History Rides on Community Shoulders: Bus Shelter Photo Murals Celebrating Legacy & African American Achievements in Seattle's Central District

On Friday, October 15, 2021, King County Metro, the Black Heritage Society of Washington State, and RieImagine Solutions LLC will celebrate the completion of a three-year community placemaking project entitled Routed in History. The project features seven bus shelter photo murals in the Central District, showcasing the legacy and achievements of African Americans in Seattle and King County:

• Colman School East side of Martin Luther King Jr Way, south of S Irving St (Stop 43765)

• Wood Technology Center East side of 23rd Ave S, north of S Lane St (Stop 12532)

• Black-Owned Newspapers North side of S Jackson St, west of Martin Luther King Jr Way S (Stop 11890)

• Seattle Jazz Scene East side of 23rd Ave S, north of S Jackson St (Stop 12550)

• Douglass-Truth Library South side of Yesler Way, east of 23rd Ave S (Stop 27570)

• Garfield High School East side of 23rd Ave, at E Jefferson St (Stop 36791)

• Madrona Legacy/Black Panthers West side of 34th Ave, north of E Union St (Stop 2930)

In partnership with Historic Central Area Arts and Cultural District, MOHAI, and 4Culture, the project highlights 125 years' worth of Black culture and history. From the Colman School occupancy; the Seattle Jazz Scene; to the Legacy of Seattle Chapter of the Black Panther Party, each Routed in History bus shelter weaves together an immersive, self-guided storytelling experience of Seattle's past, present, and future. Click here for more information about the bus shelter murals.

The Routed in History Dedication Ceremony is Friday, October 15, 2021, from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at Jimi Hendrix Park and will be streamed live on Converge Media. The ceremony is free, open to the public, and will include light refreshments courtesy of Boon Boona Coffee. Speakers include Stephanie Johnson-Toliver, President of the Black Heritage Society of Washington State; Terry White, General Manager of King County Metro; and Marie Kidhe, Owner & Principal of RieImagine Solutions. RSVP here.

“At the heart of a neighborhood is the vital beat that is central to its origin and significance. A healthy community is one that acknowledges the people, places, and events that helped to build it. The history of Seattle’s Central Area cannot be told, recognized, or documented without full appreciation for the Black residents whose tenacity pushed them to coexist and lay a legacy that we should honor today.”  

• Stephanie Johnson-Toliver, President of the Black Heritage Society of Washington State

• 
  

About King County Metro's Bus Shelter Mural Program

Since 1988, volunteer artists, young and old, from around King County, the U.S., and beyond have painted murals and created photographic artwork for over 3,000 bus shelters, creating one of the largest galleries in King County. Click here to learn more about KC Metro’s Bus Shelter Mural Program.

About Black Heritage Society of Washington State

Organized in 1977, the Black Heritage Society of Washington State, Inc. is a registered nonprofit dedicated to the acquisition, preservation, exhibition, and education that relates to the history and culture of Black people across the region. Visit www.bhswa.org to learn more.

About RieImagine Solutions, LLC

RieImagine Solutions provides services in engagement strategy for individuals and organizations looking for authentic connection to the  African/ African American community in the greater Seattle area. The RieImagine team offers project curation and management for community-based events and fundraisers for small businesses and nonprofits. Contact rieimaginesolutions@gmail.com for more information.