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 ]
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 ]
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is January 15! In the spirit of Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI) everyone at Department of Neighborhoods (DON) is looking forward to celebrating the life and contributions of this inspiring human rights hero. Here are some local MLK Day events and a few… [ Keep reading ]
