On March 7th the Seattle Opera in partnership with the King County Library System and NAAM presented A Conversation With Ilyasah Shabazz. It was an inspiring evening with Ilyasah Shabazz, who is the daughter of civil rights icon Malcolm X, also known as Malik el-Shabazz. The conversation included reflection on the legacy of one of the most influential figures in history through the lens of his daughter’s unique perspective. 

Written by Besa Gordon: Last week, Seattle made history by hoisting the Black Liberation flag over City Hall for the first time. This was a momentous occasion to honor Black History Month and celebrate the strength, resilience, and enduring spirit of Seattle’s Black community. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, Seattle City Councilmembers Joy Hollingsworth and Rob Saka, Esq., and King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay, along with community members, came together to celebrate this historic moment. It was great to see leaders and community members come together to recognize and uplift the contributions of the Black community. After attending this historic event, I wanted to take a moment to talk about the Black Liberation Flag and it’s meaning for those that may not be fully familiar with it.

#ThrowbackThursday - Nestled within the vibrant tapestry of Seattle's Central District lies a rich history of beer parlors and breweries that have left an indelible mark on the local community. From the bustling beer parlors of the 1940s to the dynamic craft breweries of today, the Central District has been a hub of beer culture for generations.

Converge Media is proud to have a long-standing relationship with the Black Heritage Society of Washington State. As the leading historians of our community and our stories in the Pacific Northwest, BHS seeks to preserve artifacts and stories of Black history and culture in the state.

Last week, a new bus stop mural honoring the Conna Family was unveiled in Federal Way. The timeline honors the family of Black pioneers, led by John and Mary Conna, who purchased 147 acres of land in the 1800s. That land is now the site of the City of Federal Way.

Russell ‘Noodles’ Smith and Burr ‘Blackie’ Williams are quickly identified as early co-owners of Seattle’s Black & Tan Club that was a jazz entertainment hub 1922-1966. The BHS archive holds an amazing collection of memorabilia and photos in two albums that gives a glimpse of their lives, acquaintances, escapades, businesses, and friendship.

Jonathan Moore (1969-2017) hip-hop pioneer, musician, brilliant lyricist, educator, collaborator, youth advocate, and mentor was “Wordsayer”. He was a founding member of the Source of Labor crew that was a unique voice to arrive on the hip-hop scene in early 1990s Seattle.

Freddie Mae Gautier (1930-2001) was a community activist, political advisor, mentor, and well-known businesswoman who lived in Seattle. From 1953-1967, Gautier worked as a matron in the KC Sheriff’s office. She became an advocate for social justice and a prominent figure in the civil rights movement both at home and nationally.

DeCharlene Williams (1943-2018) was a Seattle Central District icon.  A business owner, fierce advocate for Black business, history, and culture she opened her first beauty salon on 25th Ave & E Union in 1965 and by 1968 she purchased a storefront on 22nd Ave & E Madison Street that still operates today. 

The Black and Tan Club at 12th Ave & S Jackson Street in Seattle was the place to go, be seen, and take in the local and visiting entertainment.  At the Black Heritage Society of Washington State, we hold many memories of the club that we’ll keep sharing when the opportunity arises.

Manima Wilson Davis was born in Everett, WA in 1886, Washington was not yet a state. Her father and mother, Samuel and Arminta Wilson were known for their community activism and Manima would follow in their footsteps in years to come. She graduated from Everett High School in 1907 and went on to attain a bachelor’s degree in education at the University of Washington where she is believed to be the first Black woman graduate from the UW.

On May 22, 1942, fourteen representatives from various Central District organizations in the East Madison neighborhoods met with administrators at the Office of the Civilian War Commission to discuss the forming of a committee to establish and maintain a Branch of the Service Men’s Club for the convenience of Black soldiers.

Russell S. Gideon (1904-1985) and Lillian Morris Gideon (1907-2006) were husband and wife, business owners, civic advocates, philanthropists, and principled pillars of the Central District community. They came to Seattle in 1946 and quickly found their way. The Gideon’s bought a drug store at 22nd Avenue and E Madison Street and operated it until 1963. Gideon’s Drug Store met pharmaceutical needs and had a very popular soda fountain.

The BHS archives hold items of The Craven Family who are an early pioneering Black family rooted in Roslyn and Seattle, WA. The souvenir t-shirt and boxing gloves belong to Wesley “Wes” Craven.

Liberty Bank located at the heart of Seattle’s Central District at 24th Ave and E Union (1968-1988) was the first Black-owned bank west of the Mississippi River.  The bank served the essential financial needs of the community at a time when discrimination was prevalent in Seattle toward minority citizens who sought services that included home loans. 

William E. Lacy, Jr. was born in Birmingham, AL in 1919 and passed away in Seattle, WA in 2007. Lacy was a graduate of Talladega College, Alabama’s oldest private Black college where he studied Chemistry and Mathematics. During WWII he distinguished himself among troops of the all-Black 92nd Infantry Division. He returned home to marry wife, Helen and moved to Seattle after completing his medical training.

Frank Waldron (1890-1955) was a musician and teacher who was significantly influential in the first half of Seattle’s early jazz scene.  He was an outstanding saxophonist and trumpeter and was known for his instructional techniques.  

Dave Mann (1933-2018) was a professional baseball player who played 12 seasons from 1952-1963. He was best known for his speed at stealing bases. Mann would achieve 217 stolen bases in his career. Building on his baseball success with various teams, Mann would often recount his time with the Miami Marlins where he roomed with Hall of Fame pitcher Satchel Paige. An aging Paige had much to share with Mann before Dave headed west to play for the Seattle Rainiers. He would remain with the Rainiers until retiring in the mid-1960s.