African Americans Honored For Achievements
Clarence T. Freeman always knew how to give.
As the only African American in an all-white battalion during World War II, the Spokane native never once complained. Instead, he used the opportunity to help other officers overcome racism.
“It wasn’t I who had to get along with other people,” he said. “It was they who had to find out I was a human being. I had no feelings of inferiority. Never ever.”
When he returned home after the war, he and his wife, Frances, helped other blacks find decent housing in segregated Spokane. White landlords at that time refused to rent to people of color.
Over the years, people have turned to him for wisdom. His generosity, many say, knows no bounds.
On Thursday night, Freeman was recognized for his kindness and leadership at the African American Recognition Banquet.
More than 200 people attended the event, an annual gathering at the Ridpath Hotel to help raise money for the Carl Maxey Endowment Scholarship Fund.
Freeman, a community volunteer and former construction company owner, was one of five people recognized for their achievements.
“I couldn’t believe I was picked,” he said before the banquet. “Spokane has always meant everything to me.”
He and Frances, who died last year after 57 years of marriage, were known civic leaders. In 1964, they co-chaired Spokane’s first multiracial job fair. They served on various boards, including the YWCA and the Easter Seals Society.
On top of his accomplishments, Freeman sees himself today as a man deeply devoted to his family. His life has changed drastically, he said, since Frances died.
“She was so beautiful,” he said. “She was with me all the way. I was just blessed, that’s all.”
Other recipients of the 1997 African American Recognition Awards are: World War II hero Lt. Vernon J. Baker from St. Maries, who received the Medal of Honor; Charline Hopkins of Spokane, a community volunteer and advocate; Sylvester J. Lake, a community advocate and former grand master for the Prince Hall Masons of Washington State, and Rache Stotts-Johnson, a University of Washington student who received this year’s Carl Maxey Scholarship.
Most of these people are silent leaders, individuals who are rarely recognized for their work, organizer Stephen R. Wilson said.
Hopkins, for example, was instrumental in starting a day care for low-income, single mothers. Lake helped establish a boys club in town and is also known as the “Candy Man” for giving out sweets at Bethel AME Church.
“These are people who have a profound service commitment,” Wilson said. “They’ve contributed a lot to the community.”
, DataTimes