PHOTOS: FAST's Barbershop Chat, Chew & Play Captures the ‘Brilliancy’ of Rainier Beach
Photos: Susan Fried
Fathers and Sons Together (FAST) returned to the Rainier Beach Community Center earlier this month to host the Barbershop Chat, Chew & Play event, creating a space for fellowship and joy. This free gathering offered fresh cuts, a local vendors market, and live entertainment, all while actively working to heal the Rainier Beach community.
In attendance was Deaunte Damper, the community engagement specialist for the King County Regional Office of Violence Prevention. "There's a narrative in Rainier Beach around our trauma... but what I see here is our brilliancy, our love for one another,” he said, referencing recent acts of gun violence in the neighborhood.
The mission was clear: redefine Rainier Beach as a beautiful, safe space where youth can thrive. This community-driven movement was backed by local leaders at the event, including community advocate Myron Curry, Seattle City Councilmember Eddie Lin, State Senator Rebecca Saldaña, and Detective Denise “Cookie” Bouldin, all of whom perpetuated the importance of organizations like FAST in bringing communities together.
Through consistent and deliberate community action, FAST aims to forge paths that uplift youth and celebrate cultural brilliance. This work ensures that the narrative of hope and connection continues to resonate throughout Rainier Beach and the South Seattle area.
To learn more about FAST to find information on their upcoming events, visit their website here.
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