Kiesha Free: Liberated and Living in Color in Seattle

In a candid and inspiring conversation on "We Live in Color," Kiesha Free, formerly known as Kiesha Garrison, shared her transformative journey of personal liberation, intentional community building, and why "Black media matters." Her story is one of reclaiming identity, fostering connection, and creating spaces where Black life can thrive in the Puget Sound.

The interview, hosted by Deaunte Damper, delves into Free's decision to change her name from a married name to "Free." This deliberate choice, made after years of feeling like she was wearing an "itchy sweater," symbolizes a profound awakening and a return to self. As she eloquently put it, the name "Free" wouldn't let her go, representing a "liberating" and "safe space to land."

Free, who boasts a background in the competitive tech world, spoke openly about navigating spaces where she often felt unheard and unsupported as a Black woman. Her experience in a small tech company, where her pregnancy was met with unpreparedness, underscored the systemic challenges faced by women of color in corporate environments. Yet, she consistently found advocates, even if their support stemmed from a shared interest in her excellence. Her eventual move to Microsoft and then to Seattle presented new cultural shifts, particularly the lack of Black saturation she was accustomed to in New Jersey.

This desire for saturation, for a deeply rooted and visible Black community, became the catalyst for her impactful work with "Hey Black Seattle!" Free explained that during the quarantine, a "download" inspired her to leverage her skills to make it easier for others to experience the rich Black community she sought for herself.

"Hey Black Seattle!" is more than just a directory; it's a "digital hub for Black life in the Puget Sound." It's a comprehensive website and database that connects individuals to Black-owned businesses, community organizations, artists, healthcare providers, and tradespeople. Free used the example of hiking: "You can go on heyblackseattle.com, type in hiking, and see the community organizations that offer that for us." Beyond the database, the initiative also fosters intentional media projects, art, and events designed to "lubricate our opportunity to come together."

A pivotal aspect of "Hey Black Seattle!" is the "tours" Free conducts. She emphasized that community needs to be "very personal," requiring up-close interaction and a deep understanding of local history. For Free, understanding the Central District's Black history is "Black 101" for anyone living in Seattle, especially for her daughter, whose hometown it is. These tours allow people to "touch the thing, meet the people," and engage directly with their community, rather than just viewing it on a screen.

Free also championed inclusivity and intersectionality in her work, openly identifying as a queer Black woman. While initially a quieter aspect of her life, she realized that as a leader in the community space, it couldn't remain silent. This public stance signals to the community that "the person who is running the thing is going to actually consider and care for the community." She challenged the notion that "only the roots that you have from elsewhere matter," emphasizing the importance of respecting and understanding the existing roots of Seattle's long-established Black community.

The interview also showcased "Beautiful Awakenings," a Black-owned spa in Renton, which Free featured in her miniseries about "Hey Black Seattle!" Jamila, the owner, expressed her intention to create a pampering space designed for Black individuals, emphasizing collaboration and highlighting other Black-owned brands within her establishment.

In a heartfelt "We Live in Color" tribute, Free honored two foundational figures: her grandmother, Vera Bell Moore (whose middle name, Bell, Free incorporated into her own name), and her daughter, Lauren. Her grandmother's consistent encouragement, especially for a "dark-skinned girl in Louisiana," instilled a deep sense of self-belief. Her daughter, at just seven years old, delivered a powerful message that became a guiding principle: "Mommy, let your dreams be free." This singular phrase spurred Free to sign up for stand-up comedy classes, fundamentally changing the trajectory of her life.

Kiesha Free's journey is a compelling testament to the power of self-determination, the vital role of community, and the profound impact of living authentically. Her work with "Hey Black Seattle!" is not just about connecting people; it's about empowering a community to thrive, to be seen, and to continue building a vibrant and inclusive future. As Free passionately urged, "Let your dreams be free," and then, "tap into www.heyblackseattle.com.”