The Black Lens
April Rivers Eberhardt has been named the interim editor of The Black Lens, beginning July 1, taking the reins from Natasha Hill as she continues on her campaign for House representative of Washington state Legislative District 3. Hill helped relaunch the nonprofit newspaper alongside the Williams family to continue the vision of the late editor Sandy Williams.
Eberhardt has been a consistent reporter for The Black Lens, since its republication in February.
Eberhardt lives in the West Plains area of Spokane County with her family, but hails from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A military spouse of 23 years, she is the wife of Ret. Master Sgt. Edward Eberhardt, who recently finished a 24-year Air Force career. They are the parents of two young adult daughters and a 14-year-old son.
Eberhardt has a bachelor’s of arts degree in English from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (1999), a master’s of science degree in general administration from Central Michigan University (2006) and a master’s of education degree (cross-cultural teaching) from National University (2013).
Eberhardt is a college and career counselor in the public school system, just completed a three-year term on the Leadership Spokane Board, serves as the NAACP Education Committee Chair and is the Services to Youth Chair and Recording Secretary for the Spokane chapter of The Links, Inc.
Eberhardt has served on the Spokane African American Graduation Committee for the past 3 years. She was a Culturally Responsive Trainer with the Washington Education Association from 2018-21 and is an unapologetic advocate for anti-racism. She has taught English and language arts to students from grades 5-12 since 2007 in the following places: California, Germany (Department of Defense) and Spokane.
In 2017, Eberhardt received the Commander’s Leadership Award at Spangdahlem Air Base, and in 2021 she was awarded the Washington Education Association Human and Civil Rights Award. She believes that perspective sharing is an important component in building bridges that foster community and understanding and she does not shy away from tough conversations.
Her own three children are the impetus for her first four self-published early childhood books, and they are featured to showcase real children having fun and interesting experiences.
Her goal as a writer is to cultivate cultural representation, and she uses her own life experiences as inspiration for her work. Prior to The Black Lens’ relaunch, she wrote intermittently for the publication at the encouragement of Sandy Williams.
She feels honored to have been selected for this new role and hopes to continue Williams’ legacy by sharing the nuances of the Black life, promoting voice and visibility, empowering our youth, and giving a space to express, learn, heal and grow as a community. We must keep telling our stories.