Justice Forral is handed a mic and stares into a crowd of supporters. They ask, “Do you want to hear comedy or a more serious talk today?”
The crowd cheers for both, but chooses the lighter option. Today is about healing.
Nearly 200 people gathered Sunday evening for "A Night of Resistance," a fundraiser featuring local musicians, community organizers, and speeches by Forral, Jac Archer and Bajun Mavalwalla II, the three protesters who were convicted in May on federal conspiracy charges.
While the legal battle continues through post-trial motions and possible appeals, the event shifted the focus away from the courtroom and toward the community that has remained alongside them.
Opening the program, Forral reminded attendees that while the verdict marked the end of the trial on May 28, it did not mark the end of community activism against government abuses of power.
"Being here is a fundamental fight against authoritarianism," Forral said. "The only thing that's going to be successful in pushing back on this … is each other and ourselves."
Performances by Peter Baird, Liz Rognes, the Raging Grannies, Stanton Cobb, Brenda Divine, Jazzin' Ry, Luisa Orellana and Singing Resistance transformed the fundraiser into something more reminiscent of a concert and a church service.
Baird, a musician who traveled from Sacramento, California, performed songs drawn from decades of social justice organizing. Before taking the stage, he reflected on the role music plays in sustaining movements.
"Coming together for music and song is also a form of resistance," Baird said. "It can't be the only one we do, and it's a critical one."
During various performances, Archer sat discreetly in a corner throughout the first half of the event, writing their speech. When called up, Archer made their way from the back of the room to the stage, blue notebook in hand.
“I’m not funny like Justice,” Archer warned the crowd. “I refused to believe in love at the expense of others. I refuse to believe it in my heart.” Archer said. “Because it’s true that empathy is not weakness. It is probably my foolish instinct. Instead, community is about everyone; all of this is."
Archer talked about raising their family and an optimistic future. They reminded Spokane’s community that the city was never perfect even before their arrest last year.
"As much as I wanted to change, I didn't actually want to go back to the way things were,” They said. “I want something better."
That message carried through the evening as audience members joined in familiar songs like “Lean on Me” and “Blowin' in the Wind,” while Singing Resistance debuted an original piece written by Liz Rognes in honor of the Spokane 3.
We stand with the Spokane 3
Community is not conspiracy
We have love, courage, integrity
Just like the Spokane 3
We stand with Jac and Bajun
We stand with Justice Forral
We sing with love and rage and
Three of us are three of all
“I want to make sure to say that the phrase ‘community is not conspiracy’ is a phrase that others had already been using around this case,” Rognes said.
The phrase has become a popular chant in recent months — often used to show support for the protestors at PJALS events.
Mavalwalla II finished the event, speaking candidly about the months since the trial and the encouragement he continues to receive from supporters.
"I am so grateful for this community," Mavalwalla said. “I never thought I would hear my name in a song.” The crowd laughed.
"People ask me how I am doing,” he said. “The truth is – it's hard. But the amount of support I get from everyone makes it easier to say yes. I’m doing better."
Throughout the evening, the smells of cooking meats filled Nuesta Raíces’s Community Center from the food tent outside. Supporters ate together while linking arms during songs and rose repeatedly for standing ovations.
By night's end, a woven donation basket was full.
Supporters carried away “Support the Spokane 3” T-shirts and stickers. The three protesters lingered after the program ended, talking with attendees who had stood beside them throughout the trial. Lots of hugs. Some quickly wiped away tears.
Editor's note: We have updated this story to reflect the correct spelling of Jac Archer's first name.
