Central District Art Walk Highlights Black Culture and Community Legacy
VIDEO: March CD Art Walk Spotlight: Rodney H. King
By Omari Salisbury
The March 2025 CD Art Walk in Seattle's Central District was a deliberate effort to energize the neighborhood, spotlight local artists, and support Black-owned businesses. Stephanie Morales, the coordinator of the CD Art Walk and executive director of Made Space Seattle, stated the goal was to bring "energy, money, and attention" to the Central District, and importantly, to show "the history of the Central District and the people of the Central District." Her vision was clear: to use art as a catalyst for community revitalization and cultural preservation.
A central feature of the March art walk was Rodney King's "community series" at Made Space. King's artwork focused on "Black culture, nostalgic memories of the CD," and themes of "unity and community." King explained that he aimed to capture "childhood experiences" and moments that resonated with the community, preserving the history of a neighborhood undergoing change. He wanted to highlight "unity and community" through his art, providing a visual narrative of the Central District's rich past and its ongoing evolution.
The March CD Art Walk, which occurs the first Friday of every month, was not limited to visual art alone. It was a multi-faceted experience that included live music, spoken word, and dance performances, creating an immersive atmosphere. This variety ensured broad appeal and encouraged interaction, making the event a true celebration of Black expression and creativity.
One of the logistical challenges was the spread-out nature of the CD Art Walk. It spans a significant area, stretching from Jackson to Union and covering many businesses. This range includes notable spots like Simply Soulful, Arte Noir, Cafe Avole, The Re-Sole 206, Communion, Metier Brewing Company and many more. La'Keith (G-Prez) Asphy, President and CEO of Presidential Transportation, contributed significantly to address this. He donated a party bus for three months to act as a free shuttle service, transporting attendees between locations. Asphy's support was crucial, especially for elders and young people. When discussing the shuttle service, Asphy said, "We wanted to ensure everyone could access all the amazing art and businesses without any hassle." This initiative enhanced accessibility and added an element of fun, with the party bus becoming a mobile hub of activity and conversation, and ensures young and old can participate.
The CD Art Walk fostered a strong sense of community. Local businesses opened their doors, hosting artists and extending their hours, creating a welcoming environment. This collaboration between artists and businesses was vital. It supported the local economy and strengthened neighborhood bonds. The event was described as a "community gathering," underscoring its role in bringing people together.
The overarching goal is to preserve and celebrate the Central District's historical significance. As a historically Black neighborhood, the Central District is uniquely positioned in Seattle's cultural landscape. The event aimed to ensure this legacy was not forgotten. Morales stressed the importance of community support and collaboration, recognizing that collective effort was essential to the event's success and the area's ongoing revitalization.
Catch the next CD Art Walk on Friday, April 4th starting at 6 pm. You can follow @CDArtWalk on Instagram or visit https://www.madespaceseattle.com/copy-of-books-bites-n-beats-blockparty
