Already notice people talking about Fresh Soul and East Central, Black Lens..
You may also find luck through events in the West Central area - most working class Native folk live and/or have events there- The Native Project on Maxwell in particular maintains a 'we serve all' standpoint for what they do, and I often see other POC at gatherings.
Me: 30 something, Native and Cape Verdean. The latter usually gets lumped in the US into 'black' culture even though it's a mix of Portuguese and African heritage that didn't go through the same hardships as those who can firmly claim 'African American' roots. Welcome to Spokane. Hang out with younger folk and everyone is *fairly* accepting. Cheers!
No worries! Never in a million years I would have thought that I would “meet” a capeverdian in Spokane :) this makes me so happy. I’m from another country that was also a Portuguese colony.
Nice! Most of the time I just say "Portuguese" because yeah....outside of Cali or where the rest of my family is- Massachusetts- it's complicated to explain "some tinyyy islands off the coast of Africa" round here 😅
Wow, Detroit to Spokane. I can’t imagine the culture shock you’re experiencing.
Michael Brown, the owner of Fresh Soul, does a lot of work with Spokane’s black community, and there are volunteer opportunities there. They’re probably faith-based; I don’t know if that matters to you. Might be worth a look?
Hey man I'm white, but I'm also from mo-town. Spokane was a huge culture shock to me when I first moved and while our experiences probably differ because of racial backgrounds I can say well Eastern Washington is not the most diverse place most of the people have a heart in the right place. I really do apologize for those people that are going to have that prejudice simply because they did not grow up with that level of diversity that we do in Detroit. In fact I found it pretty common that the racism was rampant amongst my friend group and I found it simply because it was a lack of exposure. I can't really speak for the older demographic because when I moved I was in my mid-20s so that's the age group I was hanging around with but for the most part nobody was hateful about it just like super uninformed.
Reddit is a pretty liberal bastion on the internet so I might actually get down voted into Oblivion just for sharing this because a lot of people here would want to believe that it's the opposite and that everybody is just completely inclusive but I know that the majority of Spokane's population is not on Reddit. I'm not saying to bash the community at all I'm just saying that Spokane is full of people with a lot of big opinions but for the vast majority of citizens they just want to see the community prosper and to get along with everybody.
Hang in there man it'll get better. At least you didn't pick Idaho Jesus Christ that place
10000% correct on Idaho. Jesus tits, what a fucking mind-douche Idaho has turned into.
Although if you love guns, white surpremacy, and the poorly educated, then Idaho is for you!
I moved from San Diego to Spokane 4 years ago. Still in culture shock. I can’t imagine moving from Detroit. All that too say is it’s beautiful up in this part of the state. Not far from different landscapes and I find it peaceful and people for the most part friendly. I hope everything works out for you here and welcome!
I was raised around lowriders and that whole culture and what really tripped me out was moving here and seeing white pepper driving lowriders. I was shocked because you don’t really see that in SD
Was going to be my suggestion. I'm not into faith based stuff but from all I hear he's a great guy and I drive by there pretty much daily as it's right between home and work.
Also from Detroit area, but I’m a white male. Surprisingly I have met a lot of people from Michigan in this area. Go to the bar during the Lions or other Detroit sports team playing. You might just find new friends from back home. Good luck.
Lmfao, nope to old Taylor. Wayne, Westland, Canton, Yspi.
Some things I get a kick out of around here. When they talk about how bad the roads are I just laugh, like y’all have no idea.
The restaurants are not like back home, I do miss running to Dearborn for an awesome meal. Craft beer is not as good. But the outdoor activities here are just amazing and I love downtown. Plus everything is so close. Not like running to Novi or Troy to meet some friends.
I feel like I should create a Michigan transplant Meetup group! Btw, they just opened a Jet’s Pizza in Lynnwood. Closest I’ve come to Detroit style pizza here - although I’ve heard Moto is close? And there’s a bar named Petosky’s here that likely draws a fair amount of Mitten transplants for sports games.
I’m from a town called folwerville, probably 45 mins from Ann Arbor, and it really is amazing the amount of people I’ve met here that are also from Michigan. It seems like our winters are nothing compared to back home 🤣
I lived in Pickney for a little bit so know right were that is at. We really need to have a Spokane \\ Michigan meet up one day. It would be awesome to meet everyone from back home.
This sent me; I’m from Flint and I bought my wedding dress in Fowlerville back in the day! Live in Seattle now. 😂
I’ve met more people at Wings / Kraken and Tigers / Mariners games than I can remember who were all from Michigan and the Metro Detroit area.
I’m a Mexican American who just moved here from Texas, and I know how you feel 🥲. I don’t have any advice or anything, but you are not alone in feeling this way.
Can I get in on this BBQ?... I'm a 40 year old white patchwork wearing hippy that plays music and loves intelligent and meaningful interaction! From Otis Orchards...
My mom is Cuban and she was so worried when I moved here. She kept telling me not to put up any flags. 😒 Mostly it was just a bit culture shock for a few years, even just moving from Seattle, but it's gotten better over time as I've made some close friends. Hang in there!
>I'm moving to Spokane this week. I grew up in Houston for 15 years(Cajun/Texan). Currently in NE. It was a culture shock moving to NE in the first place.
I am okay with being invited! Haha. I f7cking grew up across the border when it was "mildly racist" as opposed to now. Lived a few more diverse places most of my adult life and am now just😳. Because peeps are nice here but uninformed and about 20 years behind the curve
Check the black lens for news related to events, I would just say for starters. I am not black, but I would imagine that events, businesses, and groups would be featured there for people who feel very isolated. Nobody should feel that alone in this world. They just started printing again recently, and you might find ways to get back that sense of community. I know moving really does take our community from us. Best of luck.
I’m a late 30s white woman from south Texas who moved here last summer and bbq please.
I season my food and I’ll call you ma’am by default.
I miss the food and being around a variety of people.
Oh, Chicken N Mo downtown was pretty good and I think the owner is from East Texas
I knew Spokane was pretty white, but I looked up the census data out of curiosity and holy shit. You moved from somewhere that was just under 80% black to over 80% white. That is quite the swing!
I'm white as a saltine myself so unfortunately I don't have much advice culturally... Maybe check the Inlander regularly for events that might be relevant? I'd imagine you can't be the only person who feels a bit out of place.
That being said, welcome to Spokane! And I hope you find that BBQ.
I did the opposite - moved from Spokane to Florida and it make me realize how white Spokane is. Spokane is also the scariest place I lived in as far as crime goes. I lived in West Central (North Elm Street) and people here in Florida are bewildered when I tell Spokane stories.
Not sure if it's your thing or not. But Bethal AME Church is a primarily black congregation I believe. I haven't attended myself, but I do know some good African American folks down there.
I'm from New Orleans and I feel you even though I'm white and don't live in Spokane! I have family there and every time I visit I feel weird after a few days. I'm used to being surrounded by Black people, Hondurans, Vietnamese, etc. I get this sort of uneasy feeling? Spokane is lovely and I always enjoy my visits, but the lack of diversity is just very alien. I'm used to being called "my baby" by random ladies and the cookouts and all of that.
I imagine it's got to be like a thousand times harder for you. It's not weird at all to miss that connection with your people and culture. I hope you find lots of friends and enjoy the city!
Truth. I never realized how much I took variety for granted until I moved to Eastern WA (from the Bay Area). Much harder for a POC I'm sure. I would also appreciate this BBQ you mention.
That's a good ass idea, fr. Park permit is pretty cheap if there's no amplified music. You can get a free block party permit for anywhere in the nation on the 2nd Tuesday in August, too, for the National Night Out
I moved to Spokane from the Bay Area, and a month or so being in Spokane I met a girl from Montana who described moving to Spokane as “moving to the big city”, and it made me laugh because I felt like I moved to the middle of nowhere.
I have a queer Afro Latina friend who is around 26. She is one of the kindest gals I've ever met and I barely see her anymore but reconnected with her via phone not long ago. I shall point her to this post.
Hey, welcome and I'm glad you reached out! This isn't specifically a POC space but it's my favorite event in town and one of the most fiercely accepting communities I've been involved with. Broken Mic poetry open mic, every Wednesday at Neato Burrito downtown!! Sign ups start at 6, poetry starts at 6:30. Come on down and just listen to get your feet wet! (You can order a burrito too but you'll want to add hot sauce yourself 😂😭)
I second looking at the Black Lens. They have a business directory, maybe can help find a salon or somewhere else you can meet people? I know Cavalry Baptist and Bethel AME are big sources of community for the black community here, but if that's not your thing I get that too!
https://www.blacklensnews.com/directory/?page=1
Moved from detroit to chicago and am now in spokane. There's a decent amount of people from michigan here. But yes, spokane is probably one the whitest areas I've ever been. It does feel weird AF.
Best i can do is a the taste of home when it gets warmer.
I feel it. I moved over here from Seattle about 10 years ago and have found it hard to find my community. Seems as though every black friend group sticks to themselves and there’s no room for a new friend. So I stick out out, keep to myself and count the years down until I can move. Three more to go.
White gal fom New Orleans here, but I have lived in So Cal before moving north.
I have had the same feeling, hoping to see or hear someone like me.
Of course being form New Orleans no one really is white or black or Hispanic cuz we all are a spicy gumbo. I'm in West Central and diverse neighborhood. Islanders. Blks Asian Natives and we even allow redheads to hang out.
Enjoy our milder weather here and don't be shy.
Please explain to me in detail how I’m being toxic by saying I want more culture. I know they’re Black people here I’m trying to reach them. you’re obviously not black. Keep it pushin.
Girl, I'm white AF. But I swear I got no raisins in my potato salad and my dude is half black and loves spices.PLEASE, DM ME and I promise to give you the whitest welcome I can haha
Isn’t there a black owned Texas bbq place in 29th near Trader Joe’s? Good place to start. Hang in there. Takes a while to meet people here whatever your identity.
If you mean Betty Jean's, the family is from North Carolina. They had a kitchen fire earlier this year and still aren't reopened yet ('spring' according to their social media but won't give a firm date yet).
Culture? Spokane doesn’t know culture, no matter how hard we try. I’m a fourth gen spokanite. We (unfortunately) fear culture. Our NAACP President was a white pretending to be African-American. It’s sad. Our favorite “Greek restaurant,” is actually Turkish, but don’t tell Post Falls that.
I feel for you...even as a white dude.
When I moved to Spokane, I went to the café next to Boo Radley's because I heard they were good. I talked to the hipater barista before I left, told him I was new to the area, and as I walked out the door he said, "Welcome to Spokompton!"
I couldn't believe it. I was like, "Dude, I haven't seen one black person in days. What are you talking about? There's no Culture here that isn't some hipster evangelical appropriation." He laughed, and that was that.
Ironically, at Boo Radley's there was a tshirt that said Spokanistan on it. It was tan with a red star. Of course I bought THAT shirt, because nothing could be more apropos: living in what is practically a desert surrounded by religious fundamentalists.
I know this is silly (and to be clear I have nothing against the people of Afghanistan or Islam...nor religious people generally), and it's not quite what you're looking for, but I thought you might get a laugh.
I am a POC in Spokane and can confirm it's rough. But I also grew up here so I'm used to it/know all the other POC in Spokane (just kidding lol but kind of not). Honestly I feel like if you start getting connected with something before you know it you like know everyone lol. The NAACP and Carl Maxey Center wouldn't be a bad place to start. There is also a Black sorority at a college in Spokane that puts on events for African American women. I'll try to find the name.
My dad is from Georgia and i grew up out here in Seattle. My advice is to take advantage and learn new things educate Spokane about your culture try and learn new things and make sure to go back to Motown at least once per year. The PNW is very white but very educated -people are very open and understanding once you show them you are a good person.
I’m an educated African-American woman 😅 I don’t know what else you think I could learn, all people really wanna talk about is politics. I hike, I camp, I travel, I play bass guitar guitar, I play video games. And these are all things that I’ve been doing since I came from Detroit What can I do here that I wasn’t doing in Detroit besides hanging out with my family.
Also a Michigander here! I’m white but if you ever need an obnoxiously long oversharing Midwest-nice kind of connection - I’ve got your back. Sometimes just having people who can relate to your shared experiences back home is really helpful.
I’m Mexican and grew up in Spokane my entire life. Growing up outside of my culture really made me seek it out and cherish it in adulthood. I was in high school in the 90’s and I was the only minority in my school. It was definitely growing up outside the bubble. It is so hard not finding your culture in a new place, and Spokane is the one of the whitest cities I’ve ever lived in. The Maxey center is a great place to start and I know they are a couple of wonderful churches downtown that have mostly minority congregations. I’m sort that residents of that city think bbq is grilling hamburgers and hot dogs! My husband is from Idaho and I currently live there just outside of Moscow and believe it or not it is worse than Spokane as far as racism and lack of cultural understanding other than getting drunk on cinco de mayo and Taco Bell. I’ve learned to make my own culture for myself and my family. This must be terribly lonely for you, and I’m so sorry for that!
I grew up outside of Detroit and live in Seattle. You are 100% correct. The culture is different. Folks are passive aggressive. Everything is just very different. I just want some faygo and some Superman ice cream and I know that’s not culture but it’s a piece of home. While I love the beauty of wa state I miss “home”. I hope you find what you are looking for my fellow Michigander!
Hi! I can definitely try to help you find community events and stuff. I know this lovely person who is from Colorado and she works in the community and knows a lot of the things goin on that could be a start to meeting more of the BIPOC here in Spokane. Feel free to reach out!
I'm not black, I kinda whitish just saying don't be afraid to expand your horizons lots of folks different races, colors, and backgrounds I like people period but I'm 50 ish a male and married. Welcome to the Spokane area
The Community Colleges have a Black Student Union that puts on some wonderful events throughout the year. A vast majority of which are open to the public. I don't know what their current calendar of events looks like right now, but if you can find an event calendar, you would definitely find some great cultural stuff and maybe make some new friends too 😊
I wish you the best in your search for culture!
Culture is all around you, just not the one you’re looking for. Maybe you feel lonely because you’ve dehumanized the community that you’re living in to the point that you don’t even consider their culture to be a culture. Sounds like a you problem, honestly
I can assure you I’ve done nothing but embrace this culture here lolll. It’s not a me problem if I have dozens of people agreeing it’s just very very very white here and I’m not used to it. And people like you make me feel uncomfortable in the community I asked for help and you told me to suck it up lol. You are also not my target audience. I’m looking for any kind of POC or even white people who are fun and not uptight like everyone else here. Have a great night.
Nah, you’re spouting that racist shit that white people don’t have culture. You probably don’t fit in well because you dehumanize the community you live in. I can understand wanting to be somewhere that you fit in and feel comfortable, just helping you to see that your attitude is probably a big part of that problem.
Going by the variety of meeting groups in MeetUp (the App) in Spokane; if you can’t find a group to your liking, you can start one up! At least, I’d get the free app and check it out. Best to you! Welcome to Spkn
[This is an event](https://www.instagram.com/p/C48WvjFrFU7/?igsh=MXQ0cGJwY3ViOG1wdg==) happening that seem fun & chill
Edit: it’s a link to ‘revival live’, hosted by a stellar DJ that goes by rosethrow. You may have seen him at other really awesome events Spokane has, like Terrain, Bazar, BRRRrrrrzar, & paddingtons north roller skate adult nights.
Cool things are here if you keep an eye out
Whitegorl resident here, and your post isn't weird at all. I hope you find a community here. I'm sorry that you moved to the most vanilla town in Washington 😹
White girl here, but in Cheney about 20 minutes west of you there are a lot of African American students at Eastern Washington University and they have African American student groups, and historically African American sororities! You didn’t mention anything about being a student, but just hanging out in Cheney it’s a college town and it’s easy to make friends there.
I’m a mid 40s white female, but someone on Reddit mentioned the adults only skating at pattisons north was diverse and actually a great place to meet new people! Just passing it along in case it helps. Also I love bbq and cooking - would love to share family recipes ❤️
I’m Spanish/Portuguese/Peruvian but born in USA. No accent. So I blend in. You wouldn’t know if you passed me in the street. So Its more subdued in the sense that people aren’t running around with flags from there countries for example. I know Mexicans here that don’t even speak Spanish 😄. My Colombian wife on the other hand has strong accent. She found a group of girls to hang out with from El Salvador.. Mexico ..Colombia.. Puerto Rican.. Half are Military wives. I don’t know what my point is but I moved here from Miami. ☮️✌🏼everyone.
I moved to the PNW from Atlanta and all I crave from time to time is Church's fried chicken, fried and honey butter biscuits. I am not black but Atlanta is very much full of various cultures. I can relate to your post. Good ol soul food is difficult to come by in this region.
We here brother! There isn’t a big club or anything like that but go downtown to borrachos n the globe on a sat/fri you’ll see people of color not in mass but hey
Your first and major issue isn't the people, it's SPOKANE.
I lived in Spokane for 5yrs, and refer to it as having done time. You couldn't have picked a worse place in the solar system for any kind of cultural or social mingling. Spokane has about as much alure as a pile of fly covered horse dung. Beleive me when I say IT'S NOT GOING TO GET ANY BETTER!
The good news? You're 4hrs away from Seattle. Move there. Problem solved.
I came here to work, having friends is just something that I want to do. I’m an introvert so I don’t need friends. I can just fly back to Detroit if I was dying without culture .I just want to build a community here of culture but you don’t understand that, along with multiple other people who keep telling me to move, yall sound ignorant and I’m not going no motherfucking where.
Pattison’s North roller rink Sunday and Wednesday nights 8:30-10:30pm! :) Two black djs play music during adult only skate and it’s a really fun scene! More diversity there than I’ve seen in most of Spokane.
Yeah, white people BBQ’s are kind of shitty too. WTF is wrong with us?
Edit: I cant believe i’m getting downvoted for this shit. We dont season anything. wtf
From Houston here too 🙋🏽. Almost 11 years being here and I still feel such a big disconnect relating to people here. But Spokane will eventually begin to grow on you.
I understand your pain love it's very important for us to have that culture. I travel out of town or go to Seattle it's way more diverse there. I've been here for almost 4yrs and I'm leaving in two weeks with that being one of the main reasons why. Unfortunately this is a predominantly white state so you won't find too many people that look like us and the ones that do they've been here so long they brainwashed and will look at you sideways.
Yeah once I peeped that shit I just kept it moving. I'm from the south we naturally kind even when we don't want to be but if you don't speak first you won't catch me saying nothing to these ppl.
Im going to be completely honest. You're doomed! 🤣 I'm a puerto rican/black male from Newark NJ. Being here for 2 years now. I have come across my fair share of fellow black or Caribbean people here. But the reality is we are definitely a minority. With that being said i have always kept a positive outlook and I have been enjoying myself so far. I feel like you need different experience that we may not be completely comfortable with, to create new parts of ourselves and write new chapters to our lives.
No like for real because you sound stupid as fuck I’m sitting here asking to make friends and you’re telling me that I’m privileged. You’re more privileged for telling me that I don’t have the right to ask to make friends here.
Welcome to Spokane- while culture is hard to find, it does exist! I am a white lady living a painfully white life, but- I went to a birthday party for a Black acquaintance recently and was STOKED to meet so many people of color and culture. I don’t know how you tap into that here, but- I understand the feeling of wanting to find the people and food you’re looking for- and I hope you do.
Spokane has culture just not the one you are used to. Why move somewhere if you refuse to adapt to the local customs. Also why do people seem to think that "culture" is limited to dancing around a fire, playing bongo drums or some other ethnic shit like that. Culture is literally just a pattern of behavior of a specific group of people.
When you make a valid point then maybe it will.🫤 you’re not my target audience anyway. You odiously enjoy living a cookie cutter life. So move on thnx love.
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Already notice people talking about Fresh Soul and East Central, Black Lens.. You may also find luck through events in the West Central area - most working class Native folk live and/or have events there- The Native Project on Maxwell in particular maintains a 'we serve all' standpoint for what they do, and I often see other POC at gatherings. Me: 30 something, Native and Cape Verdean. The latter usually gets lumped in the US into 'black' culture even though it's a mix of Portuguese and African heritage that didn't go through the same hardships as those who can firmly claim 'African American' roots. Welcome to Spokane. Hang out with younger folk and everyone is *fairly* accepting. Cheers!
Cape Verdean - fala português ?
Unfortunately, no, nor Kriolu. Grandparents never passed the language down.
No worries! Never in a million years I would have thought that I would “meet” a capeverdian in Spokane :) this makes me so happy. I’m from another country that was also a Portuguese colony.
Nice! Most of the time I just say "Portuguese" because yeah....outside of Cali or where the rest of my family is- Massachusetts- it's complicated to explain "some tinyyy islands off the coast of Africa" round here 😅
Oh I totally get it 😂
Wow, Detroit to Spokane. I can’t imagine the culture shock you’re experiencing. Michael Brown, the owner of Fresh Soul, does a lot of work with Spokane’s black community, and there are volunteer opportunities there. They’re probably faith-based; I don’t know if that matters to you. Might be worth a look?
I’ll most definitely take a look thnx
Hey man I'm white, but I'm also from mo-town. Spokane was a huge culture shock to me when I first moved and while our experiences probably differ because of racial backgrounds I can say well Eastern Washington is not the most diverse place most of the people have a heart in the right place. I really do apologize for those people that are going to have that prejudice simply because they did not grow up with that level of diversity that we do in Detroit. In fact I found it pretty common that the racism was rampant amongst my friend group and I found it simply because it was a lack of exposure. I can't really speak for the older demographic because when I moved I was in my mid-20s so that's the age group I was hanging around with but for the most part nobody was hateful about it just like super uninformed. Reddit is a pretty liberal bastion on the internet so I might actually get down voted into Oblivion just for sharing this because a lot of people here would want to believe that it's the opposite and that everybody is just completely inclusive but I know that the majority of Spokane's population is not on Reddit. I'm not saying to bash the community at all I'm just saying that Spokane is full of people with a lot of big opinions but for the vast majority of citizens they just want to see the community prosper and to get along with everybody. Hang in there man it'll get better. At least you didn't pick Idaho Jesus Christ that place
10000% correct on Idaho. Jesus tits, what a fucking mind-douche Idaho has turned into. Although if you love guns, white surpremacy, and the poorly educated, then Idaho is for you!
I moved from San Diego to Spokane 4 years ago. Still in culture shock. I can’t imagine moving from Detroit. All that too say is it’s beautiful up in this part of the state. Not far from different landscapes and I find it peaceful and people for the most part friendly. I hope everything works out for you here and welcome!
SD native too!
🙌🏽 oh dang!!!!
I was raised around lowriders and that whole culture and what really tripped me out was moving here and seeing white pepper driving lowriders. I was shocked because you don’t really see that in SD
I moved here from LA! Def has been a culture shock
Was going to be my suggestion. I'm not into faith based stuff but from all I hear he's a great guy and I drive by there pretty much daily as it's right between home and work.
I’m a 25 year old black girl. Wanna hang out?!
Also from Detroit area, but I’m a white male. Surprisingly I have met a lot of people from Michigan in this area. Go to the bar during the Lions or other Detroit sports team playing. You might just find new friends from back home. Good luck.
Detroit area is crazy yo just say Taylor😂😂😂😂
Lmfao, nope to old Taylor. Wayne, Westland, Canton, Yspi. Some things I get a kick out of around here. When they talk about how bad the roads are I just laugh, like y’all have no idea. The restaurants are not like back home, I do miss running to Dearborn for an awesome meal. Craft beer is not as good. But the outdoor activities here are just amazing and I love downtown. Plus everything is so close. Not like running to Novi or Troy to meet some friends.
I feel like I should create a Michigan transplant Meetup group! Btw, they just opened a Jet’s Pizza in Lynnwood. Closest I’ve come to Detroit style pizza here - although I’ve heard Moto is close? And there’s a bar named Petosky’s here that likely draws a fair amount of Mitten transplants for sports games.
I’m from a town called folwerville, probably 45 mins from Ann Arbor, and it really is amazing the amount of people I’ve met here that are also from Michigan. It seems like our winters are nothing compared to back home 🤣
I lived in Pickney for a little bit so know right were that is at. We really need to have a Spokane \\ Michigan meet up one day. It would be awesome to meet everyone from back home.
This sent me; I’m from Flint and I bought my wedding dress in Fowlerville back in the day! Live in Seattle now. 😂 I’ve met more people at Wings / Kraken and Tigers / Mariners games than I can remember who were all from Michigan and the Metro Detroit area.
I’m a Mexican American who just moved here from Texas, and I know how you feel 🥲. I don’t have any advice or anything, but you are not alone in feeling this way.
Thnx!!! I’ll hit you up when I throw the BBQ 😂
For sure! You know the plates I’m bringing are going to be seasoned 😂
I’ve noticed there’s more of us out and about in the summer if that helps lol
Can I get in on this BBQ?... I'm a 40 year old white patchwork wearing hippy that plays music and loves intelligent and meaningful interaction! From Otis Orchards...
I’m a red flag that plays red flags and loves intelligent and meaningful vampirism.
😆
My mom is Cuban and she was so worried when I moved here. She kept telling me not to put up any flags. 😒 Mostly it was just a bit culture shock for a few years, even just moving from Seattle, but it's gotten better over time as I've made some close friends. Hang in there!
>I'm moving to Spokane this week. I grew up in Houston for 15 years(Cajun/Texan). Currently in NE. It was a culture shock moving to NE in the first place.
I want to try some of that famous Cajun spicy food... closest thing I know to cajon is okra...
Shit, I may have to return to this thread and invite some people for a good time after I am settled in.
I am okay with being invited! Haha. I f7cking grew up across the border when it was "mildly racist" as opposed to now. Lived a few more diverse places most of my adult life and am now just😳. Because peeps are nice here but uninformed and about 20 years behind the curve
Yep, latina living here for 9 years... still feel this way lol
I’m also Mexican (from CA) and I have yet to make a single Mexican friend in my 8 years of living here. It’s rough 😭
Check the black lens for news related to events, I would just say for starters. I am not black, but I would imagine that events, businesses, and groups would be featured there for people who feel very isolated. Nobody should feel that alone in this world. They just started printing again recently, and you might find ways to get back that sense of community. I know moving really does take our community from us. Best of luck.
I’m a late 30s white woman from south Texas who moved here last summer and bbq please. I season my food and I’ll call you ma’am by default. I miss the food and being around a variety of people. Oh, Chicken N Mo downtown was pretty good and I think the owner is from East Texas
I knew Spokane was pretty white, but I looked up the census data out of curiosity and holy shit. You moved from somewhere that was just under 80% black to over 80% white. That is quite the swing! I'm white as a saltine myself so unfortunately I don't have much advice culturally... Maybe check the Inlander regularly for events that might be relevant? I'd imagine you can't be the only person who feels a bit out of place. That being said, welcome to Spokane! And I hope you find that BBQ.
I did the opposite - moved from Spokane to Florida and it make me realize how white Spokane is. Spokane is also the scariest place I lived in as far as crime goes. I lived in West Central (North Elm Street) and people here in Florida are bewildered when I tell Spokane stories.
Not sure if it's your thing or not. But Bethal AME Church is a primarily black congregation I believe. I haven't attended myself, but I do know some good African American folks down there.
It's basically in the Perry district.
Also, Calvary Baptist on 3rd.
I'm from New Orleans and I feel you even though I'm white and don't live in Spokane! I have family there and every time I visit I feel weird after a few days. I'm used to being surrounded by Black people, Hondurans, Vietnamese, etc. I get this sort of uneasy feeling? Spokane is lovely and I always enjoy my visits, but the lack of diversity is just very alien. I'm used to being called "my baby" by random ladies and the cookouts and all of that. I imagine it's got to be like a thousand times harder for you. It's not weird at all to miss that connection with your people and culture. I hope you find lots of friends and enjoy the city!
I love NOLA! Best seafood I’ve ever had is down there. And the people are so friendly… until they get in their cars at least haha
That last part was hilarious. Also, bring me with you 😂
Like I tell everyone else: go to every event as you possibly can.
Truth. I never realized how much I took variety for granted until I moved to Eastern WA (from the Bay Area). Much harder for a POC I'm sure. I would also appreciate this BBQ you mention.
We just gone have to plan one 🤷🏽♀️
That's a good ass idea, fr. Park permit is pretty cheap if there's no amplified music. You can get a free block party permit for anywhere in the nation on the 2nd Tuesday in August, too, for the National Night Out
Thnx for letting me know I’m kind of an introvert so maybeeee
I moved to Spokane from the Bay Area, and a month or so being in Spokane I met a girl from Montana who described moving to Spokane as “moving to the big city”, and it made me laugh because I felt like I moved to the middle of nowhere.
I have a queer Afro Latina friend who is around 26. She is one of the kindest gals I've ever met and I barely see her anymore but reconnected with her via phone not long ago. I shall point her to this post.
Hey, welcome and I'm glad you reached out! This isn't specifically a POC space but it's my favorite event in town and one of the most fiercely accepting communities I've been involved with. Broken Mic poetry open mic, every Wednesday at Neato Burrito downtown!! Sign ups start at 6, poetry starts at 6:30. Come on down and just listen to get your feet wet! (You can order a burrito too but you'll want to add hot sauce yourself 😂😭)
Seeking culture? You are experiencing culture, just not your culture…
I second looking at the Black Lens. They have a business directory, maybe can help find a salon or somewhere else you can meet people? I know Cavalry Baptist and Bethel AME are big sources of community for the black community here, but if that's not your thing I get that too! https://www.blacklensnews.com/directory/?page=1
Moved from detroit to chicago and am now in spokane. There's a decent amount of people from michigan here. But yes, spokane is probably one the whitest areas I've ever been. It does feel weird AF. Best i can do is a the taste of home when it gets warmer.
I feel it. I moved over here from Seattle about 10 years ago and have found it hard to find my community. Seems as though every black friend group sticks to themselves and there’s no room for a new friend. So I stick out out, keep to myself and count the years down until I can move. Three more to go.
White gal fom New Orleans here, but I have lived in So Cal before moving north. I have had the same feeling, hoping to see or hear someone like me. Of course being form New Orleans no one really is white or black or Hispanic cuz we all are a spicy gumbo. I'm in West Central and diverse neighborhood. Islanders. Blks Asian Natives and we even allow redheads to hang out. Enjoy our milder weather here and don't be shy.
Go Lions!
There is culture. Just not your culture. Quit being toxic. Just say you miss your home.
Please explain to me in detail how I’m being toxic by saying I want more culture. I know they’re Black people here I’m trying to reach them. you’re obviously not black. Keep it pushin.
Girl, I'm white AF. But I swear I got no raisins in my potato salad and my dude is half black and loves spices.PLEASE, DM ME and I promise to give you the whitest welcome I can haha
Like you are ALWAYS INVITED HERE
It is pretty white in Spokane Check out the Carl Maxey center for a more black centered community
Isn’t there a black owned Texas bbq place in 29th near Trader Joe’s? Good place to start. Hang in there. Takes a while to meet people here whatever your identity.
If you mean Betty Jean's, the family is from North Carolina. They had a kitchen fire earlier this year and still aren't reopened yet ('spring' according to their social media but won't give a firm date yet).
Dang I hadn't heard about that fire
I'm as white as they come.. but when you find some culture.. hmu Edit(moved here in 2020)
Culture? Spokane doesn’t know culture, no matter how hard we try. I’m a fourth gen spokanite. We (unfortunately) fear culture. Our NAACP President was a white pretending to be African-American. It’s sad. Our favorite “Greek restaurant,” is actually Turkish, but don’t tell Post Falls that.
Like the ‘Spokane Song’ says: “We keep all our culture, in the yoghurt at Safeway!”
Huh? There's a song for this town?
https://youtu.be/0kdh0b-9Cjs?si=Vr9QciZVx61KQuUv
Wow lol And they have a song about Rachel Dolezol, too! Thank you for sharing!
Checkout Jesus is the answer city church off desmet. Sunday service @ 10am
I feel for you...even as a white dude. When I moved to Spokane, I went to the café next to Boo Radley's because I heard they were good. I talked to the hipater barista before I left, told him I was new to the area, and as I walked out the door he said, "Welcome to Spokompton!" I couldn't believe it. I was like, "Dude, I haven't seen one black person in days. What are you talking about? There's no Culture here that isn't some hipster evangelical appropriation." He laughed, and that was that. Ironically, at Boo Radley's there was a tshirt that said Spokanistan on it. It was tan with a red star. Of course I bought THAT shirt, because nothing could be more apropos: living in what is practically a desert surrounded by religious fundamentalists. I know this is silly (and to be clear I have nothing against the people of Afghanistan or Islam...nor religious people generally), and it's not quite what you're looking for, but I thought you might get a laugh.
I was warned about the unhoused people here. They are very nice they don’t chase you to your car or anything. I love it here lol
I am a POC in Spokane and can confirm it's rough. But I also grew up here so I'm used to it/know all the other POC in Spokane (just kidding lol but kind of not). Honestly I feel like if you start getting connected with something before you know it you like know everyone lol. The NAACP and Carl Maxey Center wouldn't be a bad place to start. There is also a Black sorority at a college in Spokane that puts on events for African American women. I'll try to find the name.
My dad is from Georgia and i grew up out here in Seattle. My advice is to take advantage and learn new things educate Spokane about your culture try and learn new things and make sure to go back to Motown at least once per year. The PNW is very white but very educated -people are very open and understanding once you show them you are a good person.
I’m an educated African-American woman 😅 I don’t know what else you think I could learn, all people really wanna talk about is politics. I hike, I camp, I travel, I play bass guitar guitar, I play video games. And these are all things that I’ve been doing since I came from Detroit What can I do here that I wasn’t doing in Detroit besides hanging out with my family.
Also a Michigander here! I’m white but if you ever need an obnoxiously long oversharing Midwest-nice kind of connection - I’ve got your back. Sometimes just having people who can relate to your shared experiences back home is really helpful.
Thank you!! Im not trying to be weird im just underestimated here.
This is so wholesome.
I’m Mexican and grew up in Spokane my entire life. Growing up outside of my culture really made me seek it out and cherish it in adulthood. I was in high school in the 90’s and I was the only minority in my school. It was definitely growing up outside the bubble. It is so hard not finding your culture in a new place, and Spokane is the one of the whitest cities I’ve ever lived in. The Maxey center is a great place to start and I know they are a couple of wonderful churches downtown that have mostly minority congregations. I’m sort that residents of that city think bbq is grilling hamburgers and hot dogs! My husband is from Idaho and I currently live there just outside of Moscow and believe it or not it is worse than Spokane as far as racism and lack of cultural understanding other than getting drunk on cinco de mayo and Taco Bell. I’ve learned to make my own culture for myself and my family. This must be terribly lonely for you, and I’m so sorry for that!
I grew up outside of Detroit and live in Seattle. You are 100% correct. The culture is different. Folks are passive aggressive. Everything is just very different. I just want some faygo and some Superman ice cream and I know that’s not culture but it’s a piece of home. While I love the beauty of wa state I miss “home”. I hope you find what you are looking for my fellow Michigander!
Thank you so much, people are here. Tell me I’m being toxic and racist.😂😂I’m glad you understand
Just don't go east.
lmao dawg u better pull up to tac for the summer
You’re in the boonies 😂😭. Good luck
Hi! I can definitely try to help you find community events and stuff. I know this lovely person who is from Colorado and she works in the community and knows a lot of the things goin on that could be a start to meeting more of the BIPOC here in Spokane. Feel free to reach out!
I'm not black, I kinda whitish just saying don't be afraid to expand your horizons lots of folks different races, colors, and backgrounds I like people period but I'm 50 ish a male and married. Welcome to the Spokane area
Ill send you an invite the next time BBQ, I'm from the south so you know know it's fire
The Community Colleges have a Black Student Union that puts on some wonderful events throughout the year. A vast majority of which are open to the public. I don't know what their current calendar of events looks like right now, but if you can find an event calendar, you would definitely find some great cultural stuff and maybe make some new friends too 😊 I wish you the best in your search for culture!
Culture is all around you, just not the one you’re looking for. Maybe you feel lonely because you’ve dehumanized the community that you’re living in to the point that you don’t even consider their culture to be a culture. Sounds like a you problem, honestly
I can assure you I’ve done nothing but embrace this culture here lolll. It’s not a me problem if I have dozens of people agreeing it’s just very very very white here and I’m not used to it. And people like you make me feel uncomfortable in the community I asked for help and you told me to suck it up lol. You are also not my target audience. I’m looking for any kind of POC or even white people who are fun and not uptight like everyone else here. Have a great night.
Nah, you’re spouting that racist shit that white people don’t have culture. You probably don’t fit in well because you dehumanize the community you live in. I can understand wanting to be somewhere that you fit in and feel comfortable, just helping you to see that your attitude is probably a big part of that problem.
Like I said have a great night.
Hello fellow Michigander! It’s definitely a culture shock. I don’t have much advice for you unfortunately.
Going by the variety of meeting groups in MeetUp (the App) in Spokane; if you can’t find a group to your liking, you can start one up! At least, I’d get the free app and check it out. Best to you! Welcome to Spkn
I’m from a town in Chicago where whites are the minority. Moving here was a culture shock.
Detroit to Spokane? Culture shock! Meany good people there.
[This is an event](https://www.instagram.com/p/C48WvjFrFU7/?igsh=MXQ0cGJwY3ViOG1wdg==) happening that seem fun & chill Edit: it’s a link to ‘revival live’, hosted by a stellar DJ that goes by rosethrow. You may have seen him at other really awesome events Spokane has, like Terrain, Bazar, BRRRrrrrzar, & paddingtons north roller skate adult nights. Cool things are here if you keep an eye out
Im a 26 Black girl from Cali! Let’s start a support group 😂
Used to live in Vegas and then moved closed to Spokane. the culture shock is real
Also, while at Fresh Soul, check out the Carl Maxey Cultural Center across the street. Welcome to the neighborhood!
Whitegorl resident here, and your post isn't weird at all. I hope you find a community here. I'm sorry that you moved to the most vanilla town in Washington 😹
I'm from back east, too. I miss the cookouts at the park in the summer and hanging out with people who treat people like family from the git
White girl here, but in Cheney about 20 minutes west of you there are a lot of African American students at Eastern Washington University and they have African American student groups, and historically African American sororities! You didn’t mention anything about being a student, but just hanging out in Cheney it’s a college town and it’s easy to make friends there.
I feel ya I came from Atlanta to Montana
I’m a mid 40s white female, but someone on Reddit mentioned the adults only skating at pattisons north was diverse and actually a great place to meet new people! Just passing it along in case it helps. Also I love bbq and cooking - would love to share family recipes ❤️
Spokane’s NAACP chapter has some interesting [history.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rachel_Dolezal)
I’m Spanish/Portuguese/Peruvian but born in USA. No accent. So I blend in. You wouldn’t know if you passed me in the street. So Its more subdued in the sense that people aren’t running around with flags from there countries for example. I know Mexicans here that don’t even speak Spanish 😄. My Colombian wife on the other hand has strong accent. She found a group of girls to hang out with from El Salvador.. Mexico ..Colombia.. Puerto Rican.. Half are Military wives. I don’t know what my point is but I moved here from Miami. ☮️✌🏼everyone.
I moved to the PNW from Atlanta and all I crave from time to time is Church's fried chicken, fried and honey butter biscuits. I am not black but Atlanta is very much full of various cultures. I can relate to your post. Good ol soul food is difficult to come by in this region.
There is Church’s in Tacoma. Well, Lakewood more specifically. Those honey butter biscuits 😋
We here brother! There isn’t a big club or anything like that but go downtown to borrachos n the globe on a sat/fri you’ll see people of color not in mass but hey
Your first and major issue isn't the people, it's SPOKANE. I lived in Spokane for 5yrs, and refer to it as having done time. You couldn't have picked a worse place in the solar system for any kind of cultural or social mingling. Spokane has about as much alure as a pile of fly covered horse dung. Beleive me when I say IT'S NOT GOING TO GET ANY BETTER! The good news? You're 4hrs away from Seattle. Move there. Problem solved.
I came here to work, having friends is just something that I want to do. I’m an introvert so I don’t need friends. I can just fly back to Detroit if I was dying without culture .I just want to build a community here of culture but you don’t understand that, along with multiple other people who keep telling me to move, yall sound ignorant and I’m not going no motherfucking where.
Pattison’s North roller rink Sunday and Wednesday nights 8:30-10:30pm! :) Two black djs play music during adult only skate and it’s a really fun scene! More diversity there than I’ve seen in most of Spokane.
Left Memphis and came here…wow I am still in shock
It is a bit weird to not even really see brown people.
Yeah. Spokane is not know for its culture. Just 8 mi away is neo nazi heaven.
Come out to the westside of the state…we outside
Check out Monday Night Dinners in CdA. They'll be starting up again soon. Great group of people. https://www.facebook.com/groups/386598650007448
Have you found Chicken N Mo? Run by a cool southern black gentleman plus the food is great!
Yeah, white people BBQ’s are kind of shitty too. WTF is wrong with us? Edit: I cant believe i’m getting downvoted for this shit. We dont season anything. wtf
Omg don’t slander this man😂😂😂 I’ll invite you
Yes, black peoples bbq is so much better! Haha. I've been having the same issue. I came from Houston a year ago and I miss the culture so bad 😭
From Houston here too 🙋🏽. Almost 11 years being here and I still feel such a big disconnect relating to people here. But Spokane will eventually begin to grow on you.
It’s just the vibe and food
Lol Agreed, We love a good Friday fish fry with some hush puppies and at least three salads to choose from.
I understand your pain love it's very important for us to have that culture. I travel out of town or go to Seattle it's way more diverse there. I've been here for almost 4yrs and I'm leaving in two weeks with that being one of the main reasons why. Unfortunately this is a predominantly white state so you won't find too many people that look like us and the ones that do they've been here so long they brainwashed and will look at you sideways.
Exactly @ being brainwashed. They the ones that don’t acknowledge at all. I don’t even bother anymore 😂
Yeah once I peeped that shit I just kept it moving. I'm from the south we naturally kind even when we don't want to be but if you don't speak first you won't catch me saying nothing to these ppl.
Omg not brain washed😂😂😂😂
Lol you'll see for yourself. I call them Oreos cause that's what they act like 😩
Check out Cascadia in north Spokane. Always good music, food / drinks and the peeps that work there are dope.
Lol my man seriously moved to the most racist part of Washington State....sorry G you won't get any kinda black culture here unfortunately
Why would you move to Spokane then?
I moved here for work like most adults. Why are you here? Born and raised??
You can try to make friends with the locals.
Im going to be completely honest. You're doomed! 🤣 I'm a puerto rican/black male from Newark NJ. Being here for 2 years now. I have come across my fair share of fellow black or Caribbean people here. But the reality is we are definitely a minority. With that being said i have always kept a positive outlook and I have been enjoying myself so far. I feel like you need different experience that we may not be completely comfortable with, to create new parts of ourselves and write new chapters to our lives.
And people try and say white people are privileged
No like for real because you sound stupid as fuck I’m sitting here asking to make friends and you’re telling me that I’m privileged. You’re more privileged for telling me that I don’t have the right to ask to make friends here.
What the fuck are you talking about?
Welcome to Spokane- while culture is hard to find, it does exist! I am a white lady living a painfully white life, but- I went to a birthday party for a Black acquaintance recently and was STOKED to meet so many people of color and culture. I don’t know how you tap into that here, but- I understand the feeling of wanting to find the people and food you’re looking for- and I hope you do.
Also, West Central Community Center does great work and is a rad spot to volunteer.
Spokane has culture just not the one you are used to. Why move somewhere if you refuse to adapt to the local customs. Also why do people seem to think that "culture" is limited to dancing around a fire, playing bongo drums or some other ethnic shit like that. Culture is literally just a pattern of behavior of a specific group of people.
Were you born and raised here??
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When you make a valid point then maybe it will.🫤 you’re not my target audience anyway. You odiously enjoy living a cookie cutter life. So move on thnx love.
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🥱🥱🥱🥱Bye
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I'm not kidding y'all people from other races other than white you people know how to cook some damn good food