By Gian Mitchell, PJALS Intern and Young Activist Leader
Besides PJALS’s “Vehicle Procession for Black Lives,” this was the first event I’ve attended in person since the onset of COVID-19. I’ve held back from attending in person events because of my fear of contracting the virus and passing it on to my parents and grandmother. Through my internship with PJALS, I’ve been able to be active in the movement in other ways. When I got the opportunity to volunteer at SCAR’s event though, I jumped at the chance. Even if it was a risk, I’m glad I took it.
I’m glad I took that risk because this event was powerful. The demands made were both visionary and practical. Their demands envision a Spokane in which the people in charge of public safety can do more than bring force to bear to keep our community safe. A Spokane in which none of us would need to fear the people who are supposed to be protecting us. That’s the Spokane I want to live in and the Spokane in which I want my family to live in one day.
This event was the beginning of a much longer struggle. It’s going to take time and effort to see the Spokane we want fully realized. We can get there though, and we will.