Behind unaffected doors

Last night , after viewing “Just Mercy” with several black American friends, a woman in the bathroom stall next to me was weeping. A very well-educated man I have tremendous respect for was upset and said he had to be convinced to go.

For these two, the discrimination they face as black Americans today is still so real, it’s difficult for them to watch it unfold on a screen.

Years ago, when inquiring about Native issues, Al Frank, a Nez Perce friend of mine, said “Just go to a powwow.” My first powwow was an explosion of rich culture and also troubling conversations.

In a large auditorium in 2016, Bob Lloyd stood and said, “If anyone wants to know more about black culture in Spokane, come to Rocket Market on Thursdays at 10 a.m.” And, there, for the past three years, I got the best education ever. Last year, after going under the Brown Street Bridge and to City Hall’s Camp Hope, I made incredible friends and learned that untreated trauma was the main reason for homelessness.

Spokane is mostly middle class, white, behind “unaffected doors.” Now is the time to step out, gain insight, and help.

Barb Brock

Cheney