March 2024 Culture & Community Newsletter

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

GIRL SCOUTS

JoinSpokane'sUnitedWe StandatRiverfrontParkfrom Friday,May10thtoSunday, May12thincelebratingthe 50thAnniversaryoftheExpo 74,CulturalExhibits,and ResourceFair Withover120 vendors,liveperformances, culturaldemonstrations,food trucks,andaluau,there's somethingforeveryoneto enjoy!

Acrossthenation,GirlScouts embracetheirindividualityand talents,empoweredtotackle newobstaclesthrough diverseprograms With supportfromdedicatedadult volunteersandmentors,as wellasavastnetworkof alumnae,GirlScouts confidentlynavigate challengesandadvocatefor issuesclosetotheirhearts Localtroopswillbeselling cookiesinsideRiverPark SquarefromMarch22through April14

EXPERIENCE THE ALOHA SPIRIT

MENTAL HEALTH STATISTICS

More than 1 in 5 US adults live with a mental illness

Just over 6 million people are living with bipolar disorder

Anxiety disorders are the most common, affecting 18% of adults and 25% of children

50% of adults with mental illness do not get the treatment they need

30 million people have some kind of eating disorder

Women are diagnosed with serious mental health conditions at higher rates than men, 7% to 4% respectively

6 7% of adults suffer from major depressive disorder in a given year

46% of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their life

LOOKING BACK AT BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BlackHistoryMonthisatimetocelebratetherich anddiversetapestryofAfricanAmerican heritage,culture,andcontributionstosociety OriginatingintheUnitedStates,thisannual observanceservesasapoignantreminderofthe struggles,triumphs,andresilienceofBlack individualsthroughouthistory.Frompivotal figureslikeMartinLutherKingJr.,RosaParks,and HarrietTubmantogroundbreakingachievements inliterature,music,science,andbeyond,Black HistoryMonthhonorstheindeliblemarkthat AfricanAmericanshaveleftontheworld Italso providesanopportunityforreflection,education, andcontinueddialogueonissuesofracial equalityandsocialjustice.Aswecommemorate thismonth,letusnotonlycelebratethepastbut alsorecommitourselvestobuildingamore inclusiveandequitablefutureforall

COMMUNITYSPOTLIGHT:CARLMAXEY CENTER

TheCarlMaxeyCenterisaBlack-ledandBlackcenterednon-profitorganizationbasedintheEast CentralneighborhoodofSpokane,Washington CMCisbothaneighborhoodculturalcenterand gatheringplaceandacommunity-based organizationthatprovidesprogramsandservices focusedonaddressingtheneedsofSpokane's AfricanAmerican/Blackcommunity ofSpokane's AfricanAmerican/Blackcommunity TheCarlMaxey Center'svisionisfortheSpokaneregion'sBlack communitytobeamodelforbuildinggenerational wealth,educationalexcellence,justice,andcultural vibrancy

BLACKHISTORYMONTHEVENTSINSPOKANE

BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT FOLEY LIBRARY

Visitors had the opportunity to explore and learn through a display of stories, experiences, and book written by Black authors and individuals illuminating the diversity of Black experiences in America

THIRD ANNUAL SPOKANE BLACK VOICES SYMPOSIUM

A student-led presentation of art and other works from Spokane’s black community celebrated the theme “Black Joy - An Aspirational Mindset.” The event was presented by Northwest Passage book club

THE SOUND OF (BLACK) MUSIC

Black art and culture were celebrated by watching the reimagination of the beloved musical through an Afrofuturist lens, including musical genres such as jazz, gospel, blues, soul, funk, and Afro-beat

THE LIVED EXPERIENCE: A POETRY WORKSHOP AT SPARK CENTRAL

Local poet and author Stephen Pitters shared his meaningful story of living on an all-white campus in 1960s Louisiana and how his experince impacted his worth

BLACK HISTORY MONTH COMEDY SHOWCASE

A night of comedy that celebrated black culture featuring comedians Ibrahim, Anthony Sington, Charles Hall Jr, and Cowles Real Estate employee, Darryl Burns

2ND ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH RESOURCE & EMPOWERMENT FAIR

Attendees perused the Black Owned Business & Resource Fair at the Central Spokane Library

The Night of Empowerment featured Spokane community guest speakers Luc Jasmin III, Jerrall Haynes, David Moss, Oscar Harris, and Rev, James Watkins.

Latinx Owner Aims for Culture, Community at New Coffee Shop & Gallery

Robin Wojtanik, Tri-Cities Journal of Business

aul Martinez has fulfilled a dream by opening Cafe con Arte, a ee shop in downtown Pasco that also serves as a cultural hub. he cafe features a rotating art collection, reflecting Martinez’s background as a visual arts teacher Inspired by his desire to create a space that celebrates the community, Martinez saw ential in a neglected building and turned it into a vibrant cafe e credits the city’s investments in downtown Pasco and hopes the cafe will contribute to its growth Despite his teaching ckground, Martinez finds fulfillment in running the cafe, which offers workshops and classes alongside its coffee and art. The cafe aims to foster a sense of community while also bein nomically viable, catering to the diverse population of the Tries area With plans for expansion and events, Cafe con Arte is poised to become a central gathering place in Pasco

Heritage Works to Help Grow Region’s ‘Own Lawyers’

Jeff Morrow, Tri-Cities Journal of Business TriCitiesAreaJournalofBusiness.com

A severe shortage of attorneys in Central and Eastern Washingt exacerbated by factors like low pay and heavy caseloads, has le the region struggling with what Cesar Torres calls a “legal desert Recognizing the need for more diverse legal representation in th area, Torres proposed the establishment of a law school in Cent Washington. While this goal is still in progress, a Prelaw Undergraduate Scholars (PLUS) program was initiated in collaboration with Heritage University This program aims to attract diverse students to the legal profession and offers vario preparatory activities, including classes, seminars, and mentors opportunities Despite being funded by grants, the program will require community support for its sustainability beyond the current funding cycle. Participants have shown interest in pursu legal education, potentially addressing the attorney shortage in Central Washington and increasing diversity in the legal profess

Picante Finds Success in Downtown Kennewick

Jeff Morrow, Tri-Cities Journal of Business TriCitiesAreaJournalofBusiness.com

Daisy Vargas transitioned from being a mental health therapist to he owner of Picante Mexican Taqueria in downtown restaurant, located at 20 S. Auburn St., has enjoyed since its opening in March 2023, serving a variety of to a loyal customer base Initially starting as a food re in 2019, Vargas eventually decided to establish a mortar location due to challenges faced by the food g competition and seasonal constraints Inspired by cipes from the city of Manzanillo in Colima, Mexico, her team offer a menu featuring handmade tortillas, tos, ceviche, and more The restaurant's popularity th customer numbers quadrupling compared to the argas emphasizes teamwork, customer service, and her business approach and has seen her employee significantly With plans for further menu expansion hours, Picante Mexican Taqueria continues to thrive as a beloved dining destination in downtown Kennewick

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

DuringWomen'sHistoryMonthinMarch,wehonorandrecognizethevitalrolewomenhaveplayedin shapinghistory,culture,andsociety Thismonthisdedicatedtocelebratingthediversecontributions womenhavemadeacrossvariousfieldsandbackgrounds Ithighlightsboththeachievementsand obstaclesfacedbywomen,emphasizingtheongoingstruggleforgenderequalityandtheneedto breakdownsystemicbarriershinderingwomen'sprogress Women'sHistoryMonthemphasizesthe importanceofelevatingwomen'svoicesandensuringtheirstoriesareprominentlyfeaturedinthe broadernarrativeofhumanity.

InternationalWomen’sDay,observedgloballyonMarch8thsince1911,celebratestheeconomic, political,andsocialaccomplishmentsofwomen Manycountriesmarkthisdaywithdemonstrations andeducationalprograms

TheYWCAofSpokanehonorseightwomenwhohavemadesignificantcontributionstotheir communities Eachhonoreeshowcasedtheirlimitlesspotential,andtheirstoriescontinuetoserveas atestamenttothestrength,resilience,anddeterminationofwomeneverywhere.

PASSOVER

Chabad org ywcaspokane

Passover,alsoknownasPesachinHebrewisasignificantJewish holidaythatcommemoratestheliberationoftheIsraelitesfrom slaveryinancientEgypt.Passoverisobservedforeightdaysinthe earlyspring,startingthe15thdayoftheHebrewmonthNissan PassoverbeginsbeforesundownonMonday,April22,andendsafter nightfallonTuesday,April30 AttheheartofPassoveristheSeder,a ritualmealwherefamiliesandcommunitiesgathertoretellthestory oftheExodusthroughtheHaggadah,aspecialtextcontaining prayers,songs,andreadings DuringSeder,participantseatsymbolic foodssuchasmatzo(unleavenedbread),bitterherbs,andcharoset (amixtureoffruitsandnuts),eachrepresentingdifferentaspectsof theExodusstory Passoverisatimeforreflection,gratitude,and celebrationoffreedom,highlightingthemesofliberation,faith,and renewalfoJewishpeoplearoundtheworld

Wehavebecomenotameltingpotbutabeautiful mosaic.Differentpeople,differentbeliefs,different yearnings,differenthopes,differentdreams.

-JimmyCarter

nationaltoday com

nationalwomenshistoryalliance org

GIRLS ON THE RUN

gotrspokane org

Girls on the Run is a nonprofit organization designed to enhance participants' social, emotional, and physical skills to successfully navigate life experiences Their fun, interactive lessons meet the unique needs of participants of all abilities and backgrounds The mission of Girls on the Run is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running

Girls on the Run Spokane County ends each Spring season with a Celebratory 5k. This closing 5k gi program participants of all abilities a tangible sense of accomplishment Crossing the finish li instills confidence through competition and is a joyful moment program participants always remember! Every child in the program receives a commemorative medal to celebrate this incredi achievement

This year's Celebratory 5k is on Saturday, June 1 They need helpful volunteers to make this event possible Some volunteer options are:

Set Up Registration

Course Markers

Water Station

Snack Table

Clean Up

Bike Lead for the Race