Seattle King County NAACP In the News...
November 25, 2020
Carolyn Riley-Payne Re-elected As President Of The Seattle King County NAACP
Seattle Medium
Last Saturday, Carolyn Riley-Payne was reelected as President of the Seattle King County NAACP.
Riley-Payne, who was named president of the branch after the departure of former president Sadiqa Sakin, successfully retained her position in a three-way contest against DeAunte’ Damper and Erwin Chappel.
Carolyn Riley-Payne Re-elected As President Of The Seattle King County NAACP - The Seattle Medium
Carolyn Riley-Payne Re-elected As President Of The Seattle King County NAACP
Seattle Medium
Last Saturday, Carolyn Riley-Payne was reelected as President of the Seattle King County NAACP.
Riley-Payne, who was named president of the branch after the departure of former president Sadiqa Sakin, successfully retained her position in a three-way contest against DeAunte’ Damper and Erwin Chappel.
Carolyn Riley-Payne Re-elected As President Of The Seattle King County NAACP - The Seattle Medium
October 20, 2020
NAACP calls on Seattle Public Schools to terminate superintendent’s contract
MyNorthwest.com
Members of the NAACP and local community members spoke Tuesday, to call on the Seattle Public School District to terminate the contract of Superintendent Denise Juneau.
https://mynorthwest.com/2247954/naacp-seattle-public-schools-terminate-superintendent-contract/
NAACP calls on Seattle Public Schools to terminate superintendent’s contract
MyNorthwest.com
Members of the NAACP and local community members spoke Tuesday, to call on the Seattle Public School District to terminate the contract of Superintendent Denise Juneau.
https://mynorthwest.com/2247954/naacp-seattle-public-schools-terminate-superintendent-contract/
September 16, 2020
Seattle King County NAACP To Host Voter Registration Drive Sept. 22
The Seattle Medium
The Seattle King County NAACP will be taking part in National Voter Registration Day by hosting a voter registration community afternoon at the Rainier Beach Safeway.
http://seattlemedium.com/seattle-king-county-naacp-to-host-voter-registration-drive-sept-22/
Seattle King County NAACP To Host Voter Registration Drive Sept. 22
The Seattle Medium
The Seattle King County NAACP will be taking part in National Voter Registration Day by hosting a voter registration community afternoon at the Rainier Beach Safeway.
http://seattlemedium.com/seattle-king-county-naacp-to-host-voter-registration-drive-sept-22/
September 9, 2020
Letter from NAACP Seattle-King County Education Chair, Josette Wicker
The Seattle Medium
"Though the excitement of back-to-school activities remains, with K – 12 classes in Seattle starting last Friday, September 4th, many districts in King County are still not prepared to support our students as they return to school. This comes from the lack of accessibility in a multitude of ways."
http://seattlemedium.com/letter-from-naacp-seattle-king-county-education-chair-josette-wicker/
Letter from NAACP Seattle-King County Education Chair, Josette Wicker
The Seattle Medium
"Though the excitement of back-to-school activities remains, with K – 12 classes in Seattle starting last Friday, September 4th, many districts in King County are still not prepared to support our students as they return to school. This comes from the lack of accessibility in a multitude of ways."
http://seattlemedium.com/letter-from-naacp-seattle-king-county-education-chair-josette-wicker/
August 11, 2020
Some Hand Sanitizers Can be Harmful!
The Seattle Medium
With the spread of the Coronavirus and the indication that hand sanitizers can effectively kill this virus, the sale of hand sanitizers has increased exponentially. The great demand and initial shortages have produced new manufacturers and increased production of this product.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has discovered that some hand sanitizers are labeled as meeting FDA standards, but when tested they contain potentially harmful and toxic forms of alcohol.
Some hand sanitizers are labeled as containing Ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol), but when tested they also contain potentially dangerous Methanol (also known as wood alcohol). Ingestion of Methanol, or even absorption through the skin, can cause serious consequences such as blindness, hospitalization and even death. Methanol is especially harmful to infants and children if ingested.
For a full list of hand sanitizers to avoid, go to the FDA Website:
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-advises-consumers-not-use-hand-sanitizer-products-manufactured-eskbiochem
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends frequent handwashing with soap and water for 20 seconds, as the preferred method of preventing the spread of Coronavirus. If soap and water is not available, hand sanitizer with at least 60% ethanol is recommended. The FDA has not formally approved or recommended any manufacturer, but does monitor and test sanitizers that enter the market.
Support articles like this and the other work of the Seattle King County NAACP by becoming a member! Go to seattlekingcountynaacp.org for more information and to sign up.
What else can you do to ensure Black Lives Matter? Register and vote!
http://seattlemedium.com/some-hand-sanitizers-can-be-harmful/
Some Hand Sanitizers Can be Harmful!
The Seattle Medium
With the spread of the Coronavirus and the indication that hand sanitizers can effectively kill this virus, the sale of hand sanitizers has increased exponentially. The great demand and initial shortages have produced new manufacturers and increased production of this product.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has discovered that some hand sanitizers are labeled as meeting FDA standards, but when tested they contain potentially harmful and toxic forms of alcohol.
Some hand sanitizers are labeled as containing Ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol), but when tested they also contain potentially dangerous Methanol (also known as wood alcohol). Ingestion of Methanol, or even absorption through the skin, can cause serious consequences such as blindness, hospitalization and even death. Methanol is especially harmful to infants and children if ingested.
For a full list of hand sanitizers to avoid, go to the FDA Website:
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-advises-consumers-not-use-hand-sanitizer-products-manufactured-eskbiochem
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends frequent handwashing with soap and water for 20 seconds, as the preferred method of preventing the spread of Coronavirus. If soap and water is not available, hand sanitizer with at least 60% ethanol is recommended. The FDA has not formally approved or recommended any manufacturer, but does monitor and test sanitizers that enter the market.
Support articles like this and the other work of the Seattle King County NAACP by becoming a member! Go to seattlekingcountynaacp.org for more information and to sign up.
What else can you do to ensure Black Lives Matter? Register and vote!
http://seattlemedium.com/some-hand-sanitizers-can-be-harmful/
July 21, 2020
Will a national movement demanding racial justice help expand ethnic studies in Washington?
The Seattle Times
The tides have begun to turn: in 2017, after a push from the Seattle NAACP, Seattle school board members unanimously supported an ethnic studies resolution. In June, the school board passed a new resolution directing the superintendent to craft Black studies curriculum for grades K-12.
https://www.seattletimes.com/education-lab/will-a-national-movement-demanding-racial-justice-help-expand-ethnic-studies-in-washington/
Will a national movement demanding racial justice help expand ethnic studies in Washington?
The Seattle Times
The tides have begun to turn: in 2017, after a push from the Seattle NAACP, Seattle school board members unanimously supported an ethnic studies resolution. In June, the school board passed a new resolution directing the superintendent to craft Black studies curriculum for grades K-12.
https://www.seattletimes.com/education-lab/will-a-national-movement-demanding-racial-justice-help-expand-ethnic-studies-in-washington/
July 13, 2020
Seattle NAACP holds mental health event amid stressful times
KUOW News
"The pop-up event featured free Covid testing and it offered up to 60 Zoom sessions with a therapist. 'This period in time is having an effect on our mental and emotional well-being. I know that I have felt the trauma' from black and brown communities being impacted at higher rates of police brutality and the effects of Covid-19, says NAACP Executive Committee member Teri Rogers Kemp, an event organizer.
https://www.kuow.org/stories/blog-ongoing-protests-for-racial-justice-in-the-seattle-area
Seattle NAACP holds mental health event amid stressful times
KUOW News
"The pop-up event featured free Covid testing and it offered up to 60 Zoom sessions with a therapist. 'This period in time is having an effect on our mental and emotional well-being. I know that I have felt the trauma' from black and brown communities being impacted at higher rates of police brutality and the effects of Covid-19, says NAACP Executive Committee member Teri Rogers Kemp, an event organizer.
https://www.kuow.org/stories/blog-ongoing-protests-for-racial-justice-in-the-seattle-area
July 8, 2020
The Seattle King County NAACP Is Getting Out The Vote. Times 5!
Seattle Medium
Take the NAACP Power of 5 Get-Out-The-Vote Challenge. We’re asking our community members to do the following before the November election: • Register 5 people to vote • Volunteer for 5 days between now & the election • Once received, text 5 ballot reminders to your friends/family Your voice is powerful, and together we can effect real change. To elect leaders who are truly invested in breaking down systemic racism and (re)building an equitable country where we can all truly be free. Join our fight at https://www.seattlekingcountynaacp.org/, our next NAACP General Membership meeting is Monday, July 27, at 6:30pm, details at our website. Keep the conversation going!
http://seattlemedium.com/the-seattle-king-county-naacp-is-getting-out-the-vote-times-5/
June 19, 2020
Renton grad bound for UW says homeschooling helped her follow passion for violin
King 5
"I chose it because it gave me more space to focus on who I am and what I want to work on in life," said Rachel. "A benefit of homeschooling for me was being able to practice more."
Rachel is a talented violinist who has been playing for 10 years and participates in the local youth symphony. Her talents on the violin recently earned her the gold in the first-ever virtual Seattle King County NAACP ACT-SO competition.
https://www.king5.com/article/news/education/renton-grad-bound-for-uw-says-homeschooling-helped-her-follow-passions-for-violin-science/281-925e7de2-b86b-4763-9ad2-b88e6505253c
Renton grad bound for UW says homeschooling helped her follow passion for violin
King 5
"I chose it because it gave me more space to focus on who I am and what I want to work on in life," said Rachel. "A benefit of homeschooling for me was being able to practice more."
Rachel is a talented violinist who has been playing for 10 years and participates in the local youth symphony. Her talents on the violin recently earned her the gold in the first-ever virtual Seattle King County NAACP ACT-SO competition.
https://www.king5.com/article/news/education/renton-grad-bound-for-uw-says-homeschooling-helped-her-follow-passions-for-violin-science/281-925e7de2-b86b-4763-9ad2-b88e6505253c
June 16, 2020
OPINION: Riders Nationwide Have Called on Transit Agencies to Cut Ties With Police — King Co. Metro Listened
South Seattle Emerald
“It is deplorable, inhumane, and unacceptable that Metro would transport SPD to peaceful protests to beat, pepper spray, and tear gas peaceful protesters,” said King County NAACP President Carolyn Riley Payne.
southseattleemerald.com/2020/06/16/opinion-riders-nationwide-have-called-on-transit-agencies-to-cut-ties-with-police-king-co-metro-listened/
OPINION: Riders Nationwide Have Called on Transit Agencies to Cut Ties With Police — King Co. Metro Listened
South Seattle Emerald
“It is deplorable, inhumane, and unacceptable that Metro would transport SPD to peaceful protests to beat, pepper spray, and tear gas peaceful protesters,” said King County NAACP President Carolyn Riley Payne.
southseattleemerald.com/2020/06/16/opinion-riders-nationwide-have-called-on-transit-agencies-to-cut-ties-with-police-king-co-metro-listened/
June 3, 2020
Sawant Announces Movement’s Victory with Dismissal of Motion to Remove Federal Oversight on Seattle Police
Seattle City Council
"Just this morning, I held a press conference with the Seattle/King County NAACP, community leaders, and people who have lost loved ones to police violence in recent years, to make it clear to the Mayor and the entire political establishment that the community is demanding a fundamental change, and that we will be building a fighting movement.
Our first demand – put forward by the NAACP in a letter cosigned by dozens of community organizations and activists – was for the Mayor and the political establishment to withdraw their attempt to remove the police department from federal oversight. The City Attorney has just announced that he has agreed to the step that our community has demanded. "
council.seattle.gov/2020/06/03/sawant-announces-movements-victory-with-dismissal-of-motion-to-remove-federal-oversight-on-seattle-police/
Sawant Announces Movement’s Victory with Dismissal of Motion to Remove Federal Oversight on Seattle Police
Seattle City Council
"Just this morning, I held a press conference with the Seattle/King County NAACP, community leaders, and people who have lost loved ones to police violence in recent years, to make it clear to the Mayor and the entire political establishment that the community is demanding a fundamental change, and that we will be building a fighting movement.
Our first demand – put forward by the NAACP in a letter cosigned by dozens of community organizations and activists – was for the Mayor and the political establishment to withdraw their attempt to remove the police department from federal oversight. The City Attorney has just announced that he has agreed to the step that our community has demanded. "
council.seattle.gov/2020/06/03/sawant-announces-movements-victory-with-dismissal-of-motion-to-remove-federal-oversight-on-seattle-police/
June 1, 2020
George Floyd protests spotlight need for police reform, even in times of coronavirus
Seattle Times
Teri Rogers Kemp is a defense attorney and co-chair of NAACP Seattle King County’s police accountability committee. She said the police department has not shown it can be answerable to the community.
“How do you trust them to do it without oversight?” she asked. “We see across the country and right here in the city and in the state, the number of Black and brown people who are overwhelmingly in danger of the use of excessive force.”
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/george-floyd-protests-spotlight-need-for-police-reform-even-in-times-of-coronavirus/
George Floyd protests spotlight need for police reform, even in times of coronavirus
Seattle Times
Teri Rogers Kemp is a defense attorney and co-chair of NAACP Seattle King County’s police accountability committee. She said the police department has not shown it can be answerable to the community.
“How do you trust them to do it without oversight?” she asked. “We see across the country and right here in the city and in the state, the number of Black and brown people who are overwhelmingly in danger of the use of excessive force.”
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/george-floyd-protests-spotlight-need-for-police-reform-even-in-times-of-coronavirus/
May 22, 2020
LISTEN: John Carlson Show, May22--8am hour
KVI.com
Memorial Day Flag etiquette, Decoration Day origins, Seattle's NAACP president disagrees with fatal police shooting of armed man earlier this week, the civil rights leader over-looks an important part of the police actions leading up to the fatal gunfire, it appears like this anti-Trump Democrat is hoping for more virus deaths...
kvi.com/podcast/commute-with-carlson/listen-john-carlson-show-may22-8am-hour-2020
LISTEN: John Carlson Show, May22--8am hour
KVI.com
Memorial Day Flag etiquette, Decoration Day origins, Seattle's NAACP president disagrees with fatal police shooting of armed man earlier this week, the civil rights leader over-looks an important part of the police actions leading up to the fatal gunfire, it appears like this anti-Trump Democrat is hoping for more virus deaths...
kvi.com/podcast/commute-with-carlson/listen-john-carlson-show-may22-8am-hour-2020
May 21, 2020
After fatal shooting involving Seattle police, calls for incident to be teachable moment
KOMO News
Carolyn Riley-Payne, president of the Seattle King County NAACP, is demanding more police reform.
“They had the right to shoot, but I don’t think they had a right to shoot to kill," she said. "We are at the same place we always seem to get an African-American man dead in the streets by the police.”
She asks why other methods were not used to stop the man.
“So it seems to me the officers need to have better training, once again to de-escalate these kinds of situations,” Riley Payne said.
komonews.com/news/local/after-fatal-shooting-involving-seattle-police-calls-for-incident-to-be-teachable-moment
After fatal shooting involving Seattle police, calls for incident to be teachable moment
KOMO News
Carolyn Riley-Payne, president of the Seattle King County NAACP, is demanding more police reform.
“They had the right to shoot, but I don’t think they had a right to shoot to kill," she said. "We are at the same place we always seem to get an African-American man dead in the streets by the police.”
She asks why other methods were not used to stop the man.
“So it seems to me the officers need to have better training, once again to de-escalate these kinds of situations,” Riley Payne said.
komonews.com/news/local/after-fatal-shooting-involving-seattle-police-calls-for-incident-to-be-teachable-moment
May 7, 2020
Medical Examiner Identifies 24 Year Old Man Fatally Shot By Seattle Police During Domestic Violence Call
Seattle Times
"Carolyn Riley-Payne, President of NAACP Seattle King County, issued a statement Wednesday evening decrying the fatal shooting as unnecessary and demanding a thorough investigation into Fuhr's death."
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/crime/medical-examiner-identifies-24-year-old-man-fatally-shot-by-seattle-police-during-domestic-violence-call/
Medical Examiner Identifies 24 Year Old Man Fatally Shot By Seattle Police During Domestic Violence Call
Seattle Times
"Carolyn Riley-Payne, President of NAACP Seattle King County, issued a statement Wednesday evening decrying the fatal shooting as unnecessary and demanding a thorough investigation into Fuhr's death."
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/crime/medical-examiner-identifies-24-year-old-man-fatally-shot-by-seattle-police-during-domestic-violence-call/
April 29, 2020
National NAACP Formally Removes Former Seattle King County President From Office, Imposes Five Year Suspension Of Membership
Seattle Medium
On April 21, 2020, The NAACP National Board of Directors effectively removed former Seattle King County NAACP President Sadiqa Sakin from the local Branch as both an officer and as a member.
According to a press release, the NAACP after a thorough investigation and hearings held by the NAACP’s national office and committees, the National Board of Directors determined that some of Sakin’s alleged actions as president of the branch were “detrimental” to the NAACP.
Sakin’s suspension came as a result of a letter of no-confidence signed by 30 members of the local organization that was dated July 31, 2019 and forwarded to the national NAACP office on Aug. 1, 2019. The letter asked that Sakin “be immediately suspended and removed” from office based on the following allegations:
According to a letter sent to Sakin and the local/regional NAACP officials, the NAACP stated in part, “In accordance with Article X, Section 4, of the Bylaws for Units, the President and CEO suspended you from office as President of the NAACP Seattle King Co. Branch on November 04, 2019, after it was determined that your activities, behavior, and conduct were detrimental and inimical to the NAACP.”
In addition, The NAACP National Board of Directors also voted to suspend Sakin’s membership for a period of five years, commencing from the original suspension date of November 04, 2019. Once the membership suspension period is complete, Sakin may apply to the National Board of Directors for reinstatement of her membership.
Effective immediately, Carolyn Riley-Payne will become the President of the local Seattle/King County NAACP Branch #1136. Riley-Payne has been serving as interim president since Sakin was suspended in November.
Despite the circumstances, Riley-Payne says that the branch has still been active and will continue their work advocating for civil rights and meaningful progress, but says that now more than ever the organization needs the support of the community in order to carry out their mission.
“We thank you, our community members, for staying with us as we continue to sort out the matter and fight for social justice in Seattle/King County,” said Riley-Payne in a statement. “Now more than ever, we need your help and membership to further ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination.”
https://seattlemedium.com/national-naacp-formally-removes-former-seattle-king-county-president-office-imposes-five-year-suspension-membership/
National NAACP Formally Removes Former Seattle King County President From Office, Imposes Five Year Suspension Of Membership
Seattle Medium
On April 21, 2020, The NAACP National Board of Directors effectively removed former Seattle King County NAACP President Sadiqa Sakin from the local Branch as both an officer and as a member.
According to a press release, the NAACP after a thorough investigation and hearings held by the NAACP’s national office and committees, the National Board of Directors determined that some of Sakin’s alleged actions as president of the branch were “detrimental” to the NAACP.
Sakin’s suspension came as a result of a letter of no-confidence signed by 30 members of the local organization that was dated July 31, 2019 and forwarded to the national NAACP office on Aug. 1, 2019. The letter asked that Sakin “be immediately suspended and removed” from office based on the following allegations:
- Since taking office in January 2019, both President Sakin and [the] Treasurer have [allegedly] refused to submit a financial report to the Executive Committee, even after many requests to learn the financial status of the Branch.
- President Sakin [allegedly] ordered the ACT-SO Chair to withdraw thousands of dollars from the ACT-SO banking account to deposit into the Unit General Fund, which funds were [allegedly] expended on non- ACT-SO activities.
- [It is alleged that] President Sakin intentionally wrote bounced checks from the Unit’s General Fund knowing that there were insufficient funds in the branch account.
According to a letter sent to Sakin and the local/regional NAACP officials, the NAACP stated in part, “In accordance with Article X, Section 4, of the Bylaws for Units, the President and CEO suspended you from office as President of the NAACP Seattle King Co. Branch on November 04, 2019, after it was determined that your activities, behavior, and conduct were detrimental and inimical to the NAACP.”
In addition, The NAACP National Board of Directors also voted to suspend Sakin’s membership for a period of five years, commencing from the original suspension date of November 04, 2019. Once the membership suspension period is complete, Sakin may apply to the National Board of Directors for reinstatement of her membership.
Effective immediately, Carolyn Riley-Payne will become the President of the local Seattle/King County NAACP Branch #1136. Riley-Payne has been serving as interim president since Sakin was suspended in November.
Despite the circumstances, Riley-Payne says that the branch has still been active and will continue their work advocating for civil rights and meaningful progress, but says that now more than ever the organization needs the support of the community in order to carry out their mission.
“We thank you, our community members, for staying with us as we continue to sort out the matter and fight for social justice in Seattle/King County,” said Riley-Payne in a statement. “Now more than ever, we need your help and membership to further ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination.”
https://seattlemedium.com/national-naacp-formally-removes-former-seattle-king-county-president-office-imposes-five-year-suspension-membership/
February 2020
Meet the Seattleite Making History with the NAACP
Seattle Magazine
“I needed to learn how to accept myself, and leaving town was the only way I was going to do that,” says Damper, a charismatic 34-year-old who speaks with powerful determination. “Owning who you are is the first step to stepping out of your box....That’s where you find your purpose.”
https://www.seattlemag.com/news/meet-seattleite-making-history-naacp
Meet the Seattleite Making History with the NAACP
Seattle Magazine
“I needed to learn how to accept myself, and leaving town was the only way I was going to do that,” says Damper, a charismatic 34-year-old who speaks with powerful determination. “Owning who you are is the first step to stepping out of your box....That’s where you find your purpose.”
https://www.seattlemag.com/news/meet-seattleite-making-history-naacp
January 22, 2020
At Seattle MLK event the people say “Dump Trump”
People's World
"This year’s MLK Day celebration was dedicated to the memory of Jacquie Jones-Walsh who passed away recently from cancer. She was the Vice President of the Washington State Labor Council, State President of the Coalition of Labor Union Women, Vice President, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, and a leader of the Seattle-King County NAACP. Her union was the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees."
https://peoplesworld.org/article/at-seattle-mlk-event-the-people-say-dump-trump/
At Seattle MLK event the people say “Dump Trump”
People's World
"This year’s MLK Day celebration was dedicated to the memory of Jacquie Jones-Walsh who passed away recently from cancer. She was the Vice President of the Washington State Labor Council, State President of the Coalition of Labor Union Women, Vice President, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, and a leader of the Seattle-King County NAACP. Her union was the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees."
https://peoplesworld.org/article/at-seattle-mlk-event-the-people-say-dump-trump/
September 13, 2019
‘It was a hard day’: Seattle first responders pay tribute to heroes of 9/11
SeattleTimes.com
“I think it really changed the culture of our profession,” Seattle Fire Chief Harold Scoggins said. “It was a hard day, but it helped us take a little more pride [in what we do].”
Scoggins was joined by nearly 100 people, including Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and Police Chief Carmen Best on the Memorial Garden lawn for the somber ceremony. Among them were members of the NAACP, the Anti-Defamation League and the Idris Mosque in Seattle.
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/it-was-a-hard-day-seattle-first-responders-pay-tribute-to-heroes-of-9-11/
‘It was a hard day’: Seattle first responders pay tribute to heroes of 9/11
SeattleTimes.com
“I think it really changed the culture of our profession,” Seattle Fire Chief Harold Scoggins said. “It was a hard day, but it helped us take a little more pride [in what we do].”
Scoggins was joined by nearly 100 people, including Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and Police Chief Carmen Best on the Memorial Garden lawn for the somber ceremony. Among them were members of the NAACP, the Anti-Defamation League and the Idris Mosque in Seattle.
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/it-was-a-hard-day-seattle-first-responders-pay-tribute-to-heroes-of-9-11/
September 13, 2019
The AMP: AIDS Memorial Pathway presents echoes, an evening of performance, remembrances and stories
CapitolHillSeattle.com
Four Seattle area activists [on October 14] will share personal stories and recount how their lives have been impacted by HIV and AIDS:
https://www.capitolhillseattle.com/2019/09/capitol-hill-community-post-the-amp-aids-memorial-pathway-presents-echoes-an-evening-of-performance-remembrances-and-stories/
The AMP: AIDS Memorial Pathway presents echoes, an evening of performance, remembrances and stories
CapitolHillSeattle.com
Four Seattle area activists [on October 14] will share personal stories and recount how their lives have been impacted by HIV and AIDS:
- DeAunte’ Damper recently made history when he was appointed the LGBTQ chair of the Seattle King County chapter of the NAACP, a first in the organization’s 110-year history. He also serves as a peer navigator for POCAAN, a multicultural social service agency serving marginalized communities in Seattle and greater King County.
https://www.capitolhillseattle.com/2019/09/capitol-hill-community-post-the-amp-aids-memorial-pathway-presents-echoes-an-evening-of-performance-remembrances-and-stories/
July 31, 2019
Seattle Teens Win Medals At National NAACP ACT-SO Competition
SeattleMedium.com
The Seattle King County NAACP had two teen vocalists bring home medals from the NAACP’s national ACT-SO competition recently held in Detroit.
Sydney Coleman competed in the musical vocal contemporary category at this year’s national conference, and was awarded a silver medal for her performance. Jaydon T. Beleford competed in the musical vocal classical category, where his opera rendition landed him a bronze medal.
http://seattlemedium.com/seattle-teens-win-medals-national-naacp-act-competition/?fbclid=IwAR2SOPX8fH4cbotjiycR5glcy8wEE881hpU8KQbs0xWK6z68lMmeAZHwePQ
Seattle Teens Win Medals At National NAACP ACT-SO Competition
SeattleMedium.com
The Seattle King County NAACP had two teen vocalists bring home medals from the NAACP’s national ACT-SO competition recently held in Detroit.
Sydney Coleman competed in the musical vocal contemporary category at this year’s national conference, and was awarded a silver medal for her performance. Jaydon T. Beleford competed in the musical vocal classical category, where his opera rendition landed him a bronze medal.
http://seattlemedium.com/seattle-teens-win-medals-national-naacp-act-competition/?fbclid=IwAR2SOPX8fH4cbotjiycR5glcy8wEE881hpU8KQbs0xWK6z68lMmeAZHwePQ
July 31, 2019
AAHA Enters First African American Float In Torchlight Parade Since 1981
SeattleMedium.com
Last Saturday, the Martin Luther King Commemoration Committee’s (MLKCC) and the African American Heritage Association (AAHA) made history as they entered a float in the Seafair Torchlight Parade representing the local African American community for the first time since 1981.
The float — organized by Martin Luther King Commemoration Committee’s (MLKCC), the African American Heritage Association (AAHA), the National Association for Black Veterans (NABVETS), the Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle, and the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Brotherhood — highlighted the culture and professional service of Seattle’s African American community as part of the city of Seattle’s diverse landscape. Standing 13 ft high, 12ft wide, and 33ft long the float featured many prominent members of the local African American Community...
Queen – Carolyn Riley-Payne. Riley-Payne is a lifelong Civil Rights Activists who loves working with young people helping them discover things about themselves that they had not discovered or embraced (e.g. such as their greatness). She is 1stVP of the Seattle King County NAACP where she served over 30+ years as the chair of the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO).The Olympic of the mind is a yearlong achievement program designed to recruit, stimulate, and encourage high academic and cultural achievement. The NAACP is the oldest and largest civil rights organization. Riley-Payne has also served as a human services commissioner for the city of Lake Forest Parkand on other civil rights organizations and committees.
https://seattlemedium.com/aaha-enters-first-african-american-float-torchlight-parade-since-1981/
AAHA Enters First African American Float In Torchlight Parade Since 1981
SeattleMedium.com
Last Saturday, the Martin Luther King Commemoration Committee’s (MLKCC) and the African American Heritage Association (AAHA) made history as they entered a float in the Seafair Torchlight Parade representing the local African American community for the first time since 1981.
The float — organized by Martin Luther King Commemoration Committee’s (MLKCC), the African American Heritage Association (AAHA), the National Association for Black Veterans (NABVETS), the Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle, and the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Brotherhood — highlighted the culture and professional service of Seattle’s African American community as part of the city of Seattle’s diverse landscape. Standing 13 ft high, 12ft wide, and 33ft long the float featured many prominent members of the local African American Community...
Queen – Carolyn Riley-Payne. Riley-Payne is a lifelong Civil Rights Activists who loves working with young people helping them discover things about themselves that they had not discovered or embraced (e.g. such as their greatness). She is 1stVP of the Seattle King County NAACP where she served over 30+ years as the chair of the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO).The Olympic of the mind is a yearlong achievement program designed to recruit, stimulate, and encourage high academic and cultural achievement. The NAACP is the oldest and largest civil rights organization. Riley-Payne has also served as a human services commissioner for the city of Lake Forest Parkand on other civil rights organizations and committees.
https://seattlemedium.com/aaha-enters-first-african-american-float-torchlight-parade-since-1981/
July 23, 2019
Capitol Hill rally goes off without her but Sawant ready to make another push for rent control in Seattle
Capitolhillseattle.com
Our NAACP Housing Chair, Clifford Cawthon, was there at the Rent Control Rally on Saturday with Councilmember Kshama Sawant and many others. “We shall stand in solidarity with our communities and demand that the Seattle City Council passes rent control, then we’re going to take it to the county, and then we’re going to demand a lift on the ban on rent control in Washington state,” Cawthon said to some of the loudest applause of the evening.
https://www.capitolhillseattle.com/2019/07/capitol-hill-rally-goes-off-without-her-but-sawant-ready-to-make-another-push-for-rent-control-in-seattle/
Capitol Hill rally goes off without her but Sawant ready to make another push for rent control in Seattle
Capitolhillseattle.com
Our NAACP Housing Chair, Clifford Cawthon, was there at the Rent Control Rally on Saturday with Councilmember Kshama Sawant and many others. “We shall stand in solidarity with our communities and demand that the Seattle City Council passes rent control, then we’re going to take it to the county, and then we’re going to demand a lift on the ban on rent control in Washington state,” Cawthon said to some of the loudest applause of the evening.
https://www.capitolhillseattle.com/2019/07/capitol-hill-rally-goes-off-without-her-but-sawant-ready-to-make-another-push-for-rent-control-in-seattle/
July 15, 2019
Seattle City Council "disappointed" in Mayor's approach to Police Reform
King5.com
The NAACP was there this week with Seattle City Councilmember Lorena Gonzalez and others asking the Seattle Police Union for accountability reform. Gonzalez said: "If we miss the mark, the price we pay is community trust."
https://www.king5.com/video/news/local/seattle-city-council-disappointed-in-mayors-approach-to-police-reform/281-74bb7be0-ce36-405e-98d1-41cbc011e793
Seattle City Council "disappointed" in Mayor's approach to Police Reform
King5.com
The NAACP was there this week with Seattle City Councilmember Lorena Gonzalez and others asking the Seattle Police Union for accountability reform. Gonzalez said: "If we miss the mark, the price we pay is community trust."
https://www.king5.com/video/news/local/seattle-city-council-disappointed-in-mayors-approach-to-police-reform/281-74bb7be0-ce36-405e-98d1-41cbc011e793
June 28, 2019
A Pride of Firsts
TheStranger.com
For the first time, Seattle King County NAACP has an LGBTQ chair. DeAunte' Damper will be marching in the Pride Parade, a big moment for a man who told the Seattle Times how he struggled to really fit in with his racial and sexual identity. On Sunday, look for him and the yellow NAACP truck.
https://www.thestranger.com/slog/2019/06/28/40611931/slog-am-boeing-plans-to-fix-its-planes-by-september-supreme-court-to-hear-daca-case-marianne-williamson-is-a-hoot-and-i-love-her?fbclid=IwAR1OqXnKeH7mk6Q0iYnqBV7eSswoqf9-mZuav8SKKZEJGl_YLZSQgo3EyI8
A Pride of Firsts
TheStranger.com
For the first time, Seattle King County NAACP has an LGBTQ chair. DeAunte' Damper will be marching in the Pride Parade, a big moment for a man who told the Seattle Times how he struggled to really fit in with his racial and sexual identity. On Sunday, look for him and the yellow NAACP truck.
https://www.thestranger.com/slog/2019/06/28/40611931/slog-am-boeing-plans-to-fix-its-planes-by-september-supreme-court-to-hear-daca-case-marianne-williamson-is-a-hoot-and-i-love-her?fbclid=IwAR1OqXnKeH7mk6Q0iYnqBV7eSswoqf9-mZuav8SKKZEJGl_YLZSQgo3EyI8
June 26, 2019
Police Reform Groups are Eyeing I-940 to ensure Successful Rollout
RealChangeNews.org
When Sadiqa Sakin heard about the police shooting in Lower Queen Anne on May 8, she immediately thought of her son. Seattle Police Department officers shot and killed a man who was reportedly armed with a knife. His girlfriend was in the apartment and had called the police because he was threatening her. Four officers entered the apartment and two shot the man.
“It’s so important we get this out, that we continue to do this work,” Sakin said. “There has to be a change. We can’t continue to go like this. It’s not healthy and it’s very upsetting and stressful when you hear and see things like this.”
https://www.realchangenews.org/2019/06/26/police-reform-groups-are-eyeing-i-940-ensure-successful-rollout
Police Reform Groups are Eyeing I-940 to ensure Successful Rollout
RealChangeNews.org
When Sadiqa Sakin heard about the police shooting in Lower Queen Anne on May 8, she immediately thought of her son. Seattle Police Department officers shot and killed a man who was reportedly armed with a knife. His girlfriend was in the apartment and had called the police because he was threatening her. Four officers entered the apartment and two shot the man.
“It’s so important we get this out, that we continue to do this work,” Sakin said. “There has to be a change. We can’t continue to go like this. It’s not healthy and it’s very upsetting and stressful when you hear and see things like this.”
https://www.realchangenews.org/2019/06/26/police-reform-groups-are-eyeing-i-940-ensure-successful-rollout
June 26, 2019
Seattle/King County NAACP is first local chapter in the country to take part in Pride Parade
Kiro7.com
For the first time ever in its organization's history, the NAACP is taking part in the Seattle Pride Parade this Sunday. The organization also just named its first LGBTQ chair, 34-year-old Deaunte Damper. “It’s probably one of the proudest moments of my life,” said Damper.
https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/seattleking-county-naacp-is-first-local-chapter-in-country-to-take-part-in-pride-parade/961369126?fbclid=IwAR2aK73hJi_sR2k_8IrI53N0L_gi2qDLPdhQxL5OT9bIEhX3FXmmtRQOQU0
Seattle/King County NAACP is first local chapter in the country to take part in Pride Parade
Kiro7.com
For the first time ever in its organization's history, the NAACP is taking part in the Seattle Pride Parade this Sunday. The organization also just named its first LGBTQ chair, 34-year-old Deaunte Damper. “It’s probably one of the proudest moments of my life,” said Damper.
https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/seattleking-county-naacp-is-first-local-chapter-in-country-to-take-part-in-pride-parade/961369126?fbclid=IwAR2aK73hJi_sR2k_8IrI53N0L_gi2qDLPdhQxL5OT9bIEhX3FXmmtRQOQU0
June 25, 2019
Apartment Tenants Demand More Protection after getting Eviction Notices
Kiro7.com
"It's taking families out of our communities," NAACP Housing Chair, Clifford Cawthon, said during the press conference.
www.kiro7.com/news/local/king-county-renters-want-seattle-s-protection/961490531
Apartment Tenants Demand More Protection after getting Eviction Notices
Kiro7.com
"It's taking families out of our communities," NAACP Housing Chair, Clifford Cawthon, said during the press conference.
www.kiro7.com/news/local/king-county-renters-want-seattle-s-protection/961490531
June 25, 2019
Councilmember Kshama Sawant, Tenants, Urge King County passage of "Just Cause" Legislation
Youtube.com, Seattle Channel
Our NAACP Housing Chair, Clifford Cawthon, joined Councilmember Kshama Sawant yesterday for the Just Cause Evictions Protections press conference. “We are facing an eviction crisis in this region”, Clifford said of “capricious loophole[s] in the law.”
See full press conference below including calls to action to King County Council:
https://youtu.be/BwnbHIKTdKU
Councilmember Kshama Sawant, Tenants, Urge King County passage of "Just Cause" Legislation
Youtube.com, Seattle Channel
Our NAACP Housing Chair, Clifford Cawthon, joined Councilmember Kshama Sawant yesterday for the Just Cause Evictions Protections press conference. “We are facing an eviction crisis in this region”, Clifford said of “capricious loophole[s] in the law.”
See full press conference below including calls to action to King County Council:
https://youtu.be/BwnbHIKTdKU
June 21, 2019
NAACP's first LGBTQ chair on Pride Parade, progress, and Lori Matsukawa
King5.com
DeAunté Damper [NAACP LGBTQ Chair] is especially excited about this year's Pride Parade in Seattle. This is the first time the NAACP will have a float in the parade, and it coincides with Damper's history-making appointment as LGBTQ chair of the Seattle King County chapter of the NAACP.
www.king5.com/video/news/local/take-5/naacps-first-lgbtq-chair-on-pride-parade-progress-and-lori-matsukawa/281-c8f9e2b6-0ebd-40b5-bd22-20b0f4eb686b
NAACP's first LGBTQ chair on Pride Parade, progress, and Lori Matsukawa
King5.com
DeAunté Damper [NAACP LGBTQ Chair] is especially excited about this year's Pride Parade in Seattle. This is the first time the NAACP will have a float in the parade, and it coincides with Damper's history-making appointment as LGBTQ chair of the Seattle King County chapter of the NAACP.
www.king5.com/video/news/local/take-5/naacps-first-lgbtq-chair-on-pride-parade-progress-and-lori-matsukawa/281-c8f9e2b6-0ebd-40b5-bd22-20b0f4eb686b
June 19, 2019
DeAunte' Damper, NAACP [radio interview]
KUOW.org
The Seattle chapter has appointed a chairperson focused on LGBTQ issues. This is the first position of its kind for the NAACP - not only in Seattle, but in the entire country.
www.kuow.org/stories/is-seattle-s-soda-tax-succeeding-or-failing?fbclid=IwAR2ZDoPhUNATb5QOjlplHBkeMEXM5go8YO8cfXtuUm1X3NqbHb8nM6MV3G0
DeAunte' Damper, NAACP [radio interview]
KUOW.org
The Seattle chapter has appointed a chairperson focused on LGBTQ issues. This is the first position of its kind for the NAACP - not only in Seattle, but in the entire country.
www.kuow.org/stories/is-seattle-s-soda-tax-succeeding-or-failing?fbclid=IwAR2ZDoPhUNATb5QOjlplHBkeMEXM5go8YO8cfXtuUm1X3NqbHb8nM6MV3G0
June 12, 2019
Seattle's NAACP is first in nation to appoint an LGBTQ chair
Crosscut.com
"This is not your father’s, or your grandfather’s, NAACP. Preceding Damper’s history-making moment was the election of Sadiqa Sakin as the president of the Seattle King County chapter. On the first day of this year, she became the first Muslim woman in NAACP history to assume such a position of power in any chapter. Looking for ways to serve his community, Damper joined the NAACP and asked Sakin, 'How could I be of service, not primarily as an LGBTQ person, but as DeAunté Damper, a boy who grew up in the south end of Seattle and wanted to be a part of a community that slowly but surely, through gentrification, has been muted?'"
Sakin asked Damper to take the LGBTQ chair position, noting, “You’ll be making history.”
https://crosscut.com/2019/06/seattles-naacp-first-nation-appoint-lgbtq-chair
Seattle's NAACP is first in nation to appoint an LGBTQ chair
Crosscut.com
"This is not your father’s, or your grandfather’s, NAACP. Preceding Damper’s history-making moment was the election of Sadiqa Sakin as the president of the Seattle King County chapter. On the first day of this year, she became the first Muslim woman in NAACP history to assume such a position of power in any chapter. Looking for ways to serve his community, Damper joined the NAACP and asked Sakin, 'How could I be of service, not primarily as an LGBTQ person, but as DeAunté Damper, a boy who grew up in the south end of Seattle and wanted to be a part of a community that slowly but surely, through gentrification, has been muted?'"
Sakin asked Damper to take the LGBTQ chair position, noting, “You’ll be making history.”
https://crosscut.com/2019/06/seattles-naacp-first-nation-appoint-lgbtq-chair
June 5, 2019
Local NAACP/Airbnb Event To Promote Economic Opportunities For African Americans
Seattlemedium.com
Airbnb is collaborating with the Seattle/King County branch of the NAACP to promote entrepreneurship and stimulate economic growth within the Black community through homesharing.
The organizations are partnering to host two events at the Northwest African American Museum. The first event takes place tonight (Weds.) June 5, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The second event is tomorrow, June 6, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. The partnership is an effort to enlighten communities of color about the economic opportunities of working with Airbnb.
https://seattlemedium.com/local-naacp-airbnb-event-promote-economic-opportunities-african-americans/
Local NAACP/Airbnb Event To Promote Economic Opportunities For African Americans
Seattlemedium.com
Airbnb is collaborating with the Seattle/King County branch of the NAACP to promote entrepreneurship and stimulate economic growth within the Black community through homesharing.
The organizations are partnering to host two events at the Northwest African American Museum. The first event takes place tonight (Weds.) June 5, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The second event is tomorrow, June 6, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. The partnership is an effort to enlighten communities of color about the economic opportunities of working with Airbnb.
https://seattlemedium.com/local-naacp-airbnb-event-promote-economic-opportunities-african-americans/
June 5, 2019
Airbnb, NAACP partner to get more people of color to become Airbnb hosts
SeattleTimes.com
“In a place as expensive as Seattle, anything folks can do to make extra income is welcome,” said Mat Sinde, who is black. “It goes straight into my savings account and helps me with the down payment of my next property.”
Airbnb launched a program with the NAACP’s Seattle Chapter Wednesday to recruit more people of color to become hosts on the homesharing company’s site. Airbnb touted benefits such as broadening the economic impact of visitors outside of the tourist hotspots and bringing in more money for hosts who have a room or two to spare.
https://www.seattletimes.com/business/airbnb-naacp-partner-to-get-more-people-of-color-become-airbnb-hosts/
Airbnb, NAACP partner to get more people of color to become Airbnb hosts
SeattleTimes.com
“In a place as expensive as Seattle, anything folks can do to make extra income is welcome,” said Mat Sinde, who is black. “It goes straight into my savings account and helps me with the down payment of my next property.”
Airbnb launched a program with the NAACP’s Seattle Chapter Wednesday to recruit more people of color to become hosts on the homesharing company’s site. Airbnb touted benefits such as broadening the economic impact of visitors outside of the tourist hotspots and bringing in more money for hosts who have a room or two to spare.
https://www.seattletimes.com/business/airbnb-naacp-partner-to-get-more-people-of-color-become-airbnb-hosts/
June 5, 2019
Airbnb partners with NAACP to address racial discrimination, promote platform
Q13
SEATTLE – There was a time when allowing complete strangers into your home to spend the night was a crazy idea, but for the last ten years, Airbnb has been growing. Along with a new idea comes old problems: Airbnb has faced racial discrimination claims and lawsuits.
This all started years ago after public outcry and social media backlash. Some black people were sharing their experiences while using Airbnb. They say they were either met with racial slurs, having their reservations cancelled for no reason, or not being able to book a property.
A 2016 Harvard University study showed people with “African American sounding names” were 16 percent less likely to get approved to book a place on Airbnb. Those issues still continue today, which is why Airbnb and the NAACP is working to address the problem.
https://q13fox.com/2019/06/05/airbnb-partners-with-naacp-to-address-racial-discrimination-promote-platform/
Airbnb partners with NAACP to address racial discrimination, promote platform
Q13
SEATTLE – There was a time when allowing complete strangers into your home to spend the night was a crazy idea, but for the last ten years, Airbnb has been growing. Along with a new idea comes old problems: Airbnb has faced racial discrimination claims and lawsuits.
This all started years ago after public outcry and social media backlash. Some black people were sharing their experiences while using Airbnb. They say they were either met with racial slurs, having their reservations cancelled for no reason, or not being able to book a property.
A 2016 Harvard University study showed people with “African American sounding names” were 16 percent less likely to get approved to book a place on Airbnb. Those issues still continue today, which is why Airbnb and the NAACP is working to address the problem.
https://q13fox.com/2019/06/05/airbnb-partners-with-naacp-to-address-racial-discrimination-promote-platform/
June 5, 2019
40th Anniversary Celebration For The Seattle/King County NAACP ACT-SO Competition
Seattle Medium
The Seattle King County NAACP will celebrate the 40th Anniversary of NAACP ACT-SO in Seattle King County on Sun., June 30 from 3:00 p.m.to 6:00 p.m. at the Royal Esquire’s Club – 5016 Rainier Ave S. in Seattle.
The event, which will help raise funds to send local NAACP ACT-SO gold medal winners to the national competition this summer in Detroit, will feature food, performances, an awards ceremony. In addition, it will be an opportunity to celebrate and fellowship with past ACT-So participants. ACT-SO, which stands forthe Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics, relies on community volunteers and business leaders to serve as mentors and coaches in promoting academic and artistic excellence among African-American and Hispanic students. By providing an arena where students strive to excel in the sciences, arts and humanities, ACT-SO equips its participants with the skills to live meaningful lives.
This year, the Seattle/King County NAACP will send fourSeattle/King County NAACP ACT-SO gold winners to the national competition. Representing Seattle/King County this year are: Rachel Joshua – Musical Instrumental Classical, Jaydon T. Beleford – Musical Vocal Classical, Sydney Coleman – Musical Vocal Contemporary, and Mychael Hodges – Dance Contemporary.
“We are so incredibly proud to send four local NAACP ACT-SO gold-medal winners to the national competition this summer in Detroit,” says Seattle King County NAACP President Sadiqa Sakin.
https://seattlemedium.com/40th-anniversary-celebration-seattle-king-county-naacp-act-competition/
40th Anniversary Celebration For The Seattle/King County NAACP ACT-SO Competition
Seattle Medium
The Seattle King County NAACP will celebrate the 40th Anniversary of NAACP ACT-SO in Seattle King County on Sun., June 30 from 3:00 p.m.to 6:00 p.m. at the Royal Esquire’s Club – 5016 Rainier Ave S. in Seattle.
The event, which will help raise funds to send local NAACP ACT-SO gold medal winners to the national competition this summer in Detroit, will feature food, performances, an awards ceremony. In addition, it will be an opportunity to celebrate and fellowship with past ACT-So participants. ACT-SO, which stands forthe Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics, relies on community volunteers and business leaders to serve as mentors and coaches in promoting academic and artistic excellence among African-American and Hispanic students. By providing an arena where students strive to excel in the sciences, arts and humanities, ACT-SO equips its participants with the skills to live meaningful lives.
This year, the Seattle/King County NAACP will send fourSeattle/King County NAACP ACT-SO gold winners to the national competition. Representing Seattle/King County this year are: Rachel Joshua – Musical Instrumental Classical, Jaydon T. Beleford – Musical Vocal Classical, Sydney Coleman – Musical Vocal Contemporary, and Mychael Hodges – Dance Contemporary.
“We are so incredibly proud to send four local NAACP ACT-SO gold-medal winners to the national competition this summer in Detroit,” says Seattle King County NAACP President Sadiqa Sakin.
https://seattlemedium.com/40th-anniversary-celebration-seattle-king-county-naacp-act-competition/
May 31, 2019
Seattle’s Next City Council Could Lack a Black Person for the First Time in 52 Years
TheStranger
Drew Dambreville, a chair of the Seattle King County NAACP, said a city council without a black person would be a step back for the city. “If, in 2019, in Martin Luther King County, in the state of Washington that prides itself as being liberal and inclusive, we can’t find one African American candidate to sit on the Seattle City Council we are moving in the wrong direction,” Dambreville said.
https://www.thestranger.com/slog/2019/05/31/40356709/seattles-next-city-council-could-lack-a-black-person-for-the-first-time-in-52-years
Seattle’s Next City Council Could Lack a Black Person for the First Time in 52 Years
TheStranger
Drew Dambreville, a chair of the Seattle King County NAACP, said a city council without a black person would be a step back for the city. “If, in 2019, in Martin Luther King County, in the state of Washington that prides itself as being liberal and inclusive, we can’t find one African American candidate to sit on the Seattle City Council we are moving in the wrong direction,” Dambreville said.
https://www.thestranger.com/slog/2019/05/31/40356709/seattles-next-city-council-could-lack-a-black-person-for-the-first-time-in-52-years
May 22, 2019
What Families of Police Brutality Are Saying About SPD Accountability
Q13fox.com
Our NAACP Police Accountability Chair, Teri Rogers Kemp, was featured in a Q13 FOX story this week, talking about police accountability and continuing that dialogue with the Seattle Police Department:
https://q13fox.com/2019/05/22/federal-oversight-extended-after-federal-judge-finds-seattle-police-partially-out-of-compliance/?fbclid=IwAR2Cis4jXLxUjZtM5UsRG-dyewpPlviF4bZioij2v3dzp5wFCcorZfU6Fc4
What Families of Police Brutality Are Saying About SPD Accountability
Q13fox.com
Our NAACP Police Accountability Chair, Teri Rogers Kemp, was featured in a Q13 FOX story this week, talking about police accountability and continuing that dialogue with the Seattle Police Department:
https://q13fox.com/2019/05/22/federal-oversight-extended-after-federal-judge-finds-seattle-police-partially-out-of-compliance/?fbclid=IwAR2Cis4jXLxUjZtM5UsRG-dyewpPlviF4bZioij2v3dzp5wFCcorZfU6Fc4
May 22, 2019
Report: SoDo arena group, NAACP end up holding...Sonics meeting
mynorthwest.com
After rumors, a postponement, and uncertainty, a secret meeting between the Seattle King County NAACP and Chris Hansen’s SoDo arena group was finally held on May 15 in Seattle, KIRO 7’s John Knicely confirmed Wednesday.
“The NAACP Seattle King County held a private meeting with Chris Hansen’s Sonics Arena Investment Group on May 15th, 2019,” Seattle King County NAACP President Sadiqa Sakin said in a statement acquired by Knicely. “The two organizations are still developing their objectives for SoDo, there will be more to come in the following weeks.”
https://mynorthwest.com/1391690/chris-hansen-sodo-naacp-secret-sonics-meeting/
Report: SoDo arena group, NAACP end up holding...Sonics meeting
mynorthwest.com
After rumors, a postponement, and uncertainty, a secret meeting between the Seattle King County NAACP and Chris Hansen’s SoDo arena group was finally held on May 15 in Seattle, KIRO 7’s John Knicely confirmed Wednesday.
“The NAACP Seattle King County held a private meeting with Chris Hansen’s Sonics Arena Investment Group on May 15th, 2019,” Seattle King County NAACP President Sadiqa Sakin said in a statement acquired by Knicely. “The two organizations are still developing their objectives for SoDo, there will be more to come in the following weeks.”
https://mynorthwest.com/1391690/chris-hansen-sodo-naacp-secret-sonics-meeting/
May 15, 2019
NAACP Addresses Implementation Of Deadly Use Of Force Law At Forum
SeattleMedium.com
Last Thursday, the Seattle/King County NAACP hosted its first community forum on the implementation of Initiative 940 in the City of Federal Way at the Washington Education Association (WEA) Hall. The initiative was passed by majority vote of the public last November and requires the creation of a “good faith test” to determine when the use of deadly force by police is justifiable. I-940 also requires police to receive de-escalation and mental training and provide first aid to victims of police shootings on the scene.
https://seattlemedium.com/naacp-addresses-implementation-deadly-use-force-law-forum/
NAACP Addresses Implementation Of Deadly Use Of Force Law At Forum
SeattleMedium.com
Last Thursday, the Seattle/King County NAACP hosted its first community forum on the implementation of Initiative 940 in the City of Federal Way at the Washington Education Association (WEA) Hall. The initiative was passed by majority vote of the public last November and requires the creation of a “good faith test” to determine when the use of deadly force by police is justifiable. I-940 also requires police to receive de-escalation and mental training and provide first aid to victims of police shootings on the scene.
https://seattlemedium.com/naacp-addresses-implementation-deadly-use-force-law-forum/
April 24, 2019
New partnership between Issaquah School District, students, and NAACP after racist poster incident
q13fox.com
A high school dance proposal went viral for all the wrong reasons. Now the Issaquah School District, students, and the local chapter of the NAACP say they’re working to make sure this doesn’t happen again.
A student made a racist poster in April before a school dance and that picture was shared on social media by hundreds of people. Issaquah High School senior Engubia Fontama organized a student walkout.
https://q13fox.com/2019/04/24/new-partnership-between-issaquah-school-dist-students-and-naacp-after-racist-poster-incident/
New partnership between Issaquah School District, students, and NAACP after racist poster incident
q13fox.com
A high school dance proposal went viral for all the wrong reasons. Now the Issaquah School District, students, and the local chapter of the NAACP say they’re working to make sure this doesn’t happen again.
A student made a racist poster in April before a school dance and that picture was shared on social media by hundreds of people. Issaquah High School senior Engubia Fontama organized a student walkout.
https://q13fox.com/2019/04/24/new-partnership-between-issaquah-school-dist-students-and-naacp-after-racist-poster-incident/
April 17, 2019
WSLC, community mourn passage of Jacquie Jones-Walsh
thestand.org
Washington State Labor Council Vice President Jacquie Jones-Walsh, a longtime member of the Washington Federation of State Employees/AFSCME and State President of the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW), has passed away.
In addition to representing CLUW on the WSLC Executive Board and being active in WFSE Local 843, Jones-Walsh also served in many capacities in labor and community organizations, including as Vice President of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and the Seattle/King County NAACP, and on the Seattle MLK Jr. Organizing Coalition.
http://www.thestand.org/2019/04/wslc-community-mourns-passage-of-vp-jacquie-jones-walsh/
WSLC, community mourn passage of Jacquie Jones-Walsh
thestand.org
Washington State Labor Council Vice President Jacquie Jones-Walsh, a longtime member of the Washington Federation of State Employees/AFSCME and State President of the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW), has passed away.
In addition to representing CLUW on the WSLC Executive Board and being active in WFSE Local 843, Jones-Walsh also served in many capacities in labor and community organizations, including as Vice President of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and the Seattle/King County NAACP, and on the Seattle MLK Jr. Organizing Coalition.
http://www.thestand.org/2019/04/wslc-community-mourns-passage-of-vp-jacquie-jones-walsh/
April 17, 2019
NAACP Urges Community Members To Attend Joint Hearing On I-1000 This Thursday In Olympia
SeattleMedium.com
The Seattle King County NAACP, under leadership of President Sadiqa Sakin, is in absolute support of Washington Initiative 1000 (I-1000), which is the Affirmative Action measure that is currently under consideration by the Washington State Legislature. If the Legislature fails to act on I-1000, the initiative will then head to the November 2019 ballot for citizens to vote on.
According to the NAACP, I-1000 is an incredibly important step toward racial equity; particularly in these times of uncertainty for people of color, veterans, women, and other minorities. “It’s imperative to put in place the legislation that will further protect these populations from being discriminated against based on race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin regarding education, employment, and contracting. If passed, I-1000 would undo the harm of 1998’s Washington I-200, which rolled back Affirmative Action,” said the NAACP in a statement. In supporting the initiative, the NAACP inviting their members and supporters to join them at the I-1000 Joint Hearing of the Washington State House & Senate this Thurs., April 18 at 8:00 a.m. in Olympia.
https://seattlemedium.com/naacp-urges-community-members-attend-joint-hearing-1000-thursday-olympia/
NAACP Urges Community Members To Attend Joint Hearing On I-1000 This Thursday In Olympia
SeattleMedium.com
The Seattle King County NAACP, under leadership of President Sadiqa Sakin, is in absolute support of Washington Initiative 1000 (I-1000), which is the Affirmative Action measure that is currently under consideration by the Washington State Legislature. If the Legislature fails to act on I-1000, the initiative will then head to the November 2019 ballot for citizens to vote on.
According to the NAACP, I-1000 is an incredibly important step toward racial equity; particularly in these times of uncertainty for people of color, veterans, women, and other minorities. “It’s imperative to put in place the legislation that will further protect these populations from being discriminated against based on race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin regarding education, employment, and contracting. If passed, I-1000 would undo the harm of 1998’s Washington I-200, which rolled back Affirmative Action,” said the NAACP in a statement. In supporting the initiative, the NAACP inviting their members and supporters to join them at the I-1000 Joint Hearing of the Washington State House & Senate this Thurs., April 18 at 8:00 a.m. in Olympia.
https://seattlemedium.com/naacp-urges-community-members-attend-joint-hearing-1000-thursday-olympia/
April 17, 2019
NAACP Mourns The Loss Of Jacquie Jones-Walsh
SeattleMedium.com
It is with great sadness that the Seattle/King County NAACP is informing the community of the passing of their 2nd Vice President, Jacquie Jones-Walsh.In a release, the NAACP said “Jacquie has done incomparable work with the NAACP; this is an overwhelming loss for our community. We are sending thoughts and prayers to Jacquie’s family and friends as well as celebrating her life and legacy.”
Jacquie was a key activist and pillar in the struggle for civil rights in the Seattle community. Until her departure she served as 2nd Vice President of the Seattle/ King County chapter of the NAACP.
https://seattlemedium.com/naacp-mourns-loss-jacquie-jones-walsh/
NAACP Mourns The Loss Of Jacquie Jones-Walsh
SeattleMedium.com
It is with great sadness that the Seattle/King County NAACP is informing the community of the passing of their 2nd Vice President, Jacquie Jones-Walsh.In a release, the NAACP said “Jacquie has done incomparable work with the NAACP; this is an overwhelming loss for our community. We are sending thoughts and prayers to Jacquie’s family and friends as well as celebrating her life and legacy.”
Jacquie was a key activist and pillar in the struggle for civil rights in the Seattle community. Until her departure she served as 2nd Vice President of the Seattle/ King County chapter of the NAACP.
https://seattlemedium.com/naacp-mourns-loss-jacquie-jones-walsh/
April 10, 2019
Seattle King County NAACP To Host 2019 ACT-SO Competition And Workshop
SeattleMedium.com
The Seattle King County NAACP will host a student workshop for their 2019 ACT-SO competition this Sat., Apr. 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church – 124 21st Ave. in Seattle.
ACT-SO is a year-long enrichment program that culminates in a local and national competition where students compete for scholarships and prizes totaling over $250,000. ACT-SO seeks to promote positive self-esteem, academic and artistic excellence, and positive interaction between our youth and the adult professional community.
https://seattlemedium.com/seattle-king-county-naaco-host-2019-act-competition-workshop/?fbclid=IwAR3n-y-kdY3ve8493lYhFcyVakKUZlIqCZVChJZE2Unryo2ckmY3j3LNMcY
Seattle King County NAACP To Host 2019 ACT-SO Competition And Workshop
SeattleMedium.com
The Seattle King County NAACP will host a student workshop for their 2019 ACT-SO competition this Sat., Apr. 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church – 124 21st Ave. in Seattle.
ACT-SO is a year-long enrichment program that culminates in a local and national competition where students compete for scholarships and prizes totaling over $250,000. ACT-SO seeks to promote positive self-esteem, academic and artistic excellence, and positive interaction between our youth and the adult professional community.
https://seattlemedium.com/seattle-king-county-naaco-host-2019-act-competition-workshop/?fbclid=IwAR3n-y-kdY3ve8493lYhFcyVakKUZlIqCZVChJZE2Unryo2ckmY3j3LNMcY
April 6, 2019
Seattle NAACP experiences 244 percent spike in membership
MyNorthwest.com
“We’re putting a new face on the NAACP,” Sakin said. “I know a lot of people think it’s that old organization from the ’60s … we are pushing everything, we have legal clinics, various things we are doing in the community. It’s exciting.”
http://mynorthwest.com/1335910/seattle-naacp-membership-spike-2019/?fbclid=IwAR3ixLFjiUERLQseXaf6Wd2tbCvO-fg-iDgZkoI--m5pfJtQFxdn4EsGai8
Seattle NAACP experiences 244 percent spike in membership
MyNorthwest.com
“We’re putting a new face on the NAACP,” Sakin said. “I know a lot of people think it’s that old organization from the ’60s … we are pushing everything, we have legal clinics, various things we are doing in the community. It’s exciting.”
http://mynorthwest.com/1335910/seattle-naacp-membership-spike-2019/?fbclid=IwAR3ixLFjiUERLQseXaf6Wd2tbCvO-fg-iDgZkoI--m5pfJtQFxdn4EsGai8
April 5, 2019
NAACP Realigns Priorities To Meet The Needs Of The Community
The Seattle Medium
"[The NAACP] said that it is prioritizing critical policy, advocacy and social justice work needed to ensure the rights of all people."
https://seattlemedium.com/naacp-realigns-priorities-meet-needs-community/?fbclid=IwAR2nkVsJvPoyCFOoyVreVEkDb0VcfiKHvg4JPhiY169Zt8muCuhjJktkb7c
NAACP Realigns Priorities To Meet The Needs Of The Community
The Seattle Medium
"[The NAACP] said that it is prioritizing critical policy, advocacy and social justice work needed to ensure the rights of all people."
https://seattlemedium.com/naacp-realigns-priorities-meet-needs-community/?fbclid=IwAR2nkVsJvPoyCFOoyVreVEkDb0VcfiKHvg4JPhiY169Zt8muCuhjJktkb7c
April 5, 2019
Muslim woman serves as head of Seattle area NAACP chapter
Q13 Fox News
NAACP President Sadiqa Sakin: "I don't think [racism is] a certain place...Seattle, New York... I think it's education, it's an upbringing, because everything starts in the home. So if this is what you're taught in the home, you don't know anything different. And that's why people like myself, we come in and we educate you on something that's different. "
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osYieHpUOtA&fbclid=IwAR0-9wkWN_fNlO-dLdIpkqQ0ALzspLB6RjX29Lr4Fqs9KlWU6OgUXfdE5qc
Muslim woman serves as head of Seattle area NAACP chapter
Q13 Fox News
NAACP President Sadiqa Sakin: "I don't think [racism is] a certain place...Seattle, New York... I think it's education, it's an upbringing, because everything starts in the home. So if this is what you're taught in the home, you don't know anything different. And that's why people like myself, we come in and we educate you on something that's different. "
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osYieHpUOtA&fbclid=IwAR0-9wkWN_fNlO-dLdIpkqQ0ALzspLB6RjX29Lr4Fqs9KlWU6OgUXfdE5qc
April 4, 2019
KIRO Radio 97.3 interview
KIRO Radio 97.3
"President Sadiqa Sakin, she is, check this out, she is the first black Muslim Woman President in the 106-year history of the Seattle King County NAACP."
KIRO Radio 97.3 interview
KIRO Radio 97.3
"President Sadiqa Sakin, she is, check this out, she is the first black Muslim Woman President in the 106-year history of the Seattle King County NAACP."
April 2, 2019
‘We are deeply troubled’: Issaquah School District responds to racist social media post
Fox Q13
The Seattle-King County NAACP and Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin have each weighed in on the issue. "The message was insensitive and extremely hurtful, and has the Seattle King County NAACP highly concerned with the potential gap in diversity trainings in school districts around our state," Seattle King County NAACP President Sadiqa Sakin said.
https://q13fox.com/2019/04/02/we-are-deeply-troubled-issaquah-school-district-responds-to-racist-post-spreading-on-social-media/
‘We are deeply troubled’: Issaquah School District responds to racist social media post
Fox Q13
The Seattle-King County NAACP and Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin have each weighed in on the issue. "The message was insensitive and extremely hurtful, and has the Seattle King County NAACP highly concerned with the potential gap in diversity trainings in school districts around our state," Seattle King County NAACP President Sadiqa Sakin said.
https://q13fox.com/2019/04/02/we-are-deeply-troubled-issaquah-school-district-responds-to-racist-post-spreading-on-social-media/
March 31, 2019
New Milestone for Seattle King County NAACP
NBC King 5
King 5 talks with our NAACP President Sadiqa Sakin, the first Black Muslim woman to become President of the Seattle King County NAACP.
Text NAACP to 206 448 4545 for details on membership, or go to our website to join today! https://www.seattlekingcountynaacp.org/join-today.html
New Milestone for Seattle King County NAACP
NBC King 5
King 5 talks with our NAACP President Sadiqa Sakin, the first Black Muslim woman to become President of the Seattle King County NAACP.
Text NAACP to 206 448 4545 for details on membership, or go to our website to join today! https://www.seattlekingcountynaacp.org/join-today.html
March 8, 2019
NAACP Issues Statement on Housing Bill
Seattle Medium
The Seattle King County NAACP released the following statement on HB 1453:
On behalf of the Seattle King County Chapter of the NAACP, I want to congratulate the Washington State House of Representatives for passing HB 1453, which provides needed protections for community members who are faced with eviction during the current housing crisis. I would like to especially thank Representative Nicole Macri, the sponsor of HB 1453, for her leadership on this critical legislation. Rental protections are an important issue to the NAACP and the black community as we are well aware that we are evicted at a much higher rate due to issues that this bill will address. Important issues like this can bring difficult conversations and decisions, which is why it is vitally important that we assume good faith and conduct debates on legislation in a manner that fosters continued dialogue and deeper understanding. We will be working in a bipartisan way to help our elected officials in Olympia to better understand the issues that disproportionately impact people of color, who are often the most vulnerable in our communities.
https://seattlemedium.com/naacp-issues-statement-eviction-bill/
NAACP Issues Statement on Housing Bill
Seattle Medium
The Seattle King County NAACP released the following statement on HB 1453:
On behalf of the Seattle King County Chapter of the NAACP, I want to congratulate the Washington State House of Representatives for passing HB 1453, which provides needed protections for community members who are faced with eviction during the current housing crisis. I would like to especially thank Representative Nicole Macri, the sponsor of HB 1453, for her leadership on this critical legislation. Rental protections are an important issue to the NAACP and the black community as we are well aware that we are evicted at a much higher rate due to issues that this bill will address. Important issues like this can bring difficult conversations and decisions, which is why it is vitally important that we assume good faith and conduct debates on legislation in a manner that fosters continued dialogue and deeper understanding. We will be working in a bipartisan way to help our elected officials in Olympia to better understand the issues that disproportionately impact people of color, who are often the most vulnerable in our communities.
https://seattlemedium.com/naacp-issues-statement-eviction-bill/
February 27, 2019
NAACP President: "We Will Continue to Be your Servants on the Battlefield"
Seattle Medium
The Seattle King County NAACP formally introduced their new president, Sadiqa Sakin, and new board to the community last Friday at their first public event under their new administration, which took office in January.
The event, which drew a large and diverse crowd – including King County Executive Dow Constantine, State Rep. Debra Entenman, and Federal Way City Councilmember Jessie Johnson — featured NAACP National President Derrick Johnson, and Karen Boykin-Towns, Vice Chair of the NAACP National Board.
Boykin-Towns in her address to the audience talked about how impressed she was with the way this new administration has hit the ground running and what they’ve been able to accomplish in a short period of time.
https://seattlemedium.com/naacp-president-will-continue-servants-battlefield/
NAACP President: "We Will Continue to Be your Servants on the Battlefield"
Seattle Medium
The Seattle King County NAACP formally introduced their new president, Sadiqa Sakin, and new board to the community last Friday at their first public event under their new administration, which took office in January.
The event, which drew a large and diverse crowd – including King County Executive Dow Constantine, State Rep. Debra Entenman, and Federal Way City Councilmember Jessie Johnson — featured NAACP National President Derrick Johnson, and Karen Boykin-Towns, Vice Chair of the NAACP National Board.
Boykin-Towns in her address to the audience talked about how impressed she was with the way this new administration has hit the ground running and what they’ve been able to accomplish in a short period of time.
https://seattlemedium.com/naacp-president-will-continue-servants-battlefield/
January 9, 2019
NAACP Calls for Independent Investigation in the Shooting Death of Iosia Fatelogo By Seattle Police Officers
The Seattle Medium
NAACP Chapter President, Sadiqa Sakin, is calling for an investigation into the shooting death of Iosia Fatelogo by Seattle Police officers. “The NAACP are the guardians of Civil Rights and we are here to protect our community. It is important to us that there is an independent investigation done before we form an opinion,” says Sakin. “We want to be proactive not reactive.”
https://seattlemedium.com/naacp-calls-independent-investigation-shooting-death-iosia-fatelogo-seattle-police-officers/
NAACP Calls for Independent Investigation in the Shooting Death of Iosia Fatelogo By Seattle Police Officers
The Seattle Medium
NAACP Chapter President, Sadiqa Sakin, is calling for an investigation into the shooting death of Iosia Fatelogo by Seattle Police officers. “The NAACP are the guardians of Civil Rights and we are here to protect our community. It is important to us that there is an independent investigation done before we form an opinion,” says Sakin. “We want to be proactive not reactive.”
https://seattlemedium.com/naacp-calls-independent-investigation-shooting-death-iosia-fatelogo-seattle-police-officers/
August 1, 2018
PSE customer upset over racist password in email
King 5 News
Puget Sound Energy has issued an apology after a customer received an email with a racist word. The customer, who is African American, said she became more upset about the way the company initially handled her complaint.
PSE customer upset over racist password in email
King 5 News
Puget Sound Energy has issued an apology after a customer received an email with a racist word. The customer, who is African American, said she became more upset about the way the company initially handled her complaint.
PSE sends racial slur to black woman
Kiro 7 News
Kiro 7 News
July 24, 2018
Communities of Color respond to Police Chief Best's Nomination
Seattle Weekly
Although KL Shannon — Police Accountability Chair for the Seattle/King County NAACP— is confident that Best is the right person to lead SPD through the second phase of the consent decree, she does not believe that a policing system that disproportionately impacts communities of color will drastically change under Best’s watch. “Chief Best’s bread and butter is the Seattle Police Department … she is going to have to figure out how to balance the community, Durkan’s office, and SPD. It’s never going to happen. No matter how good her intentions will be,” Shannon wrote in an email to Seattle Weekly.
Communities of Color respond to Police Chief Best's Nomination
Seattle Weekly
Although KL Shannon — Police Accountability Chair for the Seattle/King County NAACP— is confident that Best is the right person to lead SPD through the second phase of the consent decree, she does not believe that a policing system that disproportionately impacts communities of color will drastically change under Best’s watch. “Chief Best’s bread and butter is the Seattle Police Department … she is going to have to figure out how to balance the community, Durkan’s office, and SPD. It’s never going to happen. No matter how good her intentions will be,” Shannon wrote in an email to Seattle Weekly.
April 6, 2018
Investor still wants SoDo arena despite KeyArena deal
King 5 News
El Centro and the local NAACP chapter organized the event. It focused on the jobs that could be created by a SoDo Arena. “We want to meet directly with the people that’s investing the money, rather than let the politicians do for us,” said Gerald Hankerson, President of the Seattle King County NAACP.
Investor still wants SoDo arena despite KeyArena deal
King 5 News
El Centro and the local NAACP chapter organized the event. It focused on the jobs that could be created by a SoDo Arena. “We want to meet directly with the people that’s investing the money, rather than let the politicians do for us,” said Gerald Hankerson, President of the Seattle King County NAACP.
March 6, 2018
Bring your questions about teacher diversity in Washington schools to the second annual #EducationSoWhite
The Seattle Times
This year’s event, which is co-presented by Education Lab, is an encore to last year’s discussion, where a panel of education equity advocates and teachers of color discussed teacher diversity and turnover, inclusion for students from marginalized groups and the school-to-prison pipeline.
February 15, 2018
End Death Penalty: Unjust and Costly
OpEd by Vice President Sheley Secrest and President Gerald Hankerson
The Seattle Times
Since the 1500s, Lady Justice has been depicted wearing a blindfold representing impartiality. However, to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and many blacks living in Washington state, she sees clearly in vivid color.
February 15, 2018
Seattle youth on the rise for Black Lives Matter
Seattle Globalist
At Garfield High School, it was student Jelani Howard who led the football team in kneeling during the national anthem. At Rainier Beach High School, student Elijah Lewis is part of a new local Youth Coalition for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to “unite anti-racist groups across Seattle to demand a seat at the table.”...“I’m a young activist that is actively fighting for my community, by speaking out and informing others to become young leaders,” he said in a recent post. “My plan is to reverse some of the negative effects of gentrification, and speak for those who are silent. The time is now to stand on what you believe in.”
February 5, 2018
Seattle High School Students of Color Demand Their Voices Be Heard
Seattle Weekly
Dysart strode up to the podium as a few other NAACP Youth Coalition members gathered behind her holding handmade Black Lives Matter posters. “Taking the initiative to endorse the Black Lives Matter resolution is a great start to supporting students of color,” Dysart, a half-black and half-white 17-year-old, said as she tucked her curly hair behind one ear. Pausing for a breath, she continued, “But I must emphasize it is only a start.”
January 15, 2018
President Trump: The specter hanging over Seattle's MLK Rally
770AM Radio
“We are tired of police killing our people in the streets,” said Gerald Hankerson, the president of the Seattle King County chapter of the NAACP.
Seattle Takes a Knee On Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Seattle Patch
Hankerson fired up the crowd by asking what had changed since MLK's death for black people in Seattle. The housing affordability crisis, he said, is driving black families out of the city, making Seattle and King County just a place for the wealthy.
Bring your questions about teacher diversity in Washington schools to the second annual #EducationSoWhite
The Seattle Times
This year’s event, which is co-presented by Education Lab, is an encore to last year’s discussion, where a panel of education equity advocates and teachers of color discussed teacher diversity and turnover, inclusion for students from marginalized groups and the school-to-prison pipeline.
February 15, 2018
End Death Penalty: Unjust and Costly
OpEd by Vice President Sheley Secrest and President Gerald Hankerson
The Seattle Times
Since the 1500s, Lady Justice has been depicted wearing a blindfold representing impartiality. However, to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and many blacks living in Washington state, she sees clearly in vivid color.
February 15, 2018
Seattle youth on the rise for Black Lives Matter
Seattle Globalist
At Garfield High School, it was student Jelani Howard who led the football team in kneeling during the national anthem. At Rainier Beach High School, student Elijah Lewis is part of a new local Youth Coalition for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to “unite anti-racist groups across Seattle to demand a seat at the table.”...“I’m a young activist that is actively fighting for my community, by speaking out and informing others to become young leaders,” he said in a recent post. “My plan is to reverse some of the negative effects of gentrification, and speak for those who are silent. The time is now to stand on what you believe in.”
February 5, 2018
Seattle High School Students of Color Demand Their Voices Be Heard
Seattle Weekly
Dysart strode up to the podium as a few other NAACP Youth Coalition members gathered behind her holding handmade Black Lives Matter posters. “Taking the initiative to endorse the Black Lives Matter resolution is a great start to supporting students of color,” Dysart, a half-black and half-white 17-year-old, said as she tucked her curly hair behind one ear. Pausing for a breath, she continued, “But I must emphasize it is only a start.”
January 15, 2018
President Trump: The specter hanging over Seattle's MLK Rally
770AM Radio
“We are tired of police killing our people in the streets,” said Gerald Hankerson, the president of the Seattle King County chapter of the NAACP.
Seattle Takes a Knee On Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Seattle Patch
Hankerson fired up the crowd by asking what had changed since MLK's death for black people in Seattle. The housing affordability crisis, he said, is driving black families out of the city, making Seattle and King County just a place for the wealthy.
November 3, 2017
As Seattle Takes Big Steps Towards Police Reform, Some Activists of Color Remain Wary
Seattle Weekly
In the eyes of many members of communities of color, police brutality has persisted, says KL Shannon, the Police Accountability Chair for the Seattle/King County NAACP. She says any efforts to improve relations were “thrown out the window after the murder of Charleena Lyles and Che Taylor.”
The NAACP still receives “a number of calls” from community members complaining about police brutality, Shannon says, although she’s unsure if the total number of complaints has changed at all since the implementation of the consent decree.
October 11, 2017
US Rep Maxine Waters to Keynote Seattle/King County NAACP Freedom Fund Gala
Seattle Medium
The Seattle King County NAACP recently announced that U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Ca) will serve as the keynote speaker for their 2017 Annual Freedom Fund Leadership Gala on Sat., Nov. 4. The event will take place at First African Methodist Episcopal Church – 1522 14th Ave. in Seattle starting at 5 p.m.
September 18, 2017
Seattle to Michael Bennett: We've Got Your Back
The Nation
Bennett’s connection to these struggles has also had an interesting effect on the Seattle chapter of the NAACP. The oldest civil-rights organization in the country has called for an NFL boycott over the league’s treatment of Kaepernick, but as Gerald Hankerson, leader of the Seattle chapter, said, “We are not going to boycott because we want to support Michael and the team and show that this community supports their efforts to speak out.”
Supporters Stand for Sitting Bennett
South Seattle Emerald
Nikkita Oliver, who is not a football fan, made it clear to the those gathered that the event, organized by the King County NAACP, was much more than about one person or the league.“I don’t care if Kaepernick gets a job in the NFL again. I care that we rally around people like Kaepernick who say I will not sacrifice my values, nor my integrity,” she said.
September 17, 2017
Michael Bennett's younger brother and Nikkita Oliver lead Black Lives Matter protest before Seahawks-49ers game
The Seattle Times
Rita Green, education chair of the Seattle King County NAACP, said her organization began planning the rally about three weeks ago to show support for former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick who has been unable to find a job with any NFL team since this season. Many, including the NAACP, believe Kaepernick has been frozen out by NFL owners after his decision to kneel during the national anthem last season to make a statement in support of the Black Lives Matters movement.
“That’s a civil rights violation because he has the freedom to speak and he should not be penalized for that,” Green said of Kaepernick’s situation. “We already had this planned before the whole Michael Bennett incident happened.”
As Seattle Takes Big Steps Towards Police Reform, Some Activists of Color Remain Wary
Seattle Weekly
In the eyes of many members of communities of color, police brutality has persisted, says KL Shannon, the Police Accountability Chair for the Seattle/King County NAACP. She says any efforts to improve relations were “thrown out the window after the murder of Charleena Lyles and Che Taylor.”
The NAACP still receives “a number of calls” from community members complaining about police brutality, Shannon says, although she’s unsure if the total number of complaints has changed at all since the implementation of the consent decree.
October 11, 2017
US Rep Maxine Waters to Keynote Seattle/King County NAACP Freedom Fund Gala
Seattle Medium
The Seattle King County NAACP recently announced that U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Ca) will serve as the keynote speaker for their 2017 Annual Freedom Fund Leadership Gala on Sat., Nov. 4. The event will take place at First African Methodist Episcopal Church – 1522 14th Ave. in Seattle starting at 5 p.m.
September 18, 2017
Seattle to Michael Bennett: We've Got Your Back
The Nation
Bennett’s connection to these struggles has also had an interesting effect on the Seattle chapter of the NAACP. The oldest civil-rights organization in the country has called for an NFL boycott over the league’s treatment of Kaepernick, but as Gerald Hankerson, leader of the Seattle chapter, said, “We are not going to boycott because we want to support Michael and the team and show that this community supports their efforts to speak out.”
Supporters Stand for Sitting Bennett
South Seattle Emerald
Nikkita Oliver, who is not a football fan, made it clear to the those gathered that the event, organized by the King County NAACP, was much more than about one person or the league.“I don’t care if Kaepernick gets a job in the NFL again. I care that we rally around people like Kaepernick who say I will not sacrifice my values, nor my integrity,” she said.
September 17, 2017
Michael Bennett's younger brother and Nikkita Oliver lead Black Lives Matter protest before Seahawks-49ers game
The Seattle Times
Rita Green, education chair of the Seattle King County NAACP, said her organization began planning the rally about three weeks ago to show support for former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick who has been unable to find a job with any NFL team since this season. Many, including the NAACP, believe Kaepernick has been frozen out by NFL owners after his decision to kneel during the national anthem last season to make a statement in support of the Black Lives Matters movement.
“That’s a civil rights violation because he has the freedom to speak and he should not be penalized for that,” Green said of Kaepernick’s situation. “We already had this planned before the whole Michael Bennett incident happened.”
September 6, 2017
Some tough questions about the Michael Bennett Situation
Sports Illustrated
“In fact we feel we’ll boycott in a different way by showing up to support Mike Bennett during his games when he chooses not to stand [for the national anthem],” Hankerson said. “To stand in support of him, to not let what happened to Colin [Kaepernick] happen to him. … That’s the way we can really send a message when we kneel down rather than recognizing a flag that doesn’t recognize us as a people.”
August 29, 2017
MLK Celebration Honors Civil Rights Leaders and Elusive Dreams
South Seattle Emerald
“We’re tired of the same old people saying the same old things y’all. It’s time for some new faces and some new blood and some new energy to move Seattle. We’re not going to move until we get these young folks engaged,” said NAACP President Gerald Hankerson, “we can talk all we want to right now about Martin Luther King but we don’t know where [young people] are right now in our community.”
August 26, 2017
How NAACP Leaders in NFL cities view Colin Kaepernick and the Anthem Protests
Sports Illustrated
“Our complete involvement from the branch level is that I’ve been working with [Seahawks players] Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril one on one...As Mike has indicated, he’s utilizing his platform to educate folks. He’s been down here in the community with the NAACP...I really applaud his courage and commitment to stand firm in his beliefs despite what has happened to Colin Kaepernick."
August 8, 2017
King County NAACP Decries Officers Riding Behind Families of Police Shooting Victims at Umoja Fest
The Stranger SLOG
On August 5, community members gathered in the heart of the Central District to celebrate the Umoja Fest African Heritage Festival and Parade. Aside from marching bands and dance groups, family members of Giovonn Joseph-McDade, Charleena Lyles, and Che Taylor, all of who were fatally shot by police, called for police accountability and justice as they walked down 23rd Avenue. Parade onlookers echoed their calls as they walked by, but fell into "dead silence" when they saw about 10 Seattle Police officers biking directly behind the three families, said Sheley Secrest, vice president of the King County NAACP.
July 29, 2017
Seahawk Michael Bennett helps lead benefit in the park for Charleena Lyles' family
The Seattle Times
The rally and benefit, also hosted by the local NAACP, marks the latest community response to the fatal shooting of Charleena Lyles by police last month.
June 19, 2017
Pregnant Mother Shot Dead by Cops Whom She Called for Help
NBC News
"What police are touting as improvements, we rebuke," said Gerald Hankerson, president of the NAACP of Seattle-King County. "If you ask the black community, things are just as bad today as they were before the consent decree so what it the point of even having one," he said.
Fatal shooting of African-American women by white officers in Seattle prompts community outrage
Seattle Times
“This young woman was shot down like a dog,’’ said KL Shannon, a community organizer who chairs the Seattle King County NAACP’s police-accountability efforts. “The question is why? They could have Tased her. She was 75 pounds. They could have overpowered her.”
June 2, 2017
Next Stop on the Upzone Train: The Central District
Seattle Weekly
Sheley Secrest, a vice president with the Seattle King County NAACP and candidate for city council position 8 (the seat that sitting councilmember Tim Burgess will vacate next year), was blunter in her assessment of MHA’s potential effectiveness in the Central District. “I believe they [the city] are simply looking at affordable housing and not looking at who is being left out of that,” she said. “That will not stop displacement and do nothing for gentrification.”
June 1, 2017
Repealing Obamacare will disproportionately harm black people and people of color
South Seatttle Emerald
OpEd by President Hankerson
Blacks maintain the highest unemployment rate in King County. Trumpcare targets precisely these populations for the elimination health care. In our state and across the country people of color will be forced into medical debt, which is the biggest barrier for wealth in communities of color.
May 19, 2017
It's Time for Real Police Reform in Seattle
Seattle SLOG
Guest Editorial: by 2nd Vice President Sheley Secrest I strongly rebuke the veracity of a recent survey proclaiming blacks have a 62 percent approval rating of the Seattle Police Department. As a leader of the local NAACP, our office receives too many complaints from blacks feeling targeted while participating in protests; too many calls from Black families looking for accountability for the circumstances surrounding the death of their loved ones; and too many hashtags demanding the basic acknowledgment that Black Lives Matter.
March 23, 2017
Ethnic Studies Courses Break Down Barriers and Benefit Everyone - So Why the Resistance?
Yes! Magazine
“I talked to a lot of these students and one of the things they tell me is that they don’t see themselves in the curriculum,” says Rita Green, Seattle/King County NAACP education chair. “We need to add the contributions of all cultures. If students aren’t learning it in schools, [in many cases] they won’t learn it at all.”
March 17, 2017
Educators, Students Press School Board tp Scrap "Whitewashed" History Lessons
Seattle Weekly
It hasn’t been voted on yet, nor is it clear where the money and resources would come from to implement it. But after hearing a flood of public testimony Wednesday evening, mostly from youth of color, members of the Board of Directors for Seattle Public Schools spoke eloquently — and unanimously — in favor of creating a mandatory ethnic studies curriculum.
Che Taylor Shooting: Dan Satterberg Wrong not to Press Charges against Two Seattle Police Officers who Shot and Killed Che Taylor
Seattle PI
The prosecutor’s decision clearly indicates that we need to change the Washington State deadly use of force law to remove references to malice and good faith, creating a clear pathway to accountability and transparency within our police department. This is not simply about the senseless death of Che Taylor. It’s about fixing our criminal justice system so that it actually makes our communities safer, instead of leaving people of color vulnerable to police brutality and excessive use of force.”
March 16, 2017
No Charges Filed in Shooting Death of Che Taylor
Seattle Medium
“This is not simply about the senseless death of Che Taylor,” the statement continued. “It’s about fixing our criminal justice system so that it actually makes our communities safer, instead of leaving people of color vulnerable to police brutality and excessive use of force.”
March 14, 2017
Prosecutors won't file charges against police in killings
Kitsap Sun
March 9, 2017
Seattle Schools may make ethnic studies mandatory
KUOW - AUDIO
"In Washington state, it’s mandatory that you have to teach Native American history, but it’s not mandatory that you have to teach ethnic studies for other cultures," said Rita Green, the NAACP Education Chair. (Tribal history became mandatory in 2015.) "Being that we are so culturally diverse, it's very important that that happens."
February 24, 2017
Black Contractor Files Suit Against WSOT, Seattle Tunnels Project
Seattle Medium
February 5, 2017
We need answers in police shooting death of Che Taylor
OpEd by President Hankerson
The Seattle Times
January 19, 2017
Sheley Secrest announces run for city council
Seattle Medium
January 18, 2017
NAACP launches movement to make ethnic studies mandatory in Seattle schools
Seattle Weekly
Sheley Secrest, an NAACP leader, launches run for Seattle City Council
Seattle Times
January 17, 2017
NAACP advocates for ethnic studies in Seattle Public Schools
South Seattle Emerald
January 16, 2016
NAACP proposes mandatory ethnic studies in Seattle schools
KUOW
October 25, 2016
Poll shows increased approval of Seattle Police, but evidence of discrimination remains
Seattle Weekly
Seattle principal apologizes for blacks-only senior pledge
Seattle Times
October 21, 2016
Two rival high school football teams take part in "Peace Circle"
Q13 Fox News
October 19, 2016
Parents claim Seattle high school singled out African American kids out with scholar pledge
WTSP - Tampa Bay
Some tough questions about the Michael Bennett Situation
Sports Illustrated
“In fact we feel we’ll boycott in a different way by showing up to support Mike Bennett during his games when he chooses not to stand [for the national anthem],” Hankerson said. “To stand in support of him, to not let what happened to Colin [Kaepernick] happen to him. … That’s the way we can really send a message when we kneel down rather than recognizing a flag that doesn’t recognize us as a people.”
August 29, 2017
MLK Celebration Honors Civil Rights Leaders and Elusive Dreams
South Seattle Emerald
“We’re tired of the same old people saying the same old things y’all. It’s time for some new faces and some new blood and some new energy to move Seattle. We’re not going to move until we get these young folks engaged,” said NAACP President Gerald Hankerson, “we can talk all we want to right now about Martin Luther King but we don’t know where [young people] are right now in our community.”
August 26, 2017
How NAACP Leaders in NFL cities view Colin Kaepernick and the Anthem Protests
Sports Illustrated
“Our complete involvement from the branch level is that I’ve been working with [Seahawks players] Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril one on one...As Mike has indicated, he’s utilizing his platform to educate folks. He’s been down here in the community with the NAACP...I really applaud his courage and commitment to stand firm in his beliefs despite what has happened to Colin Kaepernick."
August 8, 2017
King County NAACP Decries Officers Riding Behind Families of Police Shooting Victims at Umoja Fest
The Stranger SLOG
On August 5, community members gathered in the heart of the Central District to celebrate the Umoja Fest African Heritage Festival and Parade. Aside from marching bands and dance groups, family members of Giovonn Joseph-McDade, Charleena Lyles, and Che Taylor, all of who were fatally shot by police, called for police accountability and justice as they walked down 23rd Avenue. Parade onlookers echoed their calls as they walked by, but fell into "dead silence" when they saw about 10 Seattle Police officers biking directly behind the three families, said Sheley Secrest, vice president of the King County NAACP.
July 29, 2017
Seahawk Michael Bennett helps lead benefit in the park for Charleena Lyles' family
The Seattle Times
The rally and benefit, also hosted by the local NAACP, marks the latest community response to the fatal shooting of Charleena Lyles by police last month.
June 19, 2017
Pregnant Mother Shot Dead by Cops Whom She Called for Help
NBC News
"What police are touting as improvements, we rebuke," said Gerald Hankerson, president of the NAACP of Seattle-King County. "If you ask the black community, things are just as bad today as they were before the consent decree so what it the point of even having one," he said.
Fatal shooting of African-American women by white officers in Seattle prompts community outrage
Seattle Times
“This young woman was shot down like a dog,’’ said KL Shannon, a community organizer who chairs the Seattle King County NAACP’s police-accountability efforts. “The question is why? They could have Tased her. She was 75 pounds. They could have overpowered her.”
June 2, 2017
Next Stop on the Upzone Train: The Central District
Seattle Weekly
Sheley Secrest, a vice president with the Seattle King County NAACP and candidate for city council position 8 (the seat that sitting councilmember Tim Burgess will vacate next year), was blunter in her assessment of MHA’s potential effectiveness in the Central District. “I believe they [the city] are simply looking at affordable housing and not looking at who is being left out of that,” she said. “That will not stop displacement and do nothing for gentrification.”
June 1, 2017
Repealing Obamacare will disproportionately harm black people and people of color
South Seatttle Emerald
OpEd by President Hankerson
Blacks maintain the highest unemployment rate in King County. Trumpcare targets precisely these populations for the elimination health care. In our state and across the country people of color will be forced into medical debt, which is the biggest barrier for wealth in communities of color.
May 19, 2017
It's Time for Real Police Reform in Seattle
Seattle SLOG
Guest Editorial: by 2nd Vice President Sheley Secrest I strongly rebuke the veracity of a recent survey proclaiming blacks have a 62 percent approval rating of the Seattle Police Department. As a leader of the local NAACP, our office receives too many complaints from blacks feeling targeted while participating in protests; too many calls from Black families looking for accountability for the circumstances surrounding the death of their loved ones; and too many hashtags demanding the basic acknowledgment that Black Lives Matter.
March 23, 2017
Ethnic Studies Courses Break Down Barriers and Benefit Everyone - So Why the Resistance?
Yes! Magazine
“I talked to a lot of these students and one of the things they tell me is that they don’t see themselves in the curriculum,” says Rita Green, Seattle/King County NAACP education chair. “We need to add the contributions of all cultures. If students aren’t learning it in schools, [in many cases] they won’t learn it at all.”
March 17, 2017
Educators, Students Press School Board tp Scrap "Whitewashed" History Lessons
Seattle Weekly
It hasn’t been voted on yet, nor is it clear where the money and resources would come from to implement it. But after hearing a flood of public testimony Wednesday evening, mostly from youth of color, members of the Board of Directors for Seattle Public Schools spoke eloquently — and unanimously — in favor of creating a mandatory ethnic studies curriculum.
Che Taylor Shooting: Dan Satterberg Wrong not to Press Charges against Two Seattle Police Officers who Shot and Killed Che Taylor
Seattle PI
The prosecutor’s decision clearly indicates that we need to change the Washington State deadly use of force law to remove references to malice and good faith, creating a clear pathway to accountability and transparency within our police department. This is not simply about the senseless death of Che Taylor. It’s about fixing our criminal justice system so that it actually makes our communities safer, instead of leaving people of color vulnerable to police brutality and excessive use of force.”
March 16, 2017
No Charges Filed in Shooting Death of Che Taylor
Seattle Medium
“This is not simply about the senseless death of Che Taylor,” the statement continued. “It’s about fixing our criminal justice system so that it actually makes our communities safer, instead of leaving people of color vulnerable to police brutality and excessive use of force.”
March 14, 2017
Prosecutors won't file charges against police in killings
Kitsap Sun
March 9, 2017
Seattle Schools may make ethnic studies mandatory
KUOW - AUDIO
"In Washington state, it’s mandatory that you have to teach Native American history, but it’s not mandatory that you have to teach ethnic studies for other cultures," said Rita Green, the NAACP Education Chair. (Tribal history became mandatory in 2015.) "Being that we are so culturally diverse, it's very important that that happens."
February 24, 2017
Black Contractor Files Suit Against WSOT, Seattle Tunnels Project
Seattle Medium
February 5, 2017
We need answers in police shooting death of Che Taylor
OpEd by President Hankerson
The Seattle Times
January 19, 2017
Sheley Secrest announces run for city council
Seattle Medium
January 18, 2017
NAACP launches movement to make ethnic studies mandatory in Seattle schools
Seattle Weekly
Sheley Secrest, an NAACP leader, launches run for Seattle City Council
Seattle Times
January 17, 2017
NAACP advocates for ethnic studies in Seattle Public Schools
South Seattle Emerald
January 16, 2016
NAACP proposes mandatory ethnic studies in Seattle schools
KUOW
October 25, 2016
Poll shows increased approval of Seattle Police, but evidence of discrimination remains
Seattle Weekly
Seattle principal apologizes for blacks-only senior pledge
Seattle Times
October 21, 2016
Two rival high school football teams take part in "Peace Circle"
Q13 Fox News
October 19, 2016
Parents claim Seattle high school singled out African American kids out with scholar pledge
WTSP - Tampa Bay
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September 20, 2016
Seattle King County NAACP to Hold Election of New Officers Seattle Medium September 7, 2016 Doug Baldwin considers joining anthem protest King 5 News - VIDEO |
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August 15, 2016
Seattle council approves north precinct resolution amid jeers
MyNorthwest.com
"It is despicable that we have to come down here to have a conversation with you on something that the entire country objects. Not just Seattle,” Seattle-King County NAACP President Gerald Hankerson told the council. “I’m really disappointed that Ms. Gonzalez is not down here today to confront her. Because I feel like she’s being a coward to not face the people who object to this horrendous idea.”
Seattle council approves north precinct resolution amid jeers
MyNorthwest.com
"It is despicable that we have to come down here to have a conversation with you on something that the entire country objects. Not just Seattle,” Seattle-King County NAACP President Gerald Hankerson told the council. “I’m really disappointed that Ms. Gonzalez is not down here today to confront her. Because I feel like she’s being a coward to not face the people who object to this horrendous idea.”
July 12, 2016
Guest Essay: There's no doubt-institutional racism is real
by Comunications Chair Rachael DeCruz
The Seattle Times
Guest Essay: There's no doubt-institutional racism is real
by Comunications Chair Rachael DeCruz
The Seattle Times
July 11, 2016
King County NAACP says national must come together to address police shootings
KPUG 1170AM
King County NAACP says national must come together to address police shootings
KPUG 1170AM
KUOW.org
July 8, 2016
Will "Black Lives Matter" message get lost after Dallas shooting?
King 5 News - VIDEO
What can we do after this week? As special week in review call-in-show
KUOW - AUDIO - President Hankerson starts at 16:30
King 5 Special Report: Stand United
VIDEO - President Hankerson and Former Snohomish County Sheriff and Executive John Lovick
VIDEO - President Hankerson and Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste
King 5 News
Local NAACP president denounces horrific events in Dallas
Q13 Fox - VIDEO
Will "Black Lives Matter" message get lost after Dallas shooting?
King 5 News - VIDEO
What can we do after this week? As special week in review call-in-show
KUOW - AUDIO - President Hankerson starts at 16:30
King 5 Special Report: Stand United
VIDEO - President Hankerson and Former Snohomish County Sheriff and Executive John Lovick
VIDEO - President Hankerson and Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste
King 5 News
Local NAACP president denounces horrific events in Dallas
Q13 Fox - VIDEO
President Hankerson speaking with Herb Weisbaum about the events in Dallas
April 23, 2016
Seattle's Uncle Ike's Pot Shop Protesters Question City's Double Standard
Seattle PI
Over half a dozen organizations including a Black Student Union and the NAACP called out the City of Seattle and Mayor Ed Murray on what appears to be double standards in allowing a Pot Shop to skirt distance laws next to Mt. Calvary Church and their Teen Center in Seattle’s Central District.
April 22, 2016
As sales boom, pot shops have become the new face of gentrification
Grist
Marijuana legalization didn’t cause the recent wave of gentrification in Seattle. By most accounts, the tech industry did that. Nevertheless, there’s no question that the Central District is changing, dramatically, and the legal weed business is the latest symbol of the rapidly gentrifying neighborhood.
Seattle's Uncle Ike's Pot Shop Protesters Question City's Double Standard
Seattle PI
Over half a dozen organizations including a Black Student Union and the NAACP called out the City of Seattle and Mayor Ed Murray on what appears to be double standards in allowing a Pot Shop to skirt distance laws next to Mt. Calvary Church and their Teen Center in Seattle’s Central District.
April 22, 2016
As sales boom, pot shops have become the new face of gentrification
Grist
Marijuana legalization didn’t cause the recent wave of gentrification in Seattle. By most accounts, the tech industry did that. Nevertheless, there’s no question that the Central District is changing, dramatically, and the legal weed business is the latest symbol of the rapidly gentrifying neighborhood.
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April 21, 2016 PHOTOS: Unity on Union protest blocks Uncle Ike's 4/20 party Seattle Globalist Uncle Ike’s, located where many young African Americans were arrested for selling pot over the past decades, has become a symbol of gentrification and a lightning rod for protest, with artist Draze producing a single about it called “Irony on 23rd” and artist Spekulation also addressing it in his song “Uncle Ike.” April 20, 2016 On National Weed Day, Another Protest Against the Central District's Uncle Ike Pot Shop The Stranger Activist and NAACP Economic Chair Sheley Secrest explaining her reasons for the protest: |
NAACP leader Sheley Secrest speaks to high school students in front of Garfield Community Center before the march and rally. (Photo by Naomi Ishisaka)
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Protestors march on Seattle's Uncle Ike's pot shop
The Seattle Times
Protesters, mostly representing African-American groups, marched on Uncle Ike’s pot shop in Seattle’s Central District Wednesday, saying the store is too close to a local church’s teen center.
'Irony on 23rd:' Seattle 4/20 protest against gentrification at pot shop
Liberation
At issue is the “irony” of a massive white-owned marijuana store, opened under the auspices of the state legalization initiative, at the corner of 23rd and Union, where countless young African Americans had been arrested (and some killed) in the “War on Drugs” for doing exactly the same thing–selling marijuana. In fact, one speaker at the rally in the intersection, LeShawn Gamble of Tacoma, a veteran, explained how he served one year and one day for selling four “blunts,” current value about $40. Gamble is now the founder of Renaissance 21, an arts, activism and advocacy business for disenfranchised youth.
Happy 4/20? Protest again targets Central District's Uncle Ike's
Capital Hill Blog
The local wing of the NAACP also continues to challenge the legality of the business. “These types of stores, weed stores, that doesn’t happen in white neighborhoods,” Sheley Secrest, the vice president and Chair of Economic Development for the Seattle King County chapter of the NAACPtold the Seattle Globalist. “Mothers, parents, everyone would be outraged at the idea of a store selling these types of drugs within a 500 foot you know radius of where children hang out,” she said.
The Seattle Times
Protesters, mostly representing African-American groups, marched on Uncle Ike’s pot shop in Seattle’s Central District Wednesday, saying the store is too close to a local church’s teen center.
'Irony on 23rd:' Seattle 4/20 protest against gentrification at pot shop
Liberation
At issue is the “irony” of a massive white-owned marijuana store, opened under the auspices of the state legalization initiative, at the corner of 23rd and Union, where countless young African Americans had been arrested (and some killed) in the “War on Drugs” for doing exactly the same thing–selling marijuana. In fact, one speaker at the rally in the intersection, LeShawn Gamble of Tacoma, a veteran, explained how he served one year and one day for selling four “blunts,” current value about $40. Gamble is now the founder of Renaissance 21, an arts, activism and advocacy business for disenfranchised youth.
Happy 4/20? Protest again targets Central District's Uncle Ike's
Capital Hill Blog
The local wing of the NAACP also continues to challenge the legality of the business. “These types of stores, weed stores, that doesn’t happen in white neighborhoods,” Sheley Secrest, the vice president and Chair of Economic Development for the Seattle King County chapter of the NAACPtold the Seattle Globalist. “Mothers, parents, everyone would be outraged at the idea of a store selling these types of drugs within a 500 foot you know radius of where children hang out,” she said.
Seattle demonstrators demands justice for
Che Taylor (Sage Photography)
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March 1, 2016
Executed by Seattle Police Department Socialist Worker Everybody should be at the table talking about this, because this isn't just an NAACP issue. This is a community issue. This is everybody's issue. Because tomorrow it could be you, or me...Just like Tamir Rice. Just like Michael Brown. Just like Eric Garner. And now it's our own here in Seattle, and the NAACP is done with this. We're not taking this no more. |
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February 29, 2016
Gerald Hankerson's rise from prisoner to civil rights leader King 5 News He eventually decided that his life and the lives of other black prisoners like him were worth fighting for. Hankerson created the Black Prisoners Caucus and became president of the Concerned Lifers Organization, inviting outside agencies and at-risk youth to come in, not just to learn from their mistakes, but to change the system."If all of the fathers are in here in this prison, then who is taking care of the young boys in the street? And I knew this was going to be a cycle for them to end up here just like most of us did," he said. Seattle lines up to money to help business owners amid street project Next City In response to mounting pressure from the community and the serious allegation from the NAACP, Murray relented on mitigation funds last week. The city has pulled together $400,000 from federal Community Development Block Grants and $250,000 from federal New Markets Tax Credits meant to support local development. |
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February 26, 2016
Two Former Police Officers Say Che Taylor Complied with Police
TheStranger.com
His death has become a rallying cry for Black Lives Matter protesters and the Seattle-King County NAACP, who say he obeyed police commands but was murdered in cold blood.
NAACP branch investigates fatal police shooting
The Philadelphia Tribune
Seattle-King County NAACP President Gerald Hankerson disputed the police account, contending that Che Taylor, 47, was trying to comply with police orders ...
Two Former Police Officers Say Che Taylor Complied with Police
TheStranger.com
His death has become a rallying cry for Black Lives Matter protesters and the Seattle-King County NAACP, who say he obeyed police commands but was murdered in cold blood.
NAACP branch investigates fatal police shooting
The Philadelphia Tribune
Seattle-King County NAACP President Gerald Hankerson disputed the police account, contending that Che Taylor, 47, was trying to comply with police orders ...
Sheley Secrest, a vice president for the King County NAACP, stands among demonstrators rally for Che Taylor, who was shot and killed Sunday by Seattle Police. (Photo by Jovelle Tamayo.)
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February 25, 2016
Che Taylor rally calls for firing of chief, criminal probe Seattle Globalist However the Seattle-King County NAACP President Gerald Hankerson disputed the account at a press conference this week and said Taylor was attempting to follow commands when he was shot. Hankerson also questioned whether the gun and suspected drugs that police reportedly found on Taylor could have been planted and that his past criminal history was irrelevant. |
Almost 100 Protesters Gathered Outside SPD Headquarters Today
The Stranger.com - Audio
A friend of Che Taylor stands near the demonstration in front of Seattle Police HQ...Gerald Hankerson, president of the Seattle-King County NAACP, responded.
Dozens protest in Seattle over fatal police shooting of Che Taylor
Q13 FOX - Video below
SEATTLE -- Dozens of people protesting the fatal Seattle police shooting of a black ... The Seattle-King County NAACP said Taylor wasn't reaching for a gun and the shooting
The Stranger.com - Audio
A friend of Che Taylor stands near the demonstration in front of Seattle Police HQ...Gerald Hankerson, president of the Seattle-King County NAACP, responded.
Dozens protest in Seattle over fatal police shooting of Che Taylor
Q13 FOX - Video below
SEATTLE -- Dozens of people protesting the fatal Seattle police shooting of a black ... The Seattle-King County NAACP said Taylor wasn't reaching for a gun and the shooting
Police killing of man in Seattle condemned by NAACP
ABC News
Paradise Post
Great News
Chicago Defender
Federal News Radio
SEATTLE (AP) — Civil rights leaders are condemning the fatal shooting of a black man by Seattle police and said Tuesday they have hired a law firm to investigate.
'Black Lives Matter' protesters demand firing of police chief after fatal shooting
The Seattle Times
Hankerson, of the NAACP, disputed the police account of Taylor’s shooting, saying he believes the video shows Taylor was putting his hands in the air and was attempting to comply with officers’ orders when he was shot. He also blasted police and the media for labeling Taylor, just hours after his death, as an “armed felon.”
ABC News
Paradise Post
Great News
Chicago Defender
Federal News Radio
SEATTLE (AP) — Civil rights leaders are condemning the fatal shooting of a black man by Seattle police and said Tuesday they have hired a law firm to investigate.
'Black Lives Matter' protesters demand firing of police chief after fatal shooting
The Seattle Times
Hankerson, of the NAACP, disputed the police account of Taylor’s shooting, saying he believes the video shows Taylor was putting his hands in the air and was attempting to comply with officers’ orders when he was shot. He also blasted police and the media for labeling Taylor, just hours after his death, as an “armed felon.”
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Fatal SPD shooting protest blocks Seattle traffic KIRO Seattle - Video “What you see, is the officer giving demands – 'raise your hand, get down,' and he did exactly as the officer commanded,” Seattle-King County NAACP President Gerald Hankseron. 'Che's Life Matters!': Marchers Protest Seattle Police Shooting KUOW News and Information A march protesting the police shooting of Che Taylor on Feb. 21 moves ... The local NAACP President calls Taylor's death “murder.” Attorney: Seattle police 'likely' missed critical steps before fatal shooting MyNorthwest.com Based on the video released by the Seattle Police Department earlier this week, attorney James Bible believes Taylor, 46, wasn't given proper instruction while being apprehended. The NAACP has called the encounter between police and Taylor an"execution." |
A protester displays a sign outside Seattle police headquarters on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016. - KUOW
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Protest over deadly police shooting blocks Downtown Seattle streets
KOMO 4 News
"After looking at the video and seeing all the facts, the Seattle-King County NAACP declared this as actually an execution by the Seattle Police Department of a man without even giving him due process or the ability to be seen by a jury of his peers," Hankerson said Tuesday.
NAACP: Seattle Community 'outraged' over 'execution' by police
MyNorthwest
The Seattle-King County NAACP is accusing the City of Seattle and its police force of mishandling an encounter with a black man that led to his death.
KOMO 4 News
"After looking at the video and seeing all the facts, the Seattle-King County NAACP declared this as actually an execution by the Seattle Police Department of a man without even giving him due process or the ability to be seen by a jury of his peers," Hankerson said Tuesday.
NAACP: Seattle Community 'outraged' over 'execution' by police
MyNorthwest
The Seattle-King County NAACP is accusing the City of Seattle and its police force of mishandling an encounter with a black man that led to his death.
Seattle-King County NAACP: We Don't Want the 23rd Avenue project shut down
TheStranger.com
While the NAACP has indeed been sharply critical of the city's handling of the 23rd Avenue project, the group's vice president tells The Stranger they're not asking for it to be shut down completely.
For 23rd Ave. Business, Helping Hand From Murray Raises New Set of Questions
Seattle Weekly
In response to an allegation made by the head of the Seattle NAACP Gerard Hankerson that the project is a purposeful attempt to push out black business owners and gentrify the neighborhood, the city will “take a close look” at the project to find if it’s intrinsically racist.
TheStranger.com
While the NAACP has indeed been sharply critical of the city's handling of the 23rd Avenue project, the group's vice president tells The Stranger they're not asking for it to be shut down completely.
For 23rd Ave. Business, Helping Hand From Murray Raises New Set of Questions
Seattle Weekly
In response to an allegation made by the head of the Seattle NAACP Gerard Hankerson that the project is a purposeful attempt to push out black business owners and gentrify the neighborhood, the city will “take a close look” at the project to find if it’s intrinsically racist.
The NAACP will conduct its own investigation into the death of Che Taylor. Crosscut
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Seattle's latest police shooting: 3 dynamics shaping the fallout
Crosscut “Anyone who believed the DOJ could change anything here is silly,” said NAACP’s Attorney James Bible. “This is not a model of reform. This is a model of how to perpetuate wrongdoings.” |
February 24, 2016
Seattle Police Shooting Was 'Cold-Blooded Murder,' NAACP Head Says
Seattle Sun Times
Emotions running high, about 100 people gathered at the site of the shooting in Northeast Seattle last night. Che Taylor, 47, was shot by police in the Wedgwood neighborhood, in the 2200 block of 85th Avenue Northeast. They heard prayers, memories and anguish from Che Taylor’s mother, Joyce. “My heart is broke, that was my baby, that was my love,” she said.
NAACP Plans Investigation After Seattle Police Shooting As Family Mourns
KUOW News and Information- AUDIO
To her family and the Seattle- King County chapter of the NAACP, Taylor's death resembles the cases that prompted the Black Lives Matter movement.
NAACP leaders protest deadly Seattle shooting of black man
KGMI (AP)
Seattle-King County NAACP leaders are condemning the deadly Seattle police shooting of a black man..
NAACP: Seattle community 'outraged' over 'execution' by police
MyNorthwest.com
The Seattle-King County NAACP is accusing the City of Seattle and its police force of mishandling an encounter with a black man that led to his death.
Video produces more questions than answers in fatal shooting of black man
Seattle Medium
February 23, 2016
NAACP calls Seattle police killing of Che Taylor 'cold-blooded murder'
Q13 FOX - VIDEO
SEATTLE (AP) — Seattle-King County NAACP leaders are condemning the fatal shooting of a black man by Seattle police and say they've hired a law firm to investigate.
Seattle NAACP leader calls police shooting of black man cold-blooded murder'
The Seattle Times
Gerald Hankerson, head of the Seattle-King County NAACP, said “our community is outraged” by the death of Che Taylor during a street confrontation Sunday in Northeast Seattle.
NAACP: Police shooting a 'cold-blooded murder'
Seattle PI - photos from press conference
President of the Seattle-King County NAACP chapter Gerald Hankerson (center) speaks to members of the media, Tuesday, surrounded by the friends and family of Che Taylor.
NAACP leader calls Seattle police shooting 'cold blooded murder'
KOMO News
SEATTLE -- In a heated Tuesday afternoon press conference, the head of King County's NAACP chapter said the man shot and killed by Seattle police on Sunday was a victim of 'cold-blooded murder.'
NAACP calls SPD shooting 'cold blooded murder'
KIRO Seattle - VIDEO
Members of the Seattle-King County chapter of the NAACP said they demand justice in the death of a man fatally shot by Seattle police.
City ponies up $650k for businesses impacted by construction
Crosscut
Responding to intense complaints, Mayor Ed Murray said Monday he would make $650,000 in federal grant money and tax credits available to small businesses along 23rd Avenue, which are bending under the weight of road construction. Many of the business are minority owned and the mayor painted the decision — which goes against general city policy forbidding mitigation funds to private businesses — as largely a question of race and equity.
City Hall relents: $650k fund for 23rd Ave small businesses
Capital Hill Seattle Blog
The money comes on top of a response pledged earlier this month involving marketing funding and better coordination with the city. Last week, Sawant called together a collection of local business owners and city staff to discuss the need for more work to solve the problems. Business owners included Mae of 701 Coffee, Justin Gerardy of Standard Brewing, Nop Zay of Mamas Cafe, andSaad Ali of 99 Cent Plus. Seattle King County NAACP president Gerald Hankerson also attended the public meeting.
Should the City Stop Doing Road Repairs/Upgrades in the Central District
The Stranger
Seattle-King County NAACP President Gerald Hankerson describes the project on 23rd another "weed and seed" effort to push black people out of the Central District.
February 22, 2016
Raw Video of Che Taylor Press Conference
KIRO News
City Will Offer Small Businesses on 23rd Avenue $650,000 in Mitigation Money
The Stranger
Murray was also on the defensive today about recent statements from Seattle-King County NAACP President Gerald Hankerson, who has publicly criticized the handling of the project as a part of an ongoing effort to gentrify the Central District.
Seattle-King County NAACP Identifies Victim of Yesterday's Police Shooting as Che Taylor
The Stranger
On Sunday, Seattle police shot and killed Che Taylor, a black man from Seattle who was well-known in the community and deeply beloved, Seattle-King County President Gerald Hankerson said this morning.
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February 21, 2016
Ban The Box & Seattle's $15/Hr Minimum Wage Dr. Sheley Secrest, Vice President of the Seattle NAACP joined us for a interview. We spoke on Seattle's $15/hr minimum wage, ban the box, the current presidential race, and black lives matter. |
February 20, 2016
South Seattle College accused of allowing discrimination
KXLY Spokane
Seattle-King County NAACP President Gerald Hankerson said Friday at a news conference that people truly don't feel safe at the West Seattle school.
Members of the local NAACP are calling the South Seattle College campus a toxic environment due to alleged harassment, discrimination and bullying.
Greenfield Daily Reporter
SEATTLE — Seattle King County NAACP President Gerald Hankerson said Friday at a news conference that people truly don't feel safe at the West Seattle school.
South Seattle College accused of allowing discrimination
KXLY Spokane
Seattle-King County NAACP President Gerald Hankerson said Friday at a news conference that people truly don't feel safe at the West Seattle school.
Members of the local NAACP are calling the South Seattle College campus a toxic environment due to alleged harassment, discrimination and bullying.
Greenfield Daily Reporter
SEATTLE — Seattle King County NAACP President Gerald Hankerson said Friday at a news conference that people truly don't feel safe at the West Seattle school.
Members of the local NAACP are calling the South Seattle College campus a toxic environment due to alleged harassment, discrimination and bullying
Associated Press Article:
Washington Times
Bellingham Harald
Daily Journal
Seattle King County NAACP President Gerald Hankerson said Friday at a news conference that people truly don't feel safe at the West Seattle school. The conference was held jointly with the Washington Federation of State Employees, the union that represents some college employees.
February 19, 2016
NAACP alleges toxic atmosphere at South Seattle College
KIRO 7 News
Associated Press Article:
Washington Times
Bellingham Harald
Daily Journal
Seattle King County NAACP President Gerald Hankerson said Friday at a news conference that people truly don't feel safe at the West Seattle school. The conference was held jointly with the Washington Federation of State Employees, the union that represents some college employees.
February 19, 2016
NAACP alleges toxic atmosphere at South Seattle College
KIRO 7 News
South Seattle College accused of ignoring discrimination, bullying
The Seattle Times
Rita Green, educational chair of the Seattle King County NAACP, outlined a list of 11 demands aimed at fixing the issues the group sees...She said the group wants to discuss the issues with the college’s board of trustees during its March 10 meeting.
NAACP alleges toxic atmosphere at South Seattle College
KIRO 7 - VIDEO
The Seattle NAACP today accused South Seattle College of tolerating a toxic atmosphere of bullying and discrimination that includes racist symbols scrawled on bathroom walls.
February 17, 2016
Good News and Bad News for Mayor Murray: Council grills Mayor staff about treatment of minority businesses on 23rd Avenue
Seattle Met
“The city has actually orchestrated this plan,” Hankerson said, “to be able to gentrify this community, because the intention is for these businesses to be gone for the new CD to come into place. We know the Vulcans and the corporations want this central area. We know the new CD…what it’s supposed to look like.”
City and Neighborhood Disagree About Who's Getting Jobs on 23rd Avenue Construction. Here's why they're both right
The Stranger
"I don't know what they've got on paper," Seattle-King County NAACP President Gerald Hankerson told me Monday when I told him about the city's numbers.
The Seattle Times
Rita Green, educational chair of the Seattle King County NAACP, outlined a list of 11 demands aimed at fixing the issues the group sees...She said the group wants to discuss the issues with the college’s board of trustees during its March 10 meeting.
NAACP alleges toxic atmosphere at South Seattle College
KIRO 7 - VIDEO
The Seattle NAACP today accused South Seattle College of tolerating a toxic atmosphere of bullying and discrimination that includes racist symbols scrawled on bathroom walls.
February 17, 2016
Good News and Bad News for Mayor Murray: Council grills Mayor staff about treatment of minority businesses on 23rd Avenue
Seattle Met
“The city has actually orchestrated this plan,” Hankerson said, “to be able to gentrify this community, because the intention is for these businesses to be gone for the new CD to come into place. We know the Vulcans and the corporations want this central area. We know the new CD…what it’s supposed to look like.”
City and Neighborhood Disagree About Who's Getting Jobs on 23rd Avenue Construction. Here's why they're both right
The Stranger
"I don't know what they've got on paper," Seattle-King County NAACP President Gerald Hankerson told me Monday when I told him about the city's numbers.
NAACP: Progressive Seattle purposefully pushing out black owned businesses
MyNorthwest.com
"It's clear that for years now the central area of Seattle has been ground zero for gentrification. We've seen those impacts and the erosion in those communities for the past 30 years," Hankerson said.
February 16, 2016
Construction & Destruction
The Stranger
"While we're in a so-called recovery, there's no effort from anybody locally, at the state level, or federally to help these struggling mom and pop shops in the neighborhood. They're just sitting here watching them die. That should be criminal." - President Hankerson
Help us survive road project, 23rd Avenue's small business owners beg Seattle Council
Seattle Times
After hearing from the business owners and Seattle King County NAACP President Gerald Hankerson, several council members said they would try to find some way. Hankerson linked the project to gentrification of the Central District, long the heart of Seattle’s black communities. Most of the small businesses along 23rd Avenue are owned by people of color, and many have been in the neighborhood for decades.
February 9, 2016
The other question businesses on 23rd Avenue are asking: Where are the workers of color?
The Stranger
Small business owners on 23rd Ave in the Central District are demanding a response from the city about a construction project they say threatens the very existence of their businesses. They want to know why the city won't pay them mitigation money, as it did for projects on the waterfront in 2014. They're also wondering about something else: Why aren't there more workers of color on the project? That question is particularly important as the work tears up a stretch of street in the Central District, a neighborhood Seattle King County NAACP President Gerald Hankerson described to the city council this morning as "ground zero of gentrification."
February 2, 2016
NAACP launches program to improve Seattle race relations
King5 News
SEATTLE -- February is Black History Month and, this year, it marks the start of a campaign for a new initiative in Seattle aimed creating positive race relations. The Seattle and King County NAACP is behind the effort...“In order to move the conversation forward in a productive way, we have to be talking about institutional and structural racism and how that plays out in our communities,” said DeCruz. Both Steele and DeCruz say that, with a little effort, creating better race relations doesn't have to be difficult. “The biggest thing is the unknown,” said Steele. “People have to get to know each other.”
January 11, 2016
What we talked about at Center for Policing Equity meeting on SPD crowd control tactics
Capital Hill Seattle Blog
Sheley Secrest, the vice president of the NAACP Seattle chapter was in attendance. “We echo those concerns of who was invited to sit at this table, not to put the burden back on us, so that we have to be the ones to engage the community,” she said. “At this point, the police department, you all know, these are the same activists, you guys know who we are. Let’s get the right people at the table for these types of meetings. Not where we have to engage them. It would mean a lot to the community to see you make that gesture.”
MyNorthwest.com
"It's clear that for years now the central area of Seattle has been ground zero for gentrification. We've seen those impacts and the erosion in those communities for the past 30 years," Hankerson said.
February 16, 2016
Construction & Destruction
The Stranger
"While we're in a so-called recovery, there's no effort from anybody locally, at the state level, or federally to help these struggling mom and pop shops in the neighborhood. They're just sitting here watching them die. That should be criminal." - President Hankerson
Help us survive road project, 23rd Avenue's small business owners beg Seattle Council
Seattle Times
After hearing from the business owners and Seattle King County NAACP President Gerald Hankerson, several council members said they would try to find some way. Hankerson linked the project to gentrification of the Central District, long the heart of Seattle’s black communities. Most of the small businesses along 23rd Avenue are owned by people of color, and many have been in the neighborhood for decades.
February 9, 2016
The other question businesses on 23rd Avenue are asking: Where are the workers of color?
The Stranger
Small business owners on 23rd Ave in the Central District are demanding a response from the city about a construction project they say threatens the very existence of their businesses. They want to know why the city won't pay them mitigation money, as it did for projects on the waterfront in 2014. They're also wondering about something else: Why aren't there more workers of color on the project? That question is particularly important as the work tears up a stretch of street in the Central District, a neighborhood Seattle King County NAACP President Gerald Hankerson described to the city council this morning as "ground zero of gentrification."
February 2, 2016
NAACP launches program to improve Seattle race relations
King5 News
SEATTLE -- February is Black History Month and, this year, it marks the start of a campaign for a new initiative in Seattle aimed creating positive race relations. The Seattle and King County NAACP is behind the effort...“In order to move the conversation forward in a productive way, we have to be talking about institutional and structural racism and how that plays out in our communities,” said DeCruz. Both Steele and DeCruz say that, with a little effort, creating better race relations doesn't have to be difficult. “The biggest thing is the unknown,” said Steele. “People have to get to know each other.”
January 11, 2016
What we talked about at Center for Policing Equity meeting on SPD crowd control tactics
Capital Hill Seattle Blog
Sheley Secrest, the vice president of the NAACP Seattle chapter was in attendance. “We echo those concerns of who was invited to sit at this table, not to put the burden back on us, so that we have to be the ones to engage the community,” she said. “At this point, the police department, you all know, these are the same activists, you guys know who we are. Let’s get the right people at the table for these types of meetings. Not where we have to engage them. It would mean a lot to the community to see you make that gesture.”
November 9, 2015
Seattle Homeless Crisis: NAACP says City must look at race
KUOW
City and county leaders have declared a civil emergency on homelessness in Seattle. But some critics say what's been proposed is not enough. Sheley Secrest, the local NAACP's chair of economic development, said racial equity should be baked into the new emergency plan or it may not reach certain communities.
September 10, 2015
NAACP says rental discounts in Seattle are discriminatory
MyNorthwest
Housing advocates claim Seattle landlords are giving some tenants preferential treatment and now the NAACP says it's discriminatory...The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is criticizing the tactic. The Puget Sound Business Journal reports, Rita Green, education chairwoman of the Seattle King County chapter of the NAACP, noted that these companies are not racially diverse.
September 9, 2015
Seattle NAACP leader: Giving tech workers deals on rent is 'definitely discriminatory'
Puget Sound Business Journal
Rita Green, education chairwoman of the Seattle King County chapter of the NAACP, said the practice is flat-out wrong. By providing housing discounts for people from companies that aren't racially diverse, she said, landlords skew the city's housing supply toward whites."This is definitely discriminatory, because these companies don't hire people of color," she said.
August 26, 2015
Police Reform Advocates Say Federal Oversight Hasn't Gone Far Enough
The Stranger
Gerald Hankerson, the president of the local NAACP chapter that was part of the initial group that requested federal oversight of SPD, said he has little confidence in the reform process. "The community should have a chance to oversee the police," he said. "I get so frustrated when I hear people say we're making progress. The consent decree created all kinds of ways of measuring improvement, but those are not reflected in a changed reality on the ground. This is a technocratic process to get the people to think there's reform."
Federal Judge Calls The Stranger's Reporting on SPD "Inflammatory," but It's Clear He Learned from It
The Stranger
In this week's The Stranger, I wrote about how local police reform advocates are raising questions over federal oversight of the Seattle Police Department—in particular, about the degree of civilian oversight. "The consent decree created all kinds of ways of measuring improvement," said Seattle-King County NAACP President Gerald Hankerson. "But those are not reflected in a changed reality on the ground. This is a technocratic process to get the people to think there's reform."
August 21, 2015
Guest Editorial: Nine Ways to Be a White Ally in the Fight Against Institutional and Structural Racism
The Stranger
By Communications Chair, Rachael DeCruz:
When two #BlackLivesMatter activists disrupted a rally where Bernie Sanders was speaking, it pushed Seattle into the national spotlight. As our city continues to grapple with the complex and nuanced issues that were raised that day, our hope is that this leads to an ongoing dialogue about what it means to be a white ally in the fight to undo institutional and structural racism.
Supporters react as city burns hookah lounges in attempt to snuff out crime
Real Change
Gerald Hankerson, president of the Seattle King County naacp argued that the city is not moving as vigorously to ban other businesses or activities that cause public safety problems.
August 19, 2015
Huffington Post
Behind the Shiny Veneer of Seattle's White Liberalism
Today's #BlackLivesMatter movement is a direct extension of the Civil Rights Movement. We're still working to realize the dream of the generations that came before us. While the fight might look different, with the racism more carefully concealed through policies pretending to be colorblind, it is just as real.
August 12, 2015
Hookah lounge ban unfair and baseless, but not remotely racist
My Northwest
"We're blaming all of this violence on hookah lounges, but I have yet to see one strand of evidence that connects that [violence to hookah lounges]," said Gerald Hankerson, president of the King County NAACP. "This is racist at its best."
Council Member Nick Licata Asks Mayor Ed Murray to Rethink Shutting Down Hookah Lounges
The Stranger Blog
Gerald Hankerson, president of the Seattle-King County NAACP, decried an effort to "eliminate black businesses" amid widespread gentrification. He called on the city government to address systematic issues, including police reform and gentrification, before targeting hookah lounges.
Seattle says hello to gender-neutral bathrooms, goodbye to hookah lounges
My Northwest
Seattle-King County NAACP President Gerald Hankerson challenged the whole idea. "We're trying to blame all of this on violence and I've yet to see one single strand of evidence that identifies the hookah lounges as responsible for violence," Hankerson said. "We have a whole lot of evidence that alcohol is a common cause of drunk driving, but you're not moving to get alcohol out of your city."
Seattle Homeless Crisis: NAACP says City must look at race
KUOW
City and county leaders have declared a civil emergency on homelessness in Seattle. But some critics say what's been proposed is not enough. Sheley Secrest, the local NAACP's chair of economic development, said racial equity should be baked into the new emergency plan or it may not reach certain communities.
September 10, 2015
NAACP says rental discounts in Seattle are discriminatory
MyNorthwest
Housing advocates claim Seattle landlords are giving some tenants preferential treatment and now the NAACP says it's discriminatory...The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is criticizing the tactic. The Puget Sound Business Journal reports, Rita Green, education chairwoman of the Seattle King County chapter of the NAACP, noted that these companies are not racially diverse.
September 9, 2015
Seattle NAACP leader: Giving tech workers deals on rent is 'definitely discriminatory'
Puget Sound Business Journal
Rita Green, education chairwoman of the Seattle King County chapter of the NAACP, said the practice is flat-out wrong. By providing housing discounts for people from companies that aren't racially diverse, she said, landlords skew the city's housing supply toward whites."This is definitely discriminatory, because these companies don't hire people of color," she said.
August 26, 2015
Police Reform Advocates Say Federal Oversight Hasn't Gone Far Enough
The Stranger
Gerald Hankerson, the president of the local NAACP chapter that was part of the initial group that requested federal oversight of SPD, said he has little confidence in the reform process. "The community should have a chance to oversee the police," he said. "I get so frustrated when I hear people say we're making progress. The consent decree created all kinds of ways of measuring improvement, but those are not reflected in a changed reality on the ground. This is a technocratic process to get the people to think there's reform."
Federal Judge Calls The Stranger's Reporting on SPD "Inflammatory," but It's Clear He Learned from It
The Stranger
In this week's The Stranger, I wrote about how local police reform advocates are raising questions over federal oversight of the Seattle Police Department—in particular, about the degree of civilian oversight. "The consent decree created all kinds of ways of measuring improvement," said Seattle-King County NAACP President Gerald Hankerson. "But those are not reflected in a changed reality on the ground. This is a technocratic process to get the people to think there's reform."
August 21, 2015
Guest Editorial: Nine Ways to Be a White Ally in the Fight Against Institutional and Structural Racism
The Stranger
By Communications Chair, Rachael DeCruz:
When two #BlackLivesMatter activists disrupted a rally where Bernie Sanders was speaking, it pushed Seattle into the national spotlight. As our city continues to grapple with the complex and nuanced issues that were raised that day, our hope is that this leads to an ongoing dialogue about what it means to be a white ally in the fight to undo institutional and structural racism.
Supporters react as city burns hookah lounges in attempt to snuff out crime
Real Change
Gerald Hankerson, president of the Seattle King County naacp argued that the city is not moving as vigorously to ban other businesses or activities that cause public safety problems.
August 19, 2015
Huffington Post
Behind the Shiny Veneer of Seattle's White Liberalism
Today's #BlackLivesMatter movement is a direct extension of the Civil Rights Movement. We're still working to realize the dream of the generations that came before us. While the fight might look different, with the racism more carefully concealed through policies pretending to be colorblind, it is just as real.
August 12, 2015
Hookah lounge ban unfair and baseless, but not remotely racist
My Northwest
"We're blaming all of this violence on hookah lounges, but I have yet to see one strand of evidence that connects that [violence to hookah lounges]," said Gerald Hankerson, president of the King County NAACP. "This is racist at its best."
Council Member Nick Licata Asks Mayor Ed Murray to Rethink Shutting Down Hookah Lounges
The Stranger Blog
Gerald Hankerson, president of the Seattle-King County NAACP, decried an effort to "eliminate black businesses" amid widespread gentrification. He called on the city government to address systematic issues, including police reform and gentrification, before targeting hookah lounges.
Seattle says hello to gender-neutral bathrooms, goodbye to hookah lounges
My Northwest
Seattle-King County NAACP President Gerald Hankerson challenged the whole idea. "We're trying to blame all of this on violence and I've yet to see one single strand of evidence that identifies the hookah lounges as responsible for violence," Hankerson said. "We have a whole lot of evidence that alcohol is a common cause of drunk driving, but you're not moving to get alcohol out of your city."
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August 11, 2015
KIRO Radio NAACP President: the Mayor's Hookah Lounge Ban is Racist The King County NAACP Pres. Gerald Hankerson says Seattle Mayor Ed Murray's decision to ban hookah lounges is racist. |
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August 10, 2015
At Beacon Hill Freedom School, Students Build to Take Apart
South Seattle Emerald
Youth gain tools to help them combat systemic oppression at South End Freedom School.
Does Seattle Have Trouble Talking About Race?
KUOW - Audio
How Seattle reacted to the disruption of Bernie Sanders’ appearance at a rally this weekend reveals the city is still unwilling to honestly talk about race, an NAACP leader said Monday. Gerald Hankerson, president of Seattle-King County NAACP, told KUOW’s Todd Mundt that the incident shows that’s “a difficult conversation to have, even with your allies.”
4,000-plus hear about importance of Social Security, Medicare
The Stand
They got to hear Gerald Hankerson (right), President of the Seattle-King County NAACP, explain that Social Security is especially important to black Americans because they are less likely than whites to have pensions or retirement savings. In addition, blacks would be disproportionately harmed by proposals to raise the retirement age for Social Security because they have shorter life expectancies as compared to other races.
Black Lives Matter Marchers 'Really Shocked' At Sanders' Seattle Crowd
KUOW - Audio
"I was really shocked and just taken aback of the way the crowd reacted to the two young women that courageously took over the stage,” said K.L. Shannon, a board member with the Seattle NAACP chapter who marched. “It sent a clear message on how they really feel about black people."
Not first disruptive tactic for activist who hijacked the Bernie Sanders rally
Seattle Times
The Saturday protest, he said, was “two individuals doing their own independent action. But Gerald Hankerson, president of the Seattle King County NAACP, said Monday he doesn’t blame the women for seizing the opportunity at Sanders’ rally to call attention to their cause Saturday. “This is a man running for leadership of the country,” Hankerson said, and he should be asked about race. While Hankerson added that he had no opinion on the exact tactics the women used, he observed: “Civil disobedience and direct action have been cornerstones of activism as long as I’ve been around.”
August 9, 2015
Seattle Times
Black Lives Matter protesters shut down Bernie Sanders; later rally draws 15,000
Gerald Hankerson, president of the Seattle King County NAACP, said he was “torn” by the protest. Hankerson spoke at the Westlake rally and led the crowd at one point in a chant of “Black Lives Matter.” But he said he was surprised at how hostile some in the liberal crowd were to the protesters. “I know they were there to hear Bernie, but what was missed was the message of these two women,” Hankerson said. “I would have loved to have seen Bernie respond to what they wanted.”
August 6, 2015
Crosswalks marked with colors of Pan-African flag
Seattle Times
Seattle officials on Thursday said they will work with members of the Central District community to permanently paint crosswalks to honor the area’s history, a move that follows a similar city-led project on Capitol Hill to celebrate LGBTQ pride.
August 5, 2015
Groups say Seattle’s racial assessment of youth jail missed the mark
Seattle Times
NAACP notes that African Americans account for nearly 1 million of the 2.3 million people incarcerated nationwide. Blacks are 8 percent of King County’s youth but total half the juveniles in detention, King County Executive Dow Constantine said in his April 2015 State of the County address. “In 2015, we can’t deny that your ZIP code and the shade of your melanin will be the determinant of where you end up as an adult in your life,” said Sheley Secrest, Seattle King County NAACP economic chair.
July 24, 2015
Seattle Council Elections, District 3: Central District Worries About Gentrification
KPLU - Audio
Seattle’s Central District has long been the hub of the city’s African American community -- in part because until the late 1960’s, racist housing covenants and redlining prevented most blacks from living elsewhere in the city.
July 7, 2015
Seattle march held in solidarity with Charleston
King 5 News - Video
On Tuesday night, a show of solidarity for the Charleston church shooting victims wound its way through the streets of Seattle. Hundreds took part in the rally that began at First AME Church and then marched to Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park. As they marched, people chanted "Who stands with Charleston? Seattle stands with Charleston!".
Eight Photos From Last Night's #BlackLivesMatter March Against the Terrorist Attack in Charleston,
The Stranger Slog
Seattle-King County NAAP head Gerald Hankerson drew applause when he said the attack on the church represented terrorism. "This is not black or white," he said. "This is white supremacy versus humanity."
Seattle march held in solidarity for Charleston shooting victims
Seattle Sun Times
The Seattle NAACP teamed up with the Washington Christian Leadership Coalition to host the event and organizers say they were happy to see incredible diversity in the crowd.
CHS Pics | ‘Seattle stands with Charleston’
1,000 rallied and marched Tuesday night from 14th Ave’s First AME Church to Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park in solidarity with the Charleston 9.
June 18, 2015
Seattle church mourns South Carolina victims
King 5 News
SEATTLE - At First African Methodist Episcopal, instead of struggle through a difficult day, they opt to search for needed strength. A simple note left on the front door provides some support...Gerald Hankerson, President of Seattle King County NAACP, said it has been a long day and he has shed a lot of tears.
"The massacre that occurred there yesterday is nothing short of an act of terror," said Hankerson.
Prayer vigil at Seattle church for S.C. victims: ‘That could have been us’
Seattle Times
Speakers, including Mayor Ed Murray and City Councilmember Bruce Harrell, stressed the need for the community to move forward and address the issues stemming from racism and ignorance. “We are tired of failures and excuses to do something about it,” regional NAACP President Gerald Hankerson said.
CHS Pics | Capitol Hill’s F.A.M.E. holds vigil for South Carolina
Capital Hill Seattle Blog
Capitol Hill’s First African Methodist Episcopal held a vigil Thursday night to mark the deaths of nine people in the South Carolina church murders at Charleston’s Emanuel AME Church. “The massacre that occurred there yesterday was nothing short than an act of terrorism,” Seattle King County NAACP president Gerald Hankerson said as he addressed the crowd gathered inside the Capitol Hill church.
June 2, 2015
Is The Anti-Common Core Movement Just 'Suburban White Moms'?
National Journal
As opposition grows, so does the civil rights debate over testing..."The money they spend on those tests should be put in the classroom," Rita Green, education chair for the Seattle King County NAACP says.
May 7, 2015
Every Junior Walks Out on Common Core Test at Nathan Hale High School
The Skanner
Every one of the juniors at Nathan High School in Seattle followed a growing trend in schools across America last month by deciding not to take the Smarter Balance Assessment Curriculum—an exam designed around the controversial new Common Core standards. The 280 students will be earning a “0” for their boycott of the new test, but according to a Seattle Public Schools spokesperson, it’s an exam many juniors don’t need in order to graduate.
May 6, 2015
Civil rights groups blast parents opting their kids out of high-stakes tests. Why they are wrong
Washington Post
On April 7th Gerald Hankerson, the President of the Seattle/King County NAACP chapter launched a press conference against the new Common Core, Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC), tests, by saying, “…the Opt Out movement is a vital component of the Black Lives Matter movement and other struggles for social justice in our region. Using standardized tests to label Black people and immigrants ‘lesser,’ while systematically under-funding their schools, has a long and ugly history in this country.”
April 29, 2015
Valerie Strauss on NPE: “Teachers of the World, Unite! You Have Nothing to Lose But Your Rubrics! By dianeravitch
David Ravitch's Blog
The keynotes were wonderful. The panels were led by activists sharing what they had learned. Most of them had overflow crowds. One in particular was especially enlightening–Jesse Hagopian’s discussion of the racist history of standardized testing, accompanied by Rita Green, the Director of Education for the Seattle NAACP, which has endorsed the opt-out movement. Green told the audience that the NAACP locals do not share the enthusiasm of the national organization for standardized testing. The room for that session was packed, with audience members sitting on the floor and lining the walls.
NAACP accuses local school board of racist hiring practices
Kiro7 News
Local NAACP president Gerald Hankerson said he’s fed up and wants to see drastic change. “We have given you countless recommendations,” he said. “We have met with you on countless occasions, and you still don't seem to get it right.” Hankerson said the organization has been meeting with the district for months to help it diversify its teaching staff.
NAACP confronts Tukwila School Board
King5 News
NAACP President Gerald Hankerson said after months of working with the school district, diversity is still a big problem. "You are the reason they are failing. You are stunting their academic growth," said Hankerson. "You don't even look like the kids that go to this school. You don't even speak their language."
NAACP Slams Tukwila School District On Minority Hiring
KUOW
The Tukwila School District boasts one of the most diverse student bodies in the state. But the NAACP of Seattle-King County says the district isn't doing enough to hire teachers of color. The civil rights organization said it planned to confront the district’s board members Tuesday night about what it called “racist hiring practices.”
April 13, 2015
Garfield High delays state-mandated assessment test as junior class opts out
Capital Hill Seattle Blog
In a statement, NAACP’s Rita Green said “students of color are disproportionately underfunded and will disproportionately be labeled failing by the new SBAC test.”
April 7, 2015
Seattle leaders and activists react to S.C. shooting; call for action
Kiro 7
“This was execution,” said Gerald Hankerson, president of Seattle King County NAACP. “I refuse to believe that if that would have been a white man, the results would have been the same.”
Hankerson said he is glad South Carolina acted swiftly, but he said it is only a step toward justice in what he calls a “broken” system.
Meet Higher Standards? Seattle Teachers Say Funding Is Also Key
KUOW
Gerald Hankerson of the NAACP weighed in.
"The question is if you spend $200 million to administer a test, but you’re not going to be equipped to address the diverse pool of all the African kids and Somali kids here, then that in itself is a civil rights violation,” he said.
Teachers, parents speak out against SBAC standardized test
King 5
The teachers and parents gathered in the Seattle NAACP office Tuesday afternoon represent the growing "Opt-Out" movement against the new state required standardized test - a test that the majority of kids are predicted to fail.
Students opting out of Common Core exams
Seattle Times
March 20, 2015
Inside Outlook: Mass Incarceration
UW TV
February 18, 2015
Moving on Up
Real Change
Rainier Beach is not immune to issues of violent crime, with shootings, robberies, assaults and other incidents routinely occurring every year. KL Shannon, a member of the King County Seattle branch of the NAACP executive committee, called violence in the area an “age-old problem,” citing unemployment, gentrification and long-standing gang rivalries as factors.
January 29, 2015
ACT-SO on the Seattle Medium Podcast
The Seattle Medium
Rhythm & News interview by Chris Bennett with ACT-SO Chair Carolyn Riley-Payne about the NAACP ACT-SO Competition's, Seattle's recent national medalist and the upcoming competition season.
Seattle man arrested over golf club speaks out: Officer ‘knows she was out of control’
Q13 Fox News
VIDEO
Now the NAACP is calling for the officer’s termination, claiming the federally mandated reforms have still not changed officers’ behavior. “This is indicative of their behavior and attitude which is what we’re trying to change,” said Gerald Hankerson. ”We expect our police department to have the utmost respect and dignity, they should be the model of the nation of what we’re supposed to look like. I thought that’s what we supposed to get that after the DOJ left but here we are seeing the same thing over and over again.”
Desk duty for cop who arrested black man with golf club
The Seattle Times
Picked up by AfricanAmerica.org: Walking while Black: 69 year old veteran arrested...video from dashcam
Gerald Hankerson, president of the Seattle King County NAACP, said at a news conference Thursday that Wingate’s case bolstered the organization’s decades-long claim that Seattle police operate on bias. Outrage expressed by African Americans in Seattle has been overwhelming since stories on Wingate’s arrest made national news Wednesday, he said. “Termination is the only thing that we accept,” he said of Whitlatch. “She doesn’t deserve to wear that badge.” “We do not accept the apology,” he said. “We do not want someone like that walking around.” Hankerson said it’s especially disheartening because the arrest followed the federally initiated reforms. “Don’t say ‘training,’ don’t say ‘reform’ …,” he said. “The question is what is SPD going to do about it?”
How 'Grandfather In Our Community' Lost Faith In Seattle Police
KUOW
Gerald Hankerson, head of the Seattle King County NAACP, said Wingate was a family man. “He’s what we refer to as a grandfather in our community,” Hankerson said. “He’s a member of First AME church, he’s been carrying this golf club for 20 years. The community knows Mr. Wingate as someone who carries this golf club.”
“It’s sad to lose the sight of someone that actually been supportive of law enforcement, now looking at it in a different way,” he said.
Video shows Seattle police spraying teacher at MLK rally
USA Today via King 5 News
VIDEO
The NAACP filed the claim at Seattle City Hall Wednesday afternoon, against the city of Seattle and Seattle police. The civil rights group says the incident happened on the holiday a week ago, during a demonstration.
At Beacon Hill Freedom School, Students Build to Take Apart
South Seattle Emerald
Youth gain tools to help them combat systemic oppression at South End Freedom School.
Does Seattle Have Trouble Talking About Race?
KUOW - Audio
How Seattle reacted to the disruption of Bernie Sanders’ appearance at a rally this weekend reveals the city is still unwilling to honestly talk about race, an NAACP leader said Monday. Gerald Hankerson, president of Seattle-King County NAACP, told KUOW’s Todd Mundt that the incident shows that’s “a difficult conversation to have, even with your allies.”
4,000-plus hear about importance of Social Security, Medicare
The Stand
They got to hear Gerald Hankerson (right), President of the Seattle-King County NAACP, explain that Social Security is especially important to black Americans because they are less likely than whites to have pensions or retirement savings. In addition, blacks would be disproportionately harmed by proposals to raise the retirement age for Social Security because they have shorter life expectancies as compared to other races.
Black Lives Matter Marchers 'Really Shocked' At Sanders' Seattle Crowd
KUOW - Audio
"I was really shocked and just taken aback of the way the crowd reacted to the two young women that courageously took over the stage,” said K.L. Shannon, a board member with the Seattle NAACP chapter who marched. “It sent a clear message on how they really feel about black people."
Not first disruptive tactic for activist who hijacked the Bernie Sanders rally
Seattle Times
The Saturday protest, he said, was “two individuals doing their own independent action. But Gerald Hankerson, president of the Seattle King County NAACP, said Monday he doesn’t blame the women for seizing the opportunity at Sanders’ rally to call attention to their cause Saturday. “This is a man running for leadership of the country,” Hankerson said, and he should be asked about race. While Hankerson added that he had no opinion on the exact tactics the women used, he observed: “Civil disobedience and direct action have been cornerstones of activism as long as I’ve been around.”
August 9, 2015
Seattle Times
Black Lives Matter protesters shut down Bernie Sanders; later rally draws 15,000
Gerald Hankerson, president of the Seattle King County NAACP, said he was “torn” by the protest. Hankerson spoke at the Westlake rally and led the crowd at one point in a chant of “Black Lives Matter.” But he said he was surprised at how hostile some in the liberal crowd were to the protesters. “I know they were there to hear Bernie, but what was missed was the message of these two women,” Hankerson said. “I would have loved to have seen Bernie respond to what they wanted.”
August 6, 2015
Crosswalks marked with colors of Pan-African flag
Seattle Times
Seattle officials on Thursday said they will work with members of the Central District community to permanently paint crosswalks to honor the area’s history, a move that follows a similar city-led project on Capitol Hill to celebrate LGBTQ pride.
August 5, 2015
Groups say Seattle’s racial assessment of youth jail missed the mark
Seattle Times
NAACP notes that African Americans account for nearly 1 million of the 2.3 million people incarcerated nationwide. Blacks are 8 percent of King County’s youth but total half the juveniles in detention, King County Executive Dow Constantine said in his April 2015 State of the County address. “In 2015, we can’t deny that your ZIP code and the shade of your melanin will be the determinant of where you end up as an adult in your life,” said Sheley Secrest, Seattle King County NAACP economic chair.
July 24, 2015
Seattle Council Elections, District 3: Central District Worries About Gentrification
KPLU - Audio
Seattle’s Central District has long been the hub of the city’s African American community -- in part because until the late 1960’s, racist housing covenants and redlining prevented most blacks from living elsewhere in the city.
July 7, 2015
Seattle march held in solidarity with Charleston
King 5 News - Video
On Tuesday night, a show of solidarity for the Charleston church shooting victims wound its way through the streets of Seattle. Hundreds took part in the rally that began at First AME Church and then marched to Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park. As they marched, people chanted "Who stands with Charleston? Seattle stands with Charleston!".
Eight Photos From Last Night's #BlackLivesMatter March Against the Terrorist Attack in Charleston,
The Stranger Slog
Seattle-King County NAAP head Gerald Hankerson drew applause when he said the attack on the church represented terrorism. "This is not black or white," he said. "This is white supremacy versus humanity."
Seattle march held in solidarity for Charleston shooting victims
Seattle Sun Times
The Seattle NAACP teamed up with the Washington Christian Leadership Coalition to host the event and organizers say they were happy to see incredible diversity in the crowd.
CHS Pics | ‘Seattle stands with Charleston’
1,000 rallied and marched Tuesday night from 14th Ave’s First AME Church to Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park in solidarity with the Charleston 9.
June 18, 2015
Seattle church mourns South Carolina victims
King 5 News
SEATTLE - At First African Methodist Episcopal, instead of struggle through a difficult day, they opt to search for needed strength. A simple note left on the front door provides some support...Gerald Hankerson, President of Seattle King County NAACP, said it has been a long day and he has shed a lot of tears.
"The massacre that occurred there yesterday is nothing short of an act of terror," said Hankerson.
Prayer vigil at Seattle church for S.C. victims: ‘That could have been us’
Seattle Times
Speakers, including Mayor Ed Murray and City Councilmember Bruce Harrell, stressed the need for the community to move forward and address the issues stemming from racism and ignorance. “We are tired of failures and excuses to do something about it,” regional NAACP President Gerald Hankerson said.
CHS Pics | Capitol Hill’s F.A.M.E. holds vigil for South Carolina
Capital Hill Seattle Blog
Capitol Hill’s First African Methodist Episcopal held a vigil Thursday night to mark the deaths of nine people in the South Carolina church murders at Charleston’s Emanuel AME Church. “The massacre that occurred there yesterday was nothing short than an act of terrorism,” Seattle King County NAACP president Gerald Hankerson said as he addressed the crowd gathered inside the Capitol Hill church.
June 2, 2015
Is The Anti-Common Core Movement Just 'Suburban White Moms'?
National Journal
As opposition grows, so does the civil rights debate over testing..."The money they spend on those tests should be put in the classroom," Rita Green, education chair for the Seattle King County NAACP says.
May 7, 2015
Every Junior Walks Out on Common Core Test at Nathan Hale High School
The Skanner
Every one of the juniors at Nathan High School in Seattle followed a growing trend in schools across America last month by deciding not to take the Smarter Balance Assessment Curriculum—an exam designed around the controversial new Common Core standards. The 280 students will be earning a “0” for their boycott of the new test, but according to a Seattle Public Schools spokesperson, it’s an exam many juniors don’t need in order to graduate.
May 6, 2015
Civil rights groups blast parents opting their kids out of high-stakes tests. Why they are wrong
Washington Post
On April 7th Gerald Hankerson, the President of the Seattle/King County NAACP chapter launched a press conference against the new Common Core, Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC), tests, by saying, “…the Opt Out movement is a vital component of the Black Lives Matter movement and other struggles for social justice in our region. Using standardized tests to label Black people and immigrants ‘lesser,’ while systematically under-funding their schools, has a long and ugly history in this country.”
April 29, 2015
Valerie Strauss on NPE: “Teachers of the World, Unite! You Have Nothing to Lose But Your Rubrics! By dianeravitch
David Ravitch's Blog
The keynotes were wonderful. The panels were led by activists sharing what they had learned. Most of them had overflow crowds. One in particular was especially enlightening–Jesse Hagopian’s discussion of the racist history of standardized testing, accompanied by Rita Green, the Director of Education for the Seattle NAACP, which has endorsed the opt-out movement. Green told the audience that the NAACP locals do not share the enthusiasm of the national organization for standardized testing. The room for that session was packed, with audience members sitting on the floor and lining the walls.
NAACP accuses local school board of racist hiring practices
Kiro7 News
Local NAACP president Gerald Hankerson said he’s fed up and wants to see drastic change. “We have given you countless recommendations,” he said. “We have met with you on countless occasions, and you still don't seem to get it right.” Hankerson said the organization has been meeting with the district for months to help it diversify its teaching staff.
NAACP confronts Tukwila School Board
King5 News
NAACP President Gerald Hankerson said after months of working with the school district, diversity is still a big problem. "You are the reason they are failing. You are stunting their academic growth," said Hankerson. "You don't even look like the kids that go to this school. You don't even speak their language."
NAACP Slams Tukwila School District On Minority Hiring
KUOW
The Tukwila School District boasts one of the most diverse student bodies in the state. But the NAACP of Seattle-King County says the district isn't doing enough to hire teachers of color. The civil rights organization said it planned to confront the district’s board members Tuesday night about what it called “racist hiring practices.”
April 13, 2015
Garfield High delays state-mandated assessment test as junior class opts out
Capital Hill Seattle Blog
In a statement, NAACP’s Rita Green said “students of color are disproportionately underfunded and will disproportionately be labeled failing by the new SBAC test.”
April 7, 2015
Seattle leaders and activists react to S.C. shooting; call for action
Kiro 7
“This was execution,” said Gerald Hankerson, president of Seattle King County NAACP. “I refuse to believe that if that would have been a white man, the results would have been the same.”
Hankerson said he is glad South Carolina acted swiftly, but he said it is only a step toward justice in what he calls a “broken” system.
Meet Higher Standards? Seattle Teachers Say Funding Is Also Key
KUOW
Gerald Hankerson of the NAACP weighed in.
"The question is if you spend $200 million to administer a test, but you’re not going to be equipped to address the diverse pool of all the African kids and Somali kids here, then that in itself is a civil rights violation,” he said.
Teachers, parents speak out against SBAC standardized test
King 5
The teachers and parents gathered in the Seattle NAACP office Tuesday afternoon represent the growing "Opt-Out" movement against the new state required standardized test - a test that the majority of kids are predicted to fail.
Students opting out of Common Core exams
Seattle Times
March 20, 2015
Inside Outlook: Mass Incarceration
UW TV
February 18, 2015
Moving on Up
Real Change
Rainier Beach is not immune to issues of violent crime, with shootings, robberies, assaults and other incidents routinely occurring every year. KL Shannon, a member of the King County Seattle branch of the NAACP executive committee, called violence in the area an “age-old problem,” citing unemployment, gentrification and long-standing gang rivalries as factors.
January 29, 2015
ACT-SO on the Seattle Medium Podcast
The Seattle Medium
Rhythm & News interview by Chris Bennett with ACT-SO Chair Carolyn Riley-Payne about the NAACP ACT-SO Competition's, Seattle's recent national medalist and the upcoming competition season.
Seattle man arrested over golf club speaks out: Officer ‘knows she was out of control’
Q13 Fox News
VIDEO
Now the NAACP is calling for the officer’s termination, claiming the federally mandated reforms have still not changed officers’ behavior. “This is indicative of their behavior and attitude which is what we’re trying to change,” said Gerald Hankerson. ”We expect our police department to have the utmost respect and dignity, they should be the model of the nation of what we’re supposed to look like. I thought that’s what we supposed to get that after the DOJ left but here we are seeing the same thing over and over again.”
Desk duty for cop who arrested black man with golf club
The Seattle Times
Picked up by AfricanAmerica.org: Walking while Black: 69 year old veteran arrested...video from dashcam
Gerald Hankerson, president of the Seattle King County NAACP, said at a news conference Thursday that Wingate’s case bolstered the organization’s decades-long claim that Seattle police operate on bias. Outrage expressed by African Americans in Seattle has been overwhelming since stories on Wingate’s arrest made national news Wednesday, he said. “Termination is the only thing that we accept,” he said of Whitlatch. “She doesn’t deserve to wear that badge.” “We do not accept the apology,” he said. “We do not want someone like that walking around.” Hankerson said it’s especially disheartening because the arrest followed the federally initiated reforms. “Don’t say ‘training,’ don’t say ‘reform’ …,” he said. “The question is what is SPD going to do about it?”
How 'Grandfather In Our Community' Lost Faith In Seattle Police
KUOW
Gerald Hankerson, head of the Seattle King County NAACP, said Wingate was a family man. “He’s what we refer to as a grandfather in our community,” Hankerson said. “He’s a member of First AME church, he’s been carrying this golf club for 20 years. The community knows Mr. Wingate as someone who carries this golf club.”
“It’s sad to lose the sight of someone that actually been supportive of law enforcement, now looking at it in a different way,” he said.
Video shows Seattle police spraying teacher at MLK rally
USA Today via King 5 News
VIDEO
The NAACP filed the claim at Seattle City Hall Wednesday afternoon, against the city of Seattle and Seattle police. The civil rights group says the incident happened on the holiday a week ago, during a demonstration.
January 28, 2015
Video shows Seattle cop arresting elderly black man using golf club as cane
Washington Post
In light of the incident, the Seattle King County NAACP chapter called for more action from city leaders regarding police abuse. “This goes deeper than any one officer,” a statement read. “At every step along the way, our justice system failed Mr. Wingate. That is what institutional racism looks like.”
“No provocation:” Seattle high school teacher, activist says police pepper sprayed him for “no reason”
Fox 6 News Milwaukee
NAACP leaders were joined by other advocates in the lobby of City Hall, arguing theSeattle Police Department is using too much force against demonstrators in recent marches. The incident involving Hagopian, they say, is just one case that happened to be caught on camera.
Seattle Police pepper spray teacher at MLK Rally
USA Today via King 5 News
Tampa Bay WTSP 5 News
VIDEO
The NAACP filed the claim at Seattle City Hall Wednesday afternoon, against the city of Seattle and Seattle police. The civil rights group says the incident happened on the holiday a week ago, during a demonstration.
SEE IT: Seattle cop pepper sprays teacher walking home from MLK Day rally
New York Daily News
Newly released video from Seattle’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day event shows a cop pepper spraying high school history teacher Jesse Hagopian, who was on the phone with his mom and walking home after the rally. Hagopian is suing the city and its police force for the alleged attack: ‘The painful memory is something that I don't know when will leave me or my family,’ he said.
Garfield teacher hit by pepper spray files claim against city
The Seattle Times
A Garfield High School teacher filed a $500,000 claim against the city of Seattle Wednesday, alleging that a police officer lacking cause doused him with pepper spray shortly after he participated in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day rally and march Jan. 19...Seattle Mayor Ed Murray and O’Toole came under fire at the news conference, where Sheley Secrest, an executive officer with Seattle King County NAACP, said people want action and not “pretty words.”
Man pepper sprayed by Seattle police seeks $500K in damages
MyNorthwest.com via Kiro Radio
NAACP: the silence of Mayor Murray and Police Chief Kathleen O'Toole is deafening
The Stranger
"The silence from the mayor's office and from Chief O'Toole concerning SPD's actions in both the MLK pepper-spraying matter and the false statement in the Wingate matter is deafening," said Seattle/King County NAACP economic chair Sheley Secrest at today's press conference. Secrest addressed Mayor Murray directly. "Don't attend an NAACP Black Lives Matter march and rally one day saying that you stand against injustice in Ferguson," she said, "and then sit idly by when the truth is revealed that injustice sits squarely in Seattle."
Watch Seattle police pepper spray teacher Jesse Hagopian on MLK Day
The Stranger
Garfield High School teacher Jesse Hagopian will file a tort claim this afternoon against the City of Seattle and the Seattle Police Department, according to his lawyer, former Seattle NAACP President James Bible, over the way he was pepper sprayed during demonstrations on Martin Luther King Day this year.
Seattle teacher to sue police, city after King holiday pepper spraying
The Skanner
Bible, former president of the Seattle NAACP, in a statement cited the U.S. Department of Justice ruling against the Seattle Police in bringing the suit. “Recent police activities in Seattle serve as a reminder that there is a great deal of work that remains to be done in terms of police accountability,” Bible said. “We will be forwarding information that we gather about this incident and others to the Department of Justice.”
Seattle teacher suing city after being pepper sprayed at MLK rally
KOMO News
SEATTLE -- A high school teacher and activist is suing the city of Seattle, claiming police officers unlawfully pepper sprayed him as he left a peaceful rally on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Seattle teacher pepper sprayed at MLK day protest files claim
The Seattle Globalist
Garfield High School teacher and commentator/author Jesse Hagopian filed a $500,000 claim against the city of Seattle on Wednesday, nine days after being pepper sprayed at a “Black Lives Matter” rally on Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, according to The Strangerand KIRO TV, and other reports.
Seattle pepper spray teacher
Russian International English News RT.com .
"The silence from the Mayor's office and from Chief O'Toole concerning SPD's actions in both the MLK pepper spraying matter, and the false statement in the Wingate matter, is deafening," weighed in Seattle/King County NAACP Economic Chair Sheley Secrest, referring to a separate incident involving the Seattle Police Department earlier that week. "Don't attend an NAACP Black Lives Matter march and rally one day saying that you stand against injustice in Ferguson," Secrest said of Seattle Mayor Ed Murray, according to The Stranger, "and then sit idly by when the truth is revealed that injustice sits squarely in Seattle."
Seattle teacher suing city after being pepper sprayed at MLK rally
KBOI 2 News
Southern OR/Northern CA’s KOMO sister station
Man claims he was pepper sprayed by police after peaceful rally
CBS News
KING-TV reports that a short video clip of the scene was provided by the local NAACP. It shows Hagopian walking into the frame and getting hit with the spray, along with a couple of other people nearby. The organization says the 15-second clip is the extent of the video in its possession. It was not clear who took the video.
Garfield teacher files 500,000 claim against city after being hit with pepper spray
NYC News
The local NAACP has provided a short video clip of the scene, showing Hagopian walking into the frame and being hit with the spray. Immense pressure mounted on Murray and Seattle Police Chief Kathleen O'Toole after Sheley Secrest, an executive officer with Seattle King County NAACP, said that action is what people are calling for, and not pretty words.
Man says police pepper sprayed him as he left peaceful rally
Eastern Oregon
SEATTLE (AP) — A high school teacher says Seattle police unlawfully pepper sprayed him as he left a peaceful rally on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Video shows Seattle cop arresting elderly black man using golf club as cane
Washington Post
In light of the incident, the Seattle King County NAACP chapter called for more action from city leaders regarding police abuse. “This goes deeper than any one officer,” a statement read. “At every step along the way, our justice system failed Mr. Wingate. That is what institutional racism looks like.”
“No provocation:” Seattle high school teacher, activist says police pepper sprayed him for “no reason”
Fox 6 News Milwaukee
NAACP leaders were joined by other advocates in the lobby of City Hall, arguing theSeattle Police Department is using too much force against demonstrators in recent marches. The incident involving Hagopian, they say, is just one case that happened to be caught on camera.
Seattle Police pepper spray teacher at MLK Rally
USA Today via King 5 News
Tampa Bay WTSP 5 News
VIDEO
The NAACP filed the claim at Seattle City Hall Wednesday afternoon, against the city of Seattle and Seattle police. The civil rights group says the incident happened on the holiday a week ago, during a demonstration.
SEE IT: Seattle cop pepper sprays teacher walking home from MLK Day rally
New York Daily News
Newly released video from Seattle’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day event shows a cop pepper spraying high school history teacher Jesse Hagopian, who was on the phone with his mom and walking home after the rally. Hagopian is suing the city and its police force for the alleged attack: ‘The painful memory is something that I don't know when will leave me or my family,’ he said.
Garfield teacher hit by pepper spray files claim against city
The Seattle Times
A Garfield High School teacher filed a $500,000 claim against the city of Seattle Wednesday, alleging that a police officer lacking cause doused him with pepper spray shortly after he participated in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day rally and march Jan. 19...Seattle Mayor Ed Murray and O’Toole came under fire at the news conference, where Sheley Secrest, an executive officer with Seattle King County NAACP, said people want action and not “pretty words.”
Man pepper sprayed by Seattle police seeks $500K in damages
MyNorthwest.com via Kiro Radio
NAACP: the silence of Mayor Murray and Police Chief Kathleen O'Toole is deafening
The Stranger
"The silence from the mayor's office and from Chief O'Toole concerning SPD's actions in both the MLK pepper-spraying matter and the false statement in the Wingate matter is deafening," said Seattle/King County NAACP economic chair Sheley Secrest at today's press conference. Secrest addressed Mayor Murray directly. "Don't attend an NAACP Black Lives Matter march and rally one day saying that you stand against injustice in Ferguson," she said, "and then sit idly by when the truth is revealed that injustice sits squarely in Seattle."
Watch Seattle police pepper spray teacher Jesse Hagopian on MLK Day
The Stranger
Garfield High School teacher Jesse Hagopian will file a tort claim this afternoon against the City of Seattle and the Seattle Police Department, according to his lawyer, former Seattle NAACP President James Bible, over the way he was pepper sprayed during demonstrations on Martin Luther King Day this year.
Seattle teacher to sue police, city after King holiday pepper spraying
The Skanner
Bible, former president of the Seattle NAACP, in a statement cited the U.S. Department of Justice ruling against the Seattle Police in bringing the suit. “Recent police activities in Seattle serve as a reminder that there is a great deal of work that remains to be done in terms of police accountability,” Bible said. “We will be forwarding information that we gather about this incident and others to the Department of Justice.”
Seattle teacher suing city after being pepper sprayed at MLK rally
KOMO News
SEATTLE -- A high school teacher and activist is suing the city of Seattle, claiming police officers unlawfully pepper sprayed him as he left a peaceful rally on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Seattle teacher pepper sprayed at MLK day protest files claim
The Seattle Globalist
Garfield High School teacher and commentator/author Jesse Hagopian filed a $500,000 claim against the city of Seattle on Wednesday, nine days after being pepper sprayed at a “Black Lives Matter” rally on Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, according to The Strangerand KIRO TV, and other reports.
Seattle pepper spray teacher
Russian International English News RT.com .
"The silence from the Mayor's office and from Chief O'Toole concerning SPD's actions in both the MLK pepper spraying matter, and the false statement in the Wingate matter, is deafening," weighed in Seattle/King County NAACP Economic Chair Sheley Secrest, referring to a separate incident involving the Seattle Police Department earlier that week. "Don't attend an NAACP Black Lives Matter march and rally one day saying that you stand against injustice in Ferguson," Secrest said of Seattle Mayor Ed Murray, according to The Stranger, "and then sit idly by when the truth is revealed that injustice sits squarely in Seattle."
Seattle teacher suing city after being pepper sprayed at MLK rally
KBOI 2 News
Southern OR/Northern CA’s KOMO sister station
Man claims he was pepper sprayed by police after peaceful rally
CBS News
KING-TV reports that a short video clip of the scene was provided by the local NAACP. It shows Hagopian walking into the frame and getting hit with the spray, along with a couple of other people nearby. The organization says the 15-second clip is the extent of the video in its possession. It was not clear who took the video.
Garfield teacher files 500,000 claim against city after being hit with pepper spray
NYC News
The local NAACP has provided a short video clip of the scene, showing Hagopian walking into the frame and being hit with the spray. Immense pressure mounted on Murray and Seattle Police Chief Kathleen O'Toole after Sheley Secrest, an executive officer with Seattle King County NAACP, said that action is what people are calling for, and not pretty words.
Man says police pepper sprayed him as he left peaceful rally
Eastern Oregon
SEATTLE (AP) — A high school teacher says Seattle police unlawfully pepper sprayed him as he left a peaceful rally on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
January 21, 2015
From Black Power to Black Lives Matter
The Skanner
Olympic bronze medalist John Carlos, who famously raised his hand next to fellow African American and gold medalist Tommie Smith to form the “Black power” symbol at the 1968 games in Mexico, will be on a panel at Garfield High School discussing the connections of resistance movements past and present. The event will be held Thurs., Jan. 22, at 7 p.m. in the Quincy Jones Auditorium at Garfield High School, 400 23rd Avenue, Seattle.
January 20, 2015
Seattle city employees walk out to rally for police reform
The Seattle Times
More than 100 Seattle city employees walked out of work Tuesday and gathered on the steps of City Hall to demonstrate their support for police reform.
November 20, 2014
A Matter of Conviction
Real Change News
Police say Matthew Erickson was arrested for using an illegal weapon. His defenders say it’s racial profiling. Matt E.’s court case has drawn support from local activists who say he was racially profiled and targeted for arrest at Pacific Place in 2013. The defendant walked from the wooden pew and through glass doors to stand before Seattle Municipal Judge Steve Rosen, as a crowd of more than 30 people strained to hear the muffled voices in the high-security courtroom.
November 19, 2014
VIDEO: President Hankerson discusses the local perspective on what is happening in Ferguson, MI
King 5 News
Link to Newscast
October 24, 2014
Guest Editorial: Proposition 1B wouldn't help at-risk children
The Seattle Times, by Education Chair Rita Green
Seattle voters should reject City Hall’s narrow preschool experiment of Proposition 1B and support the more-comprehensive approach of Proposition 1A. WE should not pretend Seattle Proposition 1B, City Hall’s public preschool experiment, would magically reverse the impacts of an entire childhood of poverty. Proposition 1B might do more harm than good for Seattle’s at-risk children.
October 23, 2014
Seattle preschool vote gains national attention
The Seattle Times
“My perspective is that 1B is pushing from the top down,” said Rita Green, education chairwoman at the Seattle King County NAACP, which has endorsed 1A. “1B is city-controlled instead of parent- and teacher-controlled.” Green says 1B donors may be well-intentioned, but they “don’t get it.” “They don’t talk to the real people. They talk to the experts and people with money.”
October 23, 2014
Guest Editorial: Send Prop 1B, and Its Conservative Funders, Back to the Drawing Board
The Stranger
The Seattle League of Women Voters, the NAACP of Seattle/King County, Working Washington, and the Economic Opportunity Institute say we should vote for Prop 1A and send Prop 1B's plan for universal preschool back to the drawing board. Here’s why: The Prop 1B campaign is paid for by wealthy conservative donors who have funded efforts to bring publicly funded, for-profit charter schools to our community.
From Black Power to Black Lives Matter
The Skanner
Olympic bronze medalist John Carlos, who famously raised his hand next to fellow African American and gold medalist Tommie Smith to form the “Black power” symbol at the 1968 games in Mexico, will be on a panel at Garfield High School discussing the connections of resistance movements past and present. The event will be held Thurs., Jan. 22, at 7 p.m. in the Quincy Jones Auditorium at Garfield High School, 400 23rd Avenue, Seattle.
January 20, 2015
Seattle city employees walk out to rally for police reform
The Seattle Times
More than 100 Seattle city employees walked out of work Tuesday and gathered on the steps of City Hall to demonstrate their support for police reform.
November 20, 2014
A Matter of Conviction
Real Change News
Police say Matthew Erickson was arrested for using an illegal weapon. His defenders say it’s racial profiling. Matt E.’s court case has drawn support from local activists who say he was racially profiled and targeted for arrest at Pacific Place in 2013. The defendant walked from the wooden pew and through glass doors to stand before Seattle Municipal Judge Steve Rosen, as a crowd of more than 30 people strained to hear the muffled voices in the high-security courtroom.
November 19, 2014
VIDEO: President Hankerson discusses the local perspective on what is happening in Ferguson, MI
King 5 News
Link to Newscast
October 24, 2014
Guest Editorial: Proposition 1B wouldn't help at-risk children
The Seattle Times, by Education Chair Rita Green
Seattle voters should reject City Hall’s narrow preschool experiment of Proposition 1B and support the more-comprehensive approach of Proposition 1A. WE should not pretend Seattle Proposition 1B, City Hall’s public preschool experiment, would magically reverse the impacts of an entire childhood of poverty. Proposition 1B might do more harm than good for Seattle’s at-risk children.
October 23, 2014
Seattle preschool vote gains national attention
The Seattle Times
“My perspective is that 1B is pushing from the top down,” said Rita Green, education chairwoman at the Seattle King County NAACP, which has endorsed 1A. “1B is city-controlled instead of parent- and teacher-controlled.” Green says 1B donors may be well-intentioned, but they “don’t get it.” “They don’t talk to the real people. They talk to the experts and people with money.”
October 23, 2014
Guest Editorial: Send Prop 1B, and Its Conservative Funders, Back to the Drawing Board
The Stranger
The Seattle League of Women Voters, the NAACP of Seattle/King County, Working Washington, and the Economic Opportunity Institute say we should vote for Prop 1A and send Prop 1B's plan for universal preschool back to the drawing board. Here’s why: The Prop 1B campaign is paid for by wealthy conservative donors who have funded efforts to bring publicly funded, for-profit charter schools to our community.
September 22, 2014
Photos from Seattle's Climate March
CrossCut
On September 21,a large and diverse crowd of environmentalists, social justice, labor and religious groups, representatives from local tribes and many others filled Westlake Park for the Seattle People’s Climate March. The Seattle event was held, along with many others in cities around the world, in solidarity with the main People’s Climate March in New York City, a historically-large climate change rally and march that saw an estimated 310,000 people flood the streets of Manhattan to demand action on climate change. Seattle organizers said they counted 2,000 people in Westlake Park.
Photos from Seattle's Climate March
CrossCut
On September 21,a large and diverse crowd of environmentalists, social justice, labor and religious groups, representatives from local tribes and many others filled Westlake Park for the Seattle People’s Climate March. The Seattle event was held, along with many others in cities around the world, in solidarity with the main People’s Climate March in New York City, a historically-large climate change rally and march that saw an estimated 310,000 people flood the streets of Manhattan to demand action on climate change. Seattle organizers said they counted 2,000 people in Westlake Park.
September 22, 2014
Are Higher Taxes Coming to Seattle?
KIRO 7 News
Promising that decision must be driven by "data, not tradition" Seattle Mayor Ed Murray laid out his $4.8 billion spending plan for the next year.
The mayor did not call for new taxes today, but they may not be far behind.
VIDEO Included
Are Higher Taxes Coming to Seattle?
KIRO 7 News
Promising that decision must be driven by "data, not tradition" Seattle Mayor Ed Murray laid out his $4.8 billion spending plan for the next year.
The mayor did not call for new taxes today, but they may not be far behind.
VIDEO Included
September 15, 2014
"Chokehold" Training to Stop for Seattle-Area Deputies
Equal Voice News
For many people, the name itself raises eyebrows. It’s commonly called the “chokehold” and it’s a technique that some law enforcement agencies use when confrontations arise. Following public opposition in the Seattle area last week, the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) announced it would stop training its deputies on how to use the tactic that is formally known as the “lateral vascular neck restraint,” according toThe Seattle Times and the Seattle King County NAACP.
"Chokehold" Training to Stop for Seattle-Area Deputies
Equal Voice News
For many people, the name itself raises eyebrows. It’s commonly called the “chokehold” and it’s a technique that some law enforcement agencies use when confrontations arise. Following public opposition in the Seattle area last week, the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) announced it would stop training its deputies on how to use the tactic that is formally known as the “lateral vascular neck restraint,” according toThe Seattle Times and the Seattle King County NAACP.
September 12, 2014
King County Sheriffs Abandon Chokehold after Community Outrage
The Skanner
A coalition representing organizations including Mothers for Police Accountability, the Seattle/Martin Luther King Jr. County NAACP and The United Black Christian Clergy, expressed concern about the King County Sheriff's Department's re-introduction of the choke hold at the Sept. 8 meeting of the King County Council. -Susan Fried photo
September 11, 2014
County leaders, residents sound off on race, law enforcement | Can Ferguson happen here?
Kent Reporter
A community meeting called Can Ferguson Happen Here is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, at the Tyee High School cafeteria, 4424 S. 188th St., in SeaTac. King County Councilman Dave Upthegrove, King County Sheriff John Urquhart, King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg and a panel of community leaders will be present for an open discussion about race, culture and the community's relationship with law enforcement.
County leaders, residents sound off on race, law enforcement | Can Ferguson happen here?
Kent Reporter
A community meeting called Can Ferguson Happen Here is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, at the Tyee High School cafeteria, 4424 S. 188th St., in SeaTac. King County Councilman Dave Upthegrove, King County Sheriff John Urquhart, King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg and a panel of community leaders will be present for an open discussion about race, culture and the community's relationship with law enforcement.
August 13, 2014
Civil rights groups want investigation into SPD shooting of homeless man in Gasworks Park
Real Change News
In response to an officer-involved shooting of a homeless man, police accountability watchdogs are calling for reform. On the morning of July 30, Seattle Police Department (SPD) officers responded to a call from a security guard, who reported that he was attacked after he asked a homeless man to extinguish an illegal campfire at Gasworks Park, said Detective Patrick Michaud, a spokesperson for SPD.The Seattle-King County Chapter of the NAACP is looking into Flynn’s case and hoping to contact family members and hear how they would like to respond to the incident....“We’re not sure what direction we can take without knowing what the family wants to do,” said KL Shannon, who manages police accountability efforts for the NAACP. “All we know is this homeless black man was slain. We’re hoping that there’s definitely an investigation.”
Civil rights groups want investigation into SPD shooting of homeless man in Gasworks Park
Real Change News
In response to an officer-involved shooting of a homeless man, police accountability watchdogs are calling for reform. On the morning of July 30, Seattle Police Department (SPD) officers responded to a call from a security guard, who reported that he was attacked after he asked a homeless man to extinguish an illegal campfire at Gasworks Park, said Detective Patrick Michaud, a spokesperson for SPD.The Seattle-King County Chapter of the NAACP is looking into Flynn’s case and hoping to contact family members and hear how they would like to respond to the incident....“We’re not sure what direction we can take without knowing what the family wants to do,” said KL Shannon, who manages police accountability efforts for the NAACP. “All we know is this homeless black man was slain. We’re hoping that there’s definitely an investigation.”
August 5, 2014
Homeless People and Blacks Take Brunt of Seattle Pot Ordinance
The Skanner
Gerald Hankerson, president of Seattle King County NAACP and also president of the NAACP regional conference, said the results of the ordinance were predictable. "While we are disheartened to hear that homeless people and people of color are disproportionately ticketed for the public use of marijuana, we are unfortunately not surprised. Ever since the war on drugs began, people of color have been the primary target--leading to appalling and indisputable disparities in our criminal justice system. What this report makes clear is that even though the laws have changed, the mentality has not."
Homeless People and Blacks Take Brunt of Seattle Pot Ordinance
The Skanner
Gerald Hankerson, president of Seattle King County NAACP and also president of the NAACP regional conference, said the results of the ordinance were predictable. "While we are disheartened to hear that homeless people and people of color are disproportionately ticketed for the public use of marijuana, we are unfortunately not surprised. Ever since the war on drugs began, people of color have been the primary target--leading to appalling and indisputable disparities in our criminal justice system. What this report makes clear is that even though the laws have changed, the mentality has not."
July 30, 2014
Seattle Students Bring Home Medals from National ACT-SO Competition
The Seattle Medium
Earlier this month, Seattle King County NAACP ACT-SO participants Ericka Pegues and India Mitchell brought home a gold and bronze medal, respectively, from the NAACP National Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Seattle Students Bring Home Medals from National ACT-SO Competition
The Seattle Medium
Earlier this month, Seattle King County NAACP ACT-SO participants Ericka Pegues and India Mitchell brought home a gold and bronze medal, respectively, from the NAACP National Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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July 17, 2014
Activists Call for Federal Probe on Washington Corrections Hiring The Skanner A coalition of civil rights activists this week called on the Federal Department of Justice to investigate what they say is the Washington State Corrections Department's dismal hiring record for people of color. Photo by Susan Fried |
July 16, 2014
Black Leaders Call for Investigation into DOC Employment Practices
The Seattle Medium
On Tuesday, representatives from many local Black organizations held a press conference to call attention the lack of employment and advancement opportunities within the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC).
April 30, 2014
The Redemption of Gerald Hankerson
By Nina Shapiro, Seattle Weekly
Just five years ago, he was in prison. Now he’s the NAACP’s new regional president, charged with transforming his organization, influencing policy, and changing lives.
The Redemption of Gerald Hankerson
By Nina Shapiro, Seattle Weekly
Just five years ago, he was in prison. Now he’s the NAACP’s new regional president, charged with transforming his organization, influencing policy, and changing lives.
April 9, 2014
National Director of ACT-SO Featured at Seattle King County Annual Competition
The Skanner
On Saturday, April 12, the Seattle King County NAACP holds its annual competition for the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO). The branch will be joined by the National Director Anana Kambon, who will be in Seattle to support the local program.
National Director of ACT-SO Featured at Seattle King County Annual Competition
The Skanner
On Saturday, April 12, the Seattle King County NAACP holds its annual competition for the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO). The branch will be joined by the National Director Anana Kambon, who will be in Seattle to support the local program.
April 9, 2014
Seattle NAACP Agrees to Draft a Resolution Supporting Children's VIsion
Digital Journal
The King County chapter will be working on a resolution asking Washington State and Federal policy makers to include testing for binocular problems in implementation of the State Health Care Innovation Plan and in the Affordable Care Act. They will vote on accepting this Resolution at their April meeting.
Seattle NAACP Agrees to Draft a Resolution Supporting Children's VIsion
Digital Journal
The King County chapter will be working on a resolution asking Washington State and Federal policy makers to include testing for binocular problems in implementation of the State Health Care Innovation Plan and in the Affordable Care Act. They will vote on accepting this Resolution at their April meeting.
February 21, 2014
Supporting group of $15/hr wage campaign sounds off
KVI Radio Seattle
In the wake of the "boycott McPoverty" campaign, Economic Development Chair for Seattle/King Co. NAACP, Dr. Sheley Secrest joined John Carlson in a contentious debate. They discuss their differences in opinion about raising the minimum wage to $15/hour.
Audio Included
Supporting group of $15/hr wage campaign sounds off
KVI Radio Seattle
In the wake of the "boycott McPoverty" campaign, Economic Development Chair for Seattle/King Co. NAACP, Dr. Sheley Secrest joined John Carlson in a contentious debate. They discuss their differences in opinion about raising the minimum wage to $15/hour.
Audio Included
February 16, 2014
WWII soldiers’ experience abroad fed freedom fight back home
Seattle Times
The story is told in film clips and interviews through the experiences of Americans and Germans, black, white and mixed race, including retired King County Superior Court Judge Charles Johnson, who served during the occupation. Click here for a video link.
WWII soldiers’ experience abroad fed freedom fight back home
Seattle Times
The story is told in film clips and interviews through the experiences of Americans and Germans, black, white and mixed race, including retired King County Superior Court Judge Charles Johnson, who served during the occupation. Click here for a video link.
February 11, 2014
Washington State Governor Halts Death Penalty: 'Too Many Doubts'
Equal Voice News
Gerald Hankerson, president of the Alaska, Oregon and Washington State Area Conference of the NAACP, called the move a bold step. “The NAACP is pleased with the governor’s courageous action of suspending the death penalty for Washington’s inmates. This announcement marks an important step forward for Washington and is a victory for the African American community. Nowhere are disparities between Black and white inmates in criminal justice more apparent than in sentences deciding who lives and dies,” Hankerson said in a statement.
Washington State Governor Halts Death Penalty: 'Too Many Doubts'
Equal Voice News
Gerald Hankerson, president of the Alaska, Oregon and Washington State Area Conference of the NAACP, called the move a bold step. “The NAACP is pleased with the governor’s courageous action of suspending the death penalty for Washington’s inmates. This announcement marks an important step forward for Washington and is a victory for the African American community. Nowhere are disparities between Black and white inmates in criminal justice more apparent than in sentences deciding who lives and dies,” Hankerson said in a statement.
February 11, 2014
Washington governor suspends death penalty.
USA Today
Said Seattle - King County NAACP president Gerald Hankerson, "Nowhere are disparities between black and white inmates in criminal justice more apparent than in sentences deciding who lives and dies." He added, "This is a bold step in the right direction and we appreciate (Inslee's) leadership."
Washington governor suspends death penalty.
USA Today
Said Seattle - King County NAACP president Gerald Hankerson, "Nowhere are disparities between black and white inmates in criminal justice more apparent than in sentences deciding who lives and dies." He added, "This is a bold step in the right direction and we appreciate (Inslee's) leadership."
February 11, 2014
Washington governor issues moratorium on executions in the state.
CNN
"This announcement marks an important step forward for Washington, and is a victory for the African-American community. Nowhere are disparities between black and white inmates in criminal justice more apparent than in sentences deciding who lives and who dies," said Gerald Hankerson, the president of the Alaska, Oregon, and Washington State Area Conference of the NAACP. "African-American residents are disproportionately represented on death row, and our state is more likely to impose the death penalty on African-American defendants than white defendants convicted of the same crime."
Washington governor issues moratorium on executions in the state.
CNN
"This announcement marks an important step forward for Washington, and is a victory for the African-American community. Nowhere are disparities between black and white inmates in criminal justice more apparent than in sentences deciding who lives and who dies," said Gerald Hankerson, the president of the Alaska, Oregon, and Washington State Area Conference of the NAACP. "African-American residents are disproportionately represented on death row, and our state is more likely to impose the death penalty on African-American defendants than white defendants convicted of the same crime."
February 7, 2014
Editorial: State bill would create second chances for inmates through education.
The Seattle Times
The state Legislature should reverse a two-decade-old ban on funding higher education in prison.
TWO decades ago, with violent and property crime spiking and the public in a get-tough-on-crime mood, state lawmakers banned the use of state money for college education in state prisons. It was seen as a luxury for thugs. Time to reconsider that decision. Crime rates are at historic lows. The state murder rate is at the 1967 level. Just as important, an unequivocal consensus among researchers has emerged: Education in prison is one of the surest, most cost-effective tools to prevent recidivism....Lift the ban. Pass HB 2486.
Editorial: State bill would create second chances for inmates through education.
The Seattle Times
The state Legislature should reverse a two-decade-old ban on funding higher education in prison.
TWO decades ago, with violent and property crime spiking and the public in a get-tough-on-crime mood, state lawmakers banned the use of state money for college education in state prisons. It was seen as a luxury for thugs. Time to reconsider that decision. Crime rates are at historic lows. The state murder rate is at the 1967 level. Just as important, an unequivocal consensus among researchers has emerged: Education in prison is one of the surest, most cost-effective tools to prevent recidivism....Lift the ban. Pass HB 2486.
January 28, 2014
Reaction to Obama’s Speech: What Worked? What Didn’t?
Equal Voice for Families
Sheley J.M. Secrest, economic chair for Seattle King County NAACP: “The Seattle-King County NAACP is encouraged by the president’s vision of moving our country forward in becoming a place for justice and equality for all. The NAACP is working to expand opportunities with citywide apprenticeship programs. Gains have yet to be made to improve the program participation of African Americans and other people of color. Nationally, Black women continue to lead the majority of minimum wage workers, with Hispanic men running a close second. The NAACP agrees with the President that minimum wage must meet the needs of hardworking people. Just as we saw 50 years ago with the March on Washington, jobs with dignity continue to be a civil rights issue.”
January 25, 2014
Raise wages to reduce racial income inequality
By Gerald Hankerson
Special to The Seattle Times
EVERY Tuesday, hundreds ascend the steps of what once housed a neighborhood church. Today, Columbia City's Southside Commons provides a different form of sanctuary to the black men who gather there. As president of the Seattle King-County NAACP, I attend these Career Bridge sessions each week to keep abreast of what's happening in the African-American community.
January 20, 2014
Thousands march from Garfield High to keep alive MLK’s fight for economic, racial justice — and a $15 minimum wage?
Capital Hill Seattle Blog
Longtime Seattle civil rights leader Lacy Steele said the minimum wage fight is central to celebrating MLK’s legacy. “The fight is economic,” said Steele, who is also President Emeritus of the Seattle-King County NAACP. “It’s not a holiday, it’s a work day.”
January 20, 2014
NAACP: Fire transportation secretary over tunnel contract Failure
KIRO 7 News
A Seattle-area NAACP leader called on Gov. Jay Inslee on Monday, to fire Transportation Secretary Lynn Peterson because not enough work on the SR99 tunnel beneath Seattle has gone to businesses owned by women and minorities.
Video with Vice President Sheley Secrest included
January 8, 2014
King County NAACP President Says New Interim Police Chief A Disappointment
KUOW 94.9 FM
Marcie Sillman talks with King County NAACP president Gerald Hankerson about Murray's new appointment of Harry Bailey as the interim police chief.
Radio Interview Included
December 11, 2013
Underwater homeowners get a chance for relief in Seattle
KING 5 News
Dr. Sheley Secrest , Economic Development Chair of Seattle/King County NAACP, speaks Wednesday's City Council Meeting on how Seattle can "address how to stop foreclosures".
Video Included
November 8, 2013
NAACP wants tunnel project contract terminated
KIRO 7 News
Regional and national NAACP leaders are demanding that WSDOT terminate its contract with the company behind the Viaduct Tunnel.
November 7, 2013
NAACP: State needs to fire biggest viaduct contractor
KING 5 News
The civil rights organization NAACP is calling on the state DOT to dump its biggest contractor on the viaduct project after a federal report confirms they're discriminating against small businesses.
Video Included
November 6, 2013
NAACP Centennial: Bible Steps Down, Mack Praises Black Press
Seattle Medium
Last Saturday, the Seattle/King County NAACP celebrated 100 years of service at their Centennial Celebration. The event — which featured NAACP President/CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous, Bishop John Hurst Adams, former Seattle/King County NAACP President Carl Mack and was emceed by KOMO TV News Anchor Connie Thompson – drew a capacity crowd.
November 1, 2013
The Seattle-King County NAACP – 100 Years And Still Strong
Seattle Medium
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was established in Seattle, Washington on October 23, 1913. Now, 100 years later they are still standing strong.
October 31, 2013
Seattle NAACP at 100: ‘We need to pass the baton’
Seattle Times
On the 100th anniversary of the Seattle King County NAACP, a number of its leaders tell anecdotes of what life here has been for them.
October 31, 2013
Seattle King County NAACP's 100th anniversary
Seattle Times Photo Gallery
Lacy Steele was president of the local NAACP for 26-years. The mosaic behind him is of slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers. Steele served on the national board with Myrlie Evers-Williams, widow of Mr. Evers, who was a field secretary for the organization and was assassinated in 1963.
October 30, 2013
Jealous To Keynote Seattle King County NAACP Centennial Celebration This Saturday
Seattle Medium
In one of his last public appearances before stepping down as president of the national NAACP, Benjamin Todd Jealous will speak at the Centennial Celebration of the Seattle King County NAACP this Sat., Nov. 2 at the Double Tree Hilton-Airport.
October 10, 2013
Music Teacher Connects With Students Using Skype
Former ACT-SO Participant, Jessica Andrews
Seattle Medium
Since she was able to sit upright by herself, Jessica Andrews always had her fingers on the keys of a piano. Beginning formal lessons at the age of 4, Andrews had the support of her musically inclined family to inspire her to pursue dreams of being a concert pianist, and later on down the line, a versatile music instructor.
October 3, 2013
Seattle King County NAACP To Celebrate Centennial, Honors Longtime Members And Civil Rights Leaders
Seattle Medium
The Seattle King County NAACP is celebrating a century of advocating for racial justice and equality in the Pacific Northwest. On Nov. 2, the contributions of the organization’s past presidents and longest serving committee members will be recognized.
September 30, 2013 - Media Advisory
Seattle King County NAACP Celebrates 100 Years, Honors Longtime Members and Civil Rights Leaders
SEATTLE – The Seattle King County NAACP is celebrating a century of advocating for racial justice and equality in the Pacific Northwest. On Nov. 2, the contributions of its past presidents and longest serving committee members will be recognized:
· Hon. Charles V. Johnson – Retired King County Superior Court Judge
· Hon. Donald Haley – Retired King County Superior Court Judge
· President Emeritus Lacy Steele – First African American manager at Boeing, Aerospace Quality Assurance, Retired.
Reaction to Obama’s Speech: What Worked? What Didn’t?
Equal Voice for Families
Sheley J.M. Secrest, economic chair for Seattle King County NAACP: “The Seattle-King County NAACP is encouraged by the president’s vision of moving our country forward in becoming a place for justice and equality for all. The NAACP is working to expand opportunities with citywide apprenticeship programs. Gains have yet to be made to improve the program participation of African Americans and other people of color. Nationally, Black women continue to lead the majority of minimum wage workers, with Hispanic men running a close second. The NAACP agrees with the President that minimum wage must meet the needs of hardworking people. Just as we saw 50 years ago with the March on Washington, jobs with dignity continue to be a civil rights issue.”
January 25, 2014
Raise wages to reduce racial income inequality
By Gerald Hankerson
Special to The Seattle Times
EVERY Tuesday, hundreds ascend the steps of what once housed a neighborhood church. Today, Columbia City's Southside Commons provides a different form of sanctuary to the black men who gather there. As president of the Seattle King-County NAACP, I attend these Career Bridge sessions each week to keep abreast of what's happening in the African-American community.
January 20, 2014
Thousands march from Garfield High to keep alive MLK’s fight for economic, racial justice — and a $15 minimum wage?
Capital Hill Seattle Blog
Longtime Seattle civil rights leader Lacy Steele said the minimum wage fight is central to celebrating MLK’s legacy. “The fight is economic,” said Steele, who is also President Emeritus of the Seattle-King County NAACP. “It’s not a holiday, it’s a work day.”
January 20, 2014
NAACP: Fire transportation secretary over tunnel contract Failure
KIRO 7 News
A Seattle-area NAACP leader called on Gov. Jay Inslee on Monday, to fire Transportation Secretary Lynn Peterson because not enough work on the SR99 tunnel beneath Seattle has gone to businesses owned by women and minorities.
Video with Vice President Sheley Secrest included
January 8, 2014
King County NAACP President Says New Interim Police Chief A Disappointment
KUOW 94.9 FM
Marcie Sillman talks with King County NAACP president Gerald Hankerson about Murray's new appointment of Harry Bailey as the interim police chief.
Radio Interview Included
December 11, 2013
Underwater homeowners get a chance for relief in Seattle
KING 5 News
Dr. Sheley Secrest , Economic Development Chair of Seattle/King County NAACP, speaks Wednesday's City Council Meeting on how Seattle can "address how to stop foreclosures".
Video Included
November 8, 2013
NAACP wants tunnel project contract terminated
KIRO 7 News
Regional and national NAACP leaders are demanding that WSDOT terminate its contract with the company behind the Viaduct Tunnel.
November 7, 2013
NAACP: State needs to fire biggest viaduct contractor
KING 5 News
The civil rights organization NAACP is calling on the state DOT to dump its biggest contractor on the viaduct project after a federal report confirms they're discriminating against small businesses.
Video Included
November 6, 2013
NAACP Centennial: Bible Steps Down, Mack Praises Black Press
Seattle Medium
Last Saturday, the Seattle/King County NAACP celebrated 100 years of service at their Centennial Celebration. The event — which featured NAACP President/CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous, Bishop John Hurst Adams, former Seattle/King County NAACP President Carl Mack and was emceed by KOMO TV News Anchor Connie Thompson – drew a capacity crowd.
November 1, 2013
The Seattle-King County NAACP – 100 Years And Still Strong
Seattle Medium
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was established in Seattle, Washington on October 23, 1913. Now, 100 years later they are still standing strong.
October 31, 2013
Seattle NAACP at 100: ‘We need to pass the baton’
Seattle Times
On the 100th anniversary of the Seattle King County NAACP, a number of its leaders tell anecdotes of what life here has been for them.
October 31, 2013
Seattle King County NAACP's 100th anniversary
Seattle Times Photo Gallery
Lacy Steele was president of the local NAACP for 26-years. The mosaic behind him is of slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers. Steele served on the national board with Myrlie Evers-Williams, widow of Mr. Evers, who was a field secretary for the organization and was assassinated in 1963.
October 30, 2013
Jealous To Keynote Seattle King County NAACP Centennial Celebration This Saturday
Seattle Medium
In one of his last public appearances before stepping down as president of the national NAACP, Benjamin Todd Jealous will speak at the Centennial Celebration of the Seattle King County NAACP this Sat., Nov. 2 at the Double Tree Hilton-Airport.
October 10, 2013
Music Teacher Connects With Students Using Skype
Former ACT-SO Participant, Jessica Andrews
Seattle Medium
Since she was able to sit upright by herself, Jessica Andrews always had her fingers on the keys of a piano. Beginning formal lessons at the age of 4, Andrews had the support of her musically inclined family to inspire her to pursue dreams of being a concert pianist, and later on down the line, a versatile music instructor.
October 3, 2013
Seattle King County NAACP To Celebrate Centennial, Honors Longtime Members And Civil Rights Leaders
Seattle Medium
The Seattle King County NAACP is celebrating a century of advocating for racial justice and equality in the Pacific Northwest. On Nov. 2, the contributions of the organization’s past presidents and longest serving committee members will be recognized.
September 30, 2013 - Media Advisory
Seattle King County NAACP Celebrates 100 Years, Honors Longtime Members and Civil Rights Leaders
SEATTLE – The Seattle King County NAACP is celebrating a century of advocating for racial justice and equality in the Pacific Northwest. On Nov. 2, the contributions of its past presidents and longest serving committee members will be recognized:
· Hon. Charles V. Johnson – Retired King County Superior Court Judge
· Hon. Donald Haley – Retired King County Superior Court Judge
· President Emeritus Lacy Steele – First African American manager at Boeing, Aerospace Quality Assurance, Retired.
| naacp_100_years_honorees_9302013.docx |
September 10, 2013 - Media Advisory
Benjamin Jealous Joins Seattle King County NAACP for Centennial Celebration on November 2
SEATTLE – In one of his last public appearances before stepping down as president of
the national NAACP, Benjamin Todd Jealous will speak at the Centennial Celebration of the Seattle King County NAACP on Nov. 2.
Benjamin Jealous Joins Seattle King County NAACP for Centennial Celebration on November 2
SEATTLE – In one of his last public appearances before stepping down as president of
the national NAACP, Benjamin Todd Jealous will speak at the Centennial Celebration of the Seattle King County NAACP on Nov. 2.
| naacp_seattle_centennial_benjamin_jealous_9102013.pdf |
July 18, 2013
Protesters Rally for Treyvon Martin in Seattle and Portland
Photo of James Bible at the Westlake Rally
The Skanner
July 17, 2013
Seattle's Black Clergy Respond To Zimmerman Verdict
“It’s just yet another way in which you can argue that a person of color is dangerous or it’s justified in killing them, as opposed to how they would treat it if that victim were actually a white person,” said James Bible, president of the Seattle-King County chapter of the NAACP.
KUOW: (Audio included in link)
July 15, 2013
Seattle leaders join call for Fed investigation in Zimmerman case
President James Bible is interviewed by King 5 News: (Video included in link)
"In Seattle, Washington, we have to pay attention to this because we know that things like this can often happen here. We're often suspects first and citizens second," said Seattle NAACP President James Bible
King 5 News
July 13, 2013
Jurors: Zimmerman not guilty of 2nd degree murder: NAACP reacts
Tonight KING 5 News reached James Bible, President of the Seattle King County NAACP, said that people of color have not always been favorably treated under state law. "We definitely favor a Department of Justice intervention," he said.
King 5 News
June 19, 2013
Jaylyn Andrus has 'Classical' Aspirations
Jaylyn will also be hosting her senior voice recital on June 2 with longtime Leschi resident Jeffery Moidel accompanying her on the piano. In addition, she will represent the Seattle – King County chapter of the NAACP at the 2013 National ACT-SO competition in Orlando, Florida in July.
Seattle Medium
June 12, 2013
NAACP Files Complaint With EEOC
On Monday, Verlene Jones, Labor and Industries Representative with the Seattle-King County Branch of the NAACP (NAACP-SKCB), along with other activist from the African American community filed a formal complaint with the Seattle office of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on behalf of African American workers at Sound Transit’s ULink site.
Seattle Medium
Picked up by the Florida Courier
May 21, 2013
Foreclosure Reports Highlight Racial Disparity
The report arose in part from conversations between United Black Clergy, Washington CAN! and Seattle King County NAACP, according to NAACP vice-president Gerald Hankerson. As they realized the effect foreclosures were having on the minority community, they decided to do an analysis by zip code.
Seattle Weekly
Full copy of the report: Wasted Wealth in Seattle: How the Wall Street Crash Continues to Stall Economic Recovery and Deepen Racial Inequity in America.
http://allianceforajustsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Wasted.Wealth_SEATTLE.pdf or download below:
Protesters Rally for Treyvon Martin in Seattle and Portland
Photo of James Bible at the Westlake Rally
The Skanner
July 17, 2013
Seattle's Black Clergy Respond To Zimmerman Verdict
“It’s just yet another way in which you can argue that a person of color is dangerous or it’s justified in killing them, as opposed to how they would treat it if that victim were actually a white person,” said James Bible, president of the Seattle-King County chapter of the NAACP.
KUOW: (Audio included in link)
July 15, 2013
Seattle leaders join call for Fed investigation in Zimmerman case
President James Bible is interviewed by King 5 News: (Video included in link)
"In Seattle, Washington, we have to pay attention to this because we know that things like this can often happen here. We're often suspects first and citizens second," said Seattle NAACP President James Bible
King 5 News
July 13, 2013
Jurors: Zimmerman not guilty of 2nd degree murder: NAACP reacts
Tonight KING 5 News reached James Bible, President of the Seattle King County NAACP, said that people of color have not always been favorably treated under state law. "We definitely favor a Department of Justice intervention," he said.
King 5 News
June 19, 2013
Jaylyn Andrus has 'Classical' Aspirations
Jaylyn will also be hosting her senior voice recital on June 2 with longtime Leschi resident Jeffery Moidel accompanying her on the piano. In addition, she will represent the Seattle – King County chapter of the NAACP at the 2013 National ACT-SO competition in Orlando, Florida in July.
Seattle Medium
June 12, 2013
NAACP Files Complaint With EEOC
On Monday, Verlene Jones, Labor and Industries Representative with the Seattle-King County Branch of the NAACP (NAACP-SKCB), along with other activist from the African American community filed a formal complaint with the Seattle office of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on behalf of African American workers at Sound Transit’s ULink site.
Seattle Medium
Picked up by the Florida Courier
May 21, 2013
Foreclosure Reports Highlight Racial Disparity
The report arose in part from conversations between United Black Clergy, Washington CAN! and Seattle King County NAACP, according to NAACP vice-president Gerald Hankerson. As they realized the effect foreclosures were having on the minority community, they decided to do an analysis by zip code.
Seattle Weekly
Full copy of the report: Wasted Wealth in Seattle: How the Wall Street Crash Continues to Stall Economic Recovery and Deepen Racial Inequity in America.
http://allianceforajustsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Wasted.Wealth_SEATTLE.pdf or download below:
| wasted.wealth_seattle.pdf |
May 9, 2013
Unusual alliance finds compromise on rules for jail alternative
After racially charged testimony, the Metropolitan King County Council on Monday compromised on new rules that will prohibit a small number of defendants with violent records from being released into alternatives to jail called basic community corrections.
Seattle Times
April 11, 2013
Regional competition a chance to be challenged for one Kentwood student
Cierra Figaro, a junior at Kentwood, will channel her love of writing and poetry at the Seattle area Afro-American Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics April 20...Figaro said that for her participating in ACT-SO is also about challenging herself and going beyond her comfort zone and trying new things.
Maple Valley Reporter
April 8, 2013
Seattle Police Chief Diaz to step down
"Among those who previously called for Diaz to be removed as chief was James Bible, president of the Seattle King County NAACP. Bible suggested Diaz’s departure and the Justice Department-mandated oversight present an opportunity to correct the department’s “culture of indifference” to police abuses...Bible faulted the city and department leaders for “a consistent policy of negotiating away (their) ability to discipline officers” while bargaining with the Guild."
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
March 5, 2013
Feds probing Seattle schools’ treatment of black students
The U.S. Department of Education is studying whether the more frequent discipline of African-American students in Seattle public schools constitutes discrimination.
Seattle Times
February 4, 2013
Seattle King County NAACP Supports the MAP Boycott
After talking to a number of administrators, teachers and education experts, the NAACP has decided to support teachers that have made the decision to take a stand against MAP testing.
Seattle King County NAACP Press Release
NAACP Supports Seattle Teachers Boycott of the MAP Test
The NAACP said the test does not reflect what students have learned in the classroom and could produce inequitable results when used for to select students Advanced Placement classes.
King 5 News
December 15, 2012
NAACP members vent frustration over Seattle police 'excessive force'
"In order to be in a place where the people feel comfortable in interacting with police once again we need to protect our good officers by firing those that violate civil rights,” said James Bible, NAACP.
King 5 News
Unusual alliance finds compromise on rules for jail alternative
After racially charged testimony, the Metropolitan King County Council on Monday compromised on new rules that will prohibit a small number of defendants with violent records from being released into alternatives to jail called basic community corrections.
Seattle Times
April 11, 2013
Regional competition a chance to be challenged for one Kentwood student
Cierra Figaro, a junior at Kentwood, will channel her love of writing and poetry at the Seattle area Afro-American Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics April 20...Figaro said that for her participating in ACT-SO is also about challenging herself and going beyond her comfort zone and trying new things.
Maple Valley Reporter
April 8, 2013
Seattle Police Chief Diaz to step down
"Among those who previously called for Diaz to be removed as chief was James Bible, president of the Seattle King County NAACP. Bible suggested Diaz’s departure and the Justice Department-mandated oversight present an opportunity to correct the department’s “culture of indifference” to police abuses...Bible faulted the city and department leaders for “a consistent policy of negotiating away (their) ability to discipline officers” while bargaining with the Guild."
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
March 5, 2013
Feds probing Seattle schools’ treatment of black students
The U.S. Department of Education is studying whether the more frequent discipline of African-American students in Seattle public schools constitutes discrimination.
Seattle Times
February 4, 2013
Seattle King County NAACP Supports the MAP Boycott
After talking to a number of administrators, teachers and education experts, the NAACP has decided to support teachers that have made the decision to take a stand against MAP testing.
Seattle King County NAACP Press Release
NAACP Supports Seattle Teachers Boycott of the MAP Test
The NAACP said the test does not reflect what students have learned in the classroom and could produce inequitable results when used for to select students Advanced Placement classes.
King 5 News
December 15, 2012
NAACP members vent frustration over Seattle police 'excessive force'
"In order to be in a place where the people feel comfortable in interacting with police once again we need to protect our good officers by firing those that violate civil rights,” said James Bible, NAACP.
King 5 News