A 2024 guide to how to support and learn from the city's Black community.
Seattle– Seattle’s Black community is an important part of the city’s authentic culture and historical roots and should be honored and celebrated year-round. But with February being Black History Month, it's the perfect time to bring attention and support to our community and highlight the tremendous contributions and stories of those who are based here. Local black culture, art, food, music, business, industry, and more are found throughout the destination, giving both tourists and locals plenty to explore.
From early pioneers like George Washington Bush to educational leaders Thelma Duty, pioneering journalists like Horace Cayton, and the thousands of African Americans who came for work during World War II. To Americans, the Puget Sound region has benefited greatly from prominent black figures and a growing black population. Today, many Seattle neighborhoods remain hotspots for black-owned businesses and arts and culture organizations.—Includes the Central District, Rainier Valley, Mount Baker, Columbia City, Hillman City, and White Center.
For those interested in attending events, learning about Black heritage, and supporting Black-owned businesses and restaurants, below are just a few of the options for celebrating Black history in February and beyond. Shown below.
Follow Marley and Anthony Love's journey
On a mission to make travel possible for everyone, Seattle-based couple Marley and Anthony Loveblack travel” is a popular content series that inspires further exploration of the region.
“We are grateful to the Black community in Seattle and the entire Seattle community for supporting and embracing our work,” Marley and Anthony Love said. “I can’t think of another city where our mission is more encouraged.”
This series serves as a modern-day green book, offering friendly and entertaining reviews from a Black perspective.
Enjoy a pleasant drink at the station
Leona Moore Rodriguez is co-owner station, a Black and Latinx-owned community coffee shop located on Beacon Hill. Moore-Rodriguez and her team have created a space that focuses on hiring members of the POC and LGBTQIA+ community. Leona is proud to be the great-granddaughter of Marcus and Elsie Harding, pioneers of the Kennydale area of Renton. Today, the family remains a central figure in the black community.
“Being a Black American from Seattle means everything,” Moore-Rodriguez said. “I am a fourth-generation Seattleite, raised in the Central District and Columbia City, and Beacon Hill has been my hometown since 1995. Now, my sons represent her fifth generation of Harding's legacy. And here I am.”
Visit WOW Gallery, the Pacific Northwest's top cultural destination
Veronica Verrie, Founder and Visionary Wonder of Women International and WOW Gallery are the driving force behind the “Dear Sista, I See You” healing art exhibit at Pacific Place Mall in downtown Seattle. As a dynamic speaker, teacher, and author, Berry inspires healing from racial and emotional trauma through the power of storytelling and the arts. Her unwavering commitment to healing justice shines through her partnership with visual artist Hiawatha D., who is not only her business partner but also the love of her life. Together, they champion the transformative potential of Black Love to promote improved health and well-being in society and the world.
“As founders, my husband Hiawatha and I are proud Seattle natives and look forward to helping WOW Gallery evolve into an award-winning cultural destination that attracts people from diverse backgrounds from around the world. I’m surprised to see it,” Berry said. She says, “Visitors can't help but exclaim, “Wow!'' They do it again and again as they explore our exhibits. Our ongoing “Dear Sista, I See You” exhibition boasts Black history inspiration and education year-round. ”
WOW Gallery is open Friday through Saturday from 1pm to 7pm and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm.
Explore more events and regular exhibitions
- of Northwest African American Museum (NAAM), Located in the historic Colman School building in the Central District, it's a great place to visit year-round. The museum is founded on the mission of “Using Heritage to Heal,” and aims to maintain connections between people of African descent and their Pacific Northwest homelands.
- Works by talented Black artists will be on display at Henley Art Gallery starting in February Hank Willis Thomas' titlelove rule”. The exhibition features some of the conceptual artist's most iconic and well-known works across a variety of media and explores a diverse range of themes. Friday, February 23rd from 7:00pm to 9:00pm , an official public event will be held.
- For the entire month of February, Rainier Avenue Radio will transform the Columbia City Theater into a “theatre.”A Call to Conscience Black History Museum” features installations, exhibits, artifacts, interactive activities, and virtual experiences that celebrate the accomplishments of Seattle's Black and African American communities. More than 15 exhibits explore various aspects of Black history, providing context for where things stand today and providing a deeper understanding of the issues still faced. The pop-up museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Now through February 13th, the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art has “black & bougie” The exhibition focuses on the intersection of black culture and luxury. The event aims to challenge common Eurocentric notions of luxury and showcase how Black artists, designers and creators are reimagining what it means to live luxuriously.
- From February 3rd, the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI)Seattle Junior League 100th Anniversary: Explore the Northwest Art Project“featuring black artists such as Jacob Lawrence and Barbara Earl Thomas. Mohai is included in Seattle Museum Monthis offering guests of its Downtown Seattle hotels half-price admission to area museums throughout the month of February. In addition, his MOHAI Resource Center at Georgetown includes: Jacqueline EA Lawson Resource Center. This exhibit is open to the public (by appointment only) and features many fascinating photographs and artifacts showcasing the Black culture and history of the Puget Sound region.
- Onyx Fine Arts Collective is the oldest and largest collective of African-American artists in the Pacific Northwest. Their mission is to educate, inspire, nurture, and showcase the work of artists of African descent from communities across the Pacific Northwest. On Feb. 5, the nonprofit organization 1st Annual Clarence Aycox Gala – A Traditional Fundraiser At Dimitriu's Jazz Alley. Proceeds from this event will supplement funding for local student music programs supported by Clarence Acox, including JazzEd, Garfield Jazz Foundation, and Jazz Scholars.
- Seattle City Hall will be hosting a variety of talks throughout this month for your enjoyment. These include:
- soul of seattle will bring you an evening of Black-owned food, wine, and delicious curation on February 10th. Founded as a fundraiser to foster relationships and empower the community, the event highlights diverse food and Black-owned businesses within Seattle, and features vendors and local non-profits that support youth of color. We raise funds to support commercial organizations.
- From February 24th to March 9th, Seattle Opera will present its “West Coast Premiere.”X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X” by Pulitzer Prize winner Anthony Davis. This groundbreaking opera explores the life of Malcolm It was the first opera written by a black composer.
shop local
Seattle has a variety of Black-owned places to explore.
Plan ahead for upcoming festivals and performances
Events uplifting Black history and culture will be held well beyond February. Please keep an eye out for the following events scheduled for the second half of this year.
- ACT Contemporary Theater presents “stew”, a hilarious and unforgettable drama, will run from March 15th to 30th. Exploring family secrets, hopes, and loss among three generations of black women, this intimate play is equal parts humorous and heartbreaking.
- Seattle Representative Presents”fat ham“,April 12 – May 12. This modern retelling of Shakespeare's “Hamlet” throws a queer black protagonist into the midst of a tumultuous new comedy in which she searches for love and liberation.
- seattle black film festival will run from April 25th to 28th with a show that celebrates remarkable cinematic achievements and thought-provoking storytelling.
- Umoja Fest is a long-running festival held in early August that celebrates African heritage. With an emphasis on unity and community spirit, festival activities include parades, musical performances, cultural events, and more.
- of sundiata festival teeth Annual Black Arts Festival scheduled for August 23rd–25th at Seattle Center. This family-friendly event aims to celebrate the arts and educate attendees through music, spoken word performances, food sales, exhibits, and more.
This list is by no means comprehensive. Visit Seattle would be happy to consider further ideas.Please send your submissions to the address below. [email protected].
additional resources
A selection of videos from VISITSEATTLE.tv:
- internet personality Phil the Culture Find the best food and drink in Seattle, from cocktails at Communion to breve cappuccinos at Espresso Vivace.
- seattle hip hop group Shahbaz Palace They collaborated with longtime friend Chef Tariq Abdullah to create soulful meals inspired by their roots.
- Seattle natives David Bowman (Dave B) and Kai Wright (Sango) explain how they carved out a niche for themselves in Seattle rap when they created their ode to Seattle.Melody from Heaven II”.
- Owner of the popular food truck “Where Ya At Matt” Matthew Lewis, Introducing Seattle's food cart scene to Los Angeles chef and Seattle newcomer Daniel Shemtob.
- Seattle-based stage actor Nicholas Japaul Bernard I share a cross-section of the Black and LGBTQIA+ communities with my friends.
Other resources:
- The story behind Black History Month And why it's celebrated in February (NPR)
- Click here for details African Americans in the Modern Northwestt (Pacific Northwest Research Center)
- black business directory: Search the Seattle Metropolitan League's directory of over 90 local businesses to find Black-owned businesses to support.
- intentionalist:Explore Black-owned businesses by region with The Intentionalist's guide.
- Wa na wali:Wa Na Wari is an immersive community art project that reclaims Black cultural spaces and makes a statement about the importance of Black land ownership in gentrified communities.
- Langston:LANGSTON, Seattle's Center for Black Arts and Culture, directs generative programs and community partnerships that center Black art, artists, and audiences, and honors the continuing legacy of Seattle's Black neighborhoods.
- Check out Seattle's African American Heritage Guide:Learn about the history of Washington's African American heritage with this fascinating guide.
- Clean Greens Living Show: Tune into Rainier Avenue Radio Tuesdays at 12:30pm PT to hear Brione Scott and Christina Chambers. Clean Greens Farm and Market; A small nonprofit organization in Seattle's Central District that discusses food justice issues.
For more information about Black History Month in Seattle, visit: visitseattle.org.
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About Visit Seattle:
Visit Seattle has served as Seattle and King County's official destination marketing organization (DMO) for more than 50 years. Visit Seattle, a 501(c)(6) organization, strengthens regional economic prosperity through global destination branding, as well as competitive programs and campaigns in leisure travel marketing, convention sales, and international tourism development. Masu.go to visitseattle.org.