Mara Palmer's Vision for Africatown Community Land Trust
Photos by Jordan Somers
Recently on The Day with Trae, host Trae Holiday was joined by Mara Palmer, a community member and supporter of the Africatown Community Land Trust (ACLT). Palmer appeared on the show to discuss ACLT and the events it organizes to unite the community.
Palmer's connection to ACLT stems from her upbringing in Seattle. She naturally grew into her role, driven by a desire to see more beautiful, community-building events take place.
“If you want to see beautiful events happen that bring the community together, you have to be proactive and make it happen, if that's what it needs to be,” Palmer said. “I want to make sure things like this stay in the communities.”
The ACLT started with a dedicated group of community members who came together and rallied to ensure there are safe spaces where they, their children, and fellow community members can thrive.
“We put in the work to make sure we have the spaces in the places that we feel safe, and our kids and community members can come and thrive,” Palmer said.
The Summer of Soul series began with a Black business mixer. The next event in the series is the Honoring Black Wall Street event, scheduled for May 27.
“It's a beautiful event with the community and really putting hands on economic development right here in the CD,” Palmer said. “We lined the streets of Jackson up and down 23rd with over 100 vendors. So you have the opportunity to come and be a part of that culture and celebration, and make sure that our economy is thriving in the Central District of Seattle.”
One of the guiding principles of the ACLT is strategic economic development. The goal is for these businesses to grow and become legacy businesses that serve many generations to come. It starts with our youth seeing us as a staple in the Black community and a constant source of growth.
“By creating these gathering events, we want to make sure that that village concept still exists,” Palmer said. “You can depend on your people to support you, so it's for us by us, and is still strong and thriving into the next century. In the next generation. The Central District is going to be known for having a strong and thriving Black community if I have anything to do with it.”
The ACLT’s Juneteenth Celebration is scheduled at Jimi Hendrix Park for July 21. Additionally, there's the Mojo Fest, renowned as the highlight of Seattle's summer for the Black community. Mojo Fest will take place at Jenkins Park during the first weekend of August. It's a Seafarer sanctioned event, promising clear skies and smiles all around. Described as a massive reunion, it offers a significant opportunity to support the local economy in the Central District.
To learn more about the ACLT’s Summer of Soul series, visit summerofsoulseries.org.
For more local events and summer festivals in Seattle, tune into Trae every weekday at 11 a.m. on all Converge Media platforms and The Day With Trae YouTube Channel.
