by Jovelle Tamayo
With StasTheeBoss of Thee Satisfaction DJ'ing through the night, Hillman City welcomed 2017 from its newest gathering spot, Black & Tan Hall. The venue hosted the 2nd Annual Midnight Mecca New Year's Eve Ball, which centered Seattle's queer and trans people of color (QTPOC), and also served as the hall's grand opening celebration.
Groundswell Arts Collective partnered with Black & Tan Hall and Community Arts Create,Executive Chef Tarik Adbullah, and the evening's host, Moni "JusMoni" Tep for the inclusive celebration for QTPOC and allies.
Attendees ring in 2017 at the 2nd Annual Midnight Mecca New Year's Eve Ball at the Black & Tan Hall in Hillman City.
A view of Black & Tan Hall's disco ball during the 2nd Annual Midnight Mecca New Year's Eve Ball.
DJ StasTheeBoss of Thee Satisfaction, left, and Moni "JusMoni" Tep of House Noir Supreme dance on January 1, 2017 during the 2nd Annual Midnight Mecca New Year's Eve Ball at the Black & Tan Hall in Hillman City.
StasTheeBoss of Thee Satisfaction DJs on December 31, 2016 during the 2nd Annual Midnight Mecca New Year's Eve Ball at the Black & Tan Hall in Hillman City.
Stephenie Simmons records a friend dancing on January 1, 2017 during the 2nd Annual Midnight Mecca New Year's Eve Ball at the Black & Tan Hall in Hillman City.
Qiddist Hammerly, left, and Olivia Smith dance as they ring in 2017 at the 2nd Annual Midnight Mecca New Year's Eve Ball at the Black & Tan Hall in Hillman City.
Ben Hunter of Community Arts Create descends the stairs at the Black & Tan Hall in Hillman City during the Midnight Mecca New Year's Eve Ball.
Tamary Baz, left, and Adam Jabari dance on December 31, 2016 at the 2nd Annual Midnight Mecca New Year's Eve Ball at the Black & Tan Hall in Hillman City.
Attendees ring in 2017 at the 2nd Annual Midnight Mecca New Year's Eve Ball at the Black & Tan Hall in Hillman City.
Attendees ring in 2017 at the 2nd Annual Midnight Mecca New Year's Eve Ball at the Black & Tan Hall in Hillman City.
Attendees ring in 2017 at the 2nd Annual Midnight Mecca New Year's Eve Ball at the Black & Tan Hall in Hillman City.
Reagan Jackson dances at the 2nd Annual Midnight Mecca New Year's Eve Ball at the Black & Tan Hall in Hillman City.
Attendees ring in 2017 at the 2nd Annual Midnight Mecca New Year's Eve Ball at the Black & Tan Hall in Hillman City.
Attendees, including comedian Hari Kondabolu (center), ring in 2017 at the 2nd Annual Midnight Mecca New Year's Eve Ball at the Black & Tan Hall in Hillman City.
Chef Tarik Adbullah works the kitchen at the 2nd Annual Midnight Mecca New Year's Eve Ball at the Black & Tan Hall in Hillman City.
Photos Courtesy Jovelle Tomayo
Jovelle Tamayo is a South Seattle based visual journalist. More of her photography can be found here.