Unsung Heroes
A series where the NAACP Seattle King County salutes local community members doing the work
to make our region accessible to all in opportunity, freedom, and acceptance.
Want to nominate someone as an NAACP "Unsung Hero"?
Email us and tell us who, and why they should be an Unsung Hero!
We might choose them as our next recipient of this prestigious award!
Not a member? Click here to become a member and make a difference in your community!
Vorian Bertrand Lewis
December 25th, 1963 - January 17th, 2021
Vorian Bertrand Lewis was born to the union of Eulysses Bertrand and Devoter Marie Lewis in Seattle, Washington on
December 25th, 1963. Born on his mother’s birthday, he was their first of six children.
He attended school at St. Mary’s Catholic and John Muir Elementary, Sharples Middle School (Aki Kurose), (Asa) Mercer
Middle School and graduated from Ingraham High School. He continued his education at Olympic College and later
at Everest College where he studied business accounting. Fueled by a love for music, entertainment and sports, he later
attended Cleveland Institute of Music where he earned four Audio Engineering degrees.
Vorian’s love for music stems from a family with a strong musical background. As a child he played the drums at Seed
of Abraham Pentecostal Church. In middle school, he played the bass guitar in a band that he, friends, and his god
brother, Lee Jones formed. He worked for his father at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle and became an Assistant Road
Manager for the Jamaican reggae group “Third World”, traveling to many cities and countries. After touring, he returned
to Seattle and worked at the Paramount Theatre as part of the Stage Crew and Security team while promoting youth
events.He gained experience with Warren Miller selling merchandise on tour, which he enjoyed. He started the College
Stomp Shows prior to them relocating to the University of Washington and aimed to bring together the community with
High School Talent competitions. Later, he gained experience working in telecommunications with the company Airtouch
(Verizon). Throughout his latter years, Vorian continued to work as a Sound Engineer in recording studios and at various
concert venues.
Along with a love for music, Vorian had a passion for sports. He played basketball and football throughout his school age
and college years…VBL #34! He became an assistant math teacher, athletic director and basketball coach at Zion Christian
School. He played little league football for Rainier (White) Eagles, for whom he later became a coach. And then after years of coaching, in 2007, Vorian co- founded the Rainier Ravens little league football team.
Off season, Vorian was a line coach for the semi-pro team the Seattle Stallions from 2010 to 2015, and line coach for the semi-pro team the Renton Ravens from 2016 to 2018. Vorian also worked for the DSHS Employees Softball League Umpire Association, the Pacific Northwest Umpire Association, Seattle Parks & Recreation Sports Officials, and on occasion, the TNT All Sports Officials Group. He respected and expressed how proud he was of each coach, player and cheer leader. His life was instrumental in positively impacting the lives of many of Greater Seattle’s youth and families.
Vorian comes from a family of faith and prayer, going to First AME Church and the Seed of Abraham church. Vorian surrendered to Jesus Christ in the fall of 2020. He
was not in any way ashamed, crying, and praising God as he would call his mother often expressing joy and thankfulness to the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation and they
would study scriptures in the bible and worship the Lord together. Vorian was a great humanitarian willing to help anyone who needed his help. Vorian never saw black or white, just fellow human beings. If he could do it, it was done for you. When asked how he was doing he would reply with his favorite saying, “chilly willy”.
On January 17th, 2021, Vorian transitioned into his resting place at the age of 57. He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, April Lewis; his sons Bertrand Lewis and Vorian Lewis Jr.; daughters, Niema Lewis and Voriona Lewis; stepson, Marcus Stevenson; 2 grandchildren Kennedy Jones and Amir Lewis-Reed; parents Eulysses and Devoter Lewis; siblings Elythia (Ernest) Thompson, Aquala Lewis, Marsalles (Regina) Lewis, Shannae Lewis, Darius Lewis and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” (2Corinthians 5:8b)
Want to nominate someone as an NAACP "Unsung Hero"? Email vicepresident2@seattlekingcountynaacp.org and tell us who, and why they should be an Unsung Hero! We might choose them as our next recipient of this prestigious award!
Not a member? Click here to become a member and make a difference in your community!
Not a member? Click here to become a member and make a difference in your community!
Officer Eugene Goodman
January 17, 2021
|
You’ve probably seen the video: on Wednesday, January 6th, a lone Black Capitol Police officer picks up his baton and brandishes it at the throng of white supremacist rioters. He shoves one, inciting them further. They advance on him and he runs up the Capitol stairs, apparently fleeing for his life.
But Goodman’s actions had a greater purpose and effect. By baiting the mob up the stairs after him, he led them away from the Senate Chambers, mere seconds before the Chamber could be sealed and the occupants taken to safer quarters. Officer Goodman has been lauded for his actions, and there is legislation pending to award him a Congressional Gold Medal. Representative Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), one of the resolution's sponsors, wrote that "If not for the quick, decisive, and heroic actions from Officer Goodman, the tragedy of last week's insurrection could have multiplied in magnitude to levels never before seen in American history. With this prestigious award, we can show our gratitude to Officer Goodman for saving countless lives and defending our democracy". His heroism should not be underestimated. He may have saved members of the Senate from injury, being held hostage, assassination, or worse. Of even greater consequence, by keeping members of the Senate safe, he allowed them to reconvene and fulfill the process that had brought them to the Capitol: the certification of the Electoral College results making Joe Biden our next President. Officer Goodman is a native of Washington, D.C. and served from 2002 to 2006 in the United States Army, including combat service with the 101st Airborne Division in the Iraq War. Goodman left the Army in December 2006 with the rank of sergeant. He joined the Capitol Police Department in 2009. |
Want to nominate someone as an NAACP "Unsung Hero"? Email vicepresident2@seattlekingcountynaacp.org and tell us who & why they should be an Unsung Hero! We might choose them as our next recipient of this prestigious award!
Not a member? Click here to become a member and make a difference in your community!
Dr. Kimberly Harden
December 18, 2020
|
Dr. Kimberly Harden is an award-winning professor and champion for diversity, equity, education, growth, and inclusion. In her Department of Communication at Seattle University, Dr. Harden is the first and only Black female professor. She's also Founder and CEO of Harden Consulting Group, LLC, a company that helps organizations shift from a traditional diversity and inclusion model to one that emphasizes diversity, equity, belonging, interpersonal communication, and talent management.
Dr. Harden received her undergraduate degree in Communication from The University of Washington, a master’s degree in Communication and Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. In Fall 2020, Dr. Harden launched her signature Dream. Plan. Do.™ Scholarship with the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle to assist students of color in their pursuit of higher education. She also launched the B & G Harden Scholarship to assist students enrolled in ANEW's construction apprenticeship program. As a business owner, Dr. Harden gladly mentors and hosts strategy sessions with business owners of color. Aristotle’s assertion that “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all" is the foundation of all of Dr. Harden's work. She very generously offers her time and advice to other business owners of color and provides financial support to community members who are facing financial hardship. |
|
Dr. Harden is our Unsung Hero this month, but she muses on another Unsung element: Dr. Harden agrees with Aristotle’s assertion that “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” Since she is defenseless against The Cookie from Metropolitan Market, Dr. Harden also agrees with Bobby Flay’s claim that “Cookies are sort of the unsung sweet.”
Dr. Harden, we salute you!
www.hardenconsultinggroup.com
Dr. Harden, we salute you!
www.hardenconsultinggroup.com
Want to nominate someone as an NAACP "Unsung Hero"? Email vicepresident2@seattlekingcountynaacp.org and tell us who, and why they should be an Unsung Hero! We might choose them as our next recipient of this prestigious award!
Not a member? Click here to become a member and make a difference in your community!
Erica Daniels
September 9, 2020
|
Erica Daniels, a professional photographer, has been providing financial grants to single moms, students, and to others who desire to start their own business as she did here in King County.
Erica Daniels is a Seattle native and proud graduate of Garfield High School and the University of Washington. As a child, Erica always took photos to document memories and as a hobby, not knowing that photography was her life passion. After completing 1/2 of her Masters degree in early childhood education, she set aside her plans to start a learning center and decided to follow her heart and do what she loves, even as a busy mother of one. She truly enjoys giving back to the community and runs photography walking tours to teach photography enthusiasts about camera settings and the basics of taking professional pictures. Photography is what Erica truly loves doing. Erica tells us: "Capturing people during some of the most important moments of their lives is priceless and very rewarding. Freezing time and creating timeless images for people to cherish is my life purpose. Starting Emazing Photography, LLC, in March 2013, was one of the best decisions I have ever made." Erica Daniels, we salute you! |
Want to nominate someone as an NAACP "Unsung Hero"? Email freedomfund@seattlekingcountynaacp.org and tell us who, and why they should be an Unsung Hero! We might choose them as our next recipient of this prestigious award!
Not a member? Click here to become a member and make a difference in your community!
Summer Taylor
July 13, 2020
|
We take this week to honor the life of 24-year-old Summer Taylor (they/them), our Unsung Hero, whose life was cut short in the pursuit of justice for Black lives. From what we know, on July 4th, 2020, Summer participated in a Black Lives Matter protest near the I-5 South ramp in Seattle that had been closed off by police so that demonstrators could peacefully protest. The protestors were celebrating their unity and dancing when a car drove straight into the crowd, killing Summer and seriously injuring another protester.
Summer had spent the last six weeks out in the streets tirelessly protesting to end police violence while working full time at Urban Animal, a local veterinarian clinic. Friends of Summer say they were a “positive force of nature” and a “natural leader”. They had a heart for all people and animals. "Even in death, we want Summer's passion as an ally to continue lifting up Black lives in Seattle and all over our country," said their mother, Dalia, during a press conference honoring Summer’s life. Family said they knew there was no stopping Summer, who Dalia described as dedicated and determined. "That is why I knew no matter how much I might want to ask them to stay safe during protests they would just say ‘mom, if you are Black in this country it isn't even safe to be alive’ and they were right,". Summer dedicated their life to this revolution that is upon us, amplifying the voices of generations of Black Americans who have suffered at the hands of systemic racism in this country. Enough is enough. Summer Taylor, we salute you. |
|
Want to nominate someone as an NAACP "Unsung Hero"? Email freedomfund@seattlekingcountynaacp.org and tell us who, and why they should be an Unsung Hero! We might choose them as our next recipient of this prestigious award!
Not a member? Click here to become a member and make a difference in your community!
Dr. Reverend Norman Mitchell
April 20, 2020
The late Dr. Reverend Norman Mitchell was born April 26, 1908, in Bladen Springs, Alabama. Dr. Mitchell was the oldest of 17 children. In June of 1934 he was joined in holy matrimony with Ardell Campbell. The couple resided in Crosby, Mississippi for six years, then relocated to Weed, California, where he and his wife united with Mount Shasta Baptist Church, pastored by Rev. E.A. Million.
On July 26, 1942, Dr. Mitchell was called to the ministry and preached his first sermon at Mount Shasta Baptist Church. In September of 1942, Dr. Mitchell and his family relocated to Seattle, Washington, and united with Mt. Zion Baptist Church, pastored by Rev. F. Benjamin Davis. Dr. Mitchell later joined with Progressive Baptist Church, pastored by Rev. George Lyles. In 1945, Dr. Mitchell was ordained a Baptist minister by Rev. George Lyles. After receiving a divine vision of the task, the Lord revealed to him, to seek and organize a small mission church in Seattle, Washington. In March 1946, he was elected to pastor a small congregation of thirty-two. The congregation accepted the name of Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church, named after Dr. Mitchell’s home church in Bladen Spring, Alabama. In 1968, Dr. Mitchell led the congregation in constructing a new sanctuary in Seattle’s Central Area on 15th and Fir, which is still standing. He had faithfully served and labored with the Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church for 28 years.
Of one of his many accomplishments, on October 3, 1971, with a sixth-grade education, Dr. Mitchell was honored by the Inter-Baptist Theological Center in Houston, Texas, with an honorary Doctoral Degree. Dr. Mitchell served as the President of the Northwest Bible College, 2nd Vice-President of the General Baptist convention of the Northwest, President of the Seattle Ministers Conference, Treasurer of the Progressive Baptist Association of the Puget Sound Area, Treasurer of the Sunday School Baptist Training Union District Congress, and proud member of the Seattle King County NAACP. Dr. Mitchell loved spending time with his wife and 12 children and fishing in Moses Lake.
Dr. Norman Mitchell passed away on October 13, 1974. Today, the Norman Mitchell Manor, named in his honor, is a housing facility that is dedicated to serving low-income seniors, disabled and homeless individuals in Seattle. The Ardell Mitchell Home was named to honored his wife Ardell Mitchell to serve as a transitional home for teen mothers.
Dr. Normal Mitchell, we salute you!
On July 26, 1942, Dr. Mitchell was called to the ministry and preached his first sermon at Mount Shasta Baptist Church. In September of 1942, Dr. Mitchell and his family relocated to Seattle, Washington, and united with Mt. Zion Baptist Church, pastored by Rev. F. Benjamin Davis. Dr. Mitchell later joined with Progressive Baptist Church, pastored by Rev. George Lyles. In 1945, Dr. Mitchell was ordained a Baptist minister by Rev. George Lyles. After receiving a divine vision of the task, the Lord revealed to him, to seek and organize a small mission church in Seattle, Washington. In March 1946, he was elected to pastor a small congregation of thirty-two. The congregation accepted the name of Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church, named after Dr. Mitchell’s home church in Bladen Spring, Alabama. In 1968, Dr. Mitchell led the congregation in constructing a new sanctuary in Seattle’s Central Area on 15th and Fir, which is still standing. He had faithfully served and labored with the Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church for 28 years.
Of one of his many accomplishments, on October 3, 1971, with a sixth-grade education, Dr. Mitchell was honored by the Inter-Baptist Theological Center in Houston, Texas, with an honorary Doctoral Degree. Dr. Mitchell served as the President of the Northwest Bible College, 2nd Vice-President of the General Baptist convention of the Northwest, President of the Seattle Ministers Conference, Treasurer of the Progressive Baptist Association of the Puget Sound Area, Treasurer of the Sunday School Baptist Training Union District Congress, and proud member of the Seattle King County NAACP. Dr. Mitchell loved spending time with his wife and 12 children and fishing in Moses Lake.
Dr. Norman Mitchell passed away on October 13, 1974. Today, the Norman Mitchell Manor, named in his honor, is a housing facility that is dedicated to serving low-income seniors, disabled and homeless individuals in Seattle. The Ardell Mitchell Home was named to honored his wife Ardell Mitchell to serve as a transitional home for teen mothers.
Dr. Normal Mitchell, we salute you!
Want to nominate someone as an NAACP "Unsung Hero"? Email freedomfund@seattlekingcountynaacp.org and tell us who, and why they should be an Unsung Hero! We might choose them as our next recipient of this prestigious award!
Not a member? Click here to become a member and make a difference in your community!
Larry Wilmore
March 18, 2020
|
Meet Larry Wilmore, an African American father, husband, a concerned member of his community, an avid sports fan, and a visionary. He is happily married to the love of his life for 30 years with two amazing sons and the Founder/CEO of Fathers and Sons Together (FAST). FAST is a grassroots 501©3 non-profit organization established in 2011, designed to strengthen the relationships between fathers and sons, especially with African American males and other people of color. FAST participants engage in unique activities and programs designed to build and connect them with other fathers and sons. To date, FAST has served over 1,000+ people. Larry reflects on his work: “I wanted to reach our black and brown families who I felt would benefit most from our program. As a result of years of oppression and the systemic destruction of our family structures, we understood the unfortunate statistics of fatherless homes in our communities and encouraged all male figures/uncles, grandfathers, coaches, and yes, moms to join our program as mentors to their youth. So, it was imperative to design activities and programming that would attract them. As a result, we developed activities similar to the types of events I enjoyed with my sons. These activities had to be special and intentional to empower our fathers and to develop our sons.”
Larry's work promotes lifestyle changes that support improved educational outcomes, improved health and wellness, and better decision making from our youth while also inspiring community advocacy and engagement from children and parents alike. The impact FAST is contributing to our communities is a lifelong journey. It’s a fact when fathers are involved in their children’s lives, they perform better in school and exhibit healthier behaviors. Even for those fathers who don’t share a home with their children, their active involvement can have a lasting and positive impact. FAST seeks to aid in the creation of these bonds by supporting fathers to be present, positive, and active with their children-building loving relationships that feature ethical boundaries, direct involvement, and strength of character on both sides of the generational divide. What Larry knows, is healthy families are the foundation of a vibrant community. All fathers, including African American fathers, desire to be deeply engaged in the lives of their children, and every child deserves a champion father in their lives. FAST works to foster this strong foundation, and he is humbled to serve his community in this capacity. When Larry isn't enhancing father and son relationships with his organization, he enjoys riding his bike with his sons and playing basketball. What he enjoys most, though, is singing gospel quartet. You can find Larry at church, either by himself or with his family, singing away. Larry, we salute you! |
Want to nominate someone as an NAACP "Unsung Hero"? Email freedomfund@seattlekingcountynaacp.org and tell us who, and why they should be an Unsung Hero! We might choose them as our next recipient of this prestigious award!
Not a member? Click here to become a member and make a difference in your community!
Frances Oxner Stephens
March 9, 2020
|
Meet Frances Oxner Stephens. In June 1962, after graduating from Allen University, Columbia, South Carolina Frances married her late husband Victor W. Stephens (48 years) and relocated to Seattle. Soon after moving to Seattle, Frances and Victor joined First AME Church where she has been an active member serving in several capacities for the past 68 years. Frances is currently an active Stewardess at First AME.
In 1952 Frances began her community service work in Seattle. She and four other women founded the Washington Rhinestone Club of Seattle, Washington where she is an active member today. Frances has served in several official capacities in the Club. Frances is also a member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Lambda Alpha Zeta Chapter, and a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Society. She is also actively involved as a member of “Readers Delight Book Club.” In all service and social organizations, Frances enjoys being the behind the scene worker - training and encouraging others. Frances’ employment in Seattle began at Pacific Northwest Bell telephone company (now Century Link). While at the telephone company, Frances continued her education at Seattle University, earning a Master of Education and later her Administrative Credentials. After being a stay-at-home mother to three daughters for a few years, Frances taught at Renton Public School District, then later at Seattle Public Schools where she retired after 30 years as an Administrator of Special Education in 1993. Frances remained retired for only 2 months before she became an adjunct instructor at Pacific Oaks College Northwest in Bellevue where she remained until her husband’s health began to decline. At that time she retired from salaried work. In 2009 Frances was encouraged by her Pastor and a team of members from First AME Church to write a competitive proposal for First AME Church to purchase the Martin Luther King Elementary School Building from Seattle Public Schools. She agreed to write it, but only if the effort was a “team effort.” She led her team, and after numerous meetings and responding to questions from First AME Church, Seattle Public Schools and the State of Washington Department of Commerce, funds to purchase the Martin Luther King Elementary School were secured from the State of Washington based on a grant written by Frances. After the purchase of the building, Frances was assigned to be the Manager of the acquired facility now named the Martin Luther King Family Arts Enrichment Community Center (MLK FAME Community Center). In October 2010, she was elected to be the Board of Directors President for the Community Center and served in the position until 2016. She has volunteered as the Community Center’s Director from January 2013 until the present, although she now looks to spend a little more time at home! Frances, we salute you! |
Want to nominate someone as an NAACP "Unsung Hero"? Email freedomfund@seattlekingcountynaacp.org and tell us who, and why they should be an Unsung Hero! We might choose them as our next recipient of this prestigious award!
Not a member? Click here to become a member and make a difference in your community!
Fabienne "Fae" Brooks
February 24, 2020
|
Meet Fabienne "Fae" Brooks, who before retiring after 26 years of service as Chief of the Criminal Investigation Division for the King County Sheriff’s Office, racked up one impressive resume! She is the 1st Black female to attend Washington State Law Enforcement Command College, and then 1st Black female to attend the FBI National Academy from said College (she went on to become one of the original investigators on the Green River Task Force, and in another investigation originated the phrase, "person of interest"!). She proceeded to then in King County become the 1st Black female Detective, the first Black female hired as a commissioned deputy with KCSO, and many more trailblazing firsts for the region and for women of color.
Since 2004, Chief Brooks has been a consultant on law enforcement relations and has developed specialized training for law enforcement officers and employees, leading a team of international trainers who are providing training in customer service and diversity to law enforcement and communities across the US and internationally in England and Switzerland. She's served as the Community Project Coordinator for an NCBI/COPS and Community Program in King County, Washington and Co-Project Coordinator in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and has worked with many organizations: Co-Chair of the King County Executive’s Inquest Process Review Committee, Consultant with the DSHS Statewide Juvenile Justice Reform Initiative and also with the Center for Children & Youth Justice, and Models for Change Project. Her Board work includes Sound Generations, Seattle Neighborhood Group, King County Sexual Assault Resource Center; First AME Church; Domestic Abuse Women’s’ Network; Park Lake/White Center Boys and Girls Club, just to name a few. She currently serves on the Bellevue (WA) Police Department’s Black African American Community Advisory Council. She is a past President of the Black Law Enforcement Association of Washington, the Washington State Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates and the Washington State Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. She is also a lifetime member of NOBLE and the NAACP. Chief Brooks has been a member of First African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church since 1978 and has served as a trustee on the courtesy committee as a Stewardess, and is currently serving on the Mary F. Handy Women’s Missionary Society where she volunteers with the Emergency Feeding Program. Chief Brooks is married to a retired Seattle Fire Department Captain. They have four adult children, ten grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Fae Brooks, we salute you! |
Want to nominate someone as an NAACP "Unsung Hero"? Email freedomfund@seattlekingcountynaacp.org and tell us who, and why they should be an Unsung Hero! We might choose them as our next recipient of this prestigious award!
Not a member? Click here to become a member and make a difference in your community!
Tyrone "Koach Giggz" Crosby
February 17, 2020
|
Meet Tyrone Crosby, better known as Koach Giggz, who is one of the most fearless choreographers in the industry. Born in Los Angeles, he grew up in Seattle and Chickasa, Oklahoma. His West Coast swagg mixed with his Southern energy continues to captivate every audience that he performs for. He started his own dance company, Kutt'N'uP Ent in 2004. Koach Giggz' choreography has been showcased on TV, including the programs 106 & Park, America's Got Talent, and Show Time at the Apollo. He has choreographed opening performances for artists like T.I. , Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, Destiny's Child, T-Pain, and more. Some of his company dancers have gone on to become professional dancers in LA, New Mexico, ATL, China, Florida, Arizona, and NY. Koach is now the proud owner of N The Kutt Dance Studio located in Des Moines, WA. Since 2017, the Studio has offered a variety of dance classes, specializing in hip hop and jazz fusion for all ages and experience levels. Tyrone is not just a choreographer, he is a mentor to many. Among other projects, he's the assistant producer for the annual Bubblin' Brown Sugar event, and choreographer of the teen summer musical. with Seattle Parks & Recreation. In his company he does grade checks, community service hours, and pushes parent/child healthy interactions. Koach Giggz is also a community favorite among the LGBTQ community. Koach Giggz strives to continue to build unity between communities with movement and entertainment. Koach Giggz, we salute you! |