gratitude as one who has emerged from the kingdom of night. – Elie Wiesel ~~~ Take nothing and no one for granted. Remember to be grateful for everything – for health, breath, wholesome food on the table, everything… – Wael Abdelgawad

Action

When you do nothing, you feel overwhelmed and powerless. But when you get involved, you feel the sense of hope and accomplishment that comes from knowing you are working to make things better. – Maya Angelou ~~~ I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples. – Mother Teresa ~~~ Great acts are made up of small deeds. – Lao Tzu

Messages of Love, Hope and Gratitude from the Hollywood Transit Center Memorial

In Appreciation

The following people transcribed, photographed, and compiled the messages or made other contributions to this project.

Audrey Arnst Marsha Breuer Judy Brodkey Carol Gelfer Janet Goulston Jeff Hawkins Sue Jacoby Barb MacKay Ellen Regal Linda Jo Reinhard Susan Riggs David Rutiezer Skyhawk Studios Marsha White

Copying provided by Kusum Mehndiratta, The UPS Store on Hawthorne Boulevard

Additional Information For inquiries or feedback, please contact Judy Brodkey, Project Organizer, at [email protected].

This book was created June 2017, Portland, Oregon USA.