Dear Community Members,
On Dec. 14, in my capacity as Director of Communications for the Spokane City Council, I drafted and presented a resolution to the Council reaffirming the importance of celebrating MLK Day and Juneteenth. During this meeting, two Council Members pushed back on the legitimacy to support the resolution, one stating that it is “baseless” and “the community did not ask for this.” Council President has agreed to sponsor this resolution, as she believes that, while there is a national attempt to dilute our history, it is our community’s responsibility to reaffirm its importance.
The resolution follows a recent federal decision that removed national recognition of MLK Day and Juneteenth as free-entry days at national parks, prompting communities across the country to reaffirm the importance of these historic observances.
While these federal holidays are nationally recognized and deeply rooted in American history, their significance goes beyond a date on the calendar. They represent values our community has long claimed: dignity, inclusion, and the courage to acknowledge both our progress and our unfinished work.
The resolution before Council does not create new holidays, require new funding, or change city policy. It simply affirms that our city remains clear and consistent in recognizing the legacy of Dr. King and the end of legal enslavement in the United States.
This vote will take place during the same council meeting in which an MLK Day proclamation will be read on Monday, Jan. 12, at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall.
Your voice matters.
If you believe our city should stand firmly and publicly in support of these values, we encourage you to:
Attend the upcoming City Council meeting in person or online at my.spokanecity.org/citycable5/live
Provide public comment in support of the resolution or sign up to testify at my.spokanecity.org/citycouncil/meetings/signup/
Share your perspective respectfully and authentically.
Moments like this remind us that community values are not abstract; they are upheld when people speak up.
As we prepare to celebrate MLK Day, let’s show up on Jan. 12 to support Council President and also reaffirm the importance of our country’s foremost Civil Rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Thank you for continuing to help shape a city that strives to live up to its ideals.
This message by Spokane NAACP President Lisa Gardner was presented on Dec. 15 at the Public infrastructure, environment and sustainability meeting (PIES).