Uplifting Black voices and stories in Spokane.
Converge Media
The Fifth Avenue and East Central neighborhoods in Spokane are deeply rooted in history, once thriving Black communities disrupted by urban development. The construction of I-90 in the 1950s and its later expansion displaced more than 500 homes, splitting East Central in half and leaving vacant land as a reminder of loss and disenfranchisement.
Today, residents are committed to revitalizing Fifth Avenue, envisioning a vibrant, mixed-use community with affordable housing, economic opportunities, and a focus on Black homeownership. The goal is to create a neighborhood where people can live, work, and gather without having to leave as they advance in life. Collaboration is at the heart of the vision, with community members emphasizing that unity brings beginnings, and staying together brings progress. Resilient and vocal, the people of East Central are determined to restore and reimagine their beloved home.
Reclaiming Fifth Avenue: Spokane’s Journey Toward Revitalization
Cliff Avril and Spokane NAACP Discuss Community, Leadership, and Liberation at Juneteenth Event
#Juneteenth Gonzaga University hosted the Spokane NAACP Juneteenth Fireside Chat featuring former Seahawks Super Bowl champion Cliff Avril and Spokane NAACP President Lisa Gardner. Together, they spoke on the power of community, strong leadership, and the ongoing fight for liberation. Cliff Avril stressed the importance of service and support, reminding the audience that “if we don’t help each other, who is going to help us?” The conversation also highlighted the need for seeking knowledge, especially in places where history and culture are not always openly discussed. The fireside chat reinforced that Juneteenth is more than a holiday. It is both a commemoration of the end of enslavement and a call to continue the pursuit of freedom through daily commitment, collaboration, and community uplift.
Grant Park Hosts Vibrant Juneteenth Celebration in Spokane
#Juneteenth Converge highlighted Spokane’s celebration at Grant Park, where the day was filled with live music, vendors, food, a bounce house, and community connection. Attendees shared joy and stressed the importance of teaching children about Juneteenth. AJ The Wordsmith, a Dallas native, described the celebration as a powerful reminder of belonging. Surrounded by music, dancing, food, and familiar faces, they felt immense happiness and noted that Juneteenth is more than a holiday. It is about remembering who you are, where you come from, and knowing that you are loved and supported. Events like these show that even in smaller Black communities, people are not alone, and gathering together is a powerful affirmation of being seen, heard, and valued.
Spokane Hosts Inaugural Miss Juneteenth Pageant
#Juneteenth Spokane hosted its first Miss Juneteenth Pageant at Spokane Community College, celebrating eight young women and crowning Anesu Whacha as the inaugural Miss Juneteenth Spokane. The pageant featured a talent portion and Q&A sessions on issues important to young Black women, their platforms, and the meaning of Juneteenth. In a city where the Black population is just over 2 percent, the event created space for representation, empowerment, and leadership development. Miss Juneteenth is a scholarship-based pageant, and to further support the contestants, Mayor Lisa Brown and City Council President Betsy Wilkerson each gave $300 to every participant who did not win. Organizers emphasized that this is about more than a crown. It is about scholarship, support, and community, laying the foundation for future Miss Juneteenth contestants.
Lisa Gardner: Carrying Her Grandmother's Torch, Igniting Spokane's Future
During Women’s History Month, Besa Gordon spotlighted Lisa Gardner, a Spokane leader continuing her family’s legacy of advocacy. Inspired by her grandmother, Sarah Queen Gardner, Lisa pursued higher education before returning home to serve her community, including as Director of Communications for Spokane City Council.
Now serving as President of the Spokane NAACP, Lisa remains rooted in East Central Spokane. She is active with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Links, Inc., Ronald McDonald’s House Charities, Take Up the Cause, and the Take All Foundation. She describes her neighborhood as resilient, reminding others, “We might be down, but we’re not out.” Lisa’s leadership reflects her dedication to uplifting her city and ensuring the next generation has the tools to succeed.
Fresh Soul: Transforming Spokane Through Food and Opportunity
#SupportBlackBusiness Michael C. Brown’s work with Fresh Soul Restaurant and the Spokane Eastside Reunion Association is a true example of community transformation. Fresh Soul is more than a restaurant. It is home to a youth job training program with a 99% placement rate, full college scholarships, and life skills like resume building and financial literacy.
Brown, who grew up in East Central Spokane, built this pipeline to give back to his neighborhood. His impact stretches far beyond the kitchen, from Thanksgiving dinners feeding hundreds to financial aid for families. His vision shows how supporting Black-owned businesses can uplift entire communities and spark real change.
Dear Sista: Love, Vulnerability, and Power in Spokane
#BlackMaternalHealth – During Women's History Month, Besa Gordon attended Dear Sista, a poetry night curated by Stephanie Courtney of The Shades of Motherhood Network at The Rose Garden during Black Maternal Health Week in Spokane. The space was soft, safe, and filled with love, hugs, and truth—a place where Black women could speak freely and feel seen.
What made it unforgettable was that Besa found herself on the mic, performing her very first poem. The safe and welcoming energy gave her the courage to step out of her comfort zone. She extends gratitude to Stephanie Courtney and Jacquelynne Sandoval, owner of The Rose Garden, for creating a powerful, affirming space of sisterhood and vulnerability.
Spokane NAACP Freedom Fund Gala Highlights Black Excellence
The Spokane NAACP Freedom Fund Gala, held on November 9th, was a night of celebration and inspiration. The event honored Black excellence, raised funds for the Michael P. Anderson Scholarship Fund, and featured a powerful keynote address by Hill Harper. Local NAACP President Lisa Gardner led the event, which brought together community leaders, activists, and performers to support the NAACP's mission of social justice. The gala's success underscored the strength and unity of the Spokane community in its pursuit of equality and opportunity for all.
Besa Gordon Talks About the Spoksane NAACP Freedom Fund Gala on Good Day Seattle
By Besa Gordon - Wow, what an incredible night! I was absolutely floored by the energy, passion, and unity that filled the room at the Spokane NAACP Freedom Fund Gala. As a guest of the Spokane NAACP, I felt incredibly privileged to be a part of such a momentous occasion.
The night was filled with powerful speeches, inspiring performances, and a palpable sense of community. Hill Harper's keynote address was particularly moving, reminding us that "unity is not just a word, it's our weapon." His words resonated deeply with me, and I left the event feeling more empowered and motivated than ever to fight for social justice.
Lisa Gardner, President of the Spokane NAACP, spoke eloquently about the organization's 100-year legacy of service. Her words were a powerful reminder of the tireless work that the NAACP has done to advance the cause of racial equality. As she said, "The NAACP is not just a small little chapter that's fly by night. We've been doing the work here for over 100 years." (READ MORE HERE)
Besa Gordon Reflects on her 2024 Trip to Spokane
Besa Gordon reflects on her recent trip to Spokane, where she got a personal tour of Terrain by its creator, Ginger Ewing, hang out with KREM2 morning anchor Channing Curtis and discussed Channing’s move from Dallas to Spokane, the importance of representation in media, what she wants her legacy to be, and more.
Besa also recaps her trip back to the Carl Maxy Center to learn more about the “This Is East Central” mural, by it’s co-creator Carl Richardson. She also caught up with Lisa Gardner, Spokane’s NAACP President, who is from East Central Spokane to get some East Central history. And on her last day there she caught up with Latrice Williams, who was holding an inaugural graduation for her Black Homeownership Cohort students.
This Is East Central
A powerful story of community and resilience unfolded as Besa Gordon visited the “This is East Central” mural at the Carl Maxey Center in Spokane.
"We first wanted to make sure that when we're doing this mural, we're doing it in conjunction with the people of the community. Instead of coming in and saying, we're going to do this, we asked them what they wanted," said Carl Richardson, co-creator of the mural. This collaborative approach shines through in the vibrant artwork that reflects the heart and soul of the neighborhood.
"What I want people to know is that we're resilient. We're doing a lot of community engagement on what does East Central want and need, and we need homes, we need economic development, and we need our community to be stronger than ever," shared Lisa Gardner, a proud East Central native and the NAACP President. Her words embody the spirit of the community and their determination to create a brighter future.
Terrain 15
Terrain, the region's largest multimedia art and music event, recently celebrated its 15th year, showcasing a vibrant array of artistic expression. Ginger Ewing, Terrain co-founder, shared her insights on Terrain's impact and its significance for the local community.
"Imagine two vacant warehouses in the heart of downtown Spokane, transformed into a sprawling canvas for 427 local artists and their 795 pieces of artwork," Ewing described. "Terrain is a celebration of visual art, literary art, dance, performance, and music, all converging to create a truly immersive experience."
Ewing emphasized Terrain's commitment to supporting local artists, stating, "In 2023 alone, we put $983,000 directly back into our local artists' pockets. Terrain is more than just an event; it's a platform for empowering artists and fostering a sense of community."
While there we also caught up with Slam Poet, Twahan Simultaneous, artist Jinx Universem Dancer and Performer Mackenzie Fagras, Photographer and Dancer Hector Aizon. The Owner and Director of Legit Creative Joshua Thomas, Architect and Artist, Lupe Barajas, and musician and vocalist, Helmer Noel.
Black Homeownership Spokane Celebrates First Graduating Cohort
Today, Black Homeownership Spokane celebrated the graduation of its inaugural cohort! This momentous occasion marks the culmination of 10 months of hard work, dedication, and a transformative shift in mindset for these pioneering individuals. Chauncey Jones, a driving force behind the initiative, expressed his pride, stating, "They are pioneers, the first, but they will not be the last."
The graduates' stories are testaments to resilience and the power of community support. Robert Law's journey from doubt to homeownership in just 90 days is particularly inspiring. His message, "Never say never," encapsulates the program's empowering spirit.
Latrice Williams, reflecting on the cohort's success, emphasized the importance of shifting from a poverty mindset to one of abundance. This transformation, she believes, is key to unlocking potential and achieving lasting change. Black Homeownership Spokane remains committed to its mission, empowering more Black individuals and families on their path to homeownership and building a stronger, more equitable community.
KREM 2’s Channing Curtis on the Importance of Representation
Meet Channing Curtis, a seasoned news anchor at KREM 2 in Spokane, who recently shared her insights and experiences while taping an interview for Back2Besa at Spokane's Kendall Yards. In a conversation with Besa Gordon, Channing opened up about her journey in the news industry, her passion for storytelling, the importance of representation, and the realities of maintaining mental health in a demanding profession.
Originally from Dallas and having been in the news industry for nearly a decade, Channing was drawn to Spokane's vibrant downtown area and welcoming community. She was particularly impressed by the strong and active presence of Black women in the city. "There's something in the atmosphere, to where it's a culture, to where we can thrive, and that was where we want to thrive," Channing remarked.
As a Black woman in a prominent role, Channing understands the importance of representation. "It's more important in these cities," she explained, emphasizing the impact of visibility on aspiring young journalists. "Little girls, little boys, and people that you don't even recognize...are looking at you and seeing what you're doing." Channing believes that representation allows children to dream and envision themselves in similar roles, ultimately inspiring future generations of journalists and storytellers.
Channing also candidly discussed the challenges of maintaining mental health while reporting on difficult and often distressing stories. She emphasized the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care, especially in a 24/7 news cycle. "When I am off, I am off...I need at least a day a week," she explained, highlighting the need for dedicated time away from the demands of the job.
Uplifting Spokane on Good Day Seattle
Besa Gordon stopped by Good Day Seattle to discuss her recent trip to Spokane with Erin Mayovsky. While there, she focused on her visit to the This Is East Central Mural and shared highlights from her trip, such as Latrice Williams' home buyers court graduation, Terrain 15, and her interview with Channing Curtis of KREM2.
Carl Richardson, co-creator of the This Is East Central Mural, said, "We wanted to make sure that when we're doing this mural, we're doing it in conjunction with the people of the community." during Besa's interview with him at the mural which features portraits of past and present residents of East Central Spokane, their Black legacy neighborhood.
Gordon also highlighted the work of Latrice Williams, a real estate agent helping African Americans in the area become homeowners. Williams emphasized the strong sense of community in East Central Spokane, stating, "The reason why East Central is here, honestly, is because this is where we were shifted to, but we created community, and that's why anytime anybody leaves, they will always come back. East Central is our beloved community."
Gordon's visit to Spokane underscored the city's ongoing efforts to revitalize the historic East Central neighborhood while preserving its unique character and sense of community.
Unity and Progress: Highlights from Spokane's Juneteenth Celebrations
This past Juneteenth, the city of Spokane, Washington, located about 280 miles east of Seattle, came alive with celebrations honoring Black history and culture. With a total population of around 228,000 people and a Black population of just under 4%, Spokane's Juneteenth celebrations were a testament to the power of unity and progress.
The festivities included the Pillar Awards, which recognized local leaders and influencers for their contributions to education, business, and culture. The city's parks were filled with music, inspiring speeches, and a sense of shared joy as people from all walks of life came together to celebrate. Back2Besa producer Winfield Ezell Jr. recaps Juneteenth.
Juneteenth in Spokane wasn't just a celebration of freedom but a reminder of the ongoing journey toward progress and equality. It was a moment for the community to reflect on the rich history of Black people in Spokane. This history includes James Chase, who was elected Spokane's first Black mayor in 1981, winning 62 percent of the vote in a city where Black people only made up 1.4 percent of the population at the time.
This segment was first aired on Back2Besa on FOX 13 Seattle. See past episodes and segments at whereweconverge.com/back2besa and on the FOX Local app. Learn how to download app here bit.ly/watchfoxlocal
Besa Gordon Reflects on her 2023 Trip to Spokane
In 2023 Back2Besa host Besa Gordon embarked on a memorable road trip to Spokane, a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Seattle. Along the way, she marveled at Washington’s stunning landscapes of mountains and rivers before arriving at the Davenport Grand Hotel for some rest and preparation ahead of the Terrain Art Festival.
The next day, Besa visited East Central Spokane, a historic Black neighborhood once vibrant but now facing challenges related to housing and food security. Despite these struggles, hope thrives in the form of the "This is East Central" mural at the Carl Maxey Center, unveiled recently as a tribute to the neighborhood. Terrain collaborated with nearly 20 organizations to bring this mural to life.
Before heading back to Seattle, Besa visited Riverfront Park, one of her favorite spots in Spokane. Reflecting on the trip, she expressed her appreciation for Washington’s beauty and the abundance of experiences it offers.
Terrain 14
Terrain, an annual art event in Spokane, has become a premier gathering for nearly 400 artists from around the world. Back2Besa host Besa Gordon attended and was impressed by the experience. "The art is just amazing," she said. "It was well worth the drive over."
Terrain focuses on providing opportunities for emerging artists by placing them alongside established names. Artist Frances Grace Mortel highlighted the unique sense of community, saying, "For two days, we turn this abandoned building into a magical place."
Wendy Levy from The Alliance for Media Arts and Culture emphasized the festival's energy and creativity, describing it as a space where imagination thrives. The event also featured performances and music, celebrating a blend of cultures and art forms.
Executive Director and Co-Founder Ginger Ewing noted the event’s deep impact: "You feel connected to your humanity and your community." Terrain stands as a testament to the beauty and unity within Spokane’s art scene.
Terrain 13
The annual Terrain Arts Festival in Spokane returned after a two and a half year hiatus due to the pandemic. The event featured over 300 artists from a variety of disciplines, creating a festival inclusive of all art forms. There was visual art, dance performances, live music, film, literature and more throughout the night, bringing the region together to celebrate the beauty of creativity.
Converge Media sent a team including Besa Gordon, Omari Salisbury and Brady McAtee to experience the joy and power of the festival. The experience is documented the film above, giving a look into the creators and community which has formed around Terrain. You can read more about Besa’s experience here.
“You would have thought you were in a Museum,” Gordon said. “Big shout out to Ginger Ewing and the whole team at Terrain for holding it down for the arts culture in the 509 all year long and especially that night!”
The festival is the region’s largest multi art and music festival, with over 13,000 attendees experiencing art from all over the world. This year, it was hosted in the largest space they’ve occupied so far, bringing new possibilities and expanded amenities. Attendees could partake in a photo booth as well as augmented reality and the Terrain Theater and Literature Park.
“It was unbelievable to actually see it for ourselves. I’ve never seen anything like it in Seattle,” Salisbury said. “It was eye-opening to see the art culture and community there in Spokane - when you have thousands of people who wait in line to see and purchase art, it’s powerful.”
The trip came as part of the Converge On The Road series, in which Converge Media travels to different cities in the region in order to highlight and uplift culture and experience around the Pacific Northwest.
Spokane's Black Leaders are Building a Thriving Community in Eastern Washington
We traveled across the mountains to see how community leaders are working to create a center for Black culture in Eastern Washington.
“We’re building culture,” Latrice Williams, owner of Vision Properties in Spokane, said.
Last weekend we met with three Black women making a name for themselves and their community in the Lilac City at the Spokane Black History Month Resource Fair and Panel Discussion. The panel took place at the Spokane Public Library and featured community resources, discussions and more around the continued uplift of Spokane’s Black community.
KREM 2 News Anchor Channing Curtis hosted the panel and discussed her experience coming from Dallas to Spokane, saying that although the town might be smaller the power held in community is still very present.
“There’s a thriving Black community here that comes out and supports each other,” Curtis said. “We have doctors, lawyers, teachers. You name it, we’re doing it out here in Spokane.”
Executive Director of The Learning Project Network Stephanie Courtney said that the community in Spokane is building the resources they need to thrive on their own.
“We have to have that conversation of what do we do to keep our progressive here who really want to build community and homes and a great quality of life,” Courtney said. “We’re not going to wait for someone to bring that, we’re going to create it.”
JERRALL HAYNES | CIVIL RIGHTS OFFICER
Meet Jerrall Haynes who at the age of 25 won a seat on the Spokane School Board and now seven years later has not only left his mark on Washington State’s second-biggest school district but now at the age of 32 is trailblazing as the City of Spokane’s first-ever Civil Rights Officer. Not too bad for a kid from Summerville, South Carolina that landed in Spokane on a mission for service and a heart for community.
Special thanks to Terrain Spokane for use of their gallery for this interview.
Special thanks to Lisa Gardner - Dir of Communications Spokane City Council
GINGER EWING | TERRAIN SPOKANE
Meet Ginger Ewing, CoFounder and Executive Director of Terrain in Spokane, Washington. Terrain is a pioneering non-profit building community and economic opportunity for the artists, makers, and culture creators of the Inland Northwest. Ginger and a handful of dedicated culture cultivators and innovators have singlehandedly transformed the art ecosystem in Spokane and have created so much demand for art that even artists in Seattle would be jealous at the amount of commerce occurring East of the Mountains. More importantly though, Ginger and the team at Terrain are uplifting artists who have traditionally been overlooked, they are connecting art to people who have never been connected to the scene, and they are bringing equity to the ecosystem all while developing the overall art scene in Spokane.
Special thanks to Terrain Spokane for use of their gallery for this interview.
Special thanks to Lisa Gardner - Dir of Communications Spokane City Council
FRANCES L. SCOTT | LEGENDARY EDUCATOR
A few months ago the City of Spokane made some local history when they named their first public school after a Black woman. This was no ordinary Black woman, Frances L. Scott was a trailblazing educator, activist, lawyer, and force in Spokane for decades.
Scott, who passed away in 2010 and taught her last class 32 years ago was more than an educator, more like an icon.
In 1958 when she started teaching English and German at Spokane’s Rogers High School she was one of the first four Black teachers in Spokane School District
Long before “Representation Matters' ' became a commonplace battle cry in institutions and corporations across the country, Scott knew all too well how powerful her presence was. According to the Spokane Spokesman-Review newspaper - Scott in 1978 said Black teachers were important not as role models for Black students, but also for white students “who need to see Blacks in some roles other than scrubbing floors”
In 1978 at the age of 57, Scott earned her law degree from Gonzaga University and the very next year became the first Black woman lawyer in the City of Spokane.
Even with a law degree in hand she continued to teach at Rogers High School for another decade during the day and worked with community members pro bono at night.
Scott’s professional accomplishments are many including serving as the President of the Spokane Education Association as well as President of the Washington State University Board of Regents.
Special thanks to Lisa Gardner - Dir of Communications Spokane City Council
