Deaunte Damper Talks Seattle Pride and Gun Violence Prevention on The Mother’s Justice Show
Deaunte Damper (left) and Omari Salisbury (right) pose together at the KKNW studio yesterday. (Photo: Jordan Somers)
Community activist Deaunte Damper is having a massive year. From his work on the front lines of gun violence prevention to hosting “We Live in Color” on Converge Media, Damper is now stepping into a historic spotlight as a Grand Marshal for Seattle Pride 2026.
Yesterday, he joined The Mother’s Justice Show on 1150 KKNW with Converge Media co-founder Omari Salisbury, who filled in for the legendary Rev. Harriett Walden. The duo discussed Damper’s transformative work and its alignment with representing Seattle Pride.
A Bridge Between Worlds
Currently serving as the Community Engagement Specialist for the King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention (ROGVP), Damper is focused on stabilization and restoration for victims, alongside prevention and intervention.
“I'm the bridge between government, community-led organizations, and community, and I have to get my community and the other folks to be able to walk across,” he said, emphasizing that supporting survivors is key to building a stronger, safer ecosystem.
At ROGVP, Damper works to align community and municipal leaders, law enforcement, hospitals, schools, and local government agencies to form a unified public safety network. Prevention efforts focus on raising awareness and promoting harm reduction strategies through public engagement, including free community Stop the Bleed training and gun lockbox giveaways.
Deaunte Damper poses in the KKNW studio yesterday. (Photo: Jordan Somers)
Truth from the Youth
Damper explained that in response to recent acts of gun violence at Rainier Beach and Garfield High Schools, the youth are turning grief into tangible action. He reported that students at Rainier Beach, his alma mater, are demanding mental health resources and addressing food deficiencies. These young people, he said, are checking in with city officials, refusing to let up on demands for a safer community.
“We're all accountable, and the youth have really held us to that,” he said.
Deaunte Damper smiles in the KKNW studio across from Omari Salisbury. (Photo: Jordan Somers)
Rallying for Pride 2026
Looking ahead to June 28th, the theme for Seattle Pride is "Rally," a concept Damper said he lives every day as a community advocate. Being named Grand Marshal is a full-circle moment for him, representing those who paved the way but couldn't always live their truth.
“When we're talking about ‘rally,’ [we’re] talking about togetherness,” he said.
Salisbury explained the historical and intersectional challenges of the Black queer community in Seattle. He noted that identifying as both Black and gay in Seattle remains difficult today, a struggle exemplified by the life of his late brother, Hiram. Coming out in the 1980s, Hiram found no peace in the Central District due to his sexuality, yet faced similar exclusion on Capitol Hill because of his race.
This legacy of exclusion and stigma is what makes Damper's leadership so historic. "It’s not just you, the Grand Marshal. You’re carrying everybody with you,” Salisbury said to Damper.
For Damper, this honor is about carrying the spirits of friends lost to the fentanyl crisis and systemic neglect. He is walking—or as he puts it, "skipping"—down the parade route as his full self: a Black man, a survivor of HIV and addiction, and a dedicated community advocate.
“I'm walking with every element, and I’m not ashamed of either one of them,” he said.
Where to Catch the Movement
You can see more of Damper on “We Live in Color,” airing Thursday nights at 8 p.m. on all Converge Media streaming platforms.
As the city prepares for a Pride celebration estimated to draw one million people, Damper is committed to "walking with love" to ensure a safe and thriving community for everyone. Learn more at seattlepride.org
Listen to the full interview here.
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