EUGENE, Ore. – A monument honoring Eugene’s founding Black families was revealed for the first time ahead of its eventual installation this fall.

The “Across the Bridge Monument” honors the contributions of Eugene’s early Black community. Families whose homes once stood in what is now Alton Baker Park were displaced in 1949 when their neighborhood was destroyed, which many are not aware of. The monument salutes their presence and enduring impact on the city. It also reflects an ongoing commitment to visibility and belonging for Black community members in Eugene.

“It’s absolutely amazing,” said Sen. James Manning (D-District 7). “You can see all of the people here that are here to embrace this monumental step forward, recognizing the past and saying, no more, we’re going to move forward and we’re going to heal the community.”

Community member Talatou Maiga shared what the monument means to him.

“When I saw it personally, it meant a lot for me,” Maiga said. “Within the community, it’s really good to have all parts of the communities, of our community in Lane County, represented somehow. So getting a monument like this really contributes to that. So it has a great value.”

Installation in Alton Baker Park is projected for September. Once installed, the monument will be among the largest public monuments in Oregon dedicated to Black history.