SPOKANE, Wash. – The community gathered to celebrate the life of Reverend Happy Watkins, a leader known for his significant contributions to civil rights in Spokane. His life was marked by a unique blend of being grounded and larger than life.
“When we said goodbye Ivan Bush my heart shattered. And now today my heart is sinking because again we’re in a universe where we have to say goodbye to our leaders,” Lisa Gardner, Spokane NAACP President said.
Reverend Watkins was a prominent civil rights figure in Spokane, co-founding the city’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. March. He was known for delievering a rendition of King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech on an annual basis. Beyond that, he led the New Hope Baptist Church, advocated for more Black police officers in Spokane, and served as a chaplain.
“He went wherever he was needed, wherever his voice could be used, wherever his name could be used, wherever his reputation could be used to better a situation, wherever his love could help somebody. That’s what he did,” said his son Pastor James Watkins
Reverend Watkins touched countless lives, drawing people from various backgrounds to honor him. Among those present were Mayor Lisa Brown, City Council President Betsy Wilkerson, and former Council President Breean Beggs.
