By Tracey Thompson The High Point Housing Projects were built in 1942 to accommodate military personnel and workers who migrated from the South in search of better opportunities. Over time, High Point became one of Seattle’s quiet strongholds of Black life, shaped by families who arrived during the Great Migration… [ Keep reading ]
In honor of Black History Month, staff from the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON), Department of Transportation (SDOT), Public Utilities (SPU), and City Light (SCL) came together to organize celebration for City employees. The gathering included remarks from Mayor Bruce Harrell and other City leaders; performances from young local talents… [ Keep reading ]
Seattle-based educator, artist, and activist, Logic Amen, hosted The Griot Party Experience on January 13, at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute. The event was made possible by a special collaboration between Amen and the Department of Neighborhoods (DON). Moving performances and powerful storytelling rooted in the Griot tradition were… [ Keep reading ]
Let’s celebrate the contributions of the African American community by attending a Black History Month event in Seattle. February is filled with dozens of interesting events throughout the city —art exhibitions, workshops, discussions, storytelling, and more. Explore, connect, and attend. Upcoming Black History Month Events Art Talks, Workshops, and Movies… [ Keep reading ]
by Reagan Jackson This Black History Month has been a poignant meditation on joy, resilience, rage, fear, curiosity, pride, and grief. As always, I’m fascinated to learn new tidbits of history like how Norris B. Herndon, a Black gay millionaire, quietly helped fund the civil rights movement or that Rosa… [ Keep reading ]
Tayah Carlisle is the Grow Program Coordinator at Young Women Empowered (Y-WE). Grow is a program based out of Marra Farm, that helps young people connect with the Earth in reciprocal relationship, gain practical gardening skills, and grow fresh, culturally-relevant produce. Tayah was born and raised in Seattle’s Central District… [ Keep reading ]
Remembering and Imagining our Stories by Mary Hall-Williams In which I remember my people. Most of whom took their stories with them when they passed. Some of whom I never had the pleasure of meeting. Anita, Sidney, Louise, Robert, Elcinda, William, Mary, Fred, Lenora, Raymond, Robert, Leslie Jr, Leslie Sr…. [ Keep reading ]
Fatra Hussein is a freshman at Franklin High School. For the past two years, she has been involved with Young Women Empowered (Y-WE), a Seattle-based nonprofit that cultivates the power of diverse young women to be creative leaders and courageous changemakers through transformative programs. In her time at Y-WE, Fatra… [ Keep reading ]
Redefining Blackness by Indigo Mays What is Blackness? I am not referring to people whose ancestors descend from Africa, but the cultural phenomenon that is being Black. One can be African American, but not Black, just as one can be African American and Black. I happen to fall into the… [ Keep reading ]
Delivering New Worlds: Black Doulas Talk about Black Futures Wednesday, February 22, 5:30-7:30 pm at Y-WE (5623 Rainier Ave S.) If we are our ancestors’ wildest dreams, then what are our dreams for Black futures? This Black History month we are celebrating the past, but also contemplating how it’s shaped the… [ Keep reading ]
