In light of Black History Month, The Spokesman-Review’s Northwest Passages and The Black Lens is hosting its fourth annual Spokane Black Voices Symposium on Feb. 10. The 7 p.m. event will take place at the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center Coughlin Theater, at 211 E. Desmet Ave. The following writings and artwork are submissions by Black Voices Symposium participants, new and returning.
A letter to fear
Donalda Brantley, Rogers High School alumna, first-year student at the University of Washington
Dear fear,
You’ve held on for so long
Even when I was alone
You were there to hold me close
I closed the door and sat with you
Many nights I tossed and turned to every side
With no one to turn to cause all that surrounded me was you.
I thought of you when I woke up.
I thought of you when I tied my shoes.
I walked across many stages
I’ve read from many pages
I broke away from many cages
Still, you’ve held onto me for ages
I showed courage as I spoke in public
But you called to me in private
The feeling of you made me sick
So, Courage became my only answer
It was the best medicine to pick.
Whether it’s being scared of the dark or being scared of not being able to turn the lights on.
I’ve known you for so long
It’s time for me to move on.
To the world I am an amazing girl but to you fear, I am nothing but small.
I’m sure we’ll meet again but my feelings for you are long gone.
Before I close this letter
I need you to know, I don’t despise you. If I’m being honest, I admire you.
Truthfully, I hold no animosity.
You only fueled my curiosity.
I wondered what it was like to feel that brave while I was alone.
Without the world watching me.
When eyes closed, I kept mine open.
My eyes adjusted to the dark.
Soon enough light came in.
So, Stand in front of me
Still I see right through you
Because even though you’re in my way Courage is standing right behind you.
I’m afraid I have to say goodbye
If I say I’ll miss you then I’m lying
So, before I lie down, I’ll tell you farewell
I’ll go to sleep with the bravery to wake up the next morning.
I’ll tie my shoes with the courage to walk away
I’ll no longer need you to make me stay.
Sincerely,
Me today. Sincerely, me always.
Overcoming
Jase Bower, Shadle Park High School senior
According to the Harbor Research Center at the University of Washington, about 1 in 5 high school students seriously considered suicide within the past year and nearly 1 in 10 reported attempting it. My high school dream was for people to know who I am. I wanted to make a difference in the school. I wanted to show people the real me. I wanted to be a straight “A” student and to play every sport I had an opportunity too. Going into freshman year, I was worrying about where my classes were, what teams I would get put on, and how I was going to keep my grades up. I never imagined the challenges that were heading my way and having to overcome the loss of loved ones, from suicide to homicide, threw curveballs that I didn’t expect.
Two days into my freshman year, my best friend committed suicide. In processing her death, I began shutting people out. Consequently, I was not able to get the wisdom, advice, or support I needed to handle the grief I was feeling. I continued to push people away and in return they stopped asking me if I needed help, which left me feeling alone. Through all that, I became extremely depressed, and I started to stop showing interest in things I had once been excited about. Unfortunately, I stopped prioritizing schooling, and my mental health became a concern to my parents. This experience allowed me to find new perspectives about life, the main one being not to take life for granted because life is too short to have doubts. I also realized that terrible things can happen to you, it does not matter how much money you make or how old you are.
In my 10th grade year, I continued learning that death can be unexpected, when my two cousins died. One died due to a medical complication and the other died due to homicide; both were in their early 20’s. With loss all around me, I realized that death did not have an age and that made me feel like my time was coming. I continued to put school and the sports that were important to me on the back burner. My mom was also grieving, which meant I didn’t have the support I was used to.
Seeing her grieve made me realize that I needed to take control of my life. My faith in God got stronger because He showed me that everything happens for a reason. I started getting more involved in sports and school. I found healthy ways to cope with my grief, such as joining a poetry club where we were taught to put our emotions into words. I also joined Black Student Union where I was taught about Black excellence and how a Black man should carry himself. The BSU provided me with community support and history of where my ancestors came from; this connection helped me lean on the wisdom of my people. Football and track showed me responsibility, leadership, accountability and the benefit of commitment. In my junior year life continued to throw curveballs at me when my parents divorced and the father of my best friend who had passed freshman year committed suicide. Overcoming these obstacles was not easy; I was able to use my resources this time and lean on my village. As a result, I have gone to state three times for both track and football. I was starter on varsity football and have been featured twice as “Play of the Week” on our local sports news cast. I have also been featured in a poetry documentary highlighting the benefits of poetry in high schools.
What I’ve learned from the challenges that I have experienced in my high school career is that community plays a big role in my life, especially in helping me get through trauma. Make connections builds courage because support means I am not alone. I know success doesn’t always come easy. I have learned over the past four years how to use healthy coping skills and how to lean on my village. I have also learned that hard work creates success. This is how I have seen the power of courage in my life.
Courage
Anesu Whacha, Shadle Park High School junior
Ladies and Gentlemen and Fellow Members of Our Community:
As we gather here to celebrate Black History Month, we are called to honor the resilience, strength, and extraordinary courage that has shaped the journey of the Black community throughout history. Today, I want to speak about courage – courage that has been displayed in its many forms, from the depths of slavery to the quiet battles fought in our everyday lives.
Courage is often defined as the ability to confront fear, pain, or adversity. For our ancestors, this courage was palpable during one of the darkest periods in our history – slavery. These individuals faced unimaginable horrors, yet many showcased remarkable fortitude in their fight for freedom. They whispered plans of escape, in the dead of night, risking their lives for the slim chance at a life unshackled by chains. They displayed courage through their actions, igniting a spark that would soon grow into a flame, ultimately leading to emancipation.
But the courage of our ancestors did not end with the fight for freedom; it continued to resonate through generations. Harriet Tubman, for example, not only escaped slavery herself but also became a guiding light, returning to rescue others through the Underground Railroad. Her bravery exemplifies the relentless spirit to uplift others, to show up for our community, and to ensure that freedom was not just a privilege for the few, but a right for all.
Moreover, courage can also be found in the silent battles that many of us fight daily. It takes courage to stand against the pervasive inequalities that still exist today. It takes courage to speak out against injustice, even when our voices feel small compared to the systemic forces we face. Each time we confront bias, advocate for change, or support one another in times of need, we engage in a profound act of bravery.
Consider the countless men and women who have fought for civil rights – their unwavering commitment reminds us that real change often comes from the courageous stands taken within communities and at kitchen tables. They transformed their personal struggles into collective resilience, demonstrating that courage isn’t always loud; it often whispers in the hearts of those who fight for what is right, even in solitary moments.
As we reflect on the legacy of courage throughout our history, let us remember the battles won and the silent victories achieved. Today, we honor the past while also acknowledging the power we each hold to make a difference. We are tasked with carrying forward that legacy of courage – to show up, to support one another, and to continue the fight for justice and equality.
In closing, let us draw inspiration from the courageous souls who have paved the way for us. Let us honor their sacrifices by embodying their spirit in our own lives. Let courage be our guiding light, urging us to confront our fears, to challenge injustices, and to champion the rights of all. Together, we can forge a path of courage that honors our history and secures a brighter future for generations to come.
As It Falls
Micaela Eberhardt, third year student at Eastern Washington University
Sometimes there are days where you will wake up
And you will feel as heavy as the rain
That pitter-patters on your window.
On those mornings,
Where you open your window
Staring out, observing
And as you evaluate the state of your world,
Your soul sets to the mood of the sky
And sinks into itself.
The doom and gloom
Will make you feel as though you are
Sinking into the sandpit of life.
Those are the mornings where you have to snap out of it.
Those are the mornings where
You have to shut the window,
Close the curtains,
Put on your raincoat and boots
And stand in the rain.
And as you wade the storms that
Life pours down,
Just know
That letting it all hit you and roll off of your back
Is the only way to become resilient
To the weight of it all.
Defining Yourself
Daniella Musesambili, Shadle Park High School senior
What does it take to keep fighting these demons?
She asked, and I responded:
“It takes courage to keep fighting these demons.”
Then she asked, what is your definition of courage?
I responded:
You as a person define courage.
Courage is to keep going to the same place everyday
Even when people are telling you that you don’t belong.
Courage is turning “you can’t “ into “I can and I am”
Courage is taking discouraging messages
And turning them into courageous messages
Because you as a person define courage
The same way a basketball player makes their jersey number
And the number don’t make him
Courage is not letting people define you
But it’s you showing them your own definition of yourself
It is all courage; you are courage
You define courage.
I am courage.
I live to prove
Not to be proven by anyone.
The courage to keep going
Jason Tyree Green, North Central High School junior
Courage can come in many forms, from the small act of showing up to dealing with some of the biggest problems you’ll ever face. It’s important to remember that courage is showing up for both yourself and others when it’s needed most. Throughout my life, I have often been the only Black person in the room. This seems to be the case whether that be in school or in social places. It has often led me to feel like an outsider, not part of an exclusive group. In having the courage to show up, you can start to inspire others to feel less alone.
My definition of courage is not only when you are strong enough to face your problems, but includes the courage to be kind, even when the world isn’t being kind back. I have had to have courage throughout many points in my life, and one specific time I had to have courage was when I was going to a hardware store, I was with my uncle, who is white; he had gone into the store just a minute before me and had no troubles walking in. When I got out of the car and walked into the store, an older man questioned me with “what are you doing here?” While I can’t be certain of why he stopped me, whether it was my race or my age, at that moment I had the courage to walk away. My definition of courage includes the courage to work through your anger or sadness, sometimes with restraint.
Another time in my life where courage showed up was the day a close family member of mine passed away. When we received the news about her impending death, it was devastating, but I knew 2 things: my siblings needed me to be strong for them and we all needed to see her one last time. We went to the hospital and before I entered the room, I was terrified. I didn’t want it to be real and when I walked in, I was even more afraid because it was real. This is arguably one of the best examples of courage in my life. Though I didn’t want to, and it seemed like my world had ended, I forced myself to carry on because it was important not only to me, but my family and those closest to me. Thus, having the courage to show up can make an impact in little ways that I thought weren’t possible.
Powered by Courage: An Act to Say Yes
Z’Hanie Weaver, Liberty High School student
Saying “no” wasn’t a big part of my upbringing. As I assumed the roles of mother, sister, and daughter, I was often made to say “yes.” “Yes” to grandmother’s pinching the fat part of my arm, demanding more Pepsi. “Yes” to the racist and biased teachers, “yes” to the angry aunties and the restless requests demanding pieces of my soul from cousins, siblings, and strangers. The connection of blood tied me to my family and culture, but left my boundaries wounded. Continuing a cycle of a wrong sense of generational “love.”
Growing up in a home not designed for survival, made digging out of the trench harder. A life fractured by addiction and anger, memories of her slumped in a smoke-filled bathroom haunt me. Her inability to maintain stability forced us to live with our grandparents until a new man promised us a fresh start.
That fresh start came with a heavy price. The courts gave custody to my father, where manipulation and abuse became my norm. For six years, I walked on eggshells, my words twisted, my body tense, and my spirit dwindling under the weight of relentless emotional and physical torment.
When I was sixteen, I made the decision that took every courageous ounce of me to make: to escape. Clutching the screen in a moment of desperation, I waited hours for the judge’s decision, my heart pounding in my ears.
From the chaos, I found refuge. It was there I learned what courage truly was. I confronted the lies I had been told: that I was unworthy, that my dreams were out of reach because of where I came from. Writing became my lifeline, the one place where I could express myself freely without fear of punishment.
Through writing, I found my voice – a voice I had silenced for years. Words became my way of reclaiming power, of saying “yes” to myself when the world tried to tell me otherwise. I wrote until no more blood could be drawn from my pen, spilling my truth onto the page. In those moments, courage wasn’t just an abstract idea; it became my foundation.
Saying “yes” to myself wasn’t selfish – I began to set boundaries, dream beyond survival, and create a life where my voice mattered. Courage, I’ve learned, doesn’t always look like grand, heroic acts. Sometimes, showing up for yourself, even when the world has tried to silence you is a revolutionary act.
Courage, for me, is showing up for myself when the world said I couldn’t. As I pursue college and share my story, I’m not just living – I’m rewriting a narrative of resilience and hope. Through my voice, I’ll inspire others to find theirs, proving that every ‘no’ to the world is a revolutionary “yes” to the life we deserve. Honoring the girl who whispered “no” when no one else would listen.
Courage is a journey of healing, of reclaiming, of saying “yes” to the life I deserve. And in doing so, I hope to inspire others to do the same.
The Definition of Courage
Marie-Therese Bengehya, Rogers High School student
What is courage
What does courage mean
The simple definition of courage is the ability to do something that frightens you
Its having strength in the face of pain or grief
Courage is so much more that this though
Courage is waking up every morning to face life, even when you don’t feel like it
Courage is being vulnerable and choosing to trust
Courage is continually stepping out of your comfort zone
Courage is taking heart in a world full of trials and tribulations
Courage is having a heart of compassion and love
Courage is expressing your whole being freely without fear of judgement
Courage is to speak your mind by telling all your heart
Courage is not something you’re born with; it is something you build in the journey of life
When I lack courage, I remember that the Lord my God is with me wherever I go (JOSHUA 1:9)
Angry Black Girl
Jetaime Thomas, Ferris High School Black Student Union president
Imma straight hurl
The things that are out on the backs
Of little black girls
They’re too grown for this
They have too much attitude for that
Can we just sit back and observe
How these girls are kicked to the curb
Separated and ignored
Constantly made a joke
I wish someone sooner woulda spoke
Spoke up for me
Spoke up for we
Spoke up for us as a community
But they disregarded and discarded us
When they were done with the torture and the devilish acts they brought upon we
I hope they start to care about us and our kinky hair
Maybe let even let us feel safe over here
Can we move on and up to the level of our white peers
Their white fears of us and the way we talk
The way we lead and the way we walk
Can we live in peace
Can we have justice
I sincerely doubt it
For they only see us as Angry Black girls
Not as teachers, or judges, or doctors, or lawyers
No we’re loud and ghetto
These words they echo
Through the minds of all black girls
That’s what they call us
And how they see us
But when will they really see us
When will they see the liberty and justice we need
We feed our minds and souls to someday conquer the roles that demean us
If we rise and stand hand in hand
And truly stand for what we say
Everything might be okay
Okay enough for us to survive past the age of 25
Okay for us to be ourselves without fear that we’ll die
That’s courage to me
And it should be an example of courage to our entire community
Muted for Success
Michaela Daou, Rogers High School junior
People say I’m a good student
That I’m enough
Then why do I feel like I have to prove myself
Every time I step into a classroom
Or every time I step onto a softball field?
Yeah, I’ll be quiet, smart and funny,
Poised and pretty
I’ll shape myself to fit these standards
To get one step closer to success
Because if I’m me
I’m too disruptive, too social
I’m not proud of it
But success matters more than authenticity
So, I’ll wear a mask
Paint myself to be perfect for society
Hide myself so I can climb
Up this ladder
But sometimes I wonder
Why it even matters
Being proud
Meaquiyah Tomeo, Rogers High School junior
Courage to me means being proud about who you are and loving yourself for who you are. As well as being brave and bold, sticking up for yourself when needed. Having courage is being brave to open new doors in life and try new things. And being confident and knowing who you are and knowing what you are doing and knowing how to act. Having courage is being a leader not a follower.
The definition of courage is “The ability to face fear, danger, or uncertainty, and to make good choices despite those challenges.” I had courage when I moved to Rogers to have a better school experience and be around people who will respect and appreciate me for who I am. And now I am around more of my people, and it made me feel more at home and comfortable to be myself. And now I surround myself with people who love and help push to become a better person. I am so thankful I got a chance to move and meet more people that I get to learn and grow with.
When I moved to Rogers High school, I joined Black Student Union right away when I found about it. BSU helped me build my character. I feel more confident and can speak in front of big crowds. In 2024 me, my sister and our friend were encouraged enough to run for BSU officers. I was a little nervous to run but knew we needed change, so I did it and now I am Rogers BSU treasurer. I am so thankful for the opportunity and everyone and my sister for encouraging me to join. It is one of the nicest opportunities I have gotten. I am very encouraged for Pastor Shon and Ms. Stacy for always being there for our BSU meetings and helping us all have a voice. And learning more about self-worth and respect. And my teacher Mrs. Egly has helped me and encouraged me to go on the Atlanta and Alabama historical trip I was wanting to go, but I looked at the price and it was way more than what I could cover so I was like, nope, and the next day Ms. Egly asked me about it. I let her know I wanted to go, but I can’t. So, she was in contact with Ms. Stacy and next thing you know I was blessed with a ticket to go. Therefore, this summer I am going to a lot of museums and learning more about what happened to our people and what they went through with my own eyes. I am so thankful for this opportunity and thank God and everyone who pushed me to go.
Another time when I felt encouraged was when I joined cross-country. It helped me have a clear mind and less stress. I created bonds with people I never expected. And not only that, I get time with myself because it is just me and my head. So, I get to think about deep things because it is just me and my mind, so I get to think about life as it is like therapy. And after school if you have nothing to do, it gives you something to do and it builds your character because of how much growth you get in your zone.
I also had courage when I joined the Rogers track team. I became so good and by the end of the year I became one of the fastest at my school and got to go to state with our 4x1 team as an alternative. I do long distance and sprints so many people told me I could not do both, but I can and did.
In closing, courage to me is being brave and going above and beyond what you are used to. Like presenting in front of the class, going to school every day, and just being yourself and loving yourself for who you are.
She’s not just a word
Nikita Habimana, Shadle Park High School junior
Courage is not just a word.
It is a statement. Courage is a lifestyle,
She calls to me, on days when eyes are many, and friends are few.
When adversity overcomes and oppression reigns.
I hear her whispers and dwell in within her sweet sweet embrace
I recommend you pay heed her callings.
she tells me to bloom, in a word overridden of thorns of racism, hatred and war
to sow seeds of love, seeds of peace, and seeds of joy.
“Shine, black child shine.
Your smile’s as bright as diamonds, skin’s pure as gold.”
Eyes clear as the night sky with a soul nobody can control.
Wear your Fro Loud, puffy and picked out.
Keep your cornrows tight, fresh and follow the patterns to Freedom.
And never forget that you come from greatness!
Great warriors, politicians, Kings and Queens.
So when the world forsakes you, which it will.
When it casts thorns of doubt, and sows’ seeds of hatred.
Wear your smile proudly,
Keep your head up high, raise your fist in the air,
Show them they can’t kill your vibe.
Courage.
She’s the reason I smile.
To know courage by its name
Jeane “Jenny” Musesambili, EKG student at Spokane Community College
Strength in the face of pain or grief:
The ability to do something that frightens one:
I believe we all have our own meaning of the word, COURAGE.
Even more so, we all have different ways we act on it
When you stand up to the bully or
Decide to stop running from the dog and pet it.
But so many times courage can go unnoticed under the radar
If I may: courage is being here, in every sense of it
Courage is going to bed at night
Weary, teary, weak and bleak
Talking to God in despair
But wake up in the morning and go through that day so graciously
You become an angle among humans
But somehow not being able to see it
So when night comes you find yourself exactly where you were the night before
Courage is fighting the losing war, the war from within
Fighting yourself when everything in you says “no” and you still go
When you only have 40% to give and still give that 40% – that is courage
Being present when there is nothing for you, yet you show up
I have never known courage by its name
But lately I have learned to appreciate it, in all its forms
Whether it’s when you stand in front of people to tell you story
Or wake up in the morning and live when really, you don’t want to
It’s smiling even when all you want to do is cry
It’s crying and never stopping
Courage is being able it own up to your mistakes and errors
It is taking accountability
When you least believe
Pressing on, any way:
That is when you are being courageous
The Ripple Effects of Courage: Voicing and Leading
Mwajuma Ishibaleka, Lewis and Clark High School senior
Courage is not just about showing up physically, it is about engaging, contributing, and stepping outside of your comfort zone. I learned this during my time in class, where I often attended but refrained from putting input, I remained silent and not contributing to the conversation. my fear was not solely rooted in my childhood shyness – but also the overwhelming sense of imposter syndrome by reason of being; almost always the only person of color let alone black person in my classes, constantly questioning if I was qualified enough, even though I deserved to be in the room as much as anyone else. This self-doubt seeped into my academic performance, clouding my confidence.
Over time it took courage to find my voice and speak up on several topics and share my thoughts not only in the classroom but outside of it as well. I noticed a dramatic shift in my academic performance and overall mental well-being, I did not dread going to school as I did before, all because I took that first step to get out of my comfort zone. For me courage means taking risks – whether it is enrolling in a challenging AP class, trying out for a new sport, joining a club out of your bubble, or going out your way to invite a peer into a simple conversation. Once you take that first step, courage becomes contagious, it inspires others to seize opportunities. Once I took that step, I not only opened doors for myself, but also inspired others to do the same, encouraging them to customize their own paths and break down barriers. This courage has sparked a ripple effect of empowerment: inspiring those of similar background to push themselves in joining honors classes, taking on leadership roles and experimenting with different activities.
Courage is about being an example of fearlessness and change for those who are underrepresented; demonstrating that they can show up, speak up, and make a meaningful impact. Courage is about remaining true to yourself and not diming your light in efforts of being scared to shine.
We often fear making mistakes or sounding “stupid” but that is precisely what the learning process is about, learning and growing.
Remember courage is transferable. Courage is transformative. Most importantly courage is revolutionary.