... as our America should be.
One of quite a few yards in our area displaying this sign
(A helicopter would have been necessary to get the full effect of this mural in one picture)
While we were downtown last month we went to see the Black Lives Matter street mural. With the City's blessing, it was painted the day after a peaceful protest march. The next night some idiot skidded his car across the still-wet paint (the street had been temporarily closed and barricaded). The artists were able to rescue their work by painting multi-colored hand-prints on the skid marks, making them a part of the sign.
Not too far from where the mural is, there is a dedicated Historical Site which was the home of Mr and Mrs Mims, Eugene pioneers in an age when institutionalized discrimination was an accepted part of life.
This historical site was dedicated in 2016. That was already years late to acknowledge the past history and express regret. And yet we are still fighting the same battles.
We first moved to Eugene in 1971 and I really didn't understand, until we visited this site shortly after the dedication, that such discrimination existed here in Eugene up until the 1960s.
This sign and the dedication stones on the path (enlarged in the mosaic above) provide a good overview of the history.
The restored Mims home is now designated as a Eugene Historical Site and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Peace Rose, Owen Garden
For us as for many others, and for many reasons, this was not the best year to celebrate America's July 4 birthday. I am thankful we still (so far) live where we can say that. And I remain hopeful that our country will someday soon learn to remember history and yet be willing to move forward.
LINKING this week to the following with thanks to all of the hosts:
MOSAIC MONDAY ; THROUGH MY LENS; OUR WORLD ON TUESDAY; TUESDAY TREASURES; MY CORNER OF THE WORLD; SIGNS SIGNS; THANKFUL THURSDAY; and FRIDAY BLISS
Fantastic post. I love the sign as well as the mural and the interesting information. I am trying to find hope where I can and this post gave me a boost.
Posted by: Carver | July 11, 2020 at 11:26 AM
It's good they still have that house there for people to learn from unfortunately it seem that some still have their heads in their butts to learn from past mistakes. Here in NZ we have the same, except those pointing the finger are the ones also making the same mistakes.
Posted by: Amy Franks | July 09, 2020 at 02:16 PM
Love and tolerance is what we need! Great post.
Posted by: Lady Fi | July 09, 2020 at 08:32 AM
We all have good and bad history, as a country and as individuals It just makes us who we are.
It's great to see you at 'My Corner of the World this week! Thanks for linking up with us.
Posted by: My Corner of the World | July 09, 2020 at 01:15 AM
Excellent post, we need to learn from history and remember everyone who contributed, it's great that the Mims are remembered in that way. I agree, it's sad that we're still having to fight the same battles even now. It's the same (but also different) here in Scotland
Posted by: craftygreenpoet | July 08, 2020 at 11:55 PM
For me, ALL lives matter. I hope, for the sake of a more peaceful union, we CAN move forward without any more deaths, dismemberment, and disfiguring of historical monuments, sites, lives!
Posted by: Hootin Anni | July 08, 2020 at 08:08 AM
These signs are so important aren’t they Sallie? I actually love the handprints leading from Black Lives Matter. It is showing solidarity for a very important cause. It is so important to learn of every aspect of our history, like that of Mr and Mrs Mims. The Peace Rose is beautiful! We need its symbol more than ever. “I remain hopeful that our country will someday soon learn to remember history and yet be willing to move forward”. I agree wholeheartedly. I will end my comment with one of my favorite quotes, “Living in hope!” and thank you for this very important post.
Posted by: DeniseinVA | July 08, 2020 at 05:02 AM
So glad the artists were able to rescue the sign with the hand prints, they actually look quite nice.
Thanks for sharing the history of your city.
Posted by: sami | July 08, 2020 at 01:38 AM
It is very sad there are such disrespectful idiots - great way the artists saved the street mural! (but, really. You don´t have a helicopter?! ;-)...)
Greast first sign there, too, thank you for sharing it, I still hope people will live like this - everywhere.
Posted by: Iris Flavia | July 08, 2020 at 12:48 AM
Interesting post. We are in a difficult time. I wonder if the earth isn't trying to shake us off!
Posted by: Linda Walcroft | July 07, 2020 at 10:11 PM
...damn we have a long ways to go!!!
Posted by: tomthebackroadstraveller | July 07, 2020 at 04:21 PM
Thanks for your post, Sallie. I love how the murals artists turned the hate to love. Helping hands can get us through almost all darkness.
Posted by: Su-sieee! Mac | July 07, 2020 at 03:06 PM
I find it so sad that we are still having to protest about racial inequality in the 21st century.
Posted by: Fun60 | July 07, 2020 at 12:27 PM
Beautiful photos, Sallie. Thanks for sharing the history with us.
Posted by: bill burke | July 07, 2020 at 10:48 AM
Beautiful photos. Thank you for the history of the Mims.
Posted by: Sandra Nachlinger | July 07, 2020 at 10:29 AM
Our country is going through some tough growing pains right now. I think it is healthy but many don't seem to be going along with it.
Posted by: Alan Bates | July 07, 2020 at 07:33 AM
When we do not learn from the past we are doomed to repeat it. We are currently living in a very stressful time with moral decay on the rise.
Stay safe and be careful what you believe.
Posted by: Dawn aka Spatulas On Parade | July 07, 2020 at 05:47 AM
Thank you for sharing history, Sallie. I like your review. Greetings from me in Indonesia.
Posted by: Himawan Sant | July 07, 2020 at 02:32 AM
Thank you very much Sallie, you have said in the most positive, I love you. It will be the best world when we get rid bad things.
Posted by: Bob Bushell | July 07, 2020 at 12:51 AM
I enjoyed the history, Sallie. And the beautiful photos too.
Happy Tuesday!
Posted by: Veronica Lee | July 06, 2020 at 08:48 PM
People of all colors have a place in history. A shame we need to label that. Yet in this day, I am glad to see recognition.
Posted by: Gaelyn | July 06, 2020 at 07:54 PM
Sallie, Thanks for sharing this history. Have a great week and be well. Sylvia D.
Posted by: Sylvia D. | July 06, 2020 at 01:36 PM
hope, future will be better.
Thank you for sharing photos and story
Posted by: Tanza Erlambang | July 06, 2020 at 01:06 PM
I love that big beautiful peace rose! And I pray for peace and healing for our nation...and the world. Enjoy your week my friend. It's HOT here...as you might know already but at least we're getting some pop up showers to help. Hugs!
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | July 06, 2020 at 11:10 AM
The world is a mess. Let's hope for better days ahead.
Posted by: Karen, Pixel Posts | July 06, 2020 at 10:08 AM
It is sad that many parts of our country is still wallowing in discrimination, although I hope great progress has been made and will be continued to be made by those who realize these wrongs and try to improve them. I'm glad that Eugene has given the Mims recognition for all their anti-discrimination work.
The 4th was quiet here--we are in a stage one fire restriction in my area.
Posted by: Pat | July 06, 2020 at 09:02 AM
Hello Sallie
The sign is great advice for all. I agree, history is in the past, we need to focus on now and the future. The MIMS house is pretty, lovely landmark. Enjoy your day, have a great new week!!
Posted by: EileeninMD | July 06, 2020 at 04:03 AM
Sad times then and now, why hasn't mankind learned to be kinder to each other and embrace our differences? How sad that it took so many years for the town to recognise the massive contribution that the Mims made to Eugene. Hopefully by July 4th next year the world will be in better shape.
Maggie.
Posted by: Maggie Bryant | July 06, 2020 at 12:37 AM
A great post. It is a shame what is happening to historical places that remind us of our history. History is history and we can't wipe it out but hopefully learn from it. Unfortunately some people are slow learners. Hope 4th July next year will be better for all of you.
Posted by: diane | July 06, 2020 at 12:35 AM
Indeed Sallie, I hope this too for America... but it's necessary for the whole World. We can discuss over hours.
Therefore a silent quiet concratulation afterwards for the 4th July. It's not the time for loud things during Corona, I believe.
Stay healthy and well.
Happy MosaicMonday
Posted by: // Heidrun | July 05, 2020 at 10:23 PM
Sallie - we have come far, but not nearly far enough. Thanks for sharing how this history played out in Eugene. We also had a "quiet" Fourth; it was difficult to muster the normal patriotism under the current circumstances. Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday!
Posted by: Angie | July 05, 2020 at 09:41 PM
I have the same Hope Sallie, I've never felt so hopeless about this country...Not only are we not making progress we have leaders who try to divide us even more so they can still have control of our Courts, and our Legislative, and Executive branch. The equal rights amendment sits unsigned and has been for a long time. THAT speaks volumes to me.
Posted by: Sondra | July 05, 2020 at 05:29 PM
What a perfect July 4th post about what really matters. I love the “In Our America” signage. These things on the list are what most in Canada also value. I also like how quickly the marring of the road sign changed into something positive. Clever thinking!
Posted by: Penelope Notes | July 05, 2020 at 03:59 PM
It is a sad time but I always have hope for the futre
Posted by: Carol | July 05, 2020 at 02:52 PM