EUGENE, Ore. — Community members are invited to the WOW Hall, 291 W 8th Avenue, Eugene, on Thursday, Oct. 9 as the Eugene-Springfield NAACP hosts the “Where We Goin?” Power of Place Roadshow—a multimedia experience that blends film, thought-makers, and dialogue.
Doors open at 6 p.m.; the films begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person in advance, $20 day of the show.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://wowhall.org/event/power-of-place-roadshow/.
More information on the event from Eugene-Springfield NAACP:
Two films depict the power of Black joy and resilience in the face of local government use of eminent domain to push out, displace, take homes and land and destroy Portland’s Black communities; historical acts fueled by racism and which led to Black cultural erasure and white gentrification. This sad and familiar tale has taken place across our country, including similar history in Eugene, displacing or marginalizing early Black settler families like Lyllye Reynold-Parker’s family.
“Dear Young Black Portland” (run time 7 mins) — an unforgettable visual letter penned through the eyes and heart of beloved elder and former Portland NAACP president, Ms. Sharon Gary-Smith. She tells the story of having her family home stolen by the City to eminent domain, and why she continues to march on in the sacred quest for justice – even if she was the one “who wanted to burn it all down.”
”Where We Goin?: The Power of Place” (run time 28 mins) – A young Black filmmaker from America’s whitest city, Portland, embarks on a journey through the Blackest cities in the U.S., exploring the evolving meaning of home, the roots of Black migration, and the ever-shifting future of Black identity in America. Join the filmmaker as he explores his “home” with multidisciplinary artist Intisar Abioto and the folks powering the largest restorative redevelopment in the country, Albina Vision Trust.
This is not your average screening. It’s a space of belonging, reflection, and vision.
DJ SXLXMXN will create a vibe through the entire show
Following the films, a panel composed of a film artist and NAACP and local community members will engage in a moderated discussion that digs deeper into questions such as: What is the power of home, of belonging? What makes a strong, connected and vibrant community? What are lessons learned from past injustices that should be applied to future community building?
