NEWS GLEAMS | Central District Faces Shooting at Learning Center, Indefinite Closure of The Postman

A roundup of news and announcements we don't want to get lost in the fast-churning news cycle!

by Vee Hua 華婷婷

Shooting Impacts Central District Learning Care Center; The Postman Closes, Calls for 'Unity'

A drive-by shooting took place Monday, Oct. 16 outside the A 4 Apple Learning Center on 23rd Avenue, shattering one of its windows. A 47-year-old man sustained injuries from multiple gunshot wounds; he was taken to Harborview Medical Center and is in satisfactory condition. However, the police have no suspects and do not have a motive for the shooting. Appollonia Washington, one of the co-owners of the learning care center, has stated they are considering installing bulletproof glass as a future safety precaution.

Washington painted a vivid picture of how learning-care workers reacted to the shooting, which made local headlines. Washington told KIRO 7 News that they heard gunfire just as they were transitioning out of "circle time"; she instructed the children and teachers to "army crawl" after she saw the glass break.

Days later, on Friday, Oct. 20, another shooting targeted the mailing and shipping store The Postman. A year ago, its co-founder and co-owner, D'Vonne Pickett Jr., was murdered; Friday's shooting happened just after a vigil was held in his honor.

On Saturday, Oct. 21, Pickett Jr.'s wife and The Postman co-founder KeAnna Rose Pickett posted to Facebook, "Yesterday morning, our beloved store front windows were tragically shot at. It feels like a cruel retaliation for an incident that may have occurred during an unsanctioned candlelight vigil held the night before in honor of our late cofounder, D'Vonne Pickett Jr."

In a statement shared on social media the following day, the owners of The Postman addressed their decision to close their shop "indefinitely," until better solutions to combat gun violence exist. They wrote, "Unfortunately, due to safety concerns following Friday morning's targeted shooting at our store front, we believe it is in the best interest of our family, staff, and community to prioritize everyone's well-being over the essential services we provide. The incident we experienced has left us feeling unwelcome and has highlighted the need for accountability and unity within our village. We cannot allow hate to prevail, but we also cannot overlook the safety of those who make our community thrive."

October Is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and this year's theme, chosen by the U.S. Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), is "Advancing Access and Equity." NDEAM honors workers with disabilities who contribute to all aspects of the U.S. economy and workplaces; it also seeks to create equal opportunity policies for those workers, including the support of mental health services for employees who need it, promoting accessible workplace technology, and creating workforce opportunities for disabled youth.

According to a blog post from ODEP, "In August 2021, the employment-population ratio for disabled people hit 19.2%, surpassing its pre-pandemic level of 19.1% in February 2020. In August 2023, it was 23.0% — the highest on record. This is likely in part due to pandemic-prompted changes such as greater access to telework and other workplace flexibilities, which may be opening new doors for many disabled workers."

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which was the first federal law to address civil rights for individuals with disabilities, including in the workplace — particularly around programs conducted by federal agencies and in federal employments, and by those which receive federal financial assistance. The early legislation also created opportunities for the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, a civil rights law that prohibits public and private employers with 15 or more employees from discriminating against employees with disabilities; the law also mandates public services, schools, transportation, telecommunications, and other similar entities cannot discriminate against people with disabilities.

The Department of Labor has recently announced initiatives to increase "Competitive Integrative Employment (CIE)," including engagement of stakeholder groups to better inform future improvements. CIE calls for individuals with disabilities, who are employed full-time or part-time, to receive workplace wages, benefits, accommodations, and opportunities to advance that are comparable to employees without disabilities.

T'Challaween Returns on Oct. 28; Join as a Volunteer!

The South Seattle Emerald invites participants of all ages to participate in T'Challaween, a lively 1-mile costume parade which takes place from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, along Beacon Hill's 18th Avenue South Healthy Street. An event for all ages, the parade promises fun and excitement, featuring "no-touch" candy tossers along the route. Additionally, dedicated event staff will be on hand to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for attendees.

The route spans from South College Street to the Spokane Street entrance to Jefferson Park, and individuals can join the parade at any point along the way. In addition to booths set up by the Emerald, other community members will also participate by giving out candy from their homes.

For those unable to join in person, the event will be livestreamed, offering a virtual experience of the festivities. Emerald photographers will also capture T'Challaween, and images will be posted on the website.

All participants are encouraged to mask up and practice social distancing to protect themselves and others, especially the vulnerable members of our community.

Volunteers Are Needed!

T'Challaween's success hinges on the support of our community. We are seeking over 60 dedicated volunteers to help make this event a memorable and impactful experience. Please fill out this Google Form to sign up and be part of this incredible celebration!

Learn more about this year's T'Challaween event on the South Seattle Emerald website, RSVP on Facebook, or contact us at Emerald@SeattleEmerald.org.

📸 Featured Image: D'vonne Pickett Jr. (right), Keanna Rose Pickett (middle), and Rayjaun Stelly (left) outside The Postman in 2020. (Photo: Gavin Amos)

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