“Preserving these spaces isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about ensuring future generations know who came before them, the battles fought, and the resilience that built this city. Seattle thrives when it honors its past while building its future.” The landscape of the Central Area has changed drastically over the past 50… [ Keep reading ]
As part of our “Stories in Place” series, the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods collaborated with community member Tracey Thompson to celebrate a group of women known as the High Point Mommas. Tracey, whose mother was part of the Mommas, grew up in High Point in the 1960s and 1970s. She… [ 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 ]
Summer Lovin’ at Mt. Baker Park by Aviona Creatrix Rodriguez Brown Mount Baker Park, filled with laughterCountless hours of my youth-Watchful eyes-music and handmade tacos-Bottomless, butt-i-ful, whiny babies.We daydream and wonder where the planes and cars are going to, and coming from.As cold envelops my toes burying them into the… [ Keep reading ]
Did you know that Seattle’s Jackson Street was once home to a thriving after-hours jazz scene? From 1937 and 1951, the street’s corridor between Fifth Avenue South and Fourteenth Avenue South was often bustling with musicians and patrons of all backgrounds ducking in and out of clubs like the Black… [ Keep reading ]
This fall, we had the privilege of gathering with collaborators and project leaders from our Generational Wealth Initiative to celebrate and uplift the work of BIPOC-led organizations that are advancing Seattle’s Community Wealth Building framework. Launched in 2022, the Generational Wealth Initiative was born from community advocacy for racial justice…. [ Keep reading ]
Often, when people hear the phrase historic preservation, the first thing they think of is saving old buildings. And while, yes, that is sometimes the outcome, it is certainly not that simple. Historic Landmarks are rooted in community. They are tangible connections to the people and events that have shaped… [ Keep reading ]
“Many people are denied a loan, not because they are uncreditworthy but because they have inaccuracies on their credit report.” ~ Linda Tayor, VP of Housing & Financial Empowerment at the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle For the past 26 years, Linda Taylor has been working in the Seattle area… [ Keep reading ]
Dennis Comer is a member of the Department of Neighborhoods’ Generational Wealth Initiative cohort and a designer of the pilot project Community Controlled Capital. “Community Controlled Capital is a direct attempt at bypassing systemic racist financial institution practices that prevent minority-owned small businesses the opportunity to receive fair treatment in… [ 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 ]
