Greetings Spokane and The Black Lens family.
It’s pretty awesome to join you once again here on The BL. Thank you, Sister April, for the invitation to come on board. It is absolutely my honor and privilege to once again share some communications on this platform started by our beloved Sandy Williams.
I figured for this first column I’d start out by reintroducing myself and just talk about why I’m going to call it what I call it.
For those of you that may not know me, I am Kurtis Robinson. I identify as multiracial, and I use he/him pronouns. I’m 62 years old and a Cancer. I had the distinct honor of serving as the Spokane NAACP Branch President three times in seven years (in past times). I am a father of three biological children and two stepchildren.
I acknowledge being a previously justice-involved individual who did my time from 1984 through 1987 for a strong-armed robbery that I committed while I was crack cocaine addicted and gunshot wounded. I acknowledge having 10 ACEs, and come January 1st, I will have 23 consecutive years clean and sober.
I currently serve as a Spokane NAACP 3rd VP; Better Health Together board member/secretary; Just Lead Washington board member/vice chair; Front and Centered community council member; City of Spokane Human Rights commissioner/secretary; and a Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Commissioner.
I worked for over a decade as a wildland and structural firefighter, and I currently work as the Executive Director for the Revive Center of Returning Citizens and I Did The Time. Yeah, once in a while I get to get some sleep. Yet believe you me, why I do so much will be a thing to chew on in the future!
Which brings me to the title of this column. Yep, you guessed it: “Some Stuff to Chew On!”
In my years of dedication, exposure, and access to many circles–as well as ridiculously demonstrated commitment to social justice, anti-racism, and pro-equity–I might have learned a few things. So when Sister April invited me to jump back on The Black Lens, it seemed only prudent to share some of those lessons, kick around some concepts, and have an intentional focus that invites us into contemplation about who, why, and where we are–not only as BIPOC individuals and a larger human family, but also (maybe especially) our nation and planet.
I will do my best to authentically serve that spirit, the invitation of Sister April, and the memory of Sister Sandy and Pat in such a fashion.
So, in 2026, we’re going to start dancing that way! And as you close this year out, regardless of what’s going on in this country and the world, may you have a special, blessed, and meaningful experience throughout this holiday season.
Looking forward to it! Merry, merry and happy, happy–however you celebrate.