Hope and Fellowship: Black Community Leaders Welcome Chief Barnes to Seattle
New Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes surrounded by well wishers at Mount Zion Baptist Church in the Central District of Seattle. (Photo: Susan Fried)
By Omari Salisbury
Members of Seattle’s Black community gathered last night at the historic Mount Zion Baptist Church in the Central District to welcome incoming Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes. The event, organized by 100 Black Parents, aimed to show support and solidarity with Barnes as he assumes his new role.
Community and Religious Leaders Show Support
About 200 people, including prominent community and religious leaders and elected officials, attended the event. Among them were Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, Seattle City Councilmembers Joy Hollingsworth and Mark Solomon, State Representative Chipalo Street, former Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best, and leaders from the Seattle School District, including Dr. Brent Jones and Dr. Sarah Pritchard. Additionally, several religious leaders, including Bishop Weatherspoon, Pastor Carey G. Anderson, and several ministers from the Church of God in Christ, were present to show their support.
Focus on Fellowship and Support
The event was intentionally designed to be a relaxed and celebratory affair, focusing on fellowship and support for Barnes rather than policy discussions or accountability. Chukundi Salisbury Sr., of 100 Black Parents, emphasized that the evening was about "leaving titles and things at the door" and simply welcoming Barnes as a Black man to the city.
Barnes earned his undergraduate degree from Elizabeth City State University (HBCU) and is a Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity member. Several members of different Divine 9 organizations were in attendance. (Photo: Susan Fried)
A Show of Support for the Challenging Road Ahead
The organizers aimed to provide Barnes with a sense of community and support as he takes on the challenging role of leading the Seattle Police Department. Salisbury highlighted the importance of Barnes having a "picture of a room full of Black people who wished him well" to draw strength during difficult times. The event concluded with a prayer for Barnes' health, safety, and success, led by Pastor Carey G. Anderson of First AME Church.
Hopes and Expectations for the Future
While the evening focused on welcome and support, it also underscored the community's expectations for Barnes' leadership. Many of the attendees are also at the forefront of addressing pressing issues like gun violence in Seattle's Black community. They will look to Chief Barnes for solutions to these long-standing problems. The event served as a reminder that amidst the celebration, the community's hopes for change and progress remain.