Celebrating Pride and Community at Columbia City Beatwalk
The Columbia City Beatwalk recently lit up the Rainier Valley with its annual Pride edition—an uplifting celebration of music, identity, and community. With live performances, vibrant local vendors, and an undeniable sense of joy, the event brought people of all backgrounds together for an unforgettable afternoon in South Seattle.
Creating a Safe, Joyful Space
Producer Tish Gallow shared that one of her driving goals was to create a space where LGBTQ+ community members could feel not just safe, but celebrated. “This is a safe space,” she said. “We’re all together—we’re all the same people.” That message resonated throughout the event, fostering an atmosphere rooted in inclusion and mutual respect.
Music That Moves and Heals
The Beatwalk is always rich with music, and this edition was no different. Artist Aryiah Jane opened the show with a soulful set rooted in blues and gospel. “I couldn’t think of a better way to open my Pride season,” she said, reflecting on what it meant to perform among people who share her lived experience. “I sing about love. I hope people can hear themselves in the music.”
Adra Boo took the stage with a sound she described as “real Black today, real mellow,” blending musical authenticity with cultural pride. “We always need spaces that celebrate us—being Black, being unapologetically who we are.”
Partnerships That Uplift
Community organizer Andre Franklin, founder of Bill 206, spoke to the importance of collective care and visibility. “LGBTQIA+ is part of our community,” he said. “We’ve got to be collective. We’ve got to work together to uplift everybody.” He also touched on the importance of reclaiming space in neighborhoods facing rapid change.
Performer Aryiah Jane gave a heartfelt shout-out to Deaunte, a key community organizer behind the scenes. “Deaunte’s our unregistered mayor. I’m so grateful for the way you take care of community.”
A Multigenerational Celebration
From families with small children to elders reconnecting with neighbors, the event captured a wide cross-section of Columbia City’s vibrance. “There’s a little bit of everyone here,” Gallow observed. “It’s just super fun.”
Audra Boo summed up the spirit of the day perfectly: “Beatwalk brings us outside—it reminds us of the joy of being with our neighbors.”
In a moment where authenticity matters more than ever, the Columbia City Pride Beatwalk stood tall as a celebration of togetherness, identity, and joy. As Aria Jana said: “We’ll stand tall, stand brave, and be loud about who we are—Black, Indigenous, queer, and proud—all year long.”
