Black Firefighters Win Court Ruling, Judge Finds Defendants in Contempt

Seattle Black Fire Fighters Association are joined by community members at a rally outside of the former SBFFA home on January 4, 2025. (Photo: Susan Fried)

By Omari Salisbury

In a significant victory for members of the Seattle Black Fire Fighters Association (SBFFA), a King County Superior Court judge ruled today that the defendants are in contempt of court and will be sanctioned for illegally selling the SBFFA's historic house and excluding its founding members like Chief Claude Harris..

The ruling stems from a three-year legal battle over the property, which has served as a gathering place, resource center, and symbol of community for Black firefighters in Seattle for decades. Members of the SBFFA filed a lawsuit against Douglas Johnson and his followers to prevent the secret decision to list the house for sale in violation of the SBFFA bylaws and the Washington State non-profit statute. 

A Long History of Community and Camaraderie

The SBFFA has a rich history dating back to the 1960s. The SBFFA bought its house in the 1970s. It served as a meeting place where Black firefighters could discuss issues of racial inequality within the Seattle Fire Department and strategize ways to advance within the ranks. The house also hosted various community events and programs, including voter registration drives, first aid classes, scholarship programs, and civil rights organizations like the Seattle Black Police Association and the Seattle Black Transit Workers Association.

"This house has special meaning for us," said Charles Gill, a 35-year veteran of the Seattle Fire Department, during a rally held in front of the house earlier this month. "It's significant. We want this to remain in the community. We want it to still be someplace as we go and we work out of to advance young men, young women, to either enter the fire service or go on and do other things."

A Controversial Sale and Legal Battle

Despite its importance to the community, the house was put up for sale in 2022 by a faction of the SBFFA led by Douglas Johnson for unknown reasons. The sale was challenged in court by other members of the association, who argued that it was illegal and violated their membership rights as stated in the organization's bylaws and the Washington State non-profit statute. A judge initially ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, but the defendants appealed. Pending the appeal, they illegally sold the house in contempt of the judgment and in violation of the members’ rights. 

Today's Ruling: A Step Toward Justice

Today's ruling by Judge Josephine Wiggs-Martin found the defendants in contempt of court for violating her previous judgment and for excluding members from the association. The judge also granted the plaintiffs' motion to enforce her judgment, which could potentially result in the sale being rescinded and the title being transferred back to the SBFFA.

Attorney Yohannes Sium, who represents the plaintiffs, expressed his satisfaction with the ruling. "The judge really understands the full breadth of their violations of her judgment," he said. "She basically lectured the defendants about the importance of complying with her court order and respecting the rule of law."

Seattle City Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth has been a vocal advocate for the return of the SBFFA house. (Photo: Susan Fried)

Community Support and Future Plans

The SBFFA has received significant support from the community throughout the legal battle, including local politicians and activists. Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth, representing the district where the house is located, has been a vocal advocate for the SBFFA and pledged to work to keep the property in the community.

Sium stated that if the sale is rescinded, the SBFFA plans to develop the property and ensure it continues serving the community. "That double lot will stay in the community, will stay in the hands of this association," he said. "And there's plenty of funding lined up for us to develop that property."

The next court hearing is scheduled for February 25 at 1:00 p.m., when the judge will rule on whether to rescind the sale of the property and force buyer Camila Borges to transfer the title property to SBFFA.