Bloglander

For a region largely composed of white people, we often need reminders to take note of the Inland Northwest's minority populations, the civil rights movements throughout the area's history, and those still in progress.

On Wednesday, Gonzaga University Unity Multicultural Education Center presents a free lecture by Dr. Dwayne Mack, chair in African American History at Berea University, called "Black Spokane: The Civil Rights Struggles in the Inland Northwest." It starts at 7 pm in the Barbieri Courtroom of the Gonzaga law school. 

Though Spokane may be overlooked when it comes to black history, its involvement in civil rights activism stretches from black migration in the 1880s to the election of the first black mayor of Spokane, James Chase. Mack discussion outlines Spokane's important place in the context of 20th century equality efforts. 

Mack's new book on the subject, published this year, will be available for purchase for those interested in further study of our region's unique contributions to the civil rights movement.