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City Club of Eugene: Strides For Social Justice

Program Date: March 5, 2021

Air Date: March 8, 2021

From the City Club of Eugene:

Just in time for Black History Month, PeaceHealth and the Eugene Marathon are collaborating on a new initiative that highlights the contributions, milestones and achievements of local Black residents, as well as the injustices they have faced.

Through a free, downloadable app, Strides for Social Justice guides participants on routes to various landmarks, creating a journey that provides a view into local Black history and the powerful influence of Black residents. The program also encourages physical activity for people of all abilities and fitness levels, and raises awareness of the work of the NAACP and other organizations focused on social justice. Stops along the routes include:

  • Masonic Cemetery—Monument for Wiley Griffon, a trolley operator and one of Eugene’s best-known early Black residents

  • Westmoreland Park—Mural for the late Edwin Coleman Jr., longtime University of Oregon English professor, community leader, and activist

  • The Historic Mims House, purchased by B and Annie Mims in 1948 and serving as a safe haven for African American travelers for the next 20 years of racial separation in Eugene; now the home of the Eugene/Springfield Chapter of the NAACP

A Steering Committee of 16 community members with varied backgrounds advised on development of this program. Their work emerged from the recognition that racism is a deep, destructive force throughout our country and in our own community. It has led to many injustices and inequities. They share a belief that education and action are necessary to end and dismantle systemic racism. Strides for Social Justice is intended to contribute to this important and necessary work.  All three panelists were members of the Strides for Social Justice Steering Committee.
The website (https://www.peacehealth.org/strides-for-social-justice) will have links to download the app, obtain more historical information, review a list of local black-owned businesses, and more.

                   

Speakers:

               

Deleesa Meashintubby has been the Executive Director of Volunteers in Medicine for almost 20 years and chairs the PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center Community Health Board. In 2019, she was chosen as the 2019 Woman of the Year by the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce Women Business Leader’s program.

Becky Radliff is the Director of Event Operations at the Eugene Marathon. Prior to joining the Marathon staff, she spent seven years with TrackTown USA, where she worked on the 2012 and 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials, the 2014 IAAF World Junior Championships, the 2016 IAAF World Indoor Championships, and multiple NCAA and USA Championships.

Eric Richardson is the Executive Director of the Eugene/Springfield Chapter of NAACP, where for years he has provided leadership in developing a strong cultural presence and spearheading the NAACP engagement with the historic Mims property. He has also served as Multicultural Program Coordinator for Lane Community College student government and as a board member and musician at the Jazz Station. He is a founder of the Invisible Arts Project. He currently serves on the boards of United Way Lane County and the City Club of Eugene and Habitat for Humanity Oregon.