By Marques G. Harper of The Oregonian staff S ome of the lunchtime crowd, gathered on the steps of Pioneer Courthouse Square, slows down to watch the street performance going on in the square's lower northwest corner, near Starbuck's.
People stare at the dancers who offer a message about racial unity.
Then they either walk on or turn their attention to the burritos, hot dogs or salads in their laps. The performers, members of the Mid-Valley Baha'i Youth Workshop of Oregon and the Reflections of Diversity Dance Workshop of Utah, weave into their performance a message about race and unity, which emerged 25 years ago from the streets of Los Angeles. His followers believe in world peace, the harmony of science and religion, the equality of men and women, the investigation of truth and the oneness of humankind. At Pioneer Courthouse Square, the workshop members dance Janet Jackson-styled steps and read poems with social messages and the words of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to the crowd. They're laughing and heckling at the Baha'i's message.