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Transforming systems of inequity into anti-ableist, anti-racist, and pro-equity solutions.

FEBRUARY 2024

Black

History Month

Celebrating the Theme:

"African Americans and the Arts"

Dear Readers,

As February unfolds, the King County Office of Equity, Racial & Social Justice (OERSJ) proudly celebrates Black History Month, highlighting this year's theme: "African Americans and the Arts." This theme not only honors the profound contributions of Black artists to our cultural 

heritage but also shines a light on King County's vibrant community of Black creators, whose diverse and innovative work enriches our local arts scene.

The historic Central District, a heartland of African American culture in Seattle, embodies the spirit of this celebration. It's a place where jazz, visual arts, and contemporary expression of all kinds have flourished, thanks to the talents of countless Black artists. Venues like the legendary Black & Tan Hall, landmarks such as the Liberty Bank Building, and institutions like the Northwest African American Museum stand as testaments to the rich tapestry of Black artistic expression we are committed to honoring.

Black History Month itself has a storied past, evolving from Negro History Week, established in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, the "father of Black history." Woodson, a Harvard-educated son of former enslaved people, advocated for a dedicated time to spotlight the achievements and contributions of Black Americans. February was chosen, reflecting Woodson's desire to ensure that Black Americans' central role in American history was recognized. This observance expanded to a month-long celebration in 1976, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of the importance of Black history in the tapestry of American culture.

The selection of "African Americans and the Arts" as this year's theme by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) highlights art's pivotal role in preserving Black history and memory. It's a call to explore and celebrate the myriad ways Black artists have expressed resilience, resistance, and empowerment through their creative endeavors.

In King County, we see the legacy of Black artists as an integral part of our commitment to equity and social justice. Our celebrations this month and beyond aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the contributions of African Americans, not only in the arts but in all areas of endeavor. By engaging with the local Black arts scene, attending and supporting events, and reflecting on the significance of this month, we honor a history that continues to inspire and shape our community.

Let this Black History Month be a time of engagement, reflection, and celebration of African American artistry and its enduring impact on our culture and society. Together, we can appreciate the beauty and depth of Black art and ensure it remains a vibrant part of our community's fabric.

With gratitude for Black brilliance,

Antonio Herrera Garza

Strategic Communications Manager

Last month, the King County community came together to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring legacy at the Annual Celebration of his life and work. This event, “Passing the Torch and Continuing the Journey,” highlighted our collective progress and the ongoing efforts to embody Dr. King’s vision of justice and equality.

As we transition from the remembrance of Dr. King to Black History Month, it’s timely to explore another monumental (and monumentally misunderstood) figure in the Civil Rights Movement: Malcolm X. This exploration, in line with our arts theme, leads us to the upcoming Seattle Opera presentation of X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X, offering a unique opportunity to delve into the narrative of a leader often viewed through a contrasting lens to MLK.

Historically, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. were seen as antithetical figures in America’s struggle for Black liberation. Where Dr. King advocated for nonviolent protest and integration, Malcolm X—especially during his time with the Nation of Islam—championed Black nationalism and initially, by any means necessary, including violence for self-defense. Their strategies and philosophies reflected the diverse spectrum of Black thought and leadership, and the complexity of the Civil Rights Movement.

However, as their lives progressed, both leaders underwent significant evolutions in their thinking. By the time of his assassination in 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. had begun to speak out more fervently against the Vietnam War and the broader issues of global injustice that paralleled many concerns Malcolm X addressed regarding global solidarity among oppressed peoples. Similarly, Malcolm X’s pilgrimage to Mecca in 1964 marked a pivotal shift in his outlook. He returned with a new name, El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, and a renewed vision of racial unity and solidarity, having witnessed Muslims of all races worshiping together.

This convergence in thought underscores the complexity and growth of both men, challenging the simplistic narratives that have often depicted them as mere opposites. Within this context of growth and evolution, X at the Seattle Opera takes on profound significance. With a score by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Anthony Davis, the opera delves into Malcolm X’s life from his troubled youth to his emergence as a powerful voice in the Civil Rights Movement and, ultimately, to his tragic assassination.

The opera celebrates Malcolm X’s life and prompts reflection on his transformation and the themes of identity, justice, and resilience. It’s a poignant reminder of Malcolm X’s humanity, leadership, and enduring relevance to contemporary struggles for racial justice. This artistic portrayal brings to light the multifaceted nature of his journey, mirroring the dynamic changes in MLK’s approach toward the end of his life.

Through this feature, we can engage with Malcolm X’s story as portrayed in the opera, recognizing it as an essential piece of the larger narrative of Black history and its profound impact on the arts and society through its portrayal in this medium.

Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year, celebrated in various Asian countries including China, Vietnam, Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Mongolia, and Tibet, is a rich cultural event with deep historical roots.

It’s known by various names and marks the beginning of the lunar or lunisolar calendar. The festival dates vary annually but always occur between January 21 and February 20 on the Gregorian calenda (February 10 this year). The festival is a multifaceted celebration, extending beyond family reunions and ancestor veneration to offerings to gods and prayers for prosperity.

Traditions vary widely among cultures, encompassing special foods, new clothes, gift exchanges, and unique rituals. These practices embody the hopes for fortune and blessings in the new year, highlighting the diversity of Lunar New Year customs across Asia.

Originating as far back as the 14th century BCE to mark the end of winter and the start of spring, Lunar New Year’s traditions are manifold. The legend of the Nian beast, involving red decorations and fireworks to ward off evil, is one of many stories associated with the festival, predominantly in China.

The year is characterized differently across cultures, with the Chinese zodiac’s 12-year animal cycle being just one example. In contrast, Tibet and Mongolia may use different symbols or elements based on a 60-year cycle, illustrating the varied traditions that define Lunar New Year celebrations.

Lunar New Year is a time to honor the past, celebrate the present, and imagine the future. It is a time to reconnect with our roots, our culture, and our community. It is a time to share our stories, our dreams, and our hopes.

 

 

The Year of the Dragon is a year to embrace the dragon’s spirit and make the most of its opportunities. It is a year to be bold, brave, and brilliant, just like the dragon itself.

 

 

Year of the Dragon

King County is set to welcome the Year of the Dragon with vibrant Lunar New Year celebrations across various communities, showcasing the region’s rich cultural diversity.

In 2024, the festivities promise an array of events that reflect the area’s strong Asian influence, from traditional lion dances and martial arts demonstrations to contemporary art exhibitions and culinary experiences.

Downtown Seattle will host an event featuring prizes, dragon dances, and performances by local schools and community groups. The Wing Luke Museum offers special exhibitions and family-friendly activities that explore the Lunar New Year traditions across Asian cultures.

Bellevue Square will be adorned with red lanterns and offer cultural performances, calligraphy demonstrations, and traditional crafts. These options make it a perfect outing for families interested in the celebrations.

Food plays a crucial role in the Lunar New Year. King County’s diverse Asian restaurants will offer special menus featuring symbolic dishes to bring good fortune, health, and prosperity.

From savory dumplings to sweet rice cakes, these culinary delights are a testament to the region’s rich cultural tapestry and a central part of the Lunar New Year celebrations.

Check out more Seattle events at How to Celebrate Lunar New Year 2024 in Seattle - EverOut Seattle.

Check out this event from our neighbors: 2024 Lunar New Year Celebration | City of Sammamish

State

Holiday

Washington State has taken a significant step toward recognizing the cultural importance of Lunar New Year, with the House Committee on State Government and Tribal Relations recently passing a bill to establish Lunar New Year as a state-recognized holiday.

While this milestone does not designate it as a paid holiday, it is a meaningful acknowledgment of the contributions of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities to the state's cultural and social fabric.

This bill encourages governmental bodies as well as educational and cultural organizations to celebrate Lunar New Year. Furthermore, it tasks the State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs with creating and providing programming and resources to support these celebrations.

This initiative aims to foster a shared understanding and strengthen connections among Washington's diverse communities by promoting inclusivity and cultural awareness.

Although an attempt to make Lunar New Year a paid state holiday in 2023 did not pass, the current development signifies progress and shows Washington's commitment to embracing diversity and honoring cultural traditions.

While not a paid holiday yet, the state's recognition of Lunar New Year offers all residents an opportunity to engage with, learn about, and appreciate the rich traditions and history of Asian cultures, contributing to a more inclusive and understanding Washington.

As we step into the Year of the Dragon, let’s embrace shared understanding and build genuine connection. 

Rep. My-Linh Thai (D-Bellevue), Vietnamese refugee and House Bill sponsor

Explore the impactful strides and stories from King County

in our rotating highlights section, showcasing initiatives and achievements

that have shaped our community in the past month.

Grand Opening of Don's Place in Auburn

Health Through Housing's sixth building, with 81 units of housing for people exiting chronic homelessness.

Visit Don's Place>

¡Visita a la página de Facebook del Condado de King!

Conéctate con tu comunidad con noticias, eventos y recursos del Condado en español.

Ver Facebook >

Parks Grants Accepting Applications

Announcing 2024 funding opportunities for Youth and Amateur Sports and Healthy Parks and Communities.

Get More Grants Info >

Closing Soon! ERSJ Training Coordinator Job

Equity, Racial & Social Justice Training Coordinator, Educator, Consultant II — 02-03-2024

View Job Opportunities >

Call to Conscience: 2024 Black History Month Museum

By Ranier Avenue Radio

For Black History Month, Rainier Avenue Radio is transforming the Columbia City Theater into a museum throughout February! Located at 4916 Rainier Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98118, this unique event will feature a variety of exhibits and installations from significant contributors like the Seattle Black Panther Party, Black Heritage Society of Washington, and many more.

Highlights include Rainier Cinema Black Movie Posters, the Hartsfield Family Enslaved Quilt Collection, and memorabilia from icons such as Ezell's Famous Chicken and Sir Mix-A-Lot, alongside impactful organizations like the NAACP Washington Alaska Oregon and the Total Experience Gospel Choir.

Don't miss this rich exploration of Pacific Northwest Black history and culture.

Mission: “To lead the transformation of systems of inequity into anti-ableist, anti-racist, and pro-equity solutions that are measurable and lasting.”

Vision: “A county government in which every individual, team, and department is anti-ableist, anti-racist, and pro-equity.”

Values:

📌VALUES IN FOCUS: "We center people and places with the greatest needs."

This value is rooted in a profound understanding that to create a just and equitable society, we must prioritize the needs of the most disempowered and negatively affected communities. It focuses our resources and efforts to be strategically directed to confront and dismantle the systemic inequities and root causes of social injustice that have long plagued our society.

In embodying this value, our new branding introduces the color "Alki Point Salmon," a bright and vivid salmon pink that symbolizes the strength and resilience required to center and uplift communities facing the greatest challenges.

Named after the historic Alki Point, this color draws inspiration from the determined journey of salmon navigating upstream. It stands as a powerful metaphor for the perseverance and unwavering commitment needed to address and overcome systemic barriers.

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