Strides for Social Justice
Take a journey through local Black history by downloading this free, family-friendly app.
Racism is pervasive throughout our country. We invite you to be a part of the solution.
Strides for Social Justice – a PeaceHealth initiative developed in partnership with the Eugene Marathon – is designed to be a free, inclusive, family-friendly program that will engage and educate participants on the contributions, achievements and milestones of Black residents of Lane County, and also highlight the injustices many have faced. Together we can stop the cycle of racism, building a more inclusive culture in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. It is only through awareness, understanding and action that we can truly be part of the solution. And, only by looking back can we move forward.
Our Mission
To engage and educate participants on the landmarks demonstrating the history, contributions, achievements and milestones of Black residents while also promoting health and wellness.
Our Vision
To influence and effect change that enhances community health and contributes to a socially just and unified Eugene/Springfield.
-Nelson Mandela
About the app
App-based and available on both iOS and Android app stores, Strides for Social Justice guides participants on routes to various landmarks, creating a journey that provides a view into local Black history and the powerful influence of Black residents in our community.
This free app also aims to encourage physical activity for people of all abilities and fitness levels, while generating financial resources in support of the NAACP and other organizations focused on social justice initiatives.
How it works
Pick a route.
Choose from several routes to learn about local Black history.
Explore and learn.
Navigate your selected route by walking, running, biking or rolling from landmark to landmark.
Ready to get started?
Strides for Social Justice is available on both the iOS and Android App stores.
Get involved
Are you interested in taking additional steps to promote social justice within our community? Here are a few options for you to consider:
Donate
Support Black-owned businesses
Share experiences on social media
- Explain how your journey along one or more of the Strides for Social Justice routes impacted you
- Post a photo of your journey
- Invite others to participate in Strides for Social Justice
Learn more
- BIG Blacks in Government
- Community Alliance of Lane County
- Eugene/Springfield NAACP
- I Too, Am Eugene
- L.A.C.E.
- Lane County Historical Society
- Oregon Black Pioneers
- Racing to Change, University of Oregon’s Museum of Natural and Cultural History
- Unite Oregon
- UO Black Cultural Center
- Lane County BIPOC
Thank yous
Strides for Social Justice would not have been possible without the 16-member Steering Committee comprised of community members with varied backgrounds. The members advised PeaceHealth and Eugene Marathon and were influential in developing this program.
Thank yous also go to the following organizations, which also helped shape this program:
- Eugene/Springfield NAACP
- Healthy Moves and Let’s Move Fitness
- I Too, Am Eugene
- L.A.C.E.
- Oregon Black Pioneers
In the news
2022
- Strides for Social Justice adds two University of Oregon tours – World Athletics Championships OR22 blog 2/1
- Take a walking tour of Eugene’s Black history – Travel Oregon blog 2/1
- Strides for Social Justice in Eugene – Travel Lane County blog 2/16
- New routes added to series of Black history tours for Black History Month – KMTR-TV 2/20
- Strides for Social Justice blends history and fitness in Eugene – Our Health Oregon, Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems blog 2/24
2021
The Bottom Line (Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce newsletter)
- Feb. 8: History in Motion: Strides for Social Justice Launching Soon
- Feb. 23: Strides for Social Justice launches; app now available for download
KEZI
- March 4: Strides for Social Justice app gives community members a tour through Black history in Eugene
KVAL/KMTR
KLCC public radio
City Club of Eugene via KLCC
KKNU
- March 21: Community Forum with Tracy Berry
Lane County Medical Society (Medical Matters Magazine)
- April: PeaceHealth and Eugene Marathon make Strides for Social Justice (No link available)
Catholic Health World
Contact us
Media
Contact Sherri Buri McDonald, Communications Specialist, Marketing & Communications, PeaceHealth Oregon
SBuriMcDonald@peacehealth.org
Organizations or individuals looking to get involved
Contact Sherri Buri McDonald, Communications Specialist, Marketing & Communications, PeaceHealth Oregon
SBuriMcDonald@peacehealth.org
Technical issues or concerns with the app
Contact Ian Dobson, Race Director, Eugene Marathon
ian@eugenemarathon.com
General questions or concerns
Contact PeaceHealth Public Affairs
publicaffairsPHOR@peacehealth.org