The recent Reclaiming the Village Summit brought together community leaders, parents, and educators in the Garfield High School library to focus on deep-seated problems and tangible solutions for supporting Black families and students in Seattle’s Central District. Co-led by Garfield Principal Dr. Tarrance Hart and 100 Black Parents Executive Director Chukundi Salisbury Sr., the summit addressed what Salisbury described as a "state of emergency” at Garfield.

Discussions centered on reversing the decline in academic achievement and supporting the school’s historic athletic programs, as well as concerns over campus safety following tragic acts of violence. The overall goal was to restore the school's legacy of excellence despite the undeniable trauma Garfield students have faced in recent years.  

Salisbury called for consistent community engagement. "When Black students do well, we all do well," he said. Seattle City Council President Joy Hollingsworth was also present, sharing critical insights into the systemic economic barriers facing the neighborhood. Future Reclaiming the Village activities will provide the community with more opportunities to interact with Garfield High School regularly and take the fate of Black students into their own hands. 

Catch Back2Besa every Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on FOX 13 Seattle and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on FOX 13+. Viewers can also stream episodes anytime on the FOX Local app.