I remember the first time I learned that Sandy’s birthday was the day before mine and I thought to myself, “That explains it!” Not that anyone needs a reason to be drawn to Sandy’s vibe, but to me, it was a special connection with her unexplainable spirit. On the surface, I could say, “Oh, it’s a Virgo thing!” But Sandy was truly out of this world.
I don’t mean in a celestial or astronomical sense, but in that she genuinely felt heaven-sent. I wouldn’t claim I am heaven-sent myself, but when I say a kindred spirit, I mean we shared a love for the community – a love for Spokane. Most importantly, we both loved celebrating Black culture.
Sandy and I grew up in the Spokane area and understood what it was like to be the only brown face in predominantly white spaces. We knew what it was like to relegate our cultural celebrations to church basements or a corner of a park once a year. We knew the challenge of constantly explaining why supporting Black culture in Spokane was essential. We understood the ongoing struggle of advocating for our culture amid a mostly dominant narrative culture and elected officials here about why civil rights and social justice matter. The foremost celebrated Spokane activist, Sandy, for years pushed for the advancement of our community relentlessly and without ceasing in the face of constant resistance. Sandy’s audaciousness was the allure that drew people in and is what I miss deeply.
When Sandy decided that there needed to be more awareness about Sickle Cell disease–a genetic blood disorder that I was born with, and asked me to write an article and be involved, I thought to myself, “This is the most gracious and intentional thing anyone has ever done about this disease.” Using her Black Lens platform and Carl
Maxey Center to bring awareness to a disease that primarily impacts Black Americans wasn’t only on brand for Sandy’s love of all things Black; it was her way of saying to me and those who suffer, “I see you!”
Losing Sandy that dreadful day in September 2022 was a blow to the heart and soul that reverberated throughout the community. It was like someone knocked the wind out of me when I heard the news. September is the month Sandy was given life, and September is the month her life transcended from earth.
September has always been a time for me to pause – once to honor Sickle Cell Awareness and to celebrate my own life. But now, September carries a deeper meaning. It is when I reflect on the life and legacy of Sandy Williams. September is for Sandy.