Special Project: Black Spokane

As Black people make up just 2% of Spokane’s population, this project examines their struggles and successes of sustaining Blackness amongst a largely white, homogenous culture. All photos are courtesy of The Spokesman-Review.

Jerrall Haynes: Spokane's first Black School Board President, city's inaugural Civil Rights Coordinator

Jerrall Haynes: Spokane's first Black School Board President, city's inaugural Civil Rights Coordinator

Betsy Wilkerson: Spokane's City Council's lone Black councilwoman

Betsy Wilkerson: Spokane's City Council's lone Black councilwoman

Stephanie Courtney: Director of the Learning Network, Cultural Community Educator, author

Stephanie Courtney: Director of the Learning Network, Cultural Community Educator, author

Roberta Wilburn: Whitworth University's Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Roberta Wilburn: Whitworth University's Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Musician Jadrian Tarver: Gonzaga University's Underrepresented Minority Postdoctoral Fellow

Musician Jadrian Tarver: Gonzaga University's Underrepresented Minority Postdoctoral Fellow

Kameishi Williams: The Sanctuary Beauty & Wellness Owner, Crown Act Hair Advocate

Kameishi Williams: The Sanctuary Beauty & Wellness Owner, Crown Act Hair Advocate

Shantell Jackson & Traci Poindexter-Canton: Black artists that detail that Black women experience

Shantell Jackson & Traci Poindexter-Canton: Black artists that detail that Black women experience

Doris G. Andrews: First Lady of Calvary Baptist Church, Washington's oldest Black church

Doris G. Andrews: First Lady of Calvary Baptist Church, Washington's oldest Black church

In Memoriam - Dorothy Webster: City of Spokane's first Black women in senior management

In Memoriam - Dorothy Webster: City of Spokane's first Black women in senior management

Kerra Bower: Owner of RAZE, a soon-to-be child care center that focuses on Black history, Black children

Kerra Bower: Owner of RAZE, a soon-to-be child care center that focuses on Black history, Black children

Chauncey Jones (left): Spokane realtor, housing equity advocate and owner of Take up the Cause organization

Chauncey Jones (left): Spokane realtor, housing equity advocate and owner of Take up the Cause organization

Sundee Frazier (sitting): Author that details the experience of Black homeownership in Spokane

Sundee Frazier (sitting): Author that details the experience of Black homeownership in Spokane

Spokane Black Stories Symposium

For Black History Month, high school students were tasked with creating work that examines, expands and celebrates the authenticity and creativity that lies within the Black experience. Of the six selected, all express a yearning for acceptance and respect.

  • Jaelen Fojas

    Jaelen Fojas, a senior at Shadle High, participates in the Shadle S.H.E. Women of Purpose group. She plans to join the U.S. Navy after graduation.

    Growing up with Black Identity

  • Anthony Giron

    Anthony ‘Tony’ Giron is a Spokane native who’s been boxing since the 7th grade. He will graduate from Rogers High School in the spring.

    Immigration to the U.S.

  • Theresa Niven

    Therisa Niven is a junior at Mead High School with interests in running in the Junior Olympics with her team, Spokane Speed Academy.

    Black Box

  • Nwannediya U. Kalu

    A Spokane native, Nwannediya U. Kale is a junior at Rogers High School. She’s been a competitive dancer for five years.

    A Planted Seed

  • Taraji Jones

    Tajari Jones is a sophomore at Shadle Park High School. She likes to read and binge watch her favorite TV shows.

    Reflections of an African American Teenager

  • Halima Kabba

    Kabba, a Seattle native, is a graduating senior at Rogers High School. One side of her family is from Gambia.

    Life Living in Spokane, Washington