Spokane, WA — If you’re at Northtown Mall anytime soon, take a moment to check out a new exhibit celebrating Spokane’s Black community.
The Black Lens, a local publication known for amplifying Black voices, teamed up with the mall to bring this inspiring display right to the heart of the shopping center.
Set up in the mall’s busy walkways, the exhibit features striking photos and personal stories that offer a real look into the lives, culture, and achievements of Black residents here in Spokane. It’s a chance to see their challenges and triumphs up close—and it’s also giving young people a platform to share their voices as they head back into the school year.
One of those voices belongs to Nikita Habimana, an upcoming senior at Shadle Park High School. She recently shared parts of a poem at the exhibit, sharing both her excitement for the future and the fears she’s carried as a young Black woman growing up in Spokane. For Habimana, the space is more than just an exhibit—it was a place of freedom.
April Eberhardt, educator and editor of The Black Lens, says the exhibit connects generations and helps young people see themselves reflected in their community’s stories.
The exhibit is part of a broader effort that includes Diverse Roots, a cultural space inside NorthTown Mall. Spearheaded by Stephanie Courtney, founder of Shades of Motherhood, Diverse Roots works to uplift Black and Brown communities through events, support, and leadership programs.
The Black Lens exhibit invites everyone—from regular mall shoppers to first-time visitors—to stop, reflect, and engage with the powerful stories on display. And for students like Nikita, it’s a reminder that their voices are seen, heard, and valued as they step into a new school year.
You can visit the exhibit Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. during mall hours. To learn more about The Black Lens and their work, visit blacklensnews.com.
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