Agenda Packet 9-12-18 Work Session

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25 black person?” Self-identity issue. • Knowing one’s history is stabilizing to identity. We would be so much better off if we learned a different narrative. • “If a person doesn’t remember where he came from, it’s hard to get to where you want to go.” • Grew up “white” in her mind until age 26—didn’t accept mistreatment. • He had to work really hard in school to survive, co-exist. • Lack of respect for black achievement. • “Bedrock” of being African American – “seen generational discrimination in educational achievement, employment, housing.” Higher Education • U of O is dealing with KKK names on buildings. • Because of racism, we have not been able to have our books in UO. Social Services • In emergency room, people not knowing how to act, how to react – Is it okay to call you black or African American? What should we call you? Hostile Political Environment • People who fight racism get pushback. • Nationalism is very real right now – the undertone is just hate. • Trucks with confederate flags go around the city, striking fear in people. • Don’t tread on me – images that are meaning to cause fear. Micro-aggressions • Moved into Amazon neighborhood—people stop and stare • People know they are new—no other black people here; people don’t know how to react. • Moved into neighborhood, smiled at everyone, found people to be friendly, but had to prove my hippy credentials. But I am not a hippy; I am a leftist. Isolation and Need for Safe Space • “I am a redneck in disguise; makes it easier for me.” Hunts and fishes, thus passes. • “We choose different paths, but don’t forget we are black.” • Propensity to stay in our own space. Why are you here? Self-secluded, keep to ourselves, not a lot of civic engagement. • Church is a bedrock for older generation; it is a sanctuary and black people have power there, but not in the community. • “[Church] is where we are safe; doesn’t extend into the community.” • Confidence of faith. • Black church is more powerful than is imagined; it is not embracing other religions, young people, and greater community. • Black people are not only Christians – Muslim, Buddhists, Atheists… • “Granddaughter 4-5 years old looks in the mirror and says ‘I want to be white’.” • “We need our spiritual people.” • White pastors who would like to reach out – long-standing history of whites not engaging. • Would like to see more faces of color. Coming to Eugene, “it’s a bit of a culture shock to be around so few people of color.” • Where higher population of African Americans, people are more comfortable. Differences Within African American Community • Have two communities here, by generation. • Older generation experienced racism—they are the bedrock of the black community. • Younger, educated people have different experiences—classism w/racism. • “You are not black. You’re not from the ghetto.” “I think we really are experiencing some classism around racism.” September 12, 2018, Work Session - Item 1