Has it only been two years since my friend Sandy was called home? Some days seem like a lifetime ago. As I reflect, I am reminded of her laughter and that twinkle in her eyes when she was up to some good trouble. Would she have ever thought that I would be Council President? Would she like how the second phase of the Carl Maxey Center building turned out? Would she be pleased with the progress we have made? There are so many questions left unanswered.And how could I forget her Patrica, a force in her own right. What joy she brought into Sandys’ life. Talk about someone who could mix it up and dance. How Patricia loved to dance!
Many of you know that we were called “Martin and Malcolm.” At first, I blew that label off. But as we did our community work and the work of the Carl Maxey Center, it was true that Sandy would come in HOT! She would be ready to burn the place down, followed by me and my moderate approach. We were a great team because, in the end, most were ready to listen and support. Since her passing, I realized how much I miss her support and how she challenged me. There are places I go now that I wish I had Sandy to have my back and her voice. Really, I just miss my friend, the kind of friend you want through thick and thin.
I remember the last event we were at together was Juneteenth of 2022. What a day that was, and the spirit of celebration and collaboration was in the air. The picture of Sandy, Freda, and I was like, WOW, look out, Spokane, three black women on a mission! That day, we were partying and planning great things for East Central, and then, on September 4, we got the news that tragedy had struck. Like many of you, I didn’t want to accept it, so I held out hope for her survival, but the Good Lord had called our sister home. Paralysis had hit me like a sucker punch; such a loss as this paralyzed me. After her passing, I didn’t stop to grieve because there was work to be done, so I put it aside. I felt the best way to honor our friendship was to carry on the work we had started together then and now.
Writing my reflections has made me open the door to my own grief. I have been so thankful for our shared experiences, the laughter and disappointments, the joy and pride in creating something from nothing and being a trailblazer.
Many will remember the Carl Maxey Center as her legacy, which is true, but to me, Sandy Williams’ real legacy is the people she touched that we will never know and the seeds of change she planted.
Finally, Sandy and I shared the same birthday, September 13, so Happy Birthday, Sandy! Know that when I celebrate, I will also think of you fondly. Maybe I will wear an orange flannel like your favorite jacket! Rest in Power, my friend.