Chandlor Henderson at the 2023 Oregon Country Fair.
Alison Helzer
Chandlor Henderson moved from Washington, DC, to Eugene, Oregon, in 2015.Henderson says Oregon lacks diversity and that’s a challenge for him.He appreciates the city’s simplicity but says its drug culture is a problem.
I lost my mother in September 2007, and my relationship with my family became strained. After eight years without her, I left Northeast Washington, DC, in 2015 and took a Greyhound bus to Eugene, Oregon.
At the time, my knowledge of Oregon and the West Coast was limited, but my life in DC had become challenging. The aggressive gentrification of the city and my precarious 20-year career in the restaurant industry were two of the reasons I decided to find someplace new.
At face value, it appears I’m embodying the “American dream,” but I plan to eventually return to DC.
What attracted me to Oregon
I was drawn to Oregon, in part, because of the progressive laws regarding cannabis. I chose Eugene, two hours south of Portland, because it was more affordable than DC.
I watched many documentaries on the hippie and glassblowing culture, and I learned that Eugene has a large glass-blowing industry.
I thought that I’d be able to fit right in because I’d always thought of myself as a hippie. However, that was not the case. When I got here, I was overwhelmed by the lack of diversity and the prevalence of cultural appropriation.
One of the most glaring examples of appropriation can be found in the reggae scene. White artists, born and raised in Eugene, make good livings performing in fake Jamaican accents, and are held in high esteem amongst the community. I’ve pointed this out many times, but my thoughts aren’t considered.
What it’s like to live in Oregon
When I arrived in Oregon, I experienced a serious culture shock. Oregon, in many ways, offered much of what I sought and desired. But the absence of diversity, particularly Black and African communities, continues to be a challenge.
The unrelenting stares and intrusive questioning made me feel unsafe and unwanted within the community. I’ve experienced racism and gaslighting almost daily since I arrived. One thing that really gets me is when old white men try to “teach” me Black history, as if I don’t already know it. I feel there’s a constant state of white paternalism here, which leaves me constantly looking for a Black space.
Henderson outdoors in Oregon
Alison Helzer
I’ve also had “friends” make racist jokes and gaslight me when I object. Many of the people whom I’ve encountered in Oregon ardently object to hearing about the prevalence of racism in their community.
That being said, there are perks to living here. Eugene is inexpensive. Some people would disagree, but compared to an area like DC, this place feels cheap.
For many years, I worked part time at a coffee shop and part time in the cannabis industry. I easily paid my bills, with income to spare. For any person coming from a hustle-and-bustle community in one of America’s most expensive cities, living in Eugene is a cakewalk — in regard to affordability and stress.
What I enjoy most about Oregon
Despite constant racism, I’ve managed to cultivate an appreciation for Eugene’s simplicity. I enjoy the laid-back attitude of the Pacific Northwest. People here aren’t consumed with fashion and high-cost brands. That’s not to say you won’t see them, but simply having a Gucci bag isn’t seen as a status symbol here.
Since this is near Nike’s headquarters, it’s not uncommon to see ultrarare Jordans at local dive bars. But generally, those people are collectors and not as obsessed with status.
I also met my future wife, who’s from Oregon, in 2017 and married her two years later. I can say with certainty that, for me, it was love at first sight. Since moving here, I’ve enrolled in college, and I’m a few terms away from earning my journalism degree from the University of Oregon. I’ve found an incredible set of advisors and supporters in the university space, which has allowed me to thrive as a returning student.
Henderson with wife Alison Helzer.
Courtesy of Chandlor Henderson
I’ve also been a mentor helping young Black men navigate a sometimes hostile environment and feel pride in their heritage. This is work I’m incredibly proud of, and I’ll miss it tremendously when I leave the West Coast.
Why I’m leaving Oregon
While Oregon’s progressive stance on drug decriminalization is commendable, it has inadvertently spawned a disconcerting culture of drug use. Combined with a lack of mental-health resources, drug abuse is wreaking havoc on this area.
The effect is visible. I’ve seen people shooting up on the sidewalk in broad daylight. I’ve been offered hard drugs on many occasions. And it’s not uncommon to see people defecating in public.
In addition, the state’s subpar ranking in public education makes me apprehensive about raising my family here. Many people say a child’s education starts in the home. While that’s true, you need to trust the institutions your child will be spending a large amount of their time in.
Why I’m moving back to DC
My involvement in the community, especially the Black community, has been deeply rewarding. And while Oregon has provided me with invaluable lessons, for which I am profoundly grateful, DC’s vibrant diversity calls me home. The very essence of that community, so regrettably absent in Oregon, is something I need.
While parting with friends and family in Oregon will undoubtedly be difficult, I’m committed to regular visits, especially because my in-laws are settled here. I don’t regret moving to Oregon, but I believe moving back to DC will be just as meaningful and transformative.
Do you have a relocation story you’d like to share? Email mlogan@insider.com.