Engstrom's career is deeply rooted in community development and cultural policy. For eight and a half years, he directed the City of Seattle's Office of Arts and Culture, where he oversaw initiatives such as transforming King Street Station into a creative economy space and restoring arts education to Seattle Public Schools. Engstrom also has a strong background in consulting, having worked on projects such as the reanimation of Washington Hall and the establishment of the Feast program as an independent nonprofit.

A solemn sense of community consumed the family and friends of Elijah L. Lewis as they gathered at the King County Superior Court House in downtown Seattle yesterday. The day marked the start of an extensive criminal trial nearly two years after Lewis was shot and killed, leaving the community that he so profoundly impacted deeply grieving his loss.

The Mount Calvary Christian Center, a landmark in Seattle's Central District, is slated for demolition in early February. The property was purchased in June 2021 by Gardner Global and Partners, with plans to develop an eight-story mixed-income housing building.

Converge Media announces the launch of an urgent campaign to support Black-owned businesses struggling in the current economic climate. The 60-day initiative will leverage Converge Media's extensive media resources and community connections to raise awareness, drive foot traffic, and support Black businesses in need across Puget Sound.

Members of the Seattle Black Firefighters Association (SBFFA) gathered at the King County Superior Court House in Kent today hoping for a ruling on the Association's house they say was illegally sold. 

The Mixer powered by WKSocial, was hosted in Portland, Oregon at The Evergreen PDX on December 27. A sold-out that was filled with beneficial information to be obtained and shared as the audience had the chance to hear from Executive Directors, CEO’s, Musicians, Founders, Reality TV stars, Sports Marketers.

A passionate plea for justice and the preservation of Black heritage echoed through Seattle's Central District yesterday as members of the Seattle Black Fire Fighters Association (SBFFA) rallied in front of their former house. The gathering was a call to action, raising awareness about the Association's fight to reclaim the house they say was illegally sold and to galvanize support ahead of a crucial court date next week.

A somber mood settled over Seattle's Central District today as Jackson's Catfish Corner, a culinary landmark and community pillar, served its last meal. The unexpected announcement came this morning via owner Terrell Jackson's Instagram post, leaving patrons and community members stunned and saddened. The line outside the door, filled with people wanting to say their goodbyes and get one last taste of Jackson's famous catfish, spoke volumes about the restaurant's impact.

The Seattle City Council announced today that the application window for the vacant District 2 council position is now open. Interested candidates residing in District 2, representing southeast Seattle, can apply until 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2025.

The tragic death of Amarr Murphy-Paine on June 6th cast a long shadow over the Garfield High School community. A peacemaker by nature, Amarr's life was tragically cut short as he intervened in a fight, just months before his 18th birthday. On the day that would have marked his entry into adulthood, friends, family, and the community gathered on the steps of Garfield High, mere feet from where he was killed, to celebrate Amarr's life, his legacy, and the enduring power of love in the face of tragedy.

NBA legend Jamal Crawford continued his tradition of giving back to the community with his 20th annual Jamal Claus Christmas Toy Distribution event, held at the Rainier Vista Boys and Girls Club on Christmas Eve.

Our cameras were rolling yesterday when the Seattle Black Fire Fighters Association were holding a press conference on 23rd and E. Pike when they were confronted by a woman who claims to be the new owner of the property.

Renters in the U.S. hold less than 3% of the median net worth of homeowners, a new report by the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program reveals. 

The Seattle City Council is looking for qualified candidates to fill the District 2 council seat, which will become vacant on January 6, 2025, due to Councilmember Tammy Morales' resignation.

On Dec. 11, 2024, staff and community members gathered at A 4 Apple Learning Center to celebrate the school’s third anniversary on 23rd and Jackson and its receipt of a grant from the Hazel Danielle Clayton (HDC) Foundation.

In a recent interview with Brian Callanan on the Seattle News, Views and Brews podcast, Seattle City Council-elect Alexis Mercedes Rinck shared her insights on a range of topics, from her priorities upon taking office to the challenges of navigating a politically diverse council. Rinck, who won a commanding victory in the recent election, expressed her humility and gratitude for the trust placed in her by Seattle voters.

Seattle City Council continued the work of finalizing the City’s budget yesterday by holding public comment. Councilmember Dan Strauss released a budget amendment tracker to help the community follow the process and upcoming votes on the amendments. The final votes on the amendments will conclude on November 15.

A powerful and moving event recently unfolded in Seattle, celebrating the release of the Huy/Eighth Generation/Louie Gong butterfly blanket, a poignant symbol of transformation and hope for Indigenous people impacted by incarceration.

The Nooksack 306, a group of Indigenous families in Washington state, are facing an impending humanitarian crisis according to Gabe Galanda, an Indigenous rights lawyer representing the Nooksack 306, who has been sounding the alarm for twelve years, warning of human rights violations and imminent displacement of these families from their ancestral homes on Nooksack tribal lands.

The Washington State Department of Commerce has made a groundbreaking commitment to addressing systemic inequities and fostering economic empowerment in communities disproportionately affected by the war on drugs. Through a substantial investment of $39.8 million in grants to 19 organizations and institutions, the Community Reinvestment Project (CRP) is set to make a tangible difference in the lives of Washingtonians.