curated by Emerald Staff
NOTE: Beginning the week of Nov. 23, find upcoming events on our new Events page (next to "About" in the main menu). And on Nov. 25, we'll begin posting "Weekly News Gleams" where we'll round up relevant announcements and other infoformerly added regularly to this post.
Have an event or announcement you want to share? Use our Event Submission page or shoot us an email.
From the City: Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the City of Seattle has worked quickly to launch COVID-19 relief programs including rent relief, expanding shelter and services for people experiencing homelessness, grocery vouchers for working families, direct cash assistance for immigrants and refugees, and financial assistance to small businesses. Residents and businesses can find a list of existing COVID-19 relief resources and policies on this website.
Following the recent announcement of $6 million in Equitable Development Initiative funding for site acquisition, capacity building, and capital improvements for community organizations fighting displacement, the Office of Planning and Community Development will provide an additional $1.7 million in funding to support BIPOC-led organizations that have been impacted by the pandemic. Awards of up to $50,000 will go out to 36 organizations to support community-based responses to the pandemic. You can find the full list of recipients here.
Rainier Ave Radio is giving away food this Saturday at their Central District location — steak and chicken, vegetables, dairy, fresh produce, bread, and even desserts from 11 a.m.—1 p.m.
The event will be hosted outside on their deck, safely social distanced. Bring your own bag!
Rainier Avenue Radio wishes you a ver Happy Thanksgiving!
RAR in the CD: 810 23rd Ave (98122)
Fri., Nov. 20 & Sat., Nov. 21
From CD Forum: Showing Out: Black Choreographers Festival — A mentorship and performance event curated by Dani Tirrell. SHOWING OUT supports the creation and development of work created by Black Choreographers from around the Pacific Northwest — perfectly aligned with CD Forum's mission to support distinctive Black artistic voices. The November 2020 edition of Showing Out features work by Milvia Berenice Pacheco Salvatierra, Kiana Harris, Saira Barbaric, Sadiqua Iman, Michele Dooley, Aviona Rodriquez Brown, and Rashida KhanBey Miller. This is the first session of CD Forum's 20/21 Season's Showing Out. Artists will be showing pre-recorded works-in-progress followed by talk backs to gather feedback from audience members. The performances and feedback sessions will take place over Zoom.
Learn more and get tickets on Facebook.
Sat., Nov. 21 — 4—6:30 p.m.
From CISC: Join us for our first-ever Giving Thanks Virtual Charity Concert. We're making the concert open to everyone as we wish to bring joy to those staying home during these difficult times and celebrate all we have to be thankful for.
Our charity concert will feature 18 singers you may recognize locally and from around the world. They will perform a variety of songs in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English. Participants will have the opportunity to donate during the event to benefit CISC programs such as youth development, family support services, healthcare access, and senior services to help immigrant families and elders. View our performers and sponsor any of the singers via our secure online donation page.
Join us via: Zoom
(or YouTube Live)
Sat., Nov. 21 — 8 p.m.
From the hosts: Celebrate LEGENDARY CHILDREN on Nov 21, 8pm! Our 5th Anniversary edition is a celebration of our broader QTBIPOC (Queer and Trans Black Indigenous and People of Color) communities with homage to house and ballroom culture.
LEGENDARY CHILDREN is always where arts and social justice get real, with QTBIPOC voices ringing loud and clear. Enjoy fab live performances, a deluxe set with DJ RIZ, and the sublime artistry of the Pacific Northwest's premier house-and-ball performers and drag royalty (kings, queens, and all the crowns in between). Come for the art, stay for the virtual public runway. Hit up our digital reading list and join the conversation online with your favorite trans and queer BIPOC authors.
FREE and open to the public. Optional RSVPs and early arrival are highly encouraged. This virtual event is trans-affirming, QTBIPOC-led and all ages. Library events and programs are free and everyone is welcome. (RSVP on Facebook.)
From Blackgirlism.org: A student researcher at Antioch University, in partnership with You Grow Girl!, a King County based nonprofit organization in Washington State, are asking [eligible persons] to fill out this anonymous survey about what services and programs Washington State Black girls and young women want for their developmental and psychological sustainability.
Find more information and surveys here.
Northwest Film Forum has launched their Collective Power Fund to "provide emergency relief for visual-based artists disproportionately impacted by COVID-19." The Fund will distribute a total of $70,000 in relief grants to visual-based artists impacted by COVID-19. One-time, $500, unrestricted, grants will be awarded to 140 artists living in incorporated and unincorporated King County.
The application is live and closes Mon., Nov. 30 11:59 p.m. The selection process is lottery-based and priority considerations will be given to communities impacted disproportionately due to COVID-19, including: BIPOC, LGBTQ2SIA+, gender non-conforming, non-binary, femme, women, d/Deaf and/or disabled.
November 17—20 @ 5:30 p.m.
From Wing Luke Museum: It's been an exhausting but inspiring year. Join us to process, reflect, learn and heal in a week of collective care with Asian American and QTPOC artists and teachers from our own community.
Location: Online
Cost: Pay what you can, suggested $20 donation — Ticket will give you access to a week's worth of programming! All event proceeds benefit the programs and facilities of the Wing Luke Museum.
From the organizers: Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 100,000 low-income students in King County relied on free or reduced-price meals during the school year. Recent evidence indicates that the rate of food insecurity in households with children present has increased to 34.5% as of April 2020. As a result, more and more families struggle to put food on the table for their children. United Way is partnering with Seattle Housing Authority to deliver meals to 1,500 home-bound children.
And they need volunteers! Volunteers will pick up meals and deliver them to families' doorsteps through no-contact delivery. PPE provided (masks and gloves) plus on-site training and guidance while practicing social distancing at all times on site. Must pass background check!
Learn more and register to help out here.
On Tues., Nov. 10, from 2:30—3:30 p.m. the Washington State Dept. of Health (DOH) will hold an urgent COVID-19 response virtual event to provide an update on the COVID-19 response in Washington State.
TVW will livestream the briefing here.
From the DOH: Accelerated COVID-19 transmission is occurring across the state and time is running out to reverse course and flatten the curve. Join us for this important update on Tuesday afternoon and help us get the message out that people must act now to stop the spread from getting worse.
UPDATE: We wrote an article with the key takeaways from the briefing. Find it here.
Thurs., Nov. 19 @ 7 p.m.
From the the host (Radical Women): Renewed urgency to defend women as Covid takes its toll in a post-election world. Covid continues to expose far-reaching inequalities while the predatory profit system makes conditions even worse. Women have lost their jobs at twice the rate of men. Many are forced to leave the workforce to take care of their kids. Women of color and immigrants face the highest rates of unemployment and many front-line workers in essential services have no options to work from home. Discuss practical solutions that will help vulnerable women and families survive.
Also on the agenda: moving forward after the election. No matter who is elected as president, growing poverty, an ultra-right racist movement, and the further erosion of reproductive rights require a working-class feminist response. Hear about organizing on the left and get involved in what's next!
There are still spots in the 2021/22 calendar available for featured artists at Victrola Coffee on Beacon Hill. We prioritize emerging, youth, BIPOC artists and shows focused on social justice. Email whosthere@loreleiamato.com for schedule info and to share your portfolio. Wall art of all kinds will be considered, our only limitation is weight and size.
Fri., Nov. 20 — 7 p.m.— 9 p.m.
From the host: Previously, Poet Jordan Presents brought New York Times bestseller Ijeoma Oluo and Academy Award-winning filmmaker T.J. Martin to eastern Washington to talk about their creative and powerful work. Now, Poet Jordan Presents: "Black Excellence": An Evening with Nikkita Oliver!
Also joining the program will be opening notes provided by Reagan Jackson, a dance performance by Serenity Wise, and poetry by Daishaundra Loving-Hearne. Celina Garza with Native Lifeway will provide the land acknowledgement and blessing.
Learn more here.
What does it mean to be Black and alive right now?
From the host: Kimberly Drew and Jenna Wortham have brought together a new collection of work—images, photos, essays, memes, dialogues, recipes, tweets, poetry, and more—in Black Futures, which tells the story of the radical, imaginative, provocative, and gorgeous world that Black creators are bringing forth today. Drew and Wortham will join Seattle Arts and Lectures for a pre-recorded, online-only event on Wednesday, December 2, at 7:30 p.m. (PST), co-presented with the Central District Forum for Arts & Ideas (CD Forum).
Black Futures presents a succession of startling and beautiful pieces that generate an entrancing rhythm: Readers will go from conversations with activists and academics to memes and Instagram posts, from powerful essays to dazzling paintings and insightful infographics. In answering the question of what it means to be Black and alive, Black Futures opens a prismatic vision of possibility for every reader.
Click here for ticketing and other info.
New videos premiering every Sunday during the month of November
Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington
WHAT: Virtual Bunka no Hi
WHEN: Every Sunday at Noon (PDT) in Nov.
WHERE: Free and online via the JCCCW's YouTube channel
From the host: Bunka no Hi is going virtual this year! Bunka no Hi, or Japanese Culture Festival, is a free cultural festival dedicated to celebrating, commemorating, and educating the public about Japanese and Japanese American Culture in the Seattle area. We hope you can join us from the safety of your home at our "Virtual Bunka no Hi", which will include a new video every Sunday at noon (PDT) during the month of November.
Find more details at https://www.jcccw.org/bunka-no-hi.
The stated goal of this event is to "empower and motivate our Black and Brown young men to excel in academics and to accept nothing less than excellence from self."
Learn more here.
Focus on organizations led by and serving communities of color seeks to address disproportionate pandemic impact
From The Washington State Department of Commerce: COVID-19 pandemic has taken an unprecedented toll on nonprofit organizations, with many experiencing increased demand for services and programs while at the same time dealing with disruption of services and programs, cancellation of contracts, funding losses due to canceled fundraisers, reduced donations and other issues affecting staff and volunteer capacity. The impacts are particularly hard on nonprofits led by and serving Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) communities.
The Washington State Department of Commerce is partnering with Philanthropy Northwest to provide $2 million of relief funding from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act with a focus on community-based nonprofits and Tribal organizations most impacted by COVID-19.
How to apply: Grant applications from eligible 501c3 organizations are due by Nov. 6, 2020. Find all information and application materials here.
Nov 4, 6:30 p.m.
Nov 11, 6:30 p.m.
From the host: Get motivated by the lives and powerful words of Black, Latinx, Asian American, and Native American feminist radicals. Because of their unique and multiple oppressions, women of color push for interconnections between struggles. These readings, covering a span of decades, reveal inspiring optimism and dedication to the fights against racism, sexism, homophobia, and capitalism. What can we learn from these fiery perspectives in order to strengthen today's movements? Everyone welcome. Readings will be emailed to participants.
From King County: King County International Airport – Boeing Field wants the public's input to help shape the airport's future. The airport is updating its master plan to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. Those interested are invited to any of three virtual open houses to learn more about the airport's draft preferred alternative. Save the date:
Wednesday, October 28:
Advance registration is required. To register, and for more information on the Master Plan, see kingcounty.gov/KCIAMasterPlan
There will be live translation of the open houses in Spanish, Chinese Traditional and Vietnamese.
You may also send your feedback about the master plan update via:
Info from the Secretary of State: Register online at VoteWA.gov, the state's online voter portal. All you need is a Washington State driver's license or I.D. You can also change/update your registration, view a personalized voters' guide (with information on candidates and measures specific to where you live), locate ballot drop boxes, voting centers, and elections offices, and track your marked ballot once it is in the system.
After Oct. 26, you may register in person at a county elections office or voting center during normal business hours and as late as 8 p.m. on Election Day. But don't wait until the last minute!
Get tons more info in The Emerald's 2020 Voters' Guide.
Find information about voting and elections, including important dates, how to register and links to government election websites, at spl.org/elections.
Locations with Curbside Service have extra ballot envelopes and the following materials available in print: voter registration forms, voters' pamphlets for Washington State and King County, and more. Note: Five library locations with ballot boxes will be closed on election day (including Beacon Hill and High Point) to allow for maximum social distancing.
Youth librarians have also curated Exploration Guides — "digital collections of engaging and educational resources on a specific topic" — for children and teens: Whose Vote Counts? Voter Suppression in the U.S. (high school), Voting (middle school), Votes Are Our Voices for the Future (elementary school) (middle school).
Free or low-cost flu vaccinations are available in King County for people of all ages, at multiple locations, this flu season. Children can also get other important vaccines required for school at local clinics for free. Clinics are taking safety precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. With the pandemic ongoing, getting your flu shot this year might be more important than ever. #StaySafeSouthSeattle
Learn more and find locations on KingCounty.gov. Note: Our own Carolyn Bick reported on South End vaccination sites having limited appointments available — read the article to learn more about what they found out while reporting the story.
Successful grant applicants will be eligible for up to $10K. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply here.
From SU/Seattle.gov: Seattle University is administering the 6th annual citywide Seattle Public Safety Survey. The survey is accessible from October 15th through November 30th and is available in Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, English, Korean, Oromo, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tigrinya, and Vietnamese.
The purpose of the survey is to solicit feedback on public safety and security concerns from those who live and/or work in Seattle. A report on the survey results will be provided to the Seattle Police Department to help them better understand your neighborhood's safety and security concerns.
Related: Read about Micro-Community Policing Plans here.
From the Seattle Public Library:
Starting on Thursday, Oct. 15, Seattle students can connect through the Library's platform at spl.org/VirtualTutoring to get instant access to Tutor.com's 3,000 highly vetted expert tutors, who can help youth with schoolwork, tutoring and academic coaching in a variety of subjects in a safe and secure online classroom. One-on-one help is available in math, writing, science, history, foreign languages, college essay writing, Advanced Placement (AP) courses and more.
"This service can give Seattle children and teens who might be struggling with remote schooling the individualized attention they need to learn and excel," said Ayan Adem, K-5 Student Success program manager at the Library. "We are especially excited to level the playing field for youth who might need extra support, such as English language learners."
To access virtual tutoring through The Seattle Public Library, go to spl.org/VirtualTutoring and log in with your Library card or Library Link number and PIN to request a tutor. Any student enrolled in Seattle Public Schools can log in with their student ID number through Library Link; go to spl.org/LibraryLink to find out how.
You can connect to virtual tutors seven days a week from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. in English and Spanish and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Vietnamese. Many resources are available 24/7.
Route 107 to Beacon Hill will be rerouted off of Beacon Avenue South between South Cloverdale and South Myrtle Streets from Saturday morning to Sunday evening.
Via King County Metro:
From Saturday, October 17, at 5:30 AM through Sunday, October 18 at 8:00 PM, at all times, Metro Route 107 will be affected by the closure of northbound Beacon Av S, due to construction.
During this time, Route 107 heading toward the Beacon Hill Link Station will be rerouted and will travel instead via S Cloverdale St, Martin Luther King Jr Way S, S Othello St, S Myrtle Pl, S Myrtle St and then on to its regular route, serving all temporary and regularly posted stops along the revised routing.
Heading toward the Renton Transit Center, Route 107 is not affected and all regular stops are served.
From Wing Luke: We're excited to finally open our doors and invite you back to our Museum Wednesdays through Sundays beginning October 7th! We have lots of incredible programs lined up this season in addition to our continuing live virtual tours, talks, and after-hours specials.
We also want to remind you of our brand new safety guidelines outlining new procedures and tips to help you navigate your next visit.
Also in October, we're celebrating Filipino American History Month and honoring the stories, legacies, and incredible contributions of Filipino Americans to United States history.
Welcome back!
Find all the happenings at Wing Luke on their website!
The Seattle Design Commission is recruiting a land use planner and an at-large member to join the commission in March 2021. The recruitment period will close in December. The Commission — comprised of 10 people in the fields of architecture and design — advises the mayor, City Council, and City departments on environmental and urban design implications of new City-funded capital facilities like parks, community centers, police stations, etc. Those interested in either position, both will serve two-year terms, will need to send a resume and letter of interest to Mayor Jenny Durkan via Seattle Design Commission Executive Director, Michael Jenkins.
Learn more at seattle.gov/designcommission.
From KCLS: Can you scare the socks off your librarian? Put your storytelling skills to the test and submit your own spooky story between October 1—21 for a chance to have it published on the KCLS website! We will judge entries on creativity, the quality of the writing, and how much they terrify us.
There will be a winner in each of the following age groups: 9 to 11, 12 to 14, 15 to 17, and 18 and older. We'll announce the winners and publish their stories by October 31.
Learn more and enter on the KCLS website.
Teens ages 13—19 address issues important to youth
The City of Seattle is now accepting applications for the Seattle Youth Commission (SYC). The commission consists of 15 youth members, age 13—19 who address issues of importance to youth. Appointed by the Mayor and Seattle City Council, youth serving on this commission work with elected officials, City staff, community leaders, and young people citywide to make positive changes through policy, organizing, and events. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, November 4 at 5:00 p.m.
Commissioners serve a two-year term beginning in November 2020 and ending June 2022. The commissioners meet biweekly on Mondays from 4:30 — 6:00 p.m. and will have additional committee commitments. In addition, the commissioners are required to attend a half-day virtual retreat.
To apply, complete and submit the online application by November 4th at 5 p.m. Interviews for applicants will be held on November 9 and 10.
For more information, go to http://www.seattle.gov/syc.
For questions, please contact commission coordinator Osbaldo Hernandez at Osbaldo.Hernandez@seattle.gov or 206-233-3732.
All the tributes to the late Congressman and civil rights leader, John Lewis, leave us wanting more as new nuggets about his life and film footage of his speeches inspire us over and over again. Here's a documentary film, recommended as appropriate for middle schoolers and older, available for the family to watch it together via virtual cinema through Ark Lodge.
"John Lewis: Good Trouble" inspires us to get into trouble — good trouble. Using interviews and rare archival footage, the film "chronicles Lewis' 60-plus years of social activism and legislative action on civil rights, voting rights, gun control, health-care reform, and immigration."
Ark Lodge Cinema: screening from a computer near you!
Tickets available here (through Dec. 31!). See what else you can rent virtually here!
HealthierHere, MultiCare, and Medical Teams International are partnering to offer free dental services via mobile clinic to those in need in Seattle and South King County. The services are available from July 31—November 30.
People on Medicaid, those experiencing homelessness, and/or those who are uninsured are eligible for free dental services. No insurance, ID, or fees are required. The following COVID precautions will be in place: a screening questionnaire for patients, temperature checks, and only one patient in the van at a time to allow for social distancing (no guests or family members will be permitted in the mobile clinic).
For schedule, locations, and further details, visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/mobilemed.
Tues., Nov. 17 — 7—7:10 p.m.
From SPL: Third-generation Seattleite, historian, journalist, and museum visionary Ron Chew spent more than five decades fighting for Asian American and social justice causes in Seattle. In this deeply personal memoir, he documents the tight-knit community he remembers, describing small family shops, chop suey restaurants, and sewing factories that populated the community.
Join us for this virtual conversation with the author presented by The Seattle Public Library Foundation. The talk will be moderated by Tom Ikeda, executive director of Densho, a longtime partner of The Seattle Public Library.
You'll have the chance to join the discussion in a live Q&A after an in-depth interview with the author. Register today!
Check out this Emerald article on Ron Chew and his new book by Glenn Nelson.
On November 14 and 15 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, a diverse lineup of notable local Black artists including Gifted Gab, Tiffany Wilson, Rell Be Free, BEARAXE, Beverly Crusher, and more will stream professionally pre-recorded live performances hosted by Nikkita Oliver and Jace ECAj on shelterfestseattle.com.
The website aims to invoke a live music festival experience through a virtual mainstage, virtual food trucks, and artist tip jars. Through the virtual food trucks, audience members can order food from local Black-owned businesses. The livestream will also feature interviews from prominent Black restaurant owners like Chef Edouardo Jordan of JuneBaby, Trey Lamont of Jerk Shack, and more.
Though Shelter Fest Seattle is free to stream, viewers are encouraged to invest in their community by directing the value of their ticket to the Seattle Artist Relief Fund organized by Ijeoma Oluo and LANGSTON.
Check out this article our own M. Anthony Davis wrote about Shelter Fest that includes an interview with the hosts.
November 13, 2020 1—3 p.m.
Candidates:
Erwin Chappel
Deaunte Damper
Carolyn Riley Payne
Moderators:
Carl Mack, former Director – Seattle King County NAACP
Michele Merriweather, Executive Director – Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle
Nate Miles, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives – Elli Lilly
+ Youth Moderators from Rainier Avenue Radio's CADMA program
Join the Third Place Books and The South Seattle Emerald on Wednesday, November 11 to discuss Rule Makers, Rule Breakers by Michele Gelfand. In accordance with current health guidelines, our in-store book clubs are meeting virtually on Zoom until further notice. Registration is free, but required to join in the conversation. Register here to receive access to the Reading Through It Book Club Zoom meeting. You can purchase a copy of the book here. All monthly book club titles are discounted 20% at our Seward Park location for the month prior to the book club meeting.
This Saturday, November 7, 10 a.m.—3:15 p.m.: Healing Offerings
"Join us if you want to connect virtually with community and engage in healing space post elections <3"
Teaser for just one of multiple Saturday events, from the host:
Healing Offering One: Community, Spirituality and Ritual for Surviving and Thriving — Our first session will be facilitated by Ignacio G Huta Xeiti Rivera, M.A. (they/them/theirs). When thinking of "self-care" we often picture us going it alone. We aim to understand ourselves enough to know what is "right" and what is "wrong" for our well-being. The truth is, that sometimes we just can't. Finding the tools, holding ourselves accountable and thinking outside the box can be challenging. Join Ignacio Rivera as we discuss harm reduction approaches and skill share how we incorporate community/chosen family, our beliefs and everyday practices in balancing our mental health one day at a time.
Read about this day of Healing Offerings and more API Chaya Generations Fest events here and register for upcoming events here.
King County DCHS and DLS are hosting this workshop series for people who live and work in Skyway-West Hill and North Highline. The next one is Sat., Nov. 7 — 10 a.m.—12:30 p.m.
From the host: Join us to learn about different anti-displacement strategies being explored and share your experiences and opinions on these topics. Any contact information collected in this registration process will be used to contact you regarding information for this event, including materials, updates and Zoom meeting information.
Learn more and register for an upcoming session here.
The 2020 Earshot Jazz Festival is underway! Performances are live-streamed, and you can find ticket information on their website. Here are some upcoming performances you might want to catch:
Thursday, October 29: Ahamefule J. Oluo Jazz Quartet at the Royal Room
Friday, November 6: Ben Hunter Group
October 31, 2 p.m.
Update — 11/2/20: If you got your picture taken at the T'Challaween banner and want to enter the costume contest, it's not too late! Find your picture in our Facebook album and tag it so we can reach you if you're a winner!
OP: The South Seattle Emerald in partnership with Rainier Avenue Radio bring you — T'Challaween! This event will feature a 3/4-mile, *socially distant, *COVID-safe costume parade along the Beacon Hill Greenway. Paraders will travel north to south from around S. College St to S. Hanford St along 18th Ave S. (join anywhere along the route!) and catch "no-touch" candy from our volunteers! And Rainier Avenue Radio will livestream the event for those who can't be there. **MASKS REQUIRED! (Costume masks alone don't count.)
WATCH: RainierAvenueRadio.World app or Facebook
LISTEN: www.rainieravenueradio.world
Thank you to our sponsors The Station, Converge Media, Jump Start Consulting, Bar del Corso, Urban Feed & Garden, Beacon Business Alliance, Practically Apparent, Beacon Arts, and ACLU-WA! (*And a shout out to the Feed the People Plaza and Hello Bicycle!*)
Fridays, Sept. 18—Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m.
From KCLS:
We cordially invite you for a series of live readings for adults throughout the fall season! Barely Tolerable Tales, presented by The Cresswell Club, pairs tales of horror and the occult with recipes for cocktails to mix and enjoy while you listen.
The Cresswell Club began as a series of Halloween and Walpurgis Night ghost story readings with friends and family in New York City and was continued by the Carpenter brothers when they moved back to their hometown of Seattle.
See the schedule on the KCLS website.
The event will provide a variety of services for the community — access to FREE resources for families that reside in the Skyway and Renton area!
Some of the resources available: School supplies, PPE care kits, diapers, children's books, access to WIC, housing assistance, mental health services, and "tons" more.
Social distancing guidelines will be followed.
Find upcoming RAR Community Election Connection events (LAST WEEK!) on Facebook and mark your calendars!
Community members can watch LIVE on the Rainier Avenue Radio app or on Facebook, and to listen at www.RainierAvenueRadio.World on TuneIn or smart speakers. Videos will be available on YouTube after the broadcast and on the Rainier Avenue Radio Community Election Connection web page. rainieravenueradio.world/communityelectionconnection.
View the Facebook event for…
Candidate Debate for Legislative District 37, State Rep Pos. 1, here;
Candidate Debate for King County Superior Court Judge Pos. 13, here;
And WA Referendum 90 – Sex Education in Public Schools Debate, here.
Oct 29, 2020, 7:00 p.m.
From DESC's Facebook page: Are you ready to experience the talents of The Dusty 45s in a virtual benefit concert to end homelessness? Tune in virtually as the band, led by Billy Joe Huels, play their own brand of upbeat sound from the rooftop of DESC's Aurora House!
Register here.
From the host, Rainier Valley Historical Society: Join us online for a presentation on voting rights, voter suppression, and disenfranchisement that results from institutional racism and racist policy making. After the presentation, there will be a community discussion and opportunity to speak.
Our presenter is Maya Manus the Advocacy and Civic Engagement Coordinator of the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle. (Can't make it? Watch the event after the Zoom call here.)
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
12:30-2:00 p.m.
From Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies: Join us online for the Labor Studies Workshare Series discussion of "Black Revolution in the Sea Islands: Empire, Property, and the Emancipation of Land and Labour, 1861-1863" by Frances O'Shaughnessy
Speaker: Frances O'Shaughnessy
PhD Student, UW History
More Upcoming Labor Studies Workshare Events:
Monday, October 19 – 12:30pm-1:30pm: 'Speaking for Ourselves to Each Other:' Tyree Scott, Worker of Color Organizing, and Global Labor Solidarity 1969-99, Trevor Griffey
Thursday, October 22 – 6:00pm-7:15pm: Women Workers Organizing for Labor Standards: From Protest to Policy, Eileen Boris with Dana Barrett, Senator Karen Keiser, and Kasi Marita Perreira
Friday, October 23 – 10:00am-11:30am: Sustaining Radicalism in the Pacific Northwest: From the 1919 General Strike to Black Lives Matter, Kim England, James Gregory and Aaron Goings
Monday, October 26 – 12:30pm-1:30pm: Labor Unions and White Racial Politics, Jake Grumbach
Sat., Oct. 24
From Powerful Voices:
Join us in celebrating 25 years of Powerful Voices! Our annual Luncheon is an opportunity to hear directly from amazing participants and get organizational updates from Powerful Voices.
As we continue to create virtual brave spaces for young girls* of color and support our community through these difficult times, we look forward to coming together to celebrate all we have accomplished as a community and to fundraise to ensure another 25 years of Powerful Voices community!
*a girl is anyone who identifies as one!
Fri, Oct 23 at 7 p.m. – Livestreamed Event
From Elliot Bay Books:
Alicia Garza's honest and original narrative THE PURPOSE OF POWER: How We Come Together When We Fall Apart (One World Hardcover) is a twenty-first-century organizer's manifesto that draws on this generation's particular strengths and challenges us to create a new paradigm for change. It is an essential guide to building the type of movements that can address the challenges of our time, from one of the country's leading organizers — one of the creators of Black Lives Matter. She joins us virtually to speak about her book in conversation with Patrisse Cullors, Artist, Author, Political Strategist, Co-founder & Executive Director of Black Lives Matter.
Tickets are $10 to attend the event and $35 including a copy of The Purpose of Power. A portion of the ticket proceeds will be donated to Langston and to NAAM.
Oct. 19—23 — 12:30—1:30 p.m. (daily)
Chief Seattle Club is celebrating 50 years with a week-long virtual luncheon fundraiser featuring discussions with local Indigenous dancers, poets, and community leaders. Tune in daily October 19—23.
Thursday, October 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Suggested Contribution: Student $10 | Guest: $37 | Cohost $100 | Sponsor $250. RSVP here.
Thurs., Oct. 22 — 12-4 p.m.
Abu-Bakr Islamic Center of Washington (14101 Tukwila Int'l Blvd. Tukwila, WA 98168)
"The nonprofit Medical Teams International (Medical Teams) is partnering with the Islamic Center of Seattle to offer free COVID-19 testing to the public this Thursday, October 22. The testing is part of the organization's broader, ongoing effort throughout Washington and Oregon to reach at-risk populations with access to free testing.
"Since March, Medical Teams has served as "official testing agent" and partner for both Seattle and King County and the Washington State Department of Health. The organization, experienced at working in critical and emergency situations, has been testing underserved communities throughout the Pacific Northwest in order to stem the spread of the disease and ensure that those in need of care are able to receive the proper treatment."
Thurs., Oct. 22 — 8—9 p.m.
Denny Heck (D) and Marko Liias (D) will face off in this debate.
From the host: The lieutenant governorship in Washington is a four-year term. Community members will be able to watch and listen LIVE on the Rainier Avenue Radio app or on Facebook and to listen at www.RainierAvenueRadio.World, on TuneIn, or Alexa.
(Event follows the final presidential debate.)
Follow along on Rainier Avenue Radio's Facebook page for daily broadcasts relating to the upcoming elections with info and insights for voters of all ages. They're even offering virtual workshops for high-schoolers. See Tony B on Converge Media discussing Rainier Avenue Radio's Student Election Connection Workshops. See upcoming Community Election Connection programming here. Find their full schedule of programming here. And download the app to tune in anywhere you are — Rainier Avenue Radio is available on IOS and Android devices.
October 20—February 23
Free 5-part online education series focusing on the best practices and strategies for teaching Black children at home and in school. Each participant will receive a free book at the end of series.
Part One: Learning Styles & Learning Preferences
October 20, 2020 5:30 p.m.—7:30 p.m
Register here for any or all parts of the series.
Contact: cultivatethegenius@gmail.com
Monday, October 19, 2020. 7—8 p.m.
Rainier Avenue Radio will host a debate Monday, October 9 between District 37 candidates Chukundi Salisbury and Kirsten Harris-Talley. Watch and listen LIVE on the Rainier Avenue Radio app or on Facebook, and to listen at RainierAvenueRadio.World, on TuneIn, or via Alexa.
Email Questions to RainierAvenueRadio.world@gmail.com.
KNKX's Take the Mic and South Seattle Emerald present Election 2020 – The Youth Vote: A conversation about leadership, ethics and values and how they factor into choosing a candidate, a free Zoom event on October 14 at 4 p.m. PT. The event will be hosted by KNKX News Director Florangela Davila and South Seattle Emerald Editor-in-Chief/Publisher Marcus Harrison Green. REGISTER HERE. (Learn more on the KNKX website.)
From the host: Are you an artist trying to figure out how to reach your customers, safely reopen, or pivot your small business? The Business of Art webinar on October 15 [9—10:30 a.m.] is FREE and will help you learn how to apply #SmallBusiness resources to the creative sector.
This event is perfect for visual artists, performing artists, teaching artists — or anyone working to support the creative economy. Get face time with experts in the creative fields: Jude Dai, Sara Green, and Matthew Richter!
Learn more and register here.
October 13, 6 p.m.—8 p.m.
From Rainier Avenue Radio: Logic Amen and Kela Hall moderate a panel highlighting Black candidates running for office in King County including Sherae Lascelles for WA State Rep LD 43 pos 2, Kirsten Harris-Talley, Chukundi Salisbury, David Hackney, Elect Debra Entenman, Jamila Taylor, and Jesse Johnson. Presented as a part of Rainier Avenue Radio's Community Election Connection for the 2020 General Election and part of This Person Votes campaign at the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle.
Vision Maker Media has a list of nine events honoring Indigenous Peoples Day 2020, from free online film screenings to live-streamed music, dance, and discussions. Find out more on their website.
Seattle Police Chief Diaz to join community members in an important discussion
What: Community Voices Gun Violence Roundtable Discussion
When: October 8, 2020 6—9 p.m.
Where: All Converge Media Social Media Platforms and www.WhereWeConverge.com
Why: Because death by gun violence is 100% preventable and it's about time we find solutions.
From Converge: In direct response to the explosion of gun violence occurring across Seattle and South King County, Converge Media will be hosting a Community Voices Gun Violence Roundtable discussion this Thursday, October 8, 2020, from 6 pm – 9 pm across all Converge Media social media platforms as well as at www.WhereWeConverge.com.
Panelists includes: SPD Chief Adrian Diaz, Willard Jimerson (United Better Thinking), Sean Goode (Choose 180), Dre Franklin (Brothers United In Leadership Development/B.U.I.L.D.), Chukundi Salisbury (100 Black Parents), Marcus Harrison Green (South Seattle Emerald), victims' families & advocates, plus—more panelists to be added
Wed., Oct. 7 — 8—9 p.m.
From Rainier Avenue Radio: Washington's Gubernational Debate between Republican challenger Loren Culp and Democratic incumbent Jay Inslee presented by TVW and the Seattle City Club moderated by Chris Daniels of King 5, Brandi Kruse of Q 13, Essex Porter of Kiro 7, and Melissa Santos of KCTS 9 and Crosscut presented as a part of Rainier Avenue Radio's Community Election Connection for the 2020 General Election.
Submit questions for the candidates to rainieravenueradio.world@gmail.com
You can RSVP to watch on Facebook, or tune in with the Rainier Avenue Radio app available for free for both iPhone and Android users, and on our website at www.rainieravenueradio.world.
Tues., Oct 6 — 12 p.m.
Speakers: Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and local labor leaders
Learn more on the PSARA website.
Aug. 31—Oct. 5
"For the first time, Vision Maker Media will be hosting an online, five-week-long celebration of American Indian, Alaska Native and worldwide Indigenous films from August 31 — October 5, 2020. Sign up for updates on films, Q&A's, prizes and more! #OnlineVMFF."
The current exhibit will continue through October 3, 2020
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays — 12—6 p.m.
Venue:
GALLERY ONYX
Pacific Place Mall
600 Pine Street (3rd floor)
Seattle, WA 98101
Thurs., Oct. 1 — 6—9 p.m.
This Historic Town Hall will be hosted by KUBE 93.3's Besa and Features Mayor Jenny Durkan, Converge Media's Omari Salisbury, the South Seattle Emerald's Marcus Harrison Green, King Co. Councilmember Girmay Zahilay, School Board Director Brandon Hersey, King County Equity Now's Nikkita Oliver, and Wyking Garrett of Africatown Community Land Trust.
Tune in via Converge Media's Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube (or Elysian's) or KUBE 93.3.
Thurs., Oct. 1 — 6:30—7:30 p.m.
From Filipino American Political Action Group of Washington (FAPAGOW):
Join us on Thursday Oct 1st to meet Port Commissioner Kristin Ang, Councilmember Sofia Aragon, and Councilmember Cynthia Delostrinos Johnson. Kristin Ang is an attorney who studied international trade. She is the current President of the City Club of Tacoma. She won her seat at the Port of Tacoma Commission serving a 4 year term. The city of Tacoma area is 35% people of color and 13.5% immigrants and refugees. Sofia Aragon is a nurse and attorney. She serves as the Executive Director for Washington Center for Nursing. She ran for state representative and last year she ran and got elected as councilmember for the City of Burien which is 42% people of color and 24.7% immigrants and refugees. Cynthia Delostrinos Johnson is an attorney and currently serves as Manager of the Supreme Court Commission. She ran and got elected as councilmember for the City of Tukwila which has 63% people of color and 41% immigrants and refugees.
RSVP by online form or email the host at contact@fapagow.org. (Facebook event)
From King County:
Seniors, people with disabilities, and others with qualifying conditions who applied for property tax exemptions or deferrals but are still waiting for a determination will be able to extend payments until January 31, 2021.
Affected property owners will be contacted, and will need to notify the Assessor's Office via the web at kingcounty.gov/taxreliefextension, call 206-296-3920 or email exemptions.extension@kingcounty.gov to opt in to this program. The statutory deadline of November 2 remains in effect for all other property taxpayers. Seniors seeking property tax payment extensions must have mailed or filed an application on or before October 19.
On September 29, the Safeway at 3820 Rainier Avenue South will begin accepting SNAP/EBT through its Drive Up & Go program. Drive Up & Go customers order groceries online, schedule a pick-up, and Safeway staff deliver purchases to their cars — a good option for those looking to avoid contact with others during the pandemic. The service is free if you spend at least $30. Now SNAP/EBT cardholders will be able to use their benefits for the service by choosing "SNAP EBT" in the online system after filling their cart. The purchase will be finalized with a Safeway staff member at pick-up.
Note: This is the only South End Safeway store that will take SNAP/EBT through Drive Up & Go, but other locations in the greater Seattle area that will roll out this service in October are 8340 15th Ave. N.W. (Seattle), 12811 Beverly Park Rd. (Lynnwood), 200 S. 3rd St. (Renton), 4011 S. 164th (SeaTac, Albertsons) 27035 Pacific Hwy. S. (Des Moines), 900 E. Meridian STE 12 (Milton), and 2637 N. Pearl St. (Tacoma).
The King County District Court's Virtual Resource Center (VRC) is operated as part of the court's community court program and is
open to anyone to access via Zoom or telephone. According to the court, the VRC services include access to education, work training, substance abuse treatment, transportation discounts, Public Health / DSHS, and dozens more. The VRC is intended to help community members connect with many of the resources available that were accessible in person prior to the pandemic. More info about the VRC, including how to access it, is available on KingCounty.gov.
Tabor 100 has an over 20-year history of supporting and advocating for minority-owned businesses. Their Black Business Equity Fund (BBEF) will provide cash grants, training, technical assistance and other support for greater Seattle area Black-owned businesses. Half of the BBEF, they say, "will seed a new cash grant program to support Black-owned businesses during the pandemic" while the other half "will fund training, technical assistance, programming, and build organizational capacity for Tabor 100 and the Tabor Economic Development Hub. The fund, says Tabor 100 in a press release, has launched with just under $2M. Their goal is to raise at least an additional $4.5M over the next three years.
Learn more about the BBEF.
At the end of last week, Mayor Jenny Durkan announced that the City of Seattle would extend its COVID-19 rent relief efforts for City tenants — launched in April — through the end of 2020. The City's relief program allows 63 for-profit tenants to defer rent and gives its 103 nonprofit tenants rental waivers (this includes artist studios).
These and other recent investments are in addition to the $41 million King County Eviction Prevention and Rent Assistance Program and the Mayor's eviction moratoriums for residents, small businesses, and nonprofits that currently lasts through the end of 2020. Learn more at http://www.seattle.gov/mayor/covid-19.
Seattle Metro Chamber has launched a new round of grant funding for King County businesses with 20 or fewer full-time employees and 501 (c)(6) organizations. The funds are available as part of the CARES Act; Seattle Metro is in a distributing role as King County's Associate Development Organization. Find more info and apply at https://www.kingcountyado.com/. Application deadline: Mon., Sept. 28, at p.m.
Get your one-stop flu shot at upcoming Saturday events at one of four ICHS clinics. More information available at https://www.ichs.com/get-your-flu-shot-now/.
"These are by-appointment only, with no cost for children and with most insurance. ICHS welcomes patients of all backgrounds regardless of income or insurance status. We have two Saturday Event Flu Shot locations — one in Holly Park and the other in the Chinatown-International District."
Remember the Internet for All Initiative announced earlier this summer? Well Mayor Jenny Durkan and City Councilmembers Lorena Gonzalez, Alex Pedersen, and Debora Juarez today announced the release of the initial Internet for All Report and Action Plan. The City gathered information during a 2018 Technology Access and Adoption study, and the initial Internet for All Report includes a gap analysis of internet, technology, and device needs as well as an Action Plan with strategies to close the gaps. The initiative "elevates citywide digital equity strategies to increase access to key services and opportunities such as education, job training, unemployment assistance, and resources for those seeking relief during times of crisis."
The initiative was launched to address internet and technology needs and disparities that have exacerbated by the pandemic. The report includes eight strategies to address gaps in internet skills and access, with "recommendations to strategically deploy more public Wi-Fi in digital equity areas by 2021, and foster up to 20,000 internet connections and devices for underserved individuals by 2023." The City says it will "continue to pursue private sector and philanthropic partnerships to expand access to reliable internet and partnering with organizations to deliver culturally relevant digital inclusion programs."
The City's 2018 study identified that while 95% of Seattle households are connected to the internet, 45% of lower-income households said their access to the internet "was not adequate or only sometimes adequate for their needs." Additionally, the Internet for All Report found that internet disparities are "concentrated geographically in certain areas of the City." The areas representing the highest need for better access are Pioneer Square, Yesler Terrace, the International District, New Holly, the Rainier Valley, Beacon Hill, High Point, South Park, parts of downtown, and Lake City.
City of Seattle will keep the emergency smoke shelter at 1045 6th Ave. S. open through Tues. morning at 10 a.m. Seattle Parks and Recreation extended the closure of all beaches boat ramps, parks, specialty gardens, golf courses, and playfields through Monday, September 14. "Restrooms in parks will remain open. The City is not issuing citations, but all residents are strongly encouraged to avoid outdoor recreation and remain inside if they are able for the duration of the unhealthy air quality."
Additionally, Public Health — Seattle & King County advises all those who are able to stay inside for the duration of the unhealthy air quality. If you have asthma or other respiratory conditions, you should take extra precautions. They also advise that "It's important to note that cloth face coverings — while critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19 — generally do not provide much protection from unhealthy air quality. N95 and N100 masks offer slightly better protection against unhealthy air quality, however, those should continue to be reserved for health care workers and first responders addressing the COVID-19 pandemic."
Resources: Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (updates on air quality) and for information about the current conditions and smoke in relation to your health, go to welcoming.seattle.gov/2020smoke/ (available in multiple languages.
Seattle Fire Department also urges the public to take steps to prevent additional fires from starting, including "properly discarding of smoking materials" and "ensuring vehicles don't create sparks." Learn more on the Fireline Blog.
Investments include launch of new effort to provide homeowner counseling and stabilization funds. Thousands of families are expected to receive direct financial support.
Mayor Jenny A. Durkan announced the allocation of more than $19 million in funding to provide housing assistance for low-income households economically impacted by COVID-19. The City continues to distribute rental assistance but will launch a new effort to provide mortgage counseling and direct assistance to homeowners at risk of foreclosure. The investments are an addition to established community-based programs aimed at keeping Seattle's most racially diverse residents in their homes.
Durkan's eviction moratorium currently lasts through the end of 2020 and renters can also look to the King County Eviction Prevention and Rent Assistance Program for assistance, but now the City is preparing to provide $12 million in rental assistance through United Way of King County's Home Base Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance Program ($4 million in 2020 and $8 million in 2021). The City is expected to distribute another $4 million through affordable housing providers — funded by the Seattle Office of Housing — and an additional $3 million through the Human Service Department's Homelessness Prevention programs.
"With an ongoing pandemic requiring us all to stay home to stay healthy, a deep economic recession disproportionately impacting BIPOC communities and low-wage workers and their families, and now-yearly episodes of toxic air pollution caused by climate wildfires making it unsafe to go outdoors in Seattle—it is more important than ever to help people stay in their homes," said Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda (Position 8, Citywide). This infusion of funding for rent and mortgage assistance, made available through COVID relief legislation, is intended to help thousands of households stave off eviction and foreclosure.
As of the end of July, United Way's Home Base Rental Assistance Program — in partnership with the City of Seattle, King County, and the Seattle Foundation — had served over 2,800 households across King County, including 1,180 households in Seattle. Over 75% of the households served were headed by a person of color. To ensure equitable access to these funds, United Way partners with the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, Wellspring Family Services, Neighborhood House, and Solid Ground. The City is expanding its investment in the program to continue equitably supporting low-income renters in Seattle.
City of Seattle is providing child care for 550 children at 19 sites, providing full-day care to elementary-age kids and supporting virtual learning. In addition, Seattle Parks and Recreation is launching Teen Resource Hubs across the city, providing virtual learning support, internet access, and resource referrals, including basic needs and mental health resources.
More information here.
From the office of King Co. Councilmember Girmay Zahilay:
"Facing a looming eviction crisis in the face of COVID-19, King County recently allocated over $41 million specifically for rental assistance. Funds are available for tenants, small landlords, large property landlords and managers, manufactured home park owners and managers, and local nonprofits in an effort to take a broad approach to the scale of the need. You can find full details, including information in over a dozen languages, by clicking here. If you are in need, apply as soon as possible as funds will be distributed quickly."
Rahwa Ogbe Keshi Habte tragically passed away on August 28. She provided our community with so much love, laughter, and joy. Those wishing to support her family during this difficult time can donate to them via Go Fund Me.
TL;DR: Virtual, Free to Attend, Register Here
Join Forterra on September 28 and 29 for a series of discussions on the community and conservation needs of the South Sound. Learn about work happening now and new opportunities for the year ahead.
Hold time on your calendar for a free virtual happy hour, coffee talk, and a panel discussion. Pick and choose, or join us for the full program!
Happy Hour: Hilltop and Forterra
Monday, Sept. 28, 4:30 – 5:15 p.m.
Join Forterra and our partners for an update on our joint efforts to build community-driven co-op homes and business space in the heart of Tacoma's Hilltop neighborhood. BYO favorite beverage — and your questions, too. We'll have small breakout sessions for further connection and conversation.
Coffee & Conversation: South Sound Land Conservation and Stewardship
Tuesday, Sept. 29, 8:30 – 9:15 a.m.
How is land conservation moving forward in South Sound during these challenging times? Join Forterra's conservation team for an update on recent successes and new projects. Bring a hot mug and engage in a conversation with others who have a shared interest in this work.
Panel Discussion: Envisioning The Future Together: Community, Land, and Salmon in South Sound
Tuesday, Sept. 29, 9:30 – 10:15 a.m.
The future well-being of our region depends on many critical needs, including community resources and healthy ecosystems. What inspiring new work is happening now in South Sound, and how can conservation work be more centered on community needs? Join us for a dynamic panel discussion with South Sound's emerging leaders.
Register for these sessions here.
At a time when educators, parents, and students are concerned about the safety of school openings, the King County Library System (KCLS) is stepping up and making their vast collections of resources available. Here are three ways to access library materials safely:
Click here for a list of Curbside to Go hours and info for South End branches.
"The Seattle Public Library's Mobile Services vehicles are once again navigating the streets of Seattle to deliver books, DVDs and other materials to senior housing facilities, preschools that serve low-income families, encampments for people experiencing homelessness and other patrons who have difficulty accessing Library materials.
"The Library's Mobiles Services unit has not made deliveries since mid-March, when Library locations closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As part of its reopening plan reopening plan for phasing in services, the Library has restarted Mobile Services, along with accepting book returns and opening curbside service at seven locations."
Mon., Sept. 28 — 7 p.m.
From KCLS:
It's showtime!
You're invited to the virtual KCLS Reel Fest Film Premiere and Awards Show. Watch the top 10 films, hear from our judges and finalists, and see who wins!
Register here for the Reel Fest Film Premiere and Awards Show. Registrants will receive a YouTube link to watch the show on the day of the event.
(Learn more on the KCLS website.)
Individuals and families throughout King County economically impacted by COVID-19 due to illness, lost wages and unemployment may apply for assistance through the King County Eviction Prevention and Rent Assistance Program announced today by King County Executive Dow Constantine. The new program dedicates $41.4 million for emergency housing aid and is expected to assist 7,700 to 10,000 households across the region. Read more on KingCounty.gov.
Sun., Sept. 20 — 3—6 p.m.
Venue: Virtual, Zoom
"Online community discussion: It has been 10 years since the cop murder of John T. Williams, an unarmed, Native woodcarver, and police reforms have failed to hold any cop accountable. Nor has any police officer been deemed responsible for the many cop murders that have happened since Williams' death. This dialogue will take a look at Seattle's current oversight options and contrast to an elected civilian review board which would put power over the police into the community's hands.Comrades of color caucus members and labor activists Annaliza Torres and Gil Veyna will lead the conversation.Click the zoom link above to register. Suggested donation of $5 to $10." See Facebook event for more info.
Wed., Sept. 16 — 6—8 p.m.
Venue: Virtual Zoom
Register here.
"Join us virtually on September 16 for a Public Meeting with Governor Inslee and Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal. We will demand that they be authentic champions of issues that affect our immigrant communities."
Wed., Sept. 16 — 4—6 p.m.
Online event
Thurs., Sept. 10 — 6 p.m.
"Bring your ideas, experiences and questions as we share how to support racial justice as we work for a healthy, sustainable climate for all. What if we defund police, invest in health, homes, urban gardens, and green jobs for people most hurt by Covid19 and climate chaos? What progressive local and state revenue options will we support? How will we elect climate champions in Nov. 2020? Details in the next newsletter.
P.S. Want to take action now for clean, green buildings? Click here. Let the state know that their proposed building GHG emission reduction targets are too low."
More event info will be posted here when available.
Wed., Sept. 16
"To help with a final push to get the most complete count, on September 16, Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County and We Count Washington campaign partners are leading a Day of Action to ensure everyone who calls Washington State home is counted in the 2020 Census."
To participate in this Day of Action, download the toolkit. For additional info, view the Black Lives Matter Seattle King County Day of Action webpage or contact BLMSKC or We Count Washington.
Mon., Sept. 14 — 6:30—8:30 p.m.
Venue: Online/Zoom
FREE
Facebook event
Skanska, a leading global construction and development firm will host their eighth-annual Bricks & Books auction benefitting Rainier Scholars online. In addition to going virtual, the fundraising campaign and event will be a full month long, Aug. 4—Sept. 4. Throughout the month, Skanska's employees, partners, and other industry members are encouraged to donate. According to Skanska, the annual event raises funds to support Rainier Scholars' mission to cultivate the academic potential and leadership skills of underrepresented students of color.
Make a donation now through Sept. 4, here. (Donation page operates best on Google Chrome or Safari.)
Thurs., Aug. 27 — 6 p.m.
"In Stories of Us: Camp Second Chance, Director Melinda Raebyne takes a deep and personal dive into the homelessness crisis in Seattle. She interviews and follows the stories of people who are experiencing homelessness. The film shows what's possible when society's "forgotten population" decides to beat the odds. Instead of putting hope into a broken system, they invest their hopes in each other to create a community that supports them to become productive people in society."
Time: 10 a.m.—12 p.m.
Address: 12643 Renton Ave S., Seattle, WA (98178)
First come, first served basis.
TL;DR: Virtual, Free to Attend, More Info Here
The Seattle Public Library and The Bureau of Fearless Ideas invite you join Black teen interns, Leeah, Ruth, and Asemayet, for a three part series of fun and free(!) early-learning programs. Our teen interns will read picture books by Black authors and/or Illustrators, and guide little ones and caregivers through some mindful movements. Click the below link to join the live stream* on these date and times. Please share widely as they is no limit on viewers. Here is the program booklist of titles the interns will read and more!
*Due to copyright constraints these will not be recorded.
Fri., Aug. 28 — 3—5:30 p.m.
Location: Intersection of Rainier Ave S. & MLK Jr. Way S.
"Who's Next?: WeWant To Live is a public event calling for officials to elevate the epidemic of gun violence to the level of urgency being mobilized to confront the COVID-19 crisis."
For more info, contact wijimerson@kingcounty.gov.
Fri., Aug. 28 — 7—9:30 p.m.
"Skyway Virtual Cinema: Stream a free movie with us, get exclusive access to a free interactive movie trivia game, and share your scores, reviews, and feels. This week, we're streaming Taika Waititi's critically-acclaimed 'Boy.'
'Set on the east coast of New Zealand in 1984, Boy, an 11-year-old child and devout Michael Jackson fan, gets a chance to know his absentee criminal father, who has returned to find a bag of money he buried years ago.'"
Learn more on the Facebook event.
Sat., Aug. 29 — 11 a.m.—3 p.m.
Jimi Hendrix Park — 2400 S. Massachusetts St
"Mark your calendars! This month Sustainable Seattle's RiSE Cohort is putting together an in-person and socially distanced outdoor event dedicated to collective healing. RiSE is a BIPOC cohort focused on climate resilience, racial equity, collective empowerment, and emergency preparedness. The cohort: Hannah Wilson, John Wesley Sargent, Carol Rashawnna Williams, Paul Cheoketen Wagner, and Samara Almonte invite BIPOC and allies to join us for a day of storytelling, live performance, music, food, and creative expression in order to heal ourselves, heal our communities, and heal our relationships with the land and the water."
Learn more about "Plague of Healing" and artist Carol Rashawnna Williams in our recent piece: Artist Wants to Unleash Plague of Black Healing With Social Sculpture Experiment.
Sat., Aug. 29 — 4—7 p.m.
Jefferson Park — 3801 Beacon Ave S.
"Join us in coming together during Black August to honor the wisdom, resilience, power, and ecological knowledge of our BIPOC communities, centering Black voices.
"We need to defund the police, abolish prisons, break the school-to-prison pipeline, and fund Black and Brown communities, so we can uproot systemic oppression and feed our people and environment."
The demands:
-Defund the Seattle police department.
-Invest in Black and Brown communities
-Release all the protestors.
–> Volunteer info <–
Sun., Aug. 30 — 4:30—5:30 p.m.
Sign up for the talk on Zoom.
"Anida Yoeu Ali (b.1974, Battambang) is an interdisciplinary artist whose works span performance, installation, new media, public encounters, and political agitation. Raised in Chicago and born in Cambodia, she is a woman of mixed heritage with Malay, Cham, Khmer and Thai ancestry. Utilizing an interdisciplinary approach to artmaking, her installation and performance works investigate the artistic, spiritual and political collisions of a hybrid transnational identity."
Tues., Aug. 25 @ 4 p.m.
Burien Post Office — 609 SW 150th Street, Burien
The Emerald has been covering attempts to privatize, and more recently diminish the U.S. Postal Service's ability to provide the service that is so important, especially during these COVID times. You can find articles here and here on the subject.
The American Postal Workers Union is calling for all supporters to join them in coordinated rallies around the country. For more information see the Facebook event hosted by Save Our Postal Service.
Thurs., Aug. 27 — 6 p.m.
Nurturing Roots Farm — 6218 Beacon Ave S.
"Alchemy Poetry Series Producers, @askabrother Ben Yisrael and @ebobarton Ebo Barton, release their debut collections, "A Gorgeous New Language" and "Insubordinate" on August 27. Show at Nurturing Roots Farm, quick bites by Chef Tarik, cocktails by Brown Liquor Cocktail Co, hosted by Randy Ford, special guest Bobbi Kindred. If you can't come but want to support? Buy tickets for other guests! Books both will be available for sale at the events and on artists' respective websites."
For more information visit Alchemy Poetry Series on Facebook.
Mon, Aug. 24 — 2—3 p.m.
Ten thousand (10,000!) FREE disposable and reusable face coverings will be distributed between 2 and 3 pm on Monday afternoon. This event is the result of Chinatown International District small businesses not being aware they could participate in an earlier county-wide distribution. Be prepared for long, socially distant lines.
Thurs., Aug. 20 — 1—5 p.m.
Rainier Beach Community Center — 8825 Rainier Ave S.
"King County residents can obtain free face coverings to help combat the spread of COVID-19 in Rainier Beach in Seattle on Thursday at an event hosted by King County and the City of Seattle. The masks are a part of 25 million face coverings purchased by King County, and will be the fifth public distribution hosted by King County.
"The drive-through distribution event is open only to King County residents. Each resident can receive two reusable cloth masks, and each vehicle can obtain masks for up to six household members, or 12 masks per vehicle."
Drop off supplies on Fridays, 8 a.m.—3 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary (6725 45th Ave S., 98118). You can also order supplies and have them sent directly to the school! Anything school-supply related you can think of from pencils and highlighters to glue and dry-erase markers. Help our students learn in the 2020/2021 school year by donating supplies!
Sat., Aug. 22 — 6 p.m.
"Black women's dynamic leadership in liberation struggles today" — Honor the 100th anniversary of women winning the right to vote in the U.S. by participating in an invigorating discussion by activists of color on the vital role of Black working women's leadership and the need for multi-racial solidarity to achieve long-lasting change. Program will include poetry by Seattle poet and writer, Georgia McDade.
Speakers: Anna Hackman– Educator and member of American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Local 1789* organizing against budget cuts at Seattle Colleges; helped expel Seattle Police Officers' Guild from the Martin Luther King County Labor Council; Cheryl Jones – 24-year veteran transit operator speaking out for safe conditions and against racism and bigotry at King County Metro; member of Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 587* and Organized Workers for Labor Solidarity; Miriam Padilla — First-generation Mexican American; socialist feminist and leader in Northwest Comrades of Color Caucus; co-authored Cross-border Feminist statement opposing systemic racism.
(*for identification purposes only)
Register in advance: https://tinyurl.com/WRDBlackWomen
Auspices Radical Women. For more info, call 206-722-6057 or email rwseattle@mindspring.com, www.facebook.com/RWseattle/.
Everyone welcome.
Sat., Aug. 22 — 7:30 a.m.—1 p.m.
This Saturday at the Islamic Center of Kent—The Iraqi/Arab Health Board and Afghan Health Initiative, in partnership with HealthPoint, UW Harborview, and Seattle & King County Public Health, are holding a COVID-19 testing and outreach event targeting immigrant and refugee communities.
Information also available in Arabic, Dari, and Pashto. Contact event hosts for details.
TL;DR: Qualified home owners can get free help with home repair projects. Sign up to participate (by Aug 10!) here.
Habitat for Humanity is holding a "Home Preservation Day" in the Rainier Valley/South Seattle area in August. In their words, Habitat for Humanity's Home Preservation events help qualified homeowners in various neighborhoods with minor home repair projects in order to help them preserve their homes and improve the community as a whole.
Interested parties must apply by August 10 for consideration to be included in the event. The repairs will take place on August 22. Find more info and guidelines for income eligibility and apply to participate in the event here.
Check out the Best Starts for Kids Virtual Summit Broadcast #Live in Your Community on rainieravenueradio.world. Rainier Avenue Radio is broadcasting LIVE from the summit! Join Tony Benton and the RAR crew as they interview BSK champions, staff, community partners, session speakers and virtual gallery walk hosts, and more. Learn about the incredible work that is being done to support babies, kids, youth, and families in King County.
Schedule:
Mon., Aug. 17 — 10—11 a.m.
Tues., Aug. 18 — 9—9:30 a.m.
Wed., Aug. 19 — 9—9:30 a.m.
Thurs., Aug. 20 — 9—9:30 a.m.
TL;DR: Virtual, Free to Attend, Register Here
The Black Lives Matter movement is discussed by those who were engaged in the 1968 Black Student Union and Third World Liberation Front (TWLF) strike at San Francisco State University and related movements across the Bay Area at UC Berkeley. The panelists include Columbia City resident Juanita Tamayo Lott, Dr. LaNada War Jack and Harvey Dong. The panel is moderated by Janie Chen, a current UC Berkeley student. Tamayo Lott was part of the San Francisco State University BSU/TWLF strike, went on to help create Ethnic Studies and decades later, the Filipino American Studies program at the University of Maryland. She is a retired demographer who was instrumental in the disaggregation of ethnic identity in the U.S. Census process.
Dr. LaNada War Jack, a member of the Shoshone Bannock Tribes in Idaho, was the first Native American student enrolled at UC Berkeley and participated in the first Native American component of its Ethnic Studies program. She was part of the student activists who took over Alcatraz Island in 1969.
Harvey Dong was active in the TWLF UC Berkeley strike for Ethnic Studies and the struggle to save the International Hotel, an eight-year effort to save low income housing for elderly Pilipinx. He went on to receive a PhD and to teach Ethnic Studies back at UC Berkeley.
The webinar is sponsored by Eastwind Books of Berkeley, California and the Association for Asian American Studies (AAAS). Register here.
LEM's and Clara's Books Sidewalk Sale
Saturday, August 15, 10:00am – 6:00pm
Neighborly sidewalk sale of books from LEM'S and Clara's Books.
Support your local independent African American and radical bookstores!
Outside with social distances maintained.
Please wear your masks! (We have extras if you need one!)
Sponsored by Radical Women, the Freedom Socialist Party, and LEMS Books.
For more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/783728999036709/
TL;DR: Virtual, Free to Attend, Register Here
A panel of prominent Pilipinx leaders and scholars, including local resident, Juanita Tamayo Lott, will present a panel discussion on the history of Pilipinx essential workers in America. Delano refers to the community where farmworkers led a national grape boycott widely credited to Cesar Chavez that actually began with Pilipinx farmworkers in Delano, California. They subsequently joined forces with Chavez forming the United Farm Workers union.
Tamayo Lott, a trailblazer in Asian American Studies and Ethnic Studies and nationally recognized activist, retired here in the South End in 2019.
Other panelists include: Dr. Enrique de la Cruz, Patty Enrado, and Tony Robles. The panel will be moderated by MT Vallarta. The virtual event is sponsored by Eastwind Books in Berkeley, California and the Association for Asian American Studies (AAAS). Register for this free virtual event here.
TL;DR: Virtual, Free to Attend, Register Here
Strong community and technical colleges are essential to Washington's recovery and racial/economic equity. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic and new awareness of racial disparities, these colleges have wrestled with the economics of providing the education that everyone needs to pursue many essential professions and further higher education.
This online forum features 7th District Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal — author of the College for All Act — American Federation of Teachers Washington president, Karen Strickland, and other leaders from across the state who will discuss the role Washington State's Community and Technical Colleges (CTCs) will have during the post-COVID-19 economic recovery. The forum is sponsored by an alliance of students, faculty, alumni, and community supporters fighting to defend and improve two-year colleges during these difficult times.
Register for this free event here.
Every year since 1984, local peace, faith, and community organizations have gathered at Green Lake to remember the August 6, 1945, U.S. bombing of Hiroshima — and the destruction of Nagasaki, Japan three days later. The Hiroshima to Hope Planning Committee creates a cultural program each year and invites participants to float paper lanterns in memory of loved ones and as symbols of friendship, love, and hope for a peaceful world.
Like many annual events and community celebrations, there will be no program or lantern floating on Green Lake this year. But the 2020 From Hiroshima to Hope program invites everyone to participate.
A film will be posted on the From Hiroshima to Hope Facebook page on August 6 this year featuring past event performances and readings by Troy Osaki, Seattle Kokon Taiko, Nikki Nojima Louis, and Carletta Carrington Wilson. The film also includes interviews with hibakusha — atomic bomb survivors — as well as traditional koto music by Marcia Takamura and shakuhachi flute by James Jennings. The online experience will also include a range of beautiful images of candle-lit lanterns floating on Green Lake.
In addition, everyone can make a lantern from a jar or a drinking cup to place in their windows at home from August 6—9. From Hiroshima to Hope's website has lovely examples of how to make your own lanterns, including characters in Japanese and Punjabi.
In the best and worst of times, celebrate a spirit-filled evening of arts rooted in African heritage. Actors, bands, comics, drummers, poets, musicians, storytellers and even quilters will share their cultural and artistic accomplishments from a virtual main stage. In addition, participations can interact in small groups led by artist facilitators in a Readers' Theater or Drumming space. There are also registrations for Interactive Quilting and a Children's Virtual Stage.
Find sliding-scale tickets here. Learn more about the event on Valley and Mountain community's Facebook page. You can also contact Dr. Lora-Ellen McKinney for event information.
By now, voters should have received official ballots and King County voters' pamphlets. A primary election in the middle of summer — and during a health pandemic — may feel like a low priority to many, but this election is important and your vote matters.
Additional events info below when applicable.
Burien
Tues.—Wed., 1—7:30 p.m.
Thurs.—Sat., 10 a.m.—4:30 p.m.
(206) 243-3490
Boulevard Park
*Not available at this time. Pick up holds at the Burien Library.
Des Moines
Tues.—Wed., 1—7:30 p.m.
Thurs.—Sat., 10 a.m.—4:30 p.m.
(206) 824-6066
Federal Way
Tues.—Wed., 1—7:30 p.m.
Thurs.—Sat., 10 a.m.—4:30 p.m.
(253) 838-3668
Auburn
Tues.—Wed., 1—7:30 p.m.
Thurs.—Sat., 10 a.m.—4:30 p.m.
(253) 931-3018
Algona-Pacific
*Beginning August 13:
Tues.—Wed., 1—7:30 p.m.
Thurs.—Sat., 10 a.m.—4:30 p.m.
(253) 833-3554
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