The Carl Maxey Center
Carl Maxey Center is a Black-led nonprofit organization in Spokane, Washington, United States. The center serves as a hub for culture, equity, economics, and justice, focusing on the needs of Spokane’s African American community.<ref>About – Carl Maxey Center</ref>
History
The Carl Maxey Center was founded in 2019 by journalist and activist Sandy Williams, publisher of The Black Lens.<ref>Spokane Public Radio: "Getting to know the new director of Spokane's Carl Maxey Center"</ref> It is located in Spokane’s East Central neighborhood, in a renovated building that opened as a gathering place and service hub for Black residents.<ref>Black Washington: Carl Maxey Center</ref>
Programs have grown to include:
- The Sandy Williams Justice Center – free and low-cost legal clinics and self-help resources.<ref>Sandy Williams Justice Center</ref>
- Black Business support and professional alliance.<ref>Business Support – Carl Maxey Center</ref>
- Rental and utility assistance, student technology fund, and cultural events.<ref>The Fig Tree, March 2022</ref>
After Williams’ death in 2022, Shari Williams-Clarke was appointed executive director in 2023, followed by Jillisa Winkler as acting director during 2024.<ref>Shari Williams-Clarke to lead Carl Maxey Center – Spokesman-Review</ref>
Programs and services
- Sandy Williams Justice Center: civil legal aid, eviction and housing advice, and legal clinics.
- Business support: technical help, networking, and a Black business directory.
- Community resources: rental and utility support, technology access for students, and cultural programming.
Carl Maxey
Template:Main Carl Maxey (June 23, 1924 – July 17, 1997) was a prominent Spokane civil rights attorney, boxer, and activist.<ref>HistoryLink.org – Carl Maxey (1924–1997)</ref>
Early life
Maxey was born in Tacoma, Washington, and orphaned as a child. He grew up in Spokane’s Sacred Heart Orphanage and later at the Coeur d’Alene Mission in Idaho, where he discovered boxing.<ref>Gonzaga University: About Carl Maxey</ref>
Education and boxing
Maxey attended Gonzaga Preparatory School and earned a law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law, becoming its first African American graduate (1951). He was undefeated (32–0) as a collegiate boxer and part of Gonzaga’s 1950 NCAA championship team.<ref>Wikipedia: Carl Maxey</ref>
Legal and civil-rights career
Maxey practiced law in Spokane, representing clients in housing, education, and employment discrimination cases, often pro bono.<ref>HistoryLink – Carl Maxey</ref> He worked with the 1964 Freedom Summer project in Mississippi and opposed the Vietnam War.
Legacy
Maxey is regarded as a key figure in Eastern Washington’s civil-rights history. Scholarships, awards, and the Carl Maxey Center commemorate his life and work.<ref>Gonzaga Law: Carl Maxey Scholarship Program</ref>
