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Washington State’s Black History: Liberty Bank Safe Deposit Box Covers
Liberty Bank located at the heart of Seattle’s Central District at 24th Ave and E Union (1968-1988) was the first Black-owned bank west of the Mississippi River. The bank served the essential financial needs of the community at a time when discrimination was prevalent in Seattle toward minority citizens who sought services that included home loans.
Washington State’s Black History: Dr. William Earnest Lacy, Jr.
William E. Lacy, Jr. was born in Birmingham, AL in 1919 and passed away in Seattle, WA in 2007. Lacy was a graduate of Talladega College, Alabama’s oldest private Black college where he studied Chemistry and Mathematics. During WWII he distinguished himself among troops of the all-Black 92nd Infantry Division. He returned home to marry wife, Helen and moved to Seattle after completing his medical training.
Washington State’s Black History: Frank D. Waldron and Seattle’s Jazz Scene
Frank Waldron (1890-1955) was a musician and teacher who was significantly influential in the first half of Seattle’s early jazz scene. He was an outstanding saxophonist and trumpeter and was known for his instructional techniques.
Washington State’s Black History: Dave Mann
Dave Mann (1933-2018) was a professional baseball player who played 12 seasons from 1952-1963. He was best known for his speed at stealing bases. Mann would achieve 217 stolen bases in his career. Building on his baseball success with various teams, Mann would often recount his time with the Miami Marlins where he roomed with Hall of Fame pitcher Satchel Paige. An aging Paige had much to share with Mann before Dave headed west to play for the Seattle Rainiers. He would remain with the Rainiers until retiring in the mid-1960s.
