Culture. Equity. Economics. Justice.
Thanks to the support of our community, we’re in the middle of an epic remodel. From a run down automotive shop, to a bustling community center supporting the needs of Spokane’s African American/Black community.
Sandy Williams Founder
Sandy’s vision: who we are
The Carl Maxey Center (CMC) is a Black-led and Black-centered non-profit, 501c3 organization, based in the East Central neighborhood of Spokane, Washington. CMC is both a neighborhood cultural center and gathering place, as well as a community-based organization that provides programs and services focused on addressing the needs of Spokane's African American/ Black community.
“I am hopeful to see young black people stepping up and finding their voice.”
-
Economic Development
Improving the economic well-being and quality of life for Spokane's Black community with focus on business & workforce development and building generational wealth.
-
Education & Equity
Creating opportunities for learning, literacy, technological advancement, and educational excellence, and increasing our knowledge of and appreciation for Spokane's Black history.
-
Racial Justice
Addressing racial inequities in Spokane’s criminal legal system by challenging unfair policies, practices, and resource distribution while promoting fairness, equal access, and justice for everyone in our community.
-
Cultural Enrichment
Preserving, celebrating, and showcasing the rich, dynamic cultural heritage of Spokane’s Black community, while honoring its history, traditions, & unique contributions to the region.
We believe it is important to know about the African American/ Black experience.
We, as a people, are resilient, long-suffering, forgiving, uplifting, spiritual, passionate, joyful, innovative, and an integral part of a vibrant community.
Civil rights leader and Attorney, Carl Maxey
The Carl Maxey Center strives to change lives and improve the well-being of Spokane’s African American/ Black community by expanding the educational, economic and cultural opportunities that are currently available, and by addressing the racial disparities and racial inequities that currently exist and have persisted in this area. We do this by supporting and sustaining the work and programs of the Carl Maxey Center to address our four areas of work.
The long-term goal of The Carl Maxey Center is to transform Spokane’s African American/ Black community from the inside out by creating the space, the opportunities and the infrastructure necessary for Black Spokane to identify and design our own solutions to address current and future challenges.
MAXEY FM is our family-friendly Spotify playlist at the Carl Maxey Center, curated to celebrate and positively highlight Black musicians while creating an uplifting soundtrack for our community space.
LISTEN NOW
What’s happening this month
Happening Soon
-
Legal Clinic at Diverse Roots
March 21st, 10am-2pm
Get free legal advice from local volunteer legal professionals .Diverse Roots is a Community Center located in the Northtown Mall. Fill out our intake form to pre-register for this event.
Click here to learn more about The Sandy Williams Justice Center.
-
Black Earth Day | Seed to Soul
The Martin Luther King Jr. Family Outreach Center
April 18th, 10am-3pmBlack Earth Day highlights the unique environmental challenges and leadership within Black communities. It calls for an inclusive environmental movement that centers Black experiences, addresses disproportionate impacts from pollution and climate change, and honors traditions of land stewardship.
Carl Maxey: A Legacy
June 23, 1924 - July 17, 1997
Carl Maxey was a groundbreaking civil rights attorney and activist who left an indelible mark on Spokane, Washington. As the first Black lawyer in Eastern Washington, Maxey used his platform to challenge systemic racism and fight for equality throughout his career. He gained national attention for taking on high-profile cases that exposed racial injustices, including defending individuals in civil rights disputes and addressing discriminatory policies in employment, education, and housing.
Beyond his legal work, Maxey was an outspoken advocate for social justice, dedicating his life to promoting equity and fairness in Spokane and beyond. His efforts contributed significantly to dismantling barriers for marginalized communities. A graduate of Gonzaga University School of Law, he also served as an inspiring mentor and leader within the local community. Today, his legacy continues to be celebrated, including through the Carl Maxey Center, which honors his commitment to social justice and community empowerment.
Carl Maxey Center staff stand united at Nuestras Raíces’ Viva Vino Gala 2026, showing that in this era—when cultural understanding and equity matter more than ever—supporting and uplifting Spokane’s Hispanic community is not just solidarity, but responsibility.
On December 5th, 2025 we said goodbye to a pillar at our center and in our community. Mrs. Williams has been vital in cultivating a welcoming and entertaining weekly bingo game that brought in neighbors of all ages. We will miss Mrs. Williams dearly, and we wish her the very best as she starts a new journey close to family in California.
Youth Boxing at the Carl Maxey Center.
The Carl Maxey Center staff at NAACP's Freedom Fund Gala in 2025. Pictured (Left to Right): Amos Atkinson, Charity Resian, Jillisa Winkler, Jeremiah Keevy, Juli Al-amin, Patricia Cruz, Derrick Jenkins, Tatyana Jenkins & Shayla Maxey. Seated is Willamena Williams.
The Carl Maxey Center and the YMCA teamed up and we're offering FREE yoga for youth and families.
Downtown Spokane, Washington during the 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day march.
Shayla Maxey, our Assistant Legal Director at The Sandy Williams Justice Center, announcing Judge Steven Gonzalez at The Spokane Bar Association's scholarship event.
The Carl Maxey Center supporting Frances Scott Elementary's Success Club.
The Spokane community came together to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a rally, march & resource fair.
Spokane City Council President Betsy Wilkerson speaking at The Spokane Bar Association Diversity Section's Carl Maxey Scholarship Dinner. We we're awarded recognition for our impact in Spokane.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day marchers getting ready to take to the streets to show their support of MLK's legacy.
Jillisa Winkler, Executive Director of The Carl Maxey Center showing her support for her community by marching during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day march in Spokane, Washington.
A variety of communities came together to support Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., marching together in unity. Spokane, Washington. 2025.
Derrick Jenkins and Cristina Salgado march for The Carl Maxey Center in Spokane, Washington during the Dr. Martin Luther King Day march.
The crew of the Carl Maxey Center at the Sandy Williams Annual Black Business Expo.
The Sandy Williams Black Business Expo in Spokane Washington.
Glos Creative Studios at The Sandy Williams Black Business Expo.
Jauvan Mbarushimana gallery showing "palm lines. an exhibition featuring a special screening of buried in the garden along with 4 poems & 10 photographs"
Jauvan Mbarushimana gallery showing "palm lines. an exhibition featuring a special screening of buried in the garden along with 4 poems & 10 photographs"
Jauvan Mbarushimana gallery showing "palm lines. an exhibition featuring a special screening of buried in the garden along with 4 poems & 10 photographs"
“Love rears its head in the strangest places."
Carl Maxey, March 26, 1993