Portland protesters, Oregon leaders meet to talk lasting change

PORTLAND, ORE. — After four days of demonstrations in Portland, elected officials and law enforcement met with several black demonstrators for the first time on Tuesday.

The protests were sparked in response to the killing of George Floyd. The protests have brought attention to police brutality and systemic racism.

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"What we’re asking for is justice, equality and for change," said Lyfe Tavarres, a demonstrator said after Tuesday's meeting.

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, Portland Police leaders, US Attorney Billy Williams, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill and Multnomah County Sheriff Michael Reese attended the meeting with demonstrators and long time community activists.

"Our job today was to listen," said Multnomah County Sheriff Michael Reese.

This is the first in a series of meetings.

"It was such an honor to listen as a white man to four African American men who have a very genuine experience, they have opinions and they have ideas," said US Attorney Billy Williams.

The conversation began on Sunday night when Portland Police met with several demonstrators, including Michael Richards.

RELATED: Protesters meet with Portland police to discuss path forward

Richards said it will take the entire community to make long-lasting change.

"A lot of you guys out there, you all start sending out your letters and starting to write down what you want to see for a change. It doesn’t fall on these people. It doesn’t fall on the protesters. It falls on each and every one of you to see what you truly want," Richards said.

Friday night's protest was declared a riot by police. However, by Monday protests remained largely peaceful.

"If there’s one person causing any issues we’re kicking them out," said Tavarres.

Tavarres said a peaceful protest was his goal.