Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans Addresses Systemic Bias and Safety on The Pop-Up!
Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans recently appeared on The Pop-Up! to discuss pressing public safety issues, ranging from the exploitation of Black girls to new enforcement strategies for Seattle’s Aurora Avenue. Evans also offered her perspective on the personal and professional challenges she faces as the first person of color to hold her office.
Confronting Racial Disparities
The conversation began with a somber look at a recent report detailing the child sex trafficking crisis in King County. The report highlighted a staggering racial disparity: while Black girls make up only 4.4% of the local population, they represent 44% to 52% of identified trafficking victims, according to regional prosecutors and members of the King County Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Task Force.
Evans expressed deep frustration and anger regarding these statistics, linking them to a broader pattern of systemic neglect.
"When I think about things that we face as Black women in particular in all spaces…we are always the ones that are forgotten or not believed or ones that have to navigate so many systems that try to oppress," she said, punctuating her response by calling the current situation "unacceptable.”
Reclaiming Her Professional Narrative
As the conversation shifted to her role as City Attorney, Evans addressed what she described as a persistent campaign of misinformation regarding her qualifications. With a background that includes serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and a Municipal Court Judge Pro Tem, Evans emphasized the importance of speaking her truth against negativity.
"As a Black woman, I have to constantly validate... all the things I'm bringing to justify the things I'm saying," she said, recounting a particularly experience from her time as a federal prosecutor when a national facilitator at a training session froze her image on a screen and commented, "That looks like a mug shot.”
Evans used this anecdote to highlight the importance of fighting back when others try to diminish one's achievements, noting that she ran for the position “overwhelmingly qualified.”
New Tools for Public Safety
Turning to current policy, Evans detailed her office's efforts to curb gun violence through the use of Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs). While traditionally used in domestic violence cases, Evans is seeking funding to apply this tool to non-domestic violence situations to remove firearms from individuals posing an imminent threat.
"It allows us to... go in front of a judge with a lower burden... to get a firearm taken from folks that shouldn't be having them," Evans said, adding that a subsequent violation after a firearm is removed automatically results in a felony.
Investing in the Next Generation
Beyond enforcement, Evans spoke passionately about her commitment to mentoring the youth of Seattle. Her office has launched a fellowship program for high school students, allowing them to shadow lawyers, observe trials, and meet city leaders.
"I think it is vital as leaders and elected officials to make sure we are investing in our next generation," the City Attorney said.
To learn more and contact the Seattle City Attorney’s office, visit seattle.gov/cityattorney
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
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