Honoring Legacy, Uplifting the Future: A Look Inside the Trailblazing Black Women Brunch

On March 30, 2025, the Northwest African American Museum in Seattle’s Central District was filled with joy, reverence, and celebration as the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle Guild hosted its first annual Trailblazing Black Women in Washington State brunch. The event brought together a powerful community of leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, public servants, and creatives—all united in honoring the Black women who have shaped Washington’s history and continue to blaze new trails for the next generation.

Organized by the Guild, the brunch was more than a gathering—it was a tribute to both the past and present. Drawing inspiration from Marilyn Morgan’s book Black Women Trailblazers of Washington State, the event paired historical figures with present-day leaders standing on their shoulders. Among the honorees were Michelle Merriweather (CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle), Dr. Elizabeth Wako (President & CEO of Swedish Health Services), Dr. Sarah Pritchard Moore Goodman, and Seattle City Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth, whose legacy continues a powerful family tradition of civic leadership.

The event also spotlighted “Women to Watch”—modern-day changemakers whose community impact and career excellence have made them standouts in their fields such as Chardonnay Beaver, Keisha Credit, Besa Gordon, Nicole Bascomb-Green, and Jazmyn Scott. These women were chosen for being not only highly regarded in their work, but also deeply respected by their peers, community, and the next generation rising in their footsteps.

Collette Robinson, President of the Seattle Urban League Guild, shared, “We wanted them to know that we see you. Our eyes are on you.” Her words served as both recognition and encouragement, a reminder that greatness is often nurtured in community and affirmed through acknowledgment.

From the moment guests walked through the doors, the space felt like a warm embrace. “It felt like a big hug,” said one attendee. The atmosphere was rich with familiarity, pride, and sisterhood. Women reconnected with old friends, met new mentors, and basked in the energy of being surrounded by aunties, cousins, big sisters, and fellow leaders who share the same drive to uplift, lead, and serve.

Danielle Martin, Vice President of the Tacoma Urban League Guild, described the event as “a celebration of legacy” and noted how much she learned about Seattle’s Black history simply by being present. “A lot of our history is not taught in the classroom. We are learning it from each other,” she reflected.

Several attendees echoed the urgency of preserving and passing down these stories. “We need all the knowledge we can,” said retired healthcare worker Debra Bowman. “Because those coming behind us won’t know it if it’s not here anymore.”

The event also marked a historic moment as March 30 was officially proclaimed Trailblazing Black-Women in Washington State day—solidifying the event as an annual tradition moving forward.

As TinaMarie Moore shared, “Our youth is our future… We have to continue to bring each and every person into the forefront so no one is forgotten.”

The Trailblazing Black Women in Washington State brunch was a vivid celebration of Black excellence, resilience, and community. It honored women past and present, while lighting the way for future generations to take their place in history. And next year, as the Guild prepares to do it all again, one thing is certain: the room will be just as full—of stories, power, and legacy.