Spokane7
65°
April 4, 2011 in City
Rally promotes peace, encourages dialogue on race
Security was tight as Benjamin Todd Jealous, president and CEO of the NAACP, led a march of several hundred people from Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena to the Lilac Bowl in Riverfront Park on Sunday.
(Full-size photo)(All photos)
They lined up wearing cowboy hats and baseball caps. They came on bikes and in strollers, some using walkers and a few leaning on canes, and a bit of spring snow didn’t deter them.
About 300 people of all ages and many colors marched peacefully from the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena to the Lilac Bowl in Riverfront Park under the watchful eyes of countless law enforcement officers Sunday afternoon.
The Demand Justice and Promote Peace rally was sponsored by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in Alaska, Oregon and Washington to commemorate the 43rd anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Benjamin Todd Jealous, president and CEO of the NAACP, flew to Spokane to help lead the march.
“It’s time to focus on the urgent need for a conversation about racism,” Jealous said as he shook hands with participants. “This is a time where diversity is going up and the economy is going down. These are tense times. We have to continue to press forward.”
Asked whether the Inland Northwest is different and more racist than other places, Jealous said: “It certainly is very different to have a cyanide-soaked bomb sitting there on a bench during a Martin Luther King Day march.”
Mayor Mary Verner, police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick and Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich were among the local dignitaries participating. V. Anne Smith, president of the local NAACP chapter, and Oscar Eason Jr., president of the NAACP Alaska, Oregon and Washington State-Area Conference, walked in the march.
Paige Chwilicek, 12, was in town from Wenatchee visiting family. She was at the march with her grandfather and “family organizer” Leo Driscoll.
“We are here to show our support for peaceful means of civil action,” Driscoll said, adding that he’d brought more than 10 people from his extended family.
The march was organized in response to the discovery of a hidden bomb at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Unity March on Jan. 17.
A suspect, Kevin Harpham, was arrested by federal agents in early March and is awaiting trial on charges of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and possession of an unregistered destructive device. He’s being held without bail at the Spokane County Jail.
Many of Sunday’s marchers were in the MLK Day march, too.
“I was there and I felt angry and a whole range of other emotions when I heard about the bomb,” said Andrew Larson, of Spokane. “I’m here to show my support for the NAACP. Every person should be here, but the parking lot is not even full.”
Sharon Ortiz, executive director of the Washington State Human Rights Commission, had staff at the January march and was back in Spokane to show support for the NAACP.
“I don’t think these hate groups should come here and make this their stronghold,” Ortiz said. “I hope Spokane comes together and says, ‘Not in our town.’ ”
Representatives from the predominantly African-American motorcycle club Buffalo Soldiers marched, too.
“I think the bomb was a shock for Spokane,” said Buffalo Soldiers member Curtis Bowe, of Spokane. “At the same time, how surprised can we really be? The Aryan Nations was not that far away from here.”
Marchers made their way down Howard and into Riverfront Park singing chants and waving signs in support of civil rights, peace and justice.
“This is our Spokane,” Verner told the crowd when it had gathered in the Lilac Bowl. “Our message is that the people of Spokane will not be bullied or threatened. We will not accept acts of violence directed at people because of the color of their skin.”
Jealous told the crowd that this event was the first of more than 900 celebrated across the country this week, as part of the “We Are One” campaign.
“It’s important for us to keep coming together in times like these,” said Jealous, adding that in times of rising diversity and falling prosperity it’s all too easy to attack the rights of minorities. “We should attack poverty instead. We should attack the lack of access to public education instead.”
In perilous times, Jealous added, one should scrutinize one’s own actions.
“Are we being as inclusive as we can be? Are we being as courageous as we can be?” Jealous asked the crowd. “We all get scared and that’s OK. But if you act in spite of your fears, then you are courageous. The man who left a bomb on that bench is a coward.”
Spokane NAACP President Smith summed up the mood of the march this way: “Look at us. Look at our Spokane, we are doing something.”
Bancroft senior presses on toward graduation day 
ChefGus/ John Olsen on April 04 at 5:22 a.m.
Interesting event. Necessary event. Smiling friendly faces in the face of overt racism in our Basin. Powerful speeches by people that have faced and continue to face “otherist” assaults each and every day of their life.
There is only one way that a white citizen can even begin to understand the constant pressure on persons of color, or glbt community, or being a woman, or or or… and that is to be in their shoes for a few days or a week.
If you want to see how the low income are treated in our city, put on a pair of dirty jeans with a few holes ( not the fashionable knock offs from Nordstrom ) throw a slightly soiled back pack on your shoulder and walk around down town, and stand on a corner or two with an empty coffee cup extended for a hand out.
The book “Black Like Me” from the ?50’s/6o’s and the movie “Gentleman’s Agreement” will give you a not too subtle view of a world you might not even know exists. \
The “Quiet Crowd” ie the folks that live in relative luxury, and belong to social clubs, and country clubs and are otherwise good people… who do NOT speak up/out when someone makes a racist/ sexist/ otherist comment when an overt bigot makes a slur ARE part of the problem.
I know many GLBT youth and adults who tell stories of their own parents making horrific comments about “those people”.. with a dependent child who IS one of “Those” standing right before them and not knowing it.
The most positive thing in yesterday’s speeches was the fact that Mr Jealous used inclusive language about glbt people in his speech, and sounded like he meant it.
The “otherists” have kept the various and multiple groups in silos and thus have denied them power.
A changed NAACP, that is itself inclusive and not exclusive would and could be a powerful force for good. J
misjustice on April 04 at 6:39 a.m.
The NAACP is becoming more diverse.
“The NAACP’s newly revived Worcester, Mass., chapter elected a 28-year-old openly gay black man as its president this month. In New Jersey, a branch of the organization outside Atlantic City chose a Honduran immigrant to lead it last year. And in Mississippi, the Jackson State University chapter recently turned to a 30-something white man.”
http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/4477421-418/naacp-makes-unprecedented-diversity-push.html
west on April 04 at 7:58 a.m.
250 marchers? Small group, 3000 would have shown Spokane’s real desire to squash racial hatred. Guess the majority just doesn’t believe in it….
Ninch on April 04 at 8:16 a.m.
This idea that Spokane et al allows or promotes racial hatred or bias against “the others” is a total misrepresentation. For example, do you guys even remember that Spokane elected a black mayor quite some time ago… or that several mayors have also been female? Any “hate” behavior has been the action of lone persons and not ever sanctioned by Spokane area residents.
Question: If you guys hate Spokane/Eastern Washington so much, why don’t you relocate to a place more to your liking?
Orphan on April 04 at 8:32 a.m.
Well said Ninch. Remember if they dont make that mountain out of the offensive little mole hill they wont have much to complain about.
John the book & movie you quote are decades old and have little revelance in todays world.There are a few racists on both sides out there, there always will be. I dont believe that the vast majority of folks in the Pacific Northwest have any problem with race.
maria on April 04 at 8:40 a.m.
Orphan, the Bible is centuries old. Would you also agree that it has no RELEVANCE in today’s world as well?
Orphan on April 04 at 8:48 a.m.
Maria the Bible has been rewritten over and over and over again so that it remains relivent to current society. Just last week the newest version came out and all the gender references were changed to match modern society. I ask you this is the original Bible as written still relivent, heck only a hand full of folks in the USA could even read it.
As far as the book and movie go they have historical significance that shows the way racisim was but they certainly do not show the way racisim is in todays world. Is that a little clearer for you?
maria on April 04 at 8:49 a.m.
How would you know, Orphan? Are you colored?
eagleproducer on April 04 at 8:50 a.m.
Maria: Perfect!
Orphan: Who are “they?” You defeat your (wrong, confused) point by using that word. If you want to read something similar to “Black Like Me” that is more current (apparently your definition of relevant must include this quality) try “Crossings: A White Man’s Journey Into Black America.”
Those who don’t stand up to injustice, racism, misogyny, etc. are just as culpable as those who commit such acts.
maria on April 04 at 8:52 a.m.
Orphan, if racism isn’t a problem any more then why are hate crimes punishable?
Orphan on April 04 at 9:02 a.m.
Eagle They is all of you folks that keep making more of this than there is to further personal agendas.
No Maria I am a white guy, so not being, I will use your ugly word, Colored you think there is no way I can understand racisim, WOW just WOW. That is about as racist a comment I have ever heard. Racisim works both ways my dear.
BTW I have 1 black BinL, 2 Hispanic SinL, 1 Asian SinL 1st wife was Native American, my daughter is 1/2 Native American. My extended family is very racialy diverse.
maria on April 04 at 9:03 a.m.
Orphan, I helped raise an adopted very, very dark-skinned boy from India from the time he was age 9 to 15. He lived with me during some of those years out in the country in e. Idaho. My home was vandalized and very fine things were destroyed. They suspects broke and irreplaceable custom-made front door and I had to have part of the home rebuilt from the resulting damage. They destroyed the kid’s bedroom and stole his stereo as well as scrawled n!gger on his wall! This was just 11 years ago. But no, we don’t have a problem with racism in today’s world.
Orphan on April 04 at 9:04 a.m.
Maria Hate crimes are Hate crimes look up the laws they apply to everyone.
maria on April 04 at 9:07 a.m.
Orphan, ??? Ugly word? What do you think NAACP stands for? National Associated for the Advancement of Cyanide People? Sorry to disappoint you.
maria on April 04 at 9:07 a.m.
I never said they didn’t apply to everyone, derp.
Orphan on April 04 at 9:12 a.m.
Maria I am sorry for what you and your child had to go through.
I never said there was no racisim I said a few posts ago “There are a few racists on both sides out there, there always will be”. All I am saying is there are a some people that are making racisim out to be a lot bigger problem than it really is in the Pacific Northwest and those folks have an agenda. I do not condone racisim in any form. I do how ever get pretty irritated when things are overblown.
MrNatural on April 04 at 9:14 a.m.
Hey Chef…right on the money…aren’t we all people of color…I was there and although there was an admirable turn out I wish more had come. A lot of good speakers with a lot of good important things to say…In addition to what Mr. Jealous and Mayor Verner (the gospel singer) said…I truly enjoyed the speech by the nurse Faith Washington regarding health disparity…
Truly an inspirational and uplifting event. Let’s have many more….
Orphan on April 04 at 9:18 a.m.
Maria I personaly dont like the word Colored, I prefer to use Black, White, Asian, Hispanic etc as a discription for clarification of whom I am discussing. I would never use the word Colored to discribe anyone that I know except for maybe a cartoon figure.
maria on April 04 at 9:19 a.m.
I take things like the KKK Snowman and the MLK Day Parade Bomb pretty seriously. These things are meant to intimidate and injure innocent people.
maria on April 04 at 9:22 a.m.
What about “African American”?
I’ve used many terms in my long life. My husband happened to have grown up in Haiti and that’s the term they use. I’ll make no apologies for using it as it wasn’t meant as a racial slur.
Elkay on April 04 at 9:24 a.m.
I believe racism still rears its ugly head in Spokane workplaces, very subtly, but it’s definitely there.
Two recent occurrences happened to a very dear black friend of mine that have me so hopping mad I’m encouraging her to file a complaint with EEOC and NAACP (via an attorney) if the matter doesn’t get resolved.
While I rarely get angry, this has been blatant after processing the actions … but of course, always very P.C. in the workplace. After all, she’s in a ‘professional’ position.
Sadly, racism in this case is crystal clear to me and I intend to walk by her side through this.
eagleproducer on April 04 at 9:25 a.m.
Look at statistics for inmates in Spokane County Jail by race and tell me racism isn’t institutionalized here. I’ll wait for the predictable (and racist) comments about how people of color commit more crimes…
I think 300 marchers is a pretty good turnout for Spokane especially since the last similar march was marred by the presence of a weapon of mass destruction intended to maim and kill people promoting acceptance of diversity.
maria on April 04 at 9:27 a.m.
Orphan, you’ll have to change all those labels when we are all mixed together. My grand-dad on my mom’s side was born in Spokane to white and indian “Native American” parents. His grandfather on his dad’s side was born of black slaves. Funny world we live in, isn’t it? They call us “Melungeon”. Do you have a newer PC label for that?
maria on April 04 at 9:32 a.m.
I think I’ll start calling myself “Multi-colored”….Like a rainbow! An AMERICAN RAINBOW!
Orphan on April 04 at 9:45 a.m.
Maria The MLK bomb was a very serious thing and I do not take it lightly but it looks like it was the act of 1 nut job. 1 nut job does not define everyone else in the Pacific Northwest. The courts will take care of this nut job in short order.
I dont like African-American or anyother hyphen name I dont refer to myself as Welsh-American. I am an American, I believe that we would have a lot more solid country if we refered to our selves as Americans.
OK I like American Rainbow, you did not hyphenate it,
leekinny on April 04 at 9:51 a.m.
I find it amazing that this subject is so difficult to discuss because so many people take it personally.
I remember in the sixties the Nuns took us to the audio-visual room to show us a film on prejudice. The thing I took away from that and have tried to hold onto was…..
To silently tolerate racists speech and actions within your midst is the same as participating in that hatred.
Dinner table conversation was different after that.
The tea party is an example of a group that refuses to acknowledge that there is a prejudice to racist element within their group.
Hateful speech is openly tolerated towards Latinos and Muslims among the conservatives. This is something that should be relatively easy for them to tackle, if there were a desire to do so.
I wonder if they even admit there are those among them who are for legalizing prostitution and all street drugs. They are called Libertarians.
maria on April 04 at 10:00 a.m.
Orphan, you wrote on January 20 at 6:30 a.m.
“Drywitt99 I agree, we let the terrorists change our lives on 9-11 lets not let this change a thing. Like I said I am not a big fan of MLK but I will attend next years event and yours as well if I am home I will come.”
Did you go to the march? I believe this is what Drywitt put together. He has moved so far beyond this blog….to a place where he really is making a difference. I am proud of him.
maria on April 04 at 10:06 a.m.
drywitt99 wrote on January 21 at 6:55 a.m.
“You know…I was prepared for AMOST everything.
Support….confusion….hatred.
But not indifference.
I was not prepared for the S-R circle-jerk.
In the wake of a terrorist attack against us ALL……
only ONE of you PATRIOTS had the balls to even contact me.
With the exception of one…..THE HELL WITH ALL OF YOU.
If by your active support…..or acquienence…..you allow such hatred and violence to thrive in our midst……you deserve that particular portion of hell you have carved out for yourself.
This is my 648th comment….my final comment,
And if there IS a god…..may he take mercy on you……
because I would not.”
Orphan, you really should have gone. The main thing that kept me back was the threat of flooding on the Palouse for my trip home from Spokane. I am so kicking myself that I could not make it.
Dry, if you are reading this: I am sorry, friend.
DickAdams on April 04 at 10:11 a.m.
I must disagree with some posters that I`m in agreement more than not. The covenants, even though not worth the paper they are written on, still shows that “blacks are not allowed, only as servants, and must not be seen after the sun goes down”. These covenants were written in 1950. Why, haven`t these people changed the covenants even though worthless, and delete the language?
DickAdams on April 04 at 10:13 a.m.
I`m sorry, I inadvertently left off the area. High drive.
guille08 on April 04 at 10:25 a.m.
My wife and I recently moved here from the deep south. I’m white and she’s Latina, and being an interracial couple we’re really surprised by Spokane’s racial tolerance. Very often while out in public people stare at us. Perhaps out of simple curiosity or hatred. Don’t know, don’t care. It’s just surprising because this rarely happened to us in the south.
Orphan on April 04 at 12:05 p.m.
Maria I did not make drywitts march I had a prior commitment. I am planning on going to next years MLK march. Not because I am a big fan of MLK but because someone tried to prevent the MLK people, Americans, from exercising their 1st Amendment rights with a bomb. I will not tollerate terrorisim and I will not be intimidated by terrorists.
Guille08 Maybe it is your dress or your accents that is causing the rude behaviour. My BinLaws are both married to Hispanic women and I have never noticed anyone staring or even paying much attention to them when we have been out on the town.
Patanjali on April 04 at 12:16 p.m.
Of course we all want to believe that we are tolerant and not racist and that we live in a community that is tolerant and not racist and there are many people here in Spokane who support racial equality and fight against institutionalized racism. My suggestion to all is that you read a book called “Uprooting Racism, How White People Can Work For Racial Justice.” There is a “Culture of Power” that includes institutionalized racism and if you are a member of the dominant “white” race you have benefited from this culture of power. I certainly do not want anyone to feel guilt about this because guilt is counterproductive, but simply to be aware of it. Of course you are not a member of the Klan or other white extremist groups and of course you watch what you say so that a casual comment is not interpreted as racist and perhaps you even disassociate from white people who do make these comments. Disassociation does not, however, work. It is necessary to challenge these people directly, face to face, to let them know that you will not tolerate their racism.
Prior to the march I heard people say that the NAACP was an irrelevant organization, that they were not necessary because racism no longer existed. These very same people are the ones who accept the benefits of being white in this culture and society and refuse to extend these benefits to people of color, because of whatever reason they choose, perhaps because we spend too much money killing people of color in other parts of the world so that we do not have enough to support programs here at home that would enrich lives.
There are some bloggers on this site who cry out that “liberals” are calling tea partiers racists as a method of discrediting them when it is obvious that these conservative politicians support policies which promote and extend institutionalize racism, or which continual racist imperialistic U. S. foreign policies.
maria on April 04 at 12:24 p.m.
Good post, Patanjali.
greenlibertarian on April 04 at 12:44 p.m.
Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner? EDDIE MURPHY!
http://dumpalink.com/videos/Eddie-Murphy-As-A-White-Guy-49b5.html
Oh, and, RICHARD PRYOR!
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/f02d0b8cca/word-association-from-nino
leekinny on April 04 at 12:59 p.m.
Patanjali.
RIGHT!!!
misjustice on April 04 at 3:14 p.m.
My big strong Marine and I walked; it was his first experience in civil demonstration, while I’m a seasoned walker/protester. We had a good time, on a spring Sunday afternoon.
The crowd wasn’t as large as I’d hoped but it was diverse!
; )
Orphan on April 04 at 3:44 p.m.
Patanjali You paint with a too broad brush, Tea Partiers and Conservative polititions do not all support racisim, are there some, I am sure there are. I am equally sure they are a very small minority as I have never met a racist Tea Partier that I know of.
This is one place the Liberals get into trouble, you cant make statements like you just did and retain any credibility. Its the same as saying all Liberal polititions are not racist, that would be just as untrue as your statement. Turn your statements around and see if they work if they dont then you are most likely wrong.
I know you dont understand this but its up to the individual to enrich his or her life no one else can do that for anyone else. No amount of money will ever replace someone’s sucess. For example if the black leaders would spend more time telling their people they can rather than spending most of their time blaming the White man, good ol boys club, society etc they would get some where. As long as black people think they cant because of someone/something else thats exactly whats going to happen they wont.
There is lots of opportunity out there for anyone that wants to take advantage of it. In this day and age I am no longer buying I cant because I am (you fill in the blank).
MrNatural on April 04 at 3:51 p.m.
Hey MJ…I was there!…maybe you saw me in my bright red jacket…wasn’t the nurse that spoke just great!…
Dazzeetrader11 on April 04 at 6:09 p.m.
Too bad it wasn’t 20 degrees, windy and snowing. The downtrodden would have been out in droves. They love to complain about adversity. Might have been at least 20 more;)
ABout every 15 years or so, somebody does something a bit crazy. Doesn’t mean much. Those bums should have launched their little “show ” in Watts or South Central. All they wanted was a show and a little face time on cams.. They got a small one. Best wishes to them.
greenlibertarian on April 04 at 8:36 p.m.
Daisy never fails at belittling people of color. I give her credit though, as least she’s not a closet racist, she puts her racism right up front.
james_l on April 04 at 8:37 p.m.
Your white sheet is showing, Daisy!
maria on April 04 at 8:42 p.m.
I flagged her for her garbage. Feel free to do the same.
ChefGus/ John Olsen on April 05 at 2:39 a.m.
Quiet acquiescence is where in lies the crux of the “problem”… if people that simply know better would speak truth to power… ie Uncle Fred makes nasty comment about “Gays” or ( you fill in the blanks).. and people call him out, or leave the room, or better yet refuse to spend time in his presence… the shunning will over time at least shut him up… and perhaps give opportunity to engage him in hard conversation about the issue.
The movie “Gentleman’s Agreement” is every bit as pointed and poignant today as it was in 1947. Take the time to watch it and then make comment. Thanks for the book tips Patanjali… best gus