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Riot Ribs has been grilling free food for Black Lives Matter protesters and people experiencing homelessness in downtown Portland since July 4. Police have arrested Riot Ribs volunteers, shot at them with less-lethal weapons and seized their cooking gear twice. But the members of the group, primarily of people who are experiencing homelessness, say they have no plans to stop.
OPB "Morning Edition" Host Geoff Norcross spoke recently with Beans, a Riot Ribs volunteer, and Rico, a Riot Ribs cook, about the protests and their purpose in cooking for demonstrators. They asked OPB not to use their full names because they fear for their safety.
To listen to the conversation, use the audio player at the top of this story.
Geoff Norcross: Beans, let’s start with you. How did Riot Ribs get started?
Norcross: How has it grown from there?
Norcross: There have been some hiccups, though. Rico, I know the police have seized your gear a couple of times now at least. Did they give any reasons for doing that?
Norcross: And how did you bounce back after that?
Norcross: I also understand you were shot by a non-lethal weapon. Can you talk to me about that? What happened?
Norcross: Obviously, this is dangerous work. Why are you doing it?
Norcross: How are you paying for it?
Norcross: Beans, what has that meant for you? What has it meant for you to have that kind of community support for Riot Ribs?
Norcross: I don't know how long these protests are going to go on, but at some point, they're probably going to end. But the houselessness in downtown Portland is not. Do you have any plans to stay and continue to feed the houseless after the protests are over?
Norcross: Beans, I guess the last word is for you. Can you talk to me a little bit more about why you're doing this?
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