The Unapologetic Path of Monisha Harrell: A Legacy of Advocacy and Community

On the season premiere of “We Live in Color,” community organizer Monisha Harrell joined host Deaunte Damper to share insights into her career as Seattle's first Black, lesbian Senior Deputy Mayor and a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in Washington State. 

Roots at “The Doghouse"

Harrell’s foundation was built at Garfield High School, affectionately known as “The Dog House,” an environment she credited for her growth and resilience in and out of office. 

"It was special because it was a competitive environment... people were going to push you, people were going to challenge you in a way that let you grow, but you knew that they were doing it from a place of love and a place of compassion," she said. 

This supportive yet challenging atmosphere allowed her to eventually come out as a lesbian to a family that "never blinked," offering her the same love and support she had always known.

From Screenwriting to the Front Lines of Advocacy

Though she initially studied screenwriting at Columbia University, Harrell found herself drawn to community advocacy, harnessing her creative background as a tool for change. 

"The advocacy really came from loving the community so much that [it] became a priority for me,” Harrell said.

Her work has been instrumental in securing LGBTQ+ rights in Washington state. Harrell noted that while marriage was a significant win in 2012, basic rights like healthcare for transgender individuals in Washington weren't secured until 2015, with plenty of progress still to make.

"Those are the things that really pulled me in, and marriage was a pathway to begin those conversations," she said, referencing Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, a motivational theory in psychology proposed as a five-tier pyramid representing human needs. 

Policing and Accountability

Harrell also stepped into the challenging realm of public safety, serving as the deputy monitor for the Seattle Police Department under a federal consent decree in 2020. She addressed the "culture of silence" that often erodes public trust, advocating for transparency and constitutional policing. 

"That silence is actually what erodes public confidence even more,” she said. “Speak up because it helps build trust everywhere.”

Breaking Ceilings and Finding Resilience

Reflecting on her role as senior deputy mayor, Harrell acknowledged the unique burdens that come with being "the first." She emphasized the importance of self-care and a strong support network when facing the scrutiny often directed at Black women in leadership. 

When asked who she counted on during difficult times, she pointed to the wisdom of her ancestors, specifically referencing the writings of James Baldwin, Malcolm X, and Lorraine Hansberry.

A Call to Action

Harrell’s message to the community centered on her persistent dedication to making movement from the ground up. She acknowledged the current divisiveness and civil rights challenges but encouraged people to take small, impactful steps together.

"If you don't know exactly what to do on a broad scale, do something on a small scale. Give love to somebody because that love will multiply," Harrell said.

Watch “We Live In Color” Thursdays at 8 p.m. on all Converge Media streaming platforms.