Central District Community Meets For Second Time To Discuss Public Safety Amidst Recent Violence

“You wouldn’t let people come in your house and act any kinda way, so don’t let people come in your neighborhood and act any kinda way. This is our home.” - Takiyah TDUB Ward.

Central District business owners, community leaders and residents gathered once again on Tuesday to meet about public safety concerns in the area following recent violence. The meeting took place at Black Coffee NW and followed up on previous meetings which have focused on proposing possible solutions and building trust. 

“There’s a lot of things that are happening which are not on track to our safety goals,” Black Coffee NW CEO Erwin Weary said. “We have all these businesses and people in the community coming to have a collaborative discussion.”

Many community members voiced their opinions and emotions on the recent violence and what can be done to protect the neighborhood. Emotions ran high as business owners like Keanna Pickett, Appollonia Washington, and more spoke. 

I shouldn’t have to worry about bulletproof windows when I’m just trying to provide good quality childcare and provide a safe haven for children,” A 4 Apple Founder Appollonia Washington said.

The evening was full of passionate pleas for community buy-in and accountability, as well as potential solutions. 

“Why are we still buying into gentrification - why are we still attacking ourselves?,” Owner of The Postman Keanna Pickett asked. “Seattle is one of those places that paves the way for the rest of the country, but internally we’re struggling with each other.”

King County Council member Girmay Zahilay was present as well to speak on issues facing the Central District and offer his own opinions as well. City Councilmember Elect for District 3 Joy Hollingsworth spoke as well. The night was facilitated in part by Deaunte Damper. 

“Be about community,” Washington said. “We need you.”