These reflections and critiques offer insight into the challenges and nuances of organizing for social and political change, especially in a community with unique demographic and cultural dynamics like Spokane’s. I’ll break down some of the key themes and ideas that emerge from my observations, followed by an analysis of the different organizational meeting styles I have observed.

Observations on Spokane’s Social Justice Landscape

1. The Challenge of Unity in Diversity

I would like to highlight a critical stumbling block: the diversity of backgrounds and experiences among African Americans in Spokane, combined with open housing policies that have dispersed the community geographically. This dispersal creates physical and cultural barriers to organizing. Efforts at building unity often falter because of a lack of shared experiences or common interests.

The “myth of unity” is especially powerful. True solidarity often requires honest critique and the ability to challenge one another constructively. However the fear of disrupting fragile social bonds can prevent this, leaving communities stagnant or divided. Recognizing this tension is a crucial first step toward addressing it.

2. Opposition’s Strategic Plans

The opposition’s strategy of fostering disunity by perpetuating myths of unity and relying on ineffective slogans such as “each one teach one” resonates. While the latter sounds appealing, it does not scale quickly enough to make the kind of sweeping change necessary in the face of systemic opposition.

Calling for methods to teach larger groups and work collaboratively rather than individually is vital. Scaling up requires intentional, structured approaches that balance grassroots engagement with broader, unified strategies.

3. The Power of Small, Scalable Actions

Starting with small groups (5-10 people) that reach consensus and funnel ideas up to larger groups (20-40 people) is practical and reflects effective organizing models. This approach mirrors successful strategies used in community organizing and union movements. The key is ensuring that these small groups do not become isolated or self-contained but instead feed into a larger, cohesive effort.

Use independent media to disseminate ideas and strategies. In the digital age, leveraging social media, podcasts, and other platforms can amplify these messages far beyond the immediate community.

Critique of Organizational Meeting Styles

1. Small Groups That Just Complain

These groups are common in grassroots organizing and often act as pressure valves for frustration. While they may provide a sense of camaraderie and shared grievance, they rarely lead to action or change. The key to transforming these groups is introducing structure, goal-setting, and accountability.

2. Small Groups That Take Effective Action But Fail to Scale

These groups are the backbone of many movements, as they are action-oriented and often achieve measurable results. However, they can become insular and overly reliant on the comfort of their small size. To scale up, these groups must develop strategies for outreach, recruitment, and leadership development. Succession planning is also critical to prevent burnout and stagnation.

3. Large, Established Groups with Gatekeeping Leadership

Larger organizations with entrenched leadership may have the appearance of strength, but their top-heavy structure often stifles grassroots participation and innovation. Additionally, their focus on appearances (e.g., press conferences, grand speeches) can overshadow actual community engagement. Breaking down these gatekeeping tendencies requires fostering a culture of transparency, shared decision-making, and accountability within these organizations.

4. A Model Town Hall Meeting

I want to note a successful Democratic meeting – a state legislative town hall I recently attended which stands out as a shining example of effective organization and engagement. Its success can be attributed to several factors:

• Preparation: From the panel’s shared experiences and unified goals to logistical details like sign-ins, cards for questions, and microphones for audience participation, every aspect of the event was thoughtfully planned.
• Inclusivity: The setup allowed for both written and verbal questions, ensuring that all voices were heard, including those less comfortable speaking publicly.
• Follow-Up: Collecting contact information and ensuring unanswered questions were addressed later demonstrated respect for participants’ concerns and a commitment to accountability.
• Engagement: The inclusion of a younger, passionate panel member brought fresh energy and perspectives, which is often key to inspiring broader participation.

This model could serve as a blueprint for other events, fostering trust, transparency, and community buy-in.

Key Takeaways and Recommendations

1. Build Bridges Across Diverse Experiences

To overcome the challenge of disunity, focus on identifying shared goals and emphasizing common interests rather than differences. This could involve hosting listening sessions or cultural exchanges to deepen understanding among community members.

2. Scale Effectively

• Start with small groups but ensure they are networked into a larger movement. Use representatives to connect these groups and share their findings.
• Embrace digital tools to communicate and scale your efforts. Social media campaigns, live-streamed events, and online forums can bring dispersed communities together.

3. Cultivate Leadership and Prevent Gatekeeping

Develop leadership training programs to empower new voices and prevent the monopolization of power by a few individuals. Encourage established organizations to adopt more democratic, participatory structures.

4. Learn from the Model Town Hall

The thoughtful, inclusive approach of the town hall meeting I attended is replicable. Key elements to incorporate into future events include:

• Advance planning and logistics
• Opportunities for direct and written participation
• Transparent follow-up processes
• A mix of seasoned and fresh voices to ensure both experience and innovation

5. Use Independent Media Strategically

Leverage independent media to broadcast successes, share strategies, and counteract misinformation. Platforms like blogs, YouTube channels, and podcasts can amplify voices that mainstream media often overlooks.

Conclusion

I hope these reflections capture the complexity of organizing for social justice in a fragmented community. The challenges outlined—disunity, ineffective strategies, and entrenched gatekeeping—are significant but not insurmountable. By building on effective models like the town hall meeting and prioritizing scalable, inclusive approaches, there is real potential to create lasting change.

If any of this information here at 4comculture.com is useful to you, pass it on to friends and community leaders in order that they might learn.

Plants and Lovers at Garden Party 107 S Madison St, Spokane WA Oct 6, 2023 5pm Oct 6 – 29 Wed – Sun 11 am Visit Garden Party

Fly on the Wall Part 1 at Hamilton Studio 1427 W Dean St, Spokane WA Nov 3 2023 5 pm Talk at 7 pm

Fly on the Wall Part 2 at Carl Maxey Center 3114 E 5th Ave, Spokane WA Mon – Fri 10 am – 4 pm Gallery Premier Opening Dec 1, 2023 5 pm

Plants and Lovers at Garden Party

Artist Statement

Robert has always had an interest in social justice, community development and the visual arts. His explorations started with a Brownie Hawkeye camera through digital imaging and Artificial Intelligence Art. He has explored film sizes and materials, printing processes from the mimeograph machine through letter press, offset to inkjet. He’s explored imagery from illustration to the pictorial and the conceptual. This body of work, Eros, was inspired by his wife’s love of the garden and the non-violent teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King and his sermon on love – AGAPE, EROS, PHILIA.

Eros is an aesthetic love of beautiful literature and art. It has also come to mean a romantic love that we experience when we find someone that is attractive and to whom we pour out all of our love.

Biography

Robert Lloyd was an organizer and documentary photographer in the Chicago Freedom Movement from 1962-1967. In 1974 he completed an MFA in Design and Photography at California Institute of the Arts and began teaching photography at Eastern Washington University. He founded, directed, and curated The Grand Photography Gallery at Eastern Washington University and The Lloyd Gallery at 123 Arts.

From 1996-2000 he founded and published a community newspaper, the Spokane African American Voice. He retired from Eastern Washington University in 2004 after 30 years of teaching photography and digital imaging. After his retirement he photographed in South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, China and Japan and he photographed for The Black Lens News. His work has been recently exhibited at Washington State University’s Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art in the Black Lives Matter Artist Grant exhibit, Charles Ball in the letter L in the Black Lives Matter Mural in Spokane Washington, and in Our Voices Our Visions, the exhibit he curated for the opening of the Carl Maxey Center featuring 25 BIPOC artists. He can be reached at rdlloyd@comcast.net and website 4comculture.com

Robert Lloyd’s Multimedia Images Price List

8 1/2 x 11: First Friday Exhibition Price $35.00 each unframed

Robert J. Lloyd’s portfolios are online at: https://4comculture.com/253-2

Available online in these formats:

Premium art papers:
8 1/2 x 11 				$ 50.00
11 x 17  				$ 75.00
Diptych 			        $100.00
Triptych				$125.00
Quadriptych		                $150.00

Rag or Watercolor Paper or Sunset Canvas w/border:	
11 x 14					$100.00 
16 x 20					$125.00
20 x 24					$150.00
24 x 36					$200.00

Canvas stretched on #4 bar gallery wrap: 
16 x 20					$220.00 
18 x 24					$245.00
24 x 36					$450.00

Additional sizes and paper surfaces available. 
Matting and framing available. Ask for quote.
Shipping available additional. 

Plants and Lovers Exhibition by Robert J. Lloyd

Garden Party Oct 6 – 29, 2023 Wed – Sun 11 AM

107 S Madison St, Spokane, WA

Robert has always had an interest in social justice, community development and the visual arts. His explorations started with a Brownie Hawkeye camera through digital imaging and Artificial Intelligence Art. He has explored film sizes and materials, printing processes from the mimeograph machine through letter press, offset to inkjet. He’s explored imagery from illustration to the pictoral and the conceptual. This body of work explores Eros and was inspired by his wife’s love of the garden and the non-violent teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King and his sermon on love – AGAPE, EROS, PHILIA.

Eros is an aesthetic love of beautiful literature and art. It has also come to mean a romantic love that we experience when we find someone that is attractive and to whom we pour out all of our love.

First Friday Exhibitions by Robert Lloyd

More of Robert Lloyd’s Images

So to keep you up to date I will be publishing an African American portrait every Tuesday.

Why Black Art for Your Home

By Robert Lloyd

The importance of African Americans displaying art by and about their culture in their homes is paramount for providing identity to their children, as well as educating them on the history and heritage of the African diaspora. Hanging artwork that reflects a positive image of blackness can help foster self-esteem in children who may otherwise feel disconnected from or misrepresented by mainstream media. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for parents to teach lessons about resilience, pride and perseverance in times when many communities are facing adversity due to systemic racism.

For generations prior to us, our ancestors have been denied access into museums or galleries where they could learn more about our cultural roots; however today we have access through technology which has opened up new avenues for exploration without leaving home. By hanging artwork that celebrates various aspects of black life such as music, dance and fashion within one’s own home gives families a chance explore these topics together while also instilling values like respect for diversity within younger generations. Furthermore this helps create conversations around race relations with family members who might not understand why certain issues are important but can be exposed through visual representation.

In conclusion, hanging artworks created by African American artists on walls at home allows individuals from all backgrounds including those from minority groups, to gain insight into what makes up a unique culture. It serves both educational purposes – teaching people how different cultures interact-and personal ones – helping build self esteem among young people whose identities may be underrepresented elsewhere. Through this practice we will continue celebrating Black excellence while inspiring others towards greatness regardless of skin color.

So to keep you up to date I will be publishing an African American portrait every Tuesday.

So to keep you up to date I will be publishing an African American portrait every Tuesday.

So to keep you up to date I will be publishing an African American portrait every Tuesday.

So to keep you up to date I will be publishing an African American portrait every Tuesday.

So to keep you up to date I will be publishing an African American portrait every Tuesday.