Diversity Calendar

Spokane Area Diversity/Cultural Events Calendar

October 2020 Yvonne C. Montoya Zamora

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Public Law 176, enacted by the Congress in 1945, designated the first week in October each year as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” President Harry S. Truman designated the President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities to carry out the Act. In 1962, the word “physically” was removed from the week’s name to acknowledge the employment needs of all Americans with disabilities. Congress expanded the week to a month in 1988 and changed its name to “National Disability Awareness Month,” which eventually evolved to its current name. The Labor Department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy took over responsibility for National Disability Employment Awareness Month in 2001. The 2020 theme is “Increasing Access and Opportunity”. Celebrating 30 years of the American with Disabilities Act. For more information visit https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/ndeam/. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents. Held annually, National Disability Employment Awareness Month is led by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, but its true spirit lies in the many observances held at the grassroots level across the nation every year. Employers of all sizes and in all industries are encouraged to participate in NDEAM.


Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender History Month promotes the teaching of LGBT history. First celebrated in 1994, October was selected, as the first and second Marches on Washington for lesbian and gay rights were held in October in 1979 and 1987. For more information visit http://www.glbthistorymonth.com.


National Italian American Heritage Month recognizes the achievements of Americans of Italian descent as well as Italians in American. This month was chosen to coincide with Columbus Day. Visit http://www.italianheritagemonth.com/ or call 617.499.7955 for more information.

German American Heritage Month recognizes the achievements of German-Americans. German-American Day was originally proclaimed by President Regan in 1983. About one in four persons in the United States claims German ancestry. Visit https://nationaltoday.com/german-american-heritage-month/ for more information.


Polish American Heritage Month celebrates Polish history, culture, and pride of Polish Americans. The first Polish settlers arrived at Jamestown, VA in 1608. Visit www.polishamericancenter.com. or http://www.polishamericancenter.org/heritmo.htm.


Domestic Violence Awareness Month – The purple ribbon signifies Domestic Violence Awareness Month. One in four women in Spokane will experience domestic violence at some point during her lifetime. Spokane County has the second highest rate of domestic violence in the State of Washington. In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. That same year the first national toll-free hotline began.


Hispanic Heritage Month – In 1968, Congress first designated the week including September. 15 and 16 as National Hispanic Heritage Week. This week was chosen because of two historical events: Independence Day (September. 15), which celebrated the formal signing of the Act of Independence of Central American in 1821; and Mexico’s Independence Day (September. 16), which commentates the beginning of the struggle against Spanish control in 1810. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a full 31-day period beginning September 15. This year’s theme is “Hispanics: Be Proud of Your Past, Embrace the Future”. Visit https://nationalcouncilhepm.org/.


“Eye Contact” Art – Volunteers of America The art exhibit focuses on raising awareness about our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness featuring works created by the kids of Crosswalk Youth Shelter, the women of Hope House and the residents of our community supportive housing programs. The pieces will be held at several locations throughout Spokane thanks to the generosity of local businesses including, Aunties Bookstore, Berserk, Boots Barkery, Iron Goat Brewing Company, Merlyn’s Science Fiction and Fantasy, Neato Burrito and Washington Trust Bank. Several local artists have donated their talents to create murals outside of the Crosswalk Youth Shelter and the new Hope House shelter located on 2nd avenue. Viewers of each exhibit location will be encouraged to utilize the accompanying QR code displayed to learn more about the artist as well as Volunteers of America. Individuals who complete the art walk may pick up a free shirt by visiting 525 W. 2nd avenue while supplies last.
This year’s event was brought to you by our generous event sponsors, Canopy Credit Union, River Wealth Strategies and the Empire Health Foundation.


KYRS SELECTED PROGRAMS

Art Hour
Day: Tuesday
Time: 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm program includes in-depth interviews with local artists, cultural commentary, and announcements for the creative community and their fans. Hosted by Mike and Eric. On KYRS 92.3 FM or 88.1 FM. Website: http://www.kyrs.org.
Can You Queer Me Now?
Day: Tuesday
Time: 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm Hear voices directly from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer, and Questioning community right here in the Inland Northwest. You will hear more about current events, local groups, and perspectives directly from the queer youth community. Hosted by Ian Sullivan on KYRS 92.3 FM or 88.1 FM. Website: http://www.kyrs.org.
Democracy Now
Day: Monday-Friday
Time: 8:00 am – 9:00 am & 5:00 pm-6:00 pm
A national, daily, independent, award-winning news program hosted by journalists Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez. Pioneering the largest public media collaboration in the U.S. Link https://www.democracynow.org/. KYRS 92.3 FM or 88.1 FM. Website: http://www.kyrs.org.
Democracy Now! Headlines in Spanish
Date: Saturday
Time: 7:00 am – 8:00 am
Democracy Now! is a national, daily, independent, award winning news program hosted by journalists Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez on KYRS 92.3 FM or 88.1 FM. Website: www.kyrs.org or www.democracynow.org.

Dragonflies on Thin Air
Day: Sunday
Time: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
One of the few elementary age children’s radio shows produced by kids for kids in the country. The program is fun and educational for children and adults, and includes a mix of jokes, music, guests, stories, poetry, trivia and more. includes Alice, Elenor C., Lily, Rowan, Sicely, Finn, Eleanor M., Sophia, Aleric and Amara. They all go to Spokane Public Montessori elementary school. KYRS 92.3 FM or 88.1 FM. Website: http://www.kyrs.org.
Irish Music on Tap
Day: Wednesday
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Music from Ireland, Scotland and England as well as Celtic Brittany and Canada. Hosted by Don and Rick, on KYRS 92.3 FM or 88.1 FM. Website: http://www.kyrs.org.
Ke Buena.
Spanish language station. Oz 95.7.
Latin Lounge
Day: Monday
Time: 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
A wide spectrum of Latin music. Hosted by “Corazon” on KYRS 92.3 FM or 88.1 FM. Website: http://www.kyrs.org.
Layali Arabia
Day: Monday
Time: 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Arabic songs from a multitude of different genres to come out of the Arab World. Hosted by Rachel on KYRS 92.3 FM or 88.1 FM. Website: http://www.kyrs.org.
Queens of Noise
Day: Wednesday
Time: 8:00 pm-10:00 pm
You will hear best in female vocalist/musicians. Hosted by Luscious Duchess, KYRS 92.3 FM or 88.1 FM. Website: http://www.kyrs.org.
QueerSounds
Day: Thursday
Time: 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
QueerSounds is radio show dedicated to playing music by and for LGBTQ people. Music, interviews, community events and forums. KYRS FM 92.3 or 88.1 FM. Website: http://www.kyrs.org.
The Persian Hour
Day: Saturday
Time: noon – 1:00 pm
The Persian Hour’s consists of a variety of Iranian music from hip hop to traditional, Jazz, blues, rock and roll and the usual. Also, they will share stories, recipes, and interviews. Hosted by Shahrokh, KYRS 92.3 FM or 88.1 FM. Website: http://www.kyrs.org.
Raise Your Voice
Day: Friday
Time: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm A teenage-run music and current events program. KYRS 92.3 FM or 88.1 FM. Website: http://www.kyrs.org.

The Science of Poverty
Day: Saturday
Time: 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Explores the topic of poverty. Hosted by Jesse Quintana, official Facebook site. KYRS 92.3 FM or 88.1 FM. Website: http://www.kyrs.org.
SOS-Spokane
Day: Thursday
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm The show addresses critical issues facing the Inland Northwest via research, in-depth news, information, analysis, and reasoned opinion. Hosted by Paul Potocky. KYRS 92.3 FM or 88.1 FM. Website: http://www.kyrs.org.
Sounds of Science
Day: Sunday
Time: 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Lively discussion of what’s happening in the world of science, from how it is affecting our lives to the ways we are shaping it. Hosted by Blake, Amaya and Adam. KYRS 92.3 FM or 88.1 FM. Website: http://www.kyrs.org,
Two Brown Ladies and a Microphone
Day: Sunday
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Soul conversations. Life advice. Things that make us think, reflect, cope and ultimately stay the course. Hosted by Duncan & Brown. KYRS 92.3 FM or 88.1 FM. Website: http://www.kyrs.org.
Welcome Home
Day: Thursday
Time: 10:00 am – noon A multi-genre roots based folk show. KYRS 92.3 FM or 88.1 FM. Website: http://www.kyrs.org.
Women’s Media Center Live
Day: Wednesday
Time: noon – 1:00 pm WMC Live with Robin Morgan tackles today’s hottest topics; whether it be sex, politics, art, humor, religion, culture, or news stories that go unreported, each is engaged regularly, insightfully, and intelligently. KYRS 92.3 FM or 88.1 FM. Website: http://www.kyrs.org.
Workin’ Woman Blues
Day: Sunday
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Tunes to help you shake the blues out of your hair with a mix of Funk, R&B, Soul and Blues. Hosted by Jukebox Jennie. KYRS 92.3 FM or 88.1 FM. Website: http://www.kyrs.org.


Have a library card, check out Spokane County District Library at (www.scld.org). They have large digital resources including eBooks/audio books with Overdrive/Libby. With Flipster browse, download and read digital magazines and with hoopla stream popular movies, music, audiobooks, eBooks, comics and tv shows along, with many other online services. They offer curb side pickup and yes, you can still request a library card.

If you have a library card to Spokane Public Library (http://www.spokanelibrary.org/), they also have a large digital Library resources including eBooks/audio books with Overdrive/Libby. Along with hoopla, Kanopy (movies and tv) and RBDigital (magazines) and other online resources. They also offer curb side pickup and yes, you can still request a library card.


Diverse Voices Writing Group Online
Dates: Thursday, October 1 and 8 2020
Time: 5:30 pm – 6:45 pm
Location: Spark Central, 1214 W Summit Parkway
Cost: Free and open to the public, hosted on Zoom For more information call 509.279.0299 or visit their website at http://www.sparkwestcentral.org/
18th Annual Transitions – Respect for Human Dignity – “People Who Care” Fundraiser
Fundraiser for Transitions (programs—Women’s Hearth, Miryam’s House, Transitional Living Center, EduCare, New Leaf Bakery Cafe, and Home Yard Cottages), a non-profit, giving women and their children a second chance.
Date: Thursday, October 1, 2020
Time: noon
Location: Digital on-line
Cost: Free
For more information visit https://pwc2020.com/.
YWCA – Women of Achievement Awards Celebration
Due to COVID-19, YWCA Spokane will honor the achievements of this year’s honorees through a virtual WOA Spotlight event
Date: Thursday, October 1, 2020
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Online
Cost: Free
For more information visit https://ywcaspokane.org/onemission/?bblinkid=241749303&bbemailid=24048313&bbejrid=1629675243.
YWCA 2020 Women of Achievement Award Honorees – Congratulations!
Karli Ingersoll, Arts and Culture Latisha Hill, Business & Industry
Nicole Jenkins-Rosenkrantz, Carl Maxey Racial & Social Justice Bonnie Bush, Community Enhancement
Jan Swanson, Education Maria Cullooyah, Government a=& Public Service
Debbie Brinker, Science, Technology & Environment Gabby Dansereau, Young Woman of Achievement
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples Roundtable discussion brings together the nation’s leading experts on the development and implementation of the Declaration and will explore and discuss how it can be further employed to expand Indigenous rights going forward. Moderated by Professor Angela R. Riley
Date: Friday, October 2, 2020
Time: 12:15 pm – 1:30 pm
Location: Inland NW Wildlife Club, 6111 N Market St To receive Zoom link and to RSVP: Register at https://ucla.zoom.us/…/register/WN_FMhE9XSgS7y-VDU6bfzuiQ. Panelists: Kristen Carpenter, Council Tree Professor of Law & Director, American Indian Law Program, University of Colorado Law School; United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; Walter Echohawk, President, Pawnee Business Council, Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma

Virtual Coffee Talk” “Living in a Time of Fear” Discussion with panelists Rev. Gen Heywood, Steven A. Smith and Rev. Roger Hudson on how to navigate faith through fear fueled by COVID-19, natural disasters, election season, a questionable economy and more. Visit spokanefavs.com/october-coffee-talk-to-focus-on-living-in-a-time-of-fear to register.
Date: Wednesday, October 3, 2020
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Location: FaVs Center, 52125 Freya St
Cost: Free To register for the Zoom link go to http://spokanefavs.com/october-coffee-talk-to-focus-on-living-in-a-time-of-fear or call 509.448.1311.
Science from Home Librarian Molly presents a science experiment each week on the Library’s Facebook page. See what happens when you make Elephant Toothpaste.
Date: Monday, October 5, 2020
Time: 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Location: Spokane County Library District
Cost: Free For more information call 509.893.8200 or visit http://www.scld.org. View at https://www.facebook.com/SpokaneCountyLibraryDistrict/.
Northwest Passages Book Club – The Sound of Spokane written by Jim Kersher In 1945, a musical “taskmaster” named Harold Paul Whelan arrived in Spokane and willed a symphony orchestra into existence. Others before him had tried and failed. Yet this orchestra evolved into the Spokane Symphony and is now celebrating its 75th birthday.
Date: Monday, October 7, 2020 Time: 4:00 pm, Visit their livestream page at the appointed time!
Location: On-line Cost: No ticket needed. For more information visit https://www.spokesman.com/northwest-passages/events/
Virtual Spokane Candidate Forums State Legislative Districts 4 and 6.
Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Time: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: Streaming via Zoom Cost: Free, for ticket go to www.eventbrite.com/e/spokane-candidate-forums-tickets-118579932771
For more information visit their Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/835677846970848/. Sponsored by the Spokane Coalition of Color in partnership with the Black Lens.
‘Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Principal’s Office?’ Humanities Washington
Beginning as early as preschool, Black students are disproportionately suspended and expelled from school. Why are Black students punished more than others in the classroom? Based on extensive research and teaching, Daubi Abe will demonstrate that the racial achievements gap cannot be solved without first addressing the discipline gap. Abe is a professor, writer, and historian.
Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: On-line
Cost: Free and open to the public
For more information to join the on-line presentation, visit https://www.humanities.org/event/online-why-are-all-the-black-kids-sitting-together-in-the-principals-office-2/.

Science from Home Librarian Molly presents a science experiment each week on the Library’s Facebook page.
Date: Monday, October 12, 2020
Time: 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Location: Spokane County Library District
Cost: Free For more information call 509.893.8200 or visit http://www.scld.org. View at https://www.facebook.com/SpokaneCountyLibraryDistrict/.
Space Science for Kids: The Sun Make a model of the sun, learn about nuclear fusion and how the sun is the source of all energy.
Date: Monday, October 12, 2020
Time: 4:00 pm – 4:pm pm
Location: Spokane Public Library
Cost: Free For more information visit http://events.spokanelibrary.org/event/4601396 for a list of supplies needed and to register for the Zoom link at least 24-hours prior to the event.
Hispanic Business / Professional Association Monthly Meeting
Speakers: Alex Gibilisco, Manager of Equity and Inclusion at Spokane City Council
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88658332436?pwd=YXU1T2NkWXAzYVU3RERpQzhvVTBsZz09, Meeting ID: 886 5833 2436, Passcode: 886593, Dial by your location – 1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma))
Cost: Free, open to call
For more information visit their website at www.hbpaspokane.net.
EWU Pride Center 10th Anniversary EWU campus and community members are invited to celebrate 10 years of the Pride Center at EWU. Speakers will highlight the significance and impact of the Pride Center to EWU, how the university has become more inclusive of LGBTQ+ students, and what work lies ahead for staff, faculty, and administrators for continuing to make progress.
Date: Friday, October 16, 2020
Time: noon -1:00 pm
Cost: Free, a recording of the event will be shared with all registrants, so we encourage you to register even if you cannot attend
For more information visit https://inside.ewu.edu/pridecenter/pride-month-2020/. To register to attend via Zoom, go to https://ewu.zoom.us/webinar/register/2216014887706/WN_bsgVOECES8Onw218nIGrvQ. .
Spokane Pride’s Virtual March
Submit 15-30 second videos or photos of you and/or your community expressing pride from home, at work, or on the street. Make use of signs, flags, and/or your best Pride outfit. Speakers, grand marshals and music.
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2020
Time: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Virtual on Facebook and YouTube.
Cost: Free
For more information visit www.spokanepride.org.

EWU LGBTQ+Alumni and Community Brunch
EWU’s first LGBTQ+ alumni event — a drag show brunch
Date: Sunday, October 18, 2020
Time: Brunch at 10:00 with drag performances at noon
Location: The Global Bar and Kitchen, 204 N Division Street
Cost: Free
For more information visit https://inside.ewu.edu/pridecenter/pride-month-2020/. You can attend in person at The Globe (following health and safety protocols) or tune in virtually at https://globespokane.com/live/. EWU has collaborated with The Globe Bar and Kitchen and Gonzaga University’s LGBTQ+ Resource Center to make this event happen.
Science from Home Librarian Molly presents a science experiment each week on the Library’s Facebook page.
Date: Monday, October 19, 2020
Time: 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Location: Spokane County Library District
Cost: Free For more information call 509.893.8200 or visit http://www.scld.org. View at https://www.facebook.com/SpokaneCountyLibraryDistrict/.
NAACP Monthly Membership Meeting
Date: Monday, October 19, 2020
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Community Building, 35 W Main Ave or community venue, check their Facebook page
Cost: Free, meeting open to everyone
For more information contact spokanenaacp@gmail.com or visit their Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/spokane.naacp/. Note that this meeting may be virtual, please visit their Facebook for updates.
Humanities Washington: Civil Conversation in an Angry Age Philosopher David Smith provides participants with the tools needed to have more thoughtful, fruitful discussions about notoriously difficult topics.
Date: Monday, October 19, 2020
Time: 6:30 pm Location: On-line, visit bit.ly/2ELtnED for more information and to join.
Cost: Free For more information visit https://www.humanities.org/event/civil-conversation-in-an-angry-age-46/ to join the presentation. . Presented by Humanities Washington.
“Who Was Chief Seattle?” Humanities Washington Chief Seattle wrote nothing down during his life, yet his words, both real and imagined are know around the world. David M. Buerge, biographer and historian to the Dumamish Tribe, Seattle’s mother people has spent more tham 20 years exploring Chief Seattle.
Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Time: 10:30 am
Location: On-line
Cost: Free and open to the public
For more information visit https://www.humanities.org/event/who-was-chief-seattle-36/.

4th Annual ‘Eye Contact’ Volunteers of America Fundraiser A month-long citywide art exhibit, see above for more information about the exhibit. The virtual event will include a live art auction, performances, paddle raise and much more.
Date: Thursday, October 22, 2020
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Washington Cracker Company and Terrain Art Space
Cost: Free On-line Virtual Event To register for the event and view the online art auction please visit https://event.gives/eyecontact. Sponsors: Canopy Credit Union, River Wealth Strategies and the Empire Health Foundation. For more information contact Rae-Lynn Barden at 509-710-8944 or email rbarden@voaspokane.org.
Women Who Confound Expectations Three award-winning women writers, Sharma Shields, Alexandra Teague and Kristen Millares Young share poetry and prose, and discuss writing against patriarchal expectations both overtly and implicitly—within their work and in their writing lives.
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2020
Time: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Wishing Tree Books, 1419 E 11th Ave
Cost: Free
For more information call 509.315.9875 or visit https://wishingtreebookstore.com/?fbclid=IwAR0DoZV4C_h6Nj7Nkjdx3g3ocfZnnp2oJNfPpd4c5xzj2sYuzpWdKDm422c. .
Science from Home Librarian Molly presents a science experiment each week on the Library’s Facebook page.
Date: Monday, October 26, 2020
Time: 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Location: Spokane County Library District
Cost: Free For more information call 509.893.8200 or visit http://www.scld.org. View at https://www.facebook.com/SpokaneCountyLibraryDistrict/.
Northwest Passages: Jess Walter, Local Author Discussion with Jess Walter about his new book, The Cold Millions: A Novel. Jess Walter is the author of six novels, including the bestsellers Beautiful Ruins and The Financial Lives of the Poets, the National Book Award finalist, The Zero, and Citizen Vince, the winner of the Edgar Award for best novel.
Date: Monday, October 26, 2020
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: On-line Cost: Need ticket, pre-order the book from Auntie’s to watch the streaming event live. For more information visit https://www.spokesman.com/northwest-passages/events/.


Save the Date
6th Annual Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
This is a Mexican holiday observed throughout Mexico and parts of the U.S. honoring those that have passed. This will be a virtual event broadcast on YouTube Live. Participate by tuning in to watch and/or stopping by our drive-thru altar display!
Date: Sunday, November1, 2020
Time: noon – 5:00 pm
Location: Hazen & Jaeger Funeral Home, 1306 N Pines Rd
Cost: Free and open to the public.
For more information visit www.hbpaspokane@gmail.com. Sponsored by Hispanic Business/Professional Association (HBPA) and Hazen & Jaeger Funeral Home.
If you know of a diversity/cultural event open to the public that you would like added to the monthly calendar, please e-mail Yvonne C. Montoya Zamora at yvonnecmz04@gmail.com with event details.
For other general events in Spokane, visit www.visitspokane.com or www.spokane7.com/.