Item C: City Council Priority Issue - Communities of Color Meeting Debrief

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are tired of learning but at the same time teaching because of their color so they leave. Tired of hearing how many times people ask her why I talk “white”. I cannot perceive why people ask that. It is overwhelming. This is everyone’s responsibility. We all need to step out of our comfort zone. It is hard for people from the outside coming in; uncomfortable. It is overwhelming to keep a happy face. We don’t like to be uncomfortable. Students shut down at the U of O because of feeling unwelcome. It’s amazing this is happening; it shouldn’t be. The U of O is more open and if the U of O has issues it is not surprising that the community has issues. Eugene is working towards changing but it is still very deep rooted in the past. People are conflicted about why there are still problems. We need to treat all as human beings. Citizens of the community have the right and obligation to contribute to the community. The City can help facilitate this by providing venues to kids to not feel alone no matter their backgrounds. Don’t arrange by groups of color but by interest so everyone can see their similarities rather than differences. I agree with that. I like the northwest because there is so much to do and Eugene has so many parks. In the summer it is nice for kids to all get together and participate in activities to get to know each other because these kids are the future citizens. When I first came here in the 60s I experienced discrimination in looking for jobs because of being Catholic. We all need to give to functions in the community. We all have varied backgrounds and we can learn from each other. Students coming here should feel welcomed. (At this point the Register-Guard reporter asked for permission to listen in and the entire table was in agreement as long as they were accurately quoted.) I am still a novice at this idea of unearned privileges. My wife and I were shopping at the Emporium and a clerk helped me with my shopping. I thought what a nice and friendly place it was to shop. My wife’s experience was much different. She was looking at jewelry and the clerk followed her all through the store to make sure she was not shoplifting. This happens all over our community. My son was stocking shelves in the store about 3:00 a.m. and EPD was suspicious of what he was doing in the store, he is very native looking, they were shining their spot light in at him and went over and knocked on the door but when he used his keys to unlock the door they must have realized he worked there. When I wear my hair and my beard long I am targeted, but when I cut it short I am not. I feel like a target and it is very frightening. It’s a big burden to carry. I want to be part of the solution; that is why I am here. Diversity is important, it is a perspective. The more we know the less ignorant we will be. When people of European races are speaking English people say wow you speak our language. But those who speak English with an accent are not treated the same. People are judged by their accent; that is so superficial. I like it when people ask me about my background because it appears they care; they really want to know. I have experienced lots of prejudice but I do see it. There is a theme; do you hear it? Communities of Color 3 July 12, 2006