Black women stand up for Shakespeare director Nataki Garrett

Nov. 6—Thirty Black women in leadership positions throughout Oregon released a joint statement this week in support of Nataki Garrett, Oregon Shakespeare Festival artistic director, following reports of racially motivated threats against Garrett's life earlier this year.

The statement, sent from the offices of Sen. Akasha Lawrence Spence, D-Portland, and Rep. Janelle Bynum, D-Clackamas, pointed to Garrett's work as an example of success.

"Art is intended to bridge divides, when it becomes a threat I think that's an opportunity to pause for reflection," Bynum said by phone. "I think that's what she's there to do, to bridge divides, and I hope the community will support what art is supposed to do."

"As Black, Indigenous and people of color continue to be undercapitalized and underrepresented in the creative industry, her initiatives have broken down barriers, prioritized equity, advanced fair labor practices and shone a light on Black history through performance and art," the written statement said.

The statement referred to Garrett as a trailblazer for the $8 million in American Rescue Plan funds she was able to secure for the festival as it weathered the pandemic.

"I am deeply moved by this show of support, collectively and individually," Garrett said in an email to the Mail Tribune Friday. "I know that each of them understand the unique challenges of being a Black woman leader in their fields, in our country and, specifically, in Oregon."

"I am inspired and deeply honored to stand among them as Black women leaders who are committed to cultivating equity in our industries and our communities," she said.

Others signing onto the statement in support of Garrett were Toya Fick, president and CEO of Meyer Memorial Trust; Cyreena Boston Ashby, CEO of Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest; Adrienne Livingston, a business owner; lawyer Carolyn Walker; Rosa Colquitt, vice-chair of the Democratic Party of Oregon; Sharon Gary Smith, president of the NAACP Portland 1120 Branch; and Oregon City Mayor Denyse McGriff.

Garrett became the OSF artistic director in 2019. Under her leadership, the festival has produced more plays written by people of color and has increasingly cast actors previously underrepresented in theater.

Prior to receiving death threats, Garrett's artistic vision for Shakespeare's plays, including themes of gender, sexuality and power, have received strong and opposing responses from professionals and theater patrons.

In late September Garrett shared with NPR that she had received racist death threats. Ashland police Chief Tighe O'Meara was directed by Mayor Julie Akins to investigate the threats against her during a City Council meeting Oct. 4.

Akins also read a statement into the record condemning the threats against Garrett and promising a greater commitment from the city toward anti-racist work.

Reach Mail Tribune reporter Morgan Rothborne at mrothborne@rosebudmedia.com or 541-776-4487. Follow her on Twitter @MRothborne.