Westmoreland Park Tour Complete

Before you're done, take time to reflect.

Dr. Edwin Coleman and Margaret Johnson Bailes’ lives reflect what Black people can accomplish when barriers are taken out of their way and they can be their authentic selves. Dr. Coleman was a nationally renowned artist and scholar who spent his life giving back to the community. Olympian Margaret was a world-class athlete who loved the community so much that she returned to Eugene to raise her daughter. Both leaned into love, authenticity, courage and empathy to leave an impact that can still be felt to this day.

Think about the values that reflect your best self. What will it look like and what will it take for you to live them out meaningfully in ways that allow you to benefit from and contribute to the beauty and vibrancy of the Eugene community?

If you are in a position of power and authority, what are you doing to eliminate unfair tangible and intangible barriers that undermine access to opportunity?

Margaret leaned into courage to break records, some of which still stand over 50 years later. What does it look like for you to move beyond the boundaries that others have set for you?

While Margaret and Ed no doubt experienced discrimination based on race and sex, both worked across racial lines to make people from all racial and ethnic backgrounds feel valued and nurtured. That takes empathy and love. What opportunities can you create for newer groups who are coming to Eugene so that they can feel welcomed, nurtured and loved?

Do you have reflections or stories to share? Submit them to the Wordcrafters StoryHelix project, a collaboration with Lane Arts Council focused on telling the stories of our BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, & People of Color) communities from all perspectives.