I recently sat down with Jerrall J. Haynes, the director of Spokane’s Office of Civil Rights, Equity, and Inclusion, to discuss the office’s mission, the hurdles it faces and the significance of civil rights in today’s society.
Championing civil rights and equity
Haynes’ office is dedicated to upholding civil rights laws and supporting people who feel their rights have been infringed upon.
“It’s a multifaceted office,” he said, “making sure the city is in compliance with civil rights laws and being able to respond to the needs of community members who feel like they may have had some of their rights violated.”
Navigating resistance
A major obstacle Haynes faces is the widespread misunderstanding of civil rights and equity work. Some view the office’s efforts as a threat to their way of life. “The lack of understanding and education around civil rights, around equity and inclusion work in general … is being criminalized or scoffed at or looked down upon and misappropriated,” Haynes says.
Haynes counters this by emphasizing that the goal is to protect and uplift everyone in the community, not to undermine any group.
Impact of the political climate
“The reality with national politics is that it shapes a lot of people’s perceptions of the world,” Haynes said. “And people’s perceptions are their realities.”
He believes the political climate impacts his work and the view of Civil Rights and Diversity Initiatives; however, he wants to build relationships and awareness around why the office’s work benefits all citizens.
Understanding though outreach
To overcome fear and misconceptions, Haynes advocates for proactive communication and community engagement.
“With more knowledge comes more understanding,” he said. “The more people are exposed to the reality of the work and the positive outcomes that are associated with the work, the more people will begin to understand its value.”
Empowering the next generation
Haynes encourages young people, especially those connected with The Black Lens, to dive into their history and seek mentorship from knowledgeable community members.
“Lean into your history and your government classes,” he said. “Utilize the adults in our community and learn from them.”
Behind the scenes
Despite his influential role, Haynes prefers to operate out of the spotlight, driven by a commitment to effect change without seeking recognition.
“I’m about the work,” he said. “I love being able to positively impact people’s lives. The perfect world scenario is for me to be able to do that and for nobody to know who I am.”
He also acknowledges the need to become more visible in order to inspire youth who may feel the impacts of lack visible representation.
Jerrall J. Haynes’ dedication to civil rights, equity and inclusion is very important, as Spokane strives for a more just and understanding community. His efforts remind us that through education, outreach and mentorship, we can collectively work toward a future where everyone’s rights are respected and upheld.