About The Black Lens
The Black Lens is an independent community publication, based in Spokane, Washington, focused on the news, events, people, issues, and information of importance to our Black community. The Black Lens follows what’s happening in the Black Community in Spokane and writes about issues and stories that impact the Black Community locally and beyond.
History of The Black Lens
Founded in 2015 by Sandy Williams, The Black Lens was published by Sandy Williams on the first of each month from January of 2015 – January 2023, with few exceptions. Sandy grew The Black Lens from 12 to 24 pages and from 500 to 1,300 copies, which she hand delivered, free of charge, to targeted locations in Spokane’s Black community, including churches, businesses, organizations, community centers, libraries, colleges and at African American focused events. Delivery was a huge task that Sandy took pride in and enjoyed doing herself.
The Black Lens built a mail subscription base of over 700 hundred paid subscribers in Spokane and across the country. The Black Lens’ impact and reach reflected much larger numbers due to the pride and support The Black Lens drew across our community and the state of Washington under Sandy’s helm.
About the Founder
Sandra Williams was an activist, lecturer, filmmaker, and entrepreneur, with an extensive background addressing issues of discrimination, equity, and social justice.
Sandra received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Washington State University and her Master’s Degree in Film/Television Production from the University of Southern California School of Cinema.
She has been was involved in anti-oppression/anti-discrimination work for nearly 40 years, as the Coordinator of the Pride Center at Eastern Washington University, the Executive Director of Odyssey Youth Center, the Spokane Field Coordinator for Youth Suicide Prevention Program, and as an HIV/AIDS Prevention Educator focusing on communities of color.
In addition to activism and grass roots organizing, Sandra effectively used the mediums of film, video, theater, and the spoken word as tools to address discrimination and oppression. In 2008, she ventured into radio with the development of a bi-monthly public affairs program on KYRS Radio 92.3 FM in Spokane, WA. Her program, REVOLUTIONARY SPIRITUALITY, which aired for four years, looked at the diversity that exists within religious and spiritual beliefs, and addressed the ways that organized religion has been used as weapon of oppression.
In 2013, focusing her attention primarily on the needs of Spokane’s African American community, Sandra accepted an appointment by Governor Jay Inslee to the Washington State Commission on African American Affairs as the Eastern Washington representative and served from 2013 – 2018.
In 2018, Sandra spearheaded the development of The Carl Maxey Center, an African American cultural center located on 5th Avenue in Spokane’s East Central neighborhood. The Maxey Center purchased its building in August 2018 and it continues its transformation into a sustainable (green) and technologically innovative hub that will focus on Equity, Racial & Social Justice, Business & Workforce Development, Education & Advocacy and Cultural Enrichment. Sandra’s goal of the center is to uplift and empower Spokane’s African American community from the inside out.
Sandra Williams’ contributions to the Spokane community and beyond are immeasurable and will not only be remembered but will serve as the foundation for future progress for Spokane’s Black Community. A pillar and Spokane treasure. Thank you Sandy.
Sandy Williams
Founder