Jan 16, 2025 Story by: Editor
EUGENE, Ore. — In 1949, Lane County demolished Eugene’s first Black neighborhood to make way for the construction of the Ferry Street Bridge.
Prior to and after the destruction of their community, Black Pioneer Families faced persistent hostility and harsh living conditions. Despite these challenges, they managed to form a close-knit community, with many finding strength in their Christian faith to survive the deep-rooted racism.
Reporter Tiffany Lewis and Photographer Quinn Janes are set to release a documentary titled Across the Bridge: The Story of Eugene’s First Black Community. The film explores the village that once thrived along the banks of the Willamette River and sheds light on the rarely-told story of the Black families who called it home.
Seventy-five years later, this documentary stands as a tribute to their resilience, struggles, and lasting legacy. It highlights Eugene’s painful history of segregation while also celebrating the city’s ongoing efforts to integrate and heal. Source: KVAL
