Calvary Baptist Church: A bulwark of faith, community and justice
Editor’s Note: As Expo 74 celebrates its 50th year anniversary, the influence of the Black community in Spokane dare not be overlooked. Black pioneers settled in the area in the mid- to late 1800s, creating an active civic and faith community. There was a mindset of cultural and spiritual uplift that propelled Black settlers to stimulate a sense of collectivism for the betterment of their families and neighbors. At the African Heritage Diversity Day that took place on June 22 at Riverfront Park, Teresa Hemphill, a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church, shared the legacy of Spokane’s oldest Black church. Part of her speech has been edited and is shared below.