YWCA Spokane Joins Community in Honoring Dr. King at the MLK Day 2026 Rally, March, and Resource Fair

On January 19th, YWCA Spokane staff joined community members at the Spokane Convention Center for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. rally, march, and resource fair hosted by the MLK Center.

Each year, this event brings the Spokane community together to honor the legacy of Dr. King while renewing a shared commitment to justice, service, equity, and unity. YWCA Spokane was proud to participate alongside community partners, advocates, and residents who continue to carry Dr. King’s work forward.

MLK Day is Not a Day off, But a Day On

Organized by Freda Gandy, Director of the MLK Center, the event centered both honor and action. Freda’s leadership throughout the day uplifted community voices, honored those who paved the way, and reminded attendees that MLK Day is not a day off, but a day on.

The rally opened with powerful musical performances by JaNese Howard, who sang the national anthem and later returned with a rendition of “A Change Is Gonna Come,” grounding the gathering in both remembrance and hope. Mayor Lisa Brown addressed the crowd, followed by remarks from Lisa Gardner, NAACP President, and Dr. Melissa Mace, the first-ever NAACP Executive Director, who spoke to the ongoing responsibility to protect civil rights and expand equity within our community.

Voices of the Present and Hope for the Future

Jada, a longtime member of the MLK Center, encouraged attendees to engage in civic action, emphasizing the importance of voting. A moving spoken word poem shared by Zahara Tadesse, a Rogers High School student, captured both the urgency of the present moment and hope for the future. Anesu Whacha, crowned the inaugural Miss Juneteenth of Spokane, also shared reflections, reinforcing the importance of honoring history while shaping what comes next.

Honoring Community Legacies

A particularly meaningful moment honored two beloved community leaders whose legacies continue to guide Spokane: Ivan Bush and Reverend Happy Watkins. Through archival footage, attendees viewed Reverend Watkins delivering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech in 2014 at Jefferson Elementary School, a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of Dr. King’s words and Rev. Watkins’ lifelong commitment to sharing them across generations.

The Ivan Bush Community Service Award was presented to the youth of Holy Temple Children’s Church in recognition of their efforts to host a food drive serving community members in need. Two youth from the church shared their dreams and spoke about how Dr. King’s legacy inspires them to serve others.

Additionally, the Happy Watkins Scholarship was awarded to Nikita Habimana, a student at Shadle Park High School, who shared her aspiration to become a human rights lawyer and her commitment to speaking up for others and advocating for justice.

The rally closed with heartfelt words and song from Stephy Nobles-Beans, leaving the crowd inspired and grounded in reflection.

Throughout the day, speakers returned to teachings that continue to guide the movement for justice:

• “Anybody can serve who has a heart of grace.”
• "Violence never brings permanent peace."
• "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
• "Don’t look for enemies to defeat; look for community to build."
• "We are defined by the light that we shine."
• "Go beyond honoring the legacy — we must defend it."

As the community marched and gathered, the message was clear: MLK Day is a call to unity, service, justice, and love. The work remains finished, and building a more just and compassionate world is a responsibility shared by all of us.

Why MLK Day is Meaningful

Before the rally began, one detail stood out immediately. There were noticeably more people in attendance than last year. At large community events, attendance can be hard to measure. However, this growth was visible right away which made the atmosphere feel especially powerful. The crowd itself deepened the sense of shared purpose and collective care.

That same energy carried over to the resource fair. More individuals stopped by our table to ask about our mission and services. Through these conversations, I was able to make meaningful connections with many people, putting into practice the words shared earlier about seeking out community in order to build the future we want.

At the same time, the culture we live in often emphasizes individualism, which can often lead to feelings of isolation, especially in racial and social justice work. Many of us engage daily with heavy, complex issues. Too often, we are expected to carry them alone.

Spaces like the resource fair offer a different experience. They remind us that we do not have to do this work in isolation. Instead, these spaces create opportunities to connect with others who understand the weight of this work and want to move forward together. While our language and approaches may differ, we share a common goal: building a more just community for all. That includes people behind the scenes, advocates on the ground, and those who support the work by learning, sharing, and engaging.

I’m reminded of a local leader's words. Jaime Stacy often says “You can’t pour from one cup into another, you have to pour from a pitcher,” with the pitcher symbolizing community. Community allows us to pour into others while replenishing ourselves. Seeing so many people show up was a powerful reminder that we are not alone in this work.

Call to Action

Dr. King taught us that change is built through collective action. If you felt inspired by this year’s MLK rally and march, we invite you to stay connected. Learn more about YWCA Spokane’s racial and social justice work, attend a community event, share our mission, or find ways to serve alongside others.

Building a more just and equitable community requires all of us and there is a place for everyone in this work.