Churches play a critical role in the story of Black Seattle. They are places of worship, community gathering spaces, organizing hubs, and cultural anchors through decades of change and displacement. In recognition of this significant history, the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods launched Black Sanctuaries in Motion, a multimedia storytelling project… [ Keep reading ]
The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods’ Landmarks Preservation Board (LPB) voted unanimously to approve the designation of The People’s Wall at 1919 E Spruce Street (formerly 172 20th Avenue) as a Seattle Landmark. The timely 11:0:0 vote took place at the May 20, 2026 LPB meeting. For decades, the People’s Wall has… [ Keep reading ]
This February, City Hall felt a little different. The vibe was fuller. Warmer. Jubilant. In honor of Black History Month, staff from the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, Seattle Department of Transportation, Seattle Public Utilities, and Seattle City Light came together to host Rooted, Resilient, and Rising; a celebration of Black leadership, artistry, and community in Seattle. The gathering honored history. And the… [ Keep reading ]
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 ]
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 ]
“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 ]
