James P. Chasse, Jr. was a 42 yearold man diagnosed with schiozophrenia who lived in Portland, Oregon. He died in custody byPortland law officers on September 17, 2006, and community members raised concerns about police brutality.

During the Alternatives 2006 conference in Portland, Oregon, about 90 people from all over the USA held a candlelight march from the hotel to a memorial in memory of Jim Chasse, also known as Jim-Jim. Beckie Child spoke at the memorial identifying herself as an individual diagnosed with a psychiatric disability.

Below is a public service announcement about the memorial, along with how to get more information.

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In Memory of James Chasse Jr. community information

EVENT: MEMORIAL VIGIL “LOVE ONE ANOTHER”

A candlelight memorial vigil for James Chasse Jr.

Friday, October 27, 2006 7:00 PM
First Congregational Church 1126 SW Park Ave

Friends, family, and concerned community members will gather to
remember James Chasse, Jr. on Friday, October 27, 2006 at 7:00 PM at
Portland’s First Congregational Church in a memorial vigil titled
“Love One Another.” Chasse, who died in Portland Police custody on
September 17, is remembered as a peaceful man who wished no harm on
anyone. People attending the vigil are asked to honor the family’s
wishes for a respectful event. Messages to be communicated apart from
memories of James should be focused on simple, positive phrases such
as “Justice,” “Love,” and “Remember James Chasse, Jr.”

The event is being co-coordinated by members of the Chasse family, the
Parkrose Community United Church of Christ, Portland Copwatch (a
grassroots group promoting police accountability through citizen
action), the Mental Health Association of Portland, and others. For
more information call Portland Copwatch at 503-236-3065.

Please share this information within your community.

For information about James Chasse, see www.mentalhealthportland.org