Black unity helps students

Black unity helps students

The group responsible for holding the black lives matter protests in our area -- is shifting gears.

Black unity will continue to fight for black lives -- but they're fighting for a smoother transition to the school year too.

Kezi 9 news reporter jillian smukler shows us how they plan to make it easier for families and students to get supplies and one- on-one help.

Nats the black lives matter movement has gained traction the past six months -- including right here in eugene.

Black unity has held a variety of events in support of the movement -- like educational sit-ins -- movie nights and open forums. but now -- they're honing in on how they can reach the youth in our community.

"they're the people that are going to lead this movement, just like the movement was passed on to us so we are really trying to show them what it means when we saw this is for you" that's why they're hosting several events specifically geared towards helping them prepare for the school year.

Black unity member claire reyna says a month ago -- the group started doing polls to see what the community needs help with right now.

The biggest challenge for many families is figuring out how to juggle school and work amid a pandemic.

"tutoring assistance one on one care with our kids with covid going on they feel very overwhelmed" so -- starting on september 25th and every friday after -- black unity leaders will be offering kids k through 12 -- free tutoring, homework help and free dinner at the willamalane park from 4 to 6:30.

And next friday -- they'll be giving out 200 bags full of school supplies at alton baker park for anyone who needs it.

Bridge: claire rayna tells me she feels an obligation to help families in our community because everyone is struggling in some way right now.

By helping one another she says you're not only building lasting relationships but you're having conversations that will open doors to changes being made.

She says -- in order to make*any type of change you have to learn how to be a community*and get to know people beyond your circle.

"im getting my masters degree, i have a two year old daughter and im doing this because its important its critical and theres no option to not do it" they're using donations from the community to put on these events and encourages anyone who needs the extra boost to show up.

Black unity plans on holding these types of events for a while -- and expanding what they're able to offer in the future.

"its always going to matter so we're going to keep doing this in every way possible" reporting in springfield jillian smukler kezi 9 news.

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