“Against All Odds” — A Night of Courage, Storytelling, and Collective Healing
📍 Gonzaga University’s Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center Recital Hall
Resian’s Dream
a community-based nonprofit dedicated to eradicating harmful practices and uplifting those on the margins.
On November 16, 2024, Spokane’s cultural landscape was enriched by a powerful screening that honored both resilience and community advocacy. The Black Lens and Northwest Passages presented “Against All Odds,” a documentary film that follows the journey of Charity Resian, a woman whose life-long struggle for freedom and dignity fueled the founding of Resian’s Dream, a community-based nonprofit dedicated to eradicating harmful practices and uplifting those on the margins.
The event took place at Gonzaga University’s Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center Recital Hall, bringing together hundreds of local residents, leaders, students, educators, and activists. After the 30-minute documentary screening, attendees were invited to engage in a panel discussion that delved into why Charity’s story isn’t just a local narrative but a universal call for justice, equity, and community support.
A Community Story Told With Purpose
The documentary’s central theme — fighting for the right to define one’s own life in the face of systemic and personal adversity — resonated deeply with attendees. For many in Spokane’s Black, Indigenous, and marginalized communities, Charity’s journey mirrored their own struggles with bias, exclusion, and the work it takes to be heard. By highlighting her story on a respected cultural platform, the event helped extend awareness beyond Resian’s immediate circle and into broader public consciousness.
More than a film screening, “Against All Odds” was a communal experience that:
Elevated Black voices in media and storytelling, reinforcing the importance of representation in community dialogue.
Created space for honest conversation about systemic harm and the grassroots efforts needed to challenge it.
Connected a new audience to Resian’s Dream — catalyzing interest, empathy, and support that extends far beyond a single evening.
Strengthened partnerships with media organizations like The Black Lens and Northwest Passages, which continue to elevate stories often overlooked in mainstream outlets.
Impact That Continues Today
In the weeks since the event, local educators, activists, and community members have continued the discussion sparked by the film — pushing conversations about equity into classrooms, council meetings, and grassroots gatherings throughout Spokane and beyond. The visibility created for Resian’s Dream has helped expand its reach, inviting partnerships that will empower more individuals and families affected by the issues Charity transformed into advocacy.
Screenings like “Against All Odds” prove that storytelling isn’t just art — it’s a catalyst for change. When voices like Charity’s are amplified on respected platforms, entire communities gain permission to see themselves reflected in the work and the solutions they help build.