by Susan Fried and Phil Manzano
Seattle celebrated the 60th anniversary of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s visit to Seattle over the weekend in song, recognition, and celebration.
The three-day event, held by the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM), hosted Dr. King's oldest son, Martin Luther King III, at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, where America's civil rights leader of the 1960s stayed on his only visit to Seattle.
Saturday, Nov. 6, at Garfield High School where Dr. King spoked to packed audiences 60 years ago, NAAM announced the first group to be inducted into the Circle of Elders, "exceptional Black community leaders over the age of 75 who have led and won victories in the struggle for civil rights, social equity, and opportunity in Seattle's Central District and greater Pacific Northwest."
Other events included a prayer vigil at Mount Zion Baptist Church featuring local clergy and culminated in King III's keynote address at the University of Washington.
"Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s most inspirational affirmation was hope for a better tomorrow and a brighter future for everyone. It was that hope that mobilized the Civil Rights Movement, and it is that very same hope that continues to shape efforts today to create Dr. King's vision for a more equitable society," states NAAM's MLK60 website.
Susan Fried is a 40-year veteran photographer. Her early career included weddings, portraits, and commercial work — plus, she's been The Skanner News' Seattle photographer for 25 years. Her images have appeared in the University of Washington's The Daily, The Seattle Globalist, Crosscut, and many more.She's been an Emerald contributor since 2015. Follow her on Instagram @fried.susan.
Phil Manzano is a South Seattle writer, editor with more than 30 years of experience in daily journalism, and is the interim news editor for the Emerald.
Featured Image: Martin Luther King III enjoys a moment with former Sonics basketball coach Lenny Wilkens, who also coached the Atlanta Hawks. (Photo: Susan Fried)
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The South Seattle Emerald™ is brought to you by Rainmakers. Rainmakers give recurring gifts at any amount. With around 1,000 Rainmakers, the Emerald™ is truly community-driven local media. Help us keep BIPOC-led media free and accessible.
If just half of our readers signed up to give $6 a month, we wouldn’t have to fundraise for the rest of the year. Small amounts make a difference.
We cannot do this work without you. Become a Rainmaker today!