Celebrating Legacy, Equity, and Pride: The Seattle Mariners Honor Deaunte Damper on Juneteenth
Deaunte Damper poses at T-Mobile Park on Juneteenth 2026. (Photo: Erik Kalligraphy)
Juneteenth is a day of reflection, celebration, and honoring those who continuously push the needle forward for racial equity. This past Juneteenth, the atmosphere at T-Mobile Park was electric, wrapped in history, and dedicated to uplifting one of King County’s most passionate advocates: Deaunte Damper.
The Seattle Mariners, alongside the Steelheads Community Roundtable, took center stage to honor Damper for his intersectional leadership across the Pacific Northwest. The recognition was a deeply intentional moment, bridging the history of Black baseball in Seattle with today’s ongoing fight for community empowerment.
A Legacy of Uplifting Communities
Damper’s impact on the local community is vast and resonant. As a prominent activist, public health advocate, and a newly named Grand Marshal of the 2026 Seattle Pride Parade, Damper has dedicated his life to ensuring that the voices of Black, LGBTQ+, and marginalized communities are not just heard but celebrated.
"Deaunte is a powerful voice for racial equity, LGBTQ+ equality, and public health in our community," said Nova Newcomer, CEO of the Mariners Care Foundation. "This year, he was named Grand Marshal of the 2026 Seattle Pride Parade, and he persists in uplifting and advocating for Black communities across King County. Deaunte continues to inspire us through his work to ensure that everyone feels seen, valued, and included, and the Mariners and the Steelheads Community Roundtable were honored to recognize him at T-Mobile Park on Juneteenth."
Connecting the Past to the Present: The Steelheads Connection
The honor is part of an ongoing connection between Damper and the Mariners' Steelheads Initiative. Rooted in the storied history of the 1946 Seattle Steelheads, the city's short-lived but highly significant Negro Leagues team, the initiative focuses on Black baseball history, storytelling, and community investment. Damper has been a champion of this initiative from the start, having previously attended the highly anticipated Fanfest in January, where the Mariners announced the return of the Steelheads jerseys and the launch of the Steelheads Community Fund.
Deaunte Damper (far right) poses with Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor and Converge Media family and friends at FanFest in January. (Photo: Erik Kalligraphy)
To receive this honor on Juneteenth, a day recognizing liberation, while standing on the shoulders of Seattle's Black baseball legacy, made the occasion extraordinarily monumental.
In a heartfelt conversation following the event, Damper reflected on the weight of the moment.
"Being on Juneteenth, for the work that I’ve been able to do within the community, but also highlighting that I’m the Grand Marshal for this year’s Pride... This was more than an honor. This is legacy,” he said.
He added, emphasizing the intersectionality of the event.
"I just felt so seen and loved. Most of the time growing up... I felt like I couldn't fit in certain spaces. But the Mariners honored the work that I do in the queer community and the Black community. This is a part of history,” he said.
An Unforgettable Night at the Ballpark
The celebration was a VIP experience fitting for Damper’s tireless community contributions. Surrounded by friends, family, and prominent local leaders from the Steelheads Committee. Damper watched the game from the exclusive owner's suite.
The absolute highlight of the night, however, came after the final inning. Armed with field-access wristbands, Damper and his closest friends stepped directly onto the grass of T-Mobile Park to watch the post-game fireworks burst over the Seattle skyline.
Though the Mariners didn't secure a win on the scoreboard that evening, Damper walked away knowing that the real victory belonged to the community.
"We might not have won the game," he said, “...but I think with the Steelheads being acknowledged, lifting up the Steelheads on such a special day, and me being honored, we won. My community won today."
On a day meant to honor freedom, resilience, and identity, seeing a local leader like Damper uplifted on the big screen at T-Mobile Park was a reminder of how far the community has come, and the future they are continuing to build.
Here’s to Deaunte Damper, the legacy of the Seattle Steelheads, and the beautiful intersection of Black history and Pride in the Pacific Northwest!
Don’t forget to catch Deaunte Damper leading the 2026 Seattle Pride Parade this Sunday, June 28, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Downtown Seattle along 4th Ave. Learn more at seattlepride.org/seattle-pride-month
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