Black Unity

Investigator Finds SPD’s Use of Force Mostly “Reasonable” During July Protest

By Elizabeth Gabriel • Mar 25, 2021

The City of Springfield released a report Thursday detailing the findings of an investigation into the city police department’s use of force. The document includes a number of recommendations for the Springfield Police Department, but it ultimately concludes most of the officer’s actions were not considered excessive uses of force during the Jul. 29 protest in Thurston.

Lawsuit Claims Springfield PD Violated Civil Rights of BLM Protesters

By Melorie Begay • Mar 8, 2021

The Civil Liberties Defense Center filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the City of Springfield, its police chief, and 28 officers on Monday in regards to a Black Lives Matter protest last year.

Looking Ahead, Black Unity Assesses Its Agenda Under A Biden Administration

By Brian Bull • Nov 8, 2020

Local activists with Black Unity are celebrating Joe Biden’s defeat of Donald Trump, albeit with measured optimism. The group held an event tonight to discuss the election’s outcome.

Black Unity Supporters Return to Springfield for Protest

By Elizabeth Gabriel • Oct 1, 2020

Black Unity held a protest Wednesday night for the Anniversary of the Elaine Massacre. This was one of the BLM group’s first events in Springfield since some of their members were assaulted by Springfield Police officers and counter-protesters in late July.

Eugene March Highlights Black Trans Lives

By Aubrey Bulkeley • Aug 8, 2020

Hundreds of people marched through Downtown Eugene Saturday in support of Black Trans Lives. The goal of the event, hosted by Black Unity and Eugene Pride, was to highlight the intersection between the Black and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Listen

Listening...

/

1:04

Outside Agency to Investigate SPD Tactics at Black Unity Protest

By Elizabeth Gabriel • Aug 7, 2020

An investigation will be conducted on Springfield Police after a protest in the Thurston neighborhood led to an altercation with supporters of Black Unity last Wednesday.

Marchers Demand Justice In Response To SPD’s Handling Of Black Unity Protest

By Melorie Begay • Jul 31, 2020

At least 100 protesters marched in solidarity with Black Unity (B.U.) in Springfield on Thursday. Marchers criticized the Springfield Police Department for hitting and dragging some protesters while making arrests at Wednesday’s B.U. protest. They also claim SPD failed to fairly police counter protesters.

Protest in Springfield Turns Violent Between Black Unity, SPD

By Elizabeth Gabriel • Jul 30, 2020

A protest in Springfield turned violent between Black Lives Matter supporters and police Wednesday night. Tensions escalated despite no prior violence or vandalism.

City Club of Eugene: Accountability and Transparency in Local Law Enforcement

By Love Cross • Jul 27, 2020

Program Date: July 24, 2020

Air Date: July 27, 2020

From The City Club of Eugene:

The death of George Floyd on May 25 set off a series of protests across the United States and around the world, prompting greater public attention to excessive use of police force, as well as concerns about police oversight and accountability. Several other deaths, primarily of Black Americans, including Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, have compounded and magnified calls for defunding or abolishing the police, in addition to other strategies for police reform.

Wagoner Departs Black Unity, Will Testify On Hit-And-Run Incident

By Brian Bull • Jul 18, 2020

A now former leader with the Black Unity group has stepped down, to focus on other things while still helping the Eugene community.

Northwest Passage: Eugene & Springfield BLM Protesters Hold Steady In Push For Change

By KLCC • Jul 17, 2020

Top & bottom left photos taken by Elizabeth Gabriel | Right photo taken by Nathan Bouquet

In the third episode of KLCC's special series covering Black Lives Matter protests in Eugene and Springfield, Black Unity leaders stand in solidarity with Portland protesters, All Lives Matter protesters chant "Black Lives Matter," and Eugene's long-awaited City Council work session on policing is right around the corner. Join KLCC News Director Rachael McDonald and reporters Elizabeth Gabriel and Nathan Bouquet in the latest episode of the Northwest Passage.

Black Unity Protests in Springfield, Marches Through Downtown

By Nathan Bouquet • Jul 9, 2020

Black Unity held a protest last night starting at the Springfield Public Library and urged participants to come armed with pots, pans, and blowhorns.

Listen

Listening...

/

1:02

Seattle Protester Killed In Hit & Run Remembered In Eugene

By Melorie Begay • Jul 7, 2020

A group of at least 100 protesters gathered at Peterson Park in Eugene on Monday in remembrance of Summer Taylor, who was killed during a hit and run at a protest in Seattle over the weekend.

Black Unity Group Leads March for Member Hit by Car

By Nathan Bouquet • Jul 3, 2020

Last night, Black Unity held a march to demand justice for member Isiah Wagoner, who was hit by a car last Sunday during a children's march. Wagoner, known for his community involvement and activism in the Black Lives Matter movement, is recovering at home after being released from the hospital.

As Investigation Continues, Isiah Wagoner Recovers From Hit-And-Run Incident

By Brian Bull • Jul 3, 2020

A Black Unity activist suspects “pure anger” was behind a driver’s motive for striking him with his vehicle at a children’s march last month.

Northwest Passage: Continuing Coverage of BLM Movement in Eugene and Springfield

By Melorie Begay • Jul 3, 2020

Elizabeth Gabriel (Top & Bottom Left Photos & Top Right Photo)/ Melorie Begay Bottom Right Photo)

On this episode of the Northwest Passage podcast, tensions between police and protesters in Springfield flair, a hit-and-run during a peaceful children's march leads to increased friction between protesters and the Eugene Police Department, meanwhile EPD says they have plans for reform.

EPD Says It’s Close To Wrapping Up Hit-and-Run Investigation

By Rachael McDonald • Jul 2, 2020

A Eugene Police investigation of a hit and run that injured a prominent Black Lives Matter activist last Sunday is almost complete.

EPD Says Investigation On Hit & Run Of Black Unity Leader Is Priority

By Rachael McDonald • Jun 29, 2020

Eugene Police Chief Chris Skinner says his department is investigating a collision between a car and a Black Unity protester Sunday.

Black Unity Activist Hit By Vehicle During A Children’s Protest

By Melorie Begay • Jun 28, 2020

A Black Unity activist, Isiah Wagoner, was hit by a driver with a vehicle on Sunday during a children’s protest in Eugene. He was taken by medics and treated for non-life threatening injuries at a nearby hospital. The Eugene Police Department says they've detained the suspect involved in the incident.

Black Unity Marched To Defund Eugene Police

By Aubrey Bulkeley • Jun 25, 2020

Black Unity protesters marched in Eugene Wednesday night in what the group calls an education protest. Approximately 150 people marched through the Whiteaker neighborhood.

Listen

Listening...

/

1:05