YWCA Spokane staff joined thousands of community members in rallying and marching at the Martin Luther King Jr. event on January 20th at the Spokane Convention Center.

The MLK Center organized their annual rally, march, and resource fair to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and promote community unity. YWCA Spokane was proud to participate and join thousands of community members at the Martin Luther King Jr. event on January 20th at the Spokane Convention Center, participating in the rally and march in celebration of Dr. King’s vision for justice and equality.

As part of our mission to eliminating racism and empowering women, YWCA Spokane stands firmly in support of racial justice, advocating for a society where all races, sexual orientations, and gender identities., can live with dignity, opportunity, and respect.

The MLK rally, march, and resource fair in Spokane were powerful events, highlighting both the progress made and the challenges still faced in the fight for civil rights.

Freda Gandy, Director of the MLK Center, delivered an inspiring speech during the rally. Freda presented recognitions to several students and community members who have made significant contributions to the Spokane community. During the rally, Freda paid tribute to Rev. Happy Watkins, a Spokane civil rights icon, acknowledging his vital role in growing the annual MLK Day march.

Freda spoke about the profound impact of losing such a dedicated leader, especially in the wake of Ivan Bush’s passing—a long-time civil rights and education advocate in Spokane. For nearly four decades, Ivan Bush worked tirelessly to promote equality, education, and opportunity, and his loss is felt deeply by the community.

The rally also featured stunning musical performances by an incredible singer, whose voice resonated throughout the event, adding a powerful emotional layer to the gathering. Their songs filled the air with a sense of unity and reflection.