[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 144 (Thursday, September 8, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4510-S4511]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       REMEMBERING SANDY WILLIAMS

 Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, last weekend, 10 people were 
tragically killed in a plane crash near Whidbey Island, WA, sending 
waves of shock and sadness through the entire State. Today, I join with 
communities across Washington in honoring their memories and grieving 
this immeasurable loss for their families and friends.
  One of these 10 people was Sandy Williams, a beloved member of the 
eastern Washington community, and a powerful civil rights advocate who 
worked to lift up Black voices across the State. Sandy Williams was 
born and raised in Spokane Valley and, starting at a young age, worked 
hard in pursuit of equality and justice. In fact, when her middle 
school offered a home economics class for girls but wouldn't allow them 
to take the shop class with the boys, she refused to take no for and 
answer and pushed back until she and other girls were allowed to take 
shop. Her fight for fairness and equality would lead her to leave an 
indelible mark on eastern Washington which she loved so dearly, in so 
many ways.
  Sandy helped establish the Pride Center at Eastern Washington 
University to support LGBTQ+ youth. Sandy also served eastern 
Washington as its member of the Washington State Commission on African 
American Affairs. And she worked nonstop to lift Black voices and 
create a community where everyone is heard, included, and empowered.
  In 2016, Sandy started publishing a newspaper called ``Black Lens''--
that she ran out of her home--to tell the

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stories that mattered most to Black Washingtonians. Sandy was dedicated 
to a vision of eastern Washington where Black people could come 
together as a community and worked hard to make that vision a reality 
by helping create the Carl Maxey Center. The Carl Maxey Center is a 
testament to Sandy's legacy; it remains a hub of economic, social, and 
cultural activity in Spokane. It provides rental assistance, social 
services, business support, resources for students, and more. It helps 
plan beloved events like Unity in the Community and the Riverfront Park 
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. And it will continue to be an example 
of Sandy's steadfast commitment to community.
  Through her advocacy, through her example, and through her action to 
make dreams realities, Sandy made Washington State a fairer, more just 
place, and her legacy and impact will endure for generations to come.
  Sandy is survived by her daughter Renika, her brother Rick, and many 
loved ones in Spokane.

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