NAACP Eugene-Springfield has released a statement on policing and community safety following the resignation of a Eugene Police officer whose racist and offensive comments were recorded on the officer’s body-worn camera on Jan. 30

The incident led to the officer’s resignation and a widening investigation into whether anyone else knew about the remarks.

The police body cam footage recently released is disturbing, if unsurprising. The casual, mundane, joking tone of the phone call is more troubling even than the racism as expressed through stale, Civil-war era stereotypes. Violence is discussed as an everyday matter, including harm against partners and children. It shows how dehumanization works as a normalized pattern that creates violence across identities — but it also creates an open door for all of us to unite in our fights for justice.

Hate often arrives looking careless, desperate, and poorly made. Beneath the tired language and crude presentation is something even smaller: a worldview rooted in ignorance, fear, and weakness. Over time, the intimidation such acts attempt to create gives way to a different emotion — unexpected pity for people who have willingly surrendered their humanity to fear.

“You know, I can remember him talking about I am somebody and reminding that, you know, there is a a value uh to each and every person in the community, but uh just, you know, being strong as African-Americans, but being unified as a people group and standing up for each other. that that was really a big thing…” — Demond Hawkins, President

Members of the Eugene Springfield NAACP are mourning the loss of Rev. Jesse Jackson, a civil rights activist and politician who died Tuesday at age 84. Vice President April Broadnax said she remembers watching Jackson on TV during her childhood. She said those times spent watching him are a part of what motivated her to pursue a career in activism.

The 2026 NAACP Annual MLK Jr March wound its way through the Nobel Peace Park which honors Dr. King and 23 other American recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize. Over 1,000 people joined this march in Eugene, Oregon.

More than 500 people joined the Monday, Jan. 19 event, which was organized by the Eugene-Springfield NAACP to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The march started in front of Autzen Stadium and ended at The Shedd Institute on East Broadway, where the NAACP hosted a celebration with speeches and musical performances.

The organization’s theme for the day, “Together: Together We Can. Together We Will. Together We Are United,” was palpable throughout the event. 

More than 100 community members gathered at Clear Lake Community Center to learn about and discuss local actions in the face of the Trump administration's "attack on human rights."

The Eugene-Springfield NAACP held an informational press conference and Q&A in the spirit of Lewis' "good trouble" ideology.

"Our civil rights are under attack," said Eugene-Springfield NAACP President Demond Hawkins, addressing the crowd. "It's not just my civil rights and your civil rights. It's not just my friends and my neighbors, it's your friends and your neighbors."

EUGENE, Ore. — The Eugene-Springfield NAACP announced the relocation of its headquarters to the Clear Lake Community Center in Bethel, with operations beginning at the new site on July 1, 2025.

The organization says the move marks a new chapter for the branch, expanding access to services, increasing space for programming and staff, and fostering deeper partnerships with other Black-led and culturally specific organizations.

"Let's just be honest you know there's two different types of messages out there one is going to be of division sand this one is going to be of of how do we unify and be together how do we you know be the community you know that that uh that thrives and responds together." - Deon Hawkins

“This is an important moment in our history and it shows us that it's not just black history but that black history is American history and that the history of the black peoples here in Eugene is Eugene history it's Lane County History.” - Andiel Brown - Managing Director

The Eugene Springfield NAACP held a press conference Monday at the historic Mims House where Eugene's political leaders issued a public acknowledgement and apology to the first Black families of Eugene.

EUGENE, Ore. — The Eugene-Springfield NAACP branch is inviting the community to the historic Mims House this Friday, June 28th from 4-8 p.m. for a community health and resource fair.

Organizers say there will be information about the Oregon Health Plan, overdose prevention kits, and no-cost health screenings.

There will also be an opportunity to receive a free acupuncture session.