"For the Record": A Statewide Assessment for the Black Community
A recent episode of "The Day with Trae" featured Dr. Angela Griffin, CEO of Byrd Barr Place, for a conversation about her journey, the organization's work, and an important new campaign titled “For the Record.”
Dr. Griffin revealed that she was initially reluctant to take on the role at Byrd Barr Place. "I at first I said no," she admitted, explaining her concern about not being from Washington State or having previously led a Black-serving organization. However, mentors like Michelle Merriweather of the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle encouraged her, emphasizing her skills in organizational leadership, development, and cultural relevancy. Dr. Griffin ultimately accepted the position, calling it "the most rewarding work that I have ever done in my whole career."
The conversation then turned to Byrd Barr Place's renovated market, which provides essential resources to the community. Dr. Griffin emphasized the organization's commitment to its steadfast core values. "We're all about keeping the dignity of everyone who walks through that door," she stated. "We give people exactly what they need, when they need it, and how they need it."
She contrasted the current market with her own past experiences at food banks, where "the dignity wasn't there." The Byrd Barr Place market offers fresh produce, culturally relevant options, and allows people to choose what they need, a design implemented by PCC. Dr. Griffin recounted a touching anecdote about a gentleman who asked for jelly to go with the peanut butter and bread provided in "no-cook bags" for the unhoused, demonstrating how they listen to community feedback to meet needs.
Dr. Griffin also discussed Byrd Barr Place's "For the Record" campaign, a statewide community needs assessment. This initiative collects both quantitative and qualitative data related to displacement, particularly among the Black community in Washington State. Dr. Griffin, who identified as a data researcher at heart, explained her desire for concrete information to validate observations about displacement. The assessment aims to understand where people have moved, how they are doing, and identify gaps in services. This data will be used to inform work around reparations and ensure that services genuinely meet the Black community's needs.
A key aspect of this campaign is transparency and accountability. Dr. Griffin affirmed, "The intention is not for Byrd Barr Place to hold it. We don't want to put it in a pretty little book... we are giving it back to all the other agencies, all the other nonprofits and government entities to be able to use the data and then hold them accountable to using the data." The assessment will also disaggregate data to better understand the distinct experiences of Black individuals whose heritage is connected to slavery versus those who have immigrated or arrived as refugees from Africa.
Dr. Griffin highlighted the critical role of partnerships, noting that Byrd Barr Place, founded in 1964 by the Urban League, Black Panthers, and NAACP, was once a central hub for various services. While these services have since dispersed to other organizations, partnerships remain vital for connecting people with the resources they need. Byrd Barr Place also opens its building to the community for meetings and events, fostering continued connection and collaboration. They have even partnered with an agency to understand how youth are experiencing displacement, ensuring that younger generations are informed about resources like the Covenant Home Ownership Program.
Before concluding, Dr. Griffin encouraged viewers to participate in the "For the Record" survey, accessible on Byrd Barr’s official website. She also promoted their annual gala, themed “Roaring 20s," on Saturday, September 27th, at the Hyatt Regency Seattle, featuring attorney and civil rights leader Benjamin Crump and facilitated by Attorney General Nick Brown.
To fill out Byrd Barr’s “For the Record” survey at byrdbarrplace.org.
