#TBT — As Africatown Plaza holds its ribbon-cutting ceremony this Sunday at 11 am in the Central District, we look back to 2022 when our cameras were rolling at the groundbreaking ceremony. Congratulations, Africatown Community Land Trust, on this momentous occasion.
We Remember You - Today, we pause to observe the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims by sharing how we covered Seattle’s observance last year at First AME Church. We are losing too many people, too many loved ones, too many futures cut short, too many stories never told. Today, we want you to know that #WeRememberYou.
Who do you remember?
Last Saturday, a Unity Walk was held in Renton, Washington to raise awareness about gun violence. The event was organized by Dr. James E. Sears III, who expressed his concern over the lack of action from his peers regarding the issue.
We look back at how Converge Media covered Juneteenth 2023. We centered the story around four different events: a small business pop-up at Communion, Africatown at Jimi Hendrix Park, Roll Around Sea-Town at Judkins Park, and a music celebration at MoPop.
This year’s condensed assembly was short in time but long in meaning and emotion. Students struggled to balance the joy and accomplishment of another school year ending with the sadness and grief of a Bulldog lost, a young life that ended far too soon, and the trauma that still reverberates throughout the campus. It is all still so raw and has brought the realities of life back home to a campus that has struggled with student safety over the years.
#BlackWallStreet - Some of the most respected names in Seattle’s Black business community came together last week at Byrd Barr Place in the #CentralDistrict for Africatown Community Land Trust’s Building Black Wall Street Mixer + Chat. The mixer was hosted by author Debrena Jackson Gandy and keynoted by Central District business icon, Lewis Rudd, co-founder of Ezell’s Famous Chicken.
In a world where hate seems to be on the rise, it becomes increasingly vital to address and combat it head-on. Recently, the Black Heritage Society of Washington State, the Wing Luke Museum, and the Washington State Jewish Historical Society joined forces for an event at the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) called "Confronting Hate Together."
The event aimed to foster conversations surrounding the roots of hatred and how communities can collaborate across generations to create a more inclusive and compassionate world. It was heartening to witness droves of individuals coming together to engage in these crucial discussions and stand against intolerance.
One notable aspect of the event was the collaboration with the Vivid Matter Collective, who used art as a powerful medium to speak out against hate. The artistic expressions showcased a poignant narrative of resilience and solidarity in the face of bigotry.
During the event, community members shared their personal experiences with hate, highlighting the importance of providing a safe space for such conversations. It is through open dialogue and empathy that we can begin to understand each other's perspectives and work towards meaningful change.
Conversations like these are not only important but necessary in today's society. We cannot afford to ignore or trivialize the pervasive issue of hate. Events like the one at MOHAI serve as reminders of our collective responsibility to combat hatred and discrimination in all its forms.
As we reflect on the insightful discussions and powerful artworks showcased at MOHAI, we extend our gratitude to the Black Heritage Society of Washington State, the Wing Luke Museum, and the Washington State Jewish Historical Society for their tireless efforts in promoting unity and understanding in our communities.
#JuneteenthSEA - Uplifting Our Traditions: Black people in Seattle celebrated Juneteenth in different ways but for a common cause. From popup tents at Communion Seattle on Union to Roller Skating at Judkins Park, and from musical stars of tomorrow at Jimi Hendrix Park to hip-hop icons of yesteryear at the Museum of Pop Culture. Take a look at Juneteenth in Seattle through the eyes of community members across the city.
A Mutual Goodbye - Iconic Seattle fish market closes its doors after 77 years. Besa Gordon and her show Back2Besa teamed up with Cynthia Brothers from Vanishing Seattle to capture the moment and honor the legacy of the historic Mutual Fish Company.
Community members gathered at Lake Washington Park on Saturday to celebrate Elijah Lewis Day on what would have been his 24th Birthday. Family, friends, and community leaders hosted a lantern ceremony to honor Lewis, who was tragically murdered in April while defending his nephew.
Converge Media had the privilege of producing a short film to uplift and celebrate the life of D’Vonne Pickett Jr. and his impact on the CD Panthers. The CD Panthers football program provides the opportunity to play football to over 250 children in the community, and it was a program Pickett cared deeply about. He was head coach for the 6u team which his son plays for, and Converge Media followed their journey through practices and the championship game.
#ThePostman - “Our hero is forever etched in our hearts.”
Yesterday, a section of East Union Street was given the honorary designation of D’Vonne Pickett Jr. Way. In an emotional ceremony, family members and friends of Pickett as well as city officials spoke about the impact he had and what it means to celebrate his life and legacy in this way.
#DayOfRemembrance - Last Monday, community members gathered to remember those we’ve lost during the City of Seattle and the Alliance for Gun Responsibility One Seattle Day of Remembrance event at the First African Methodist Episcopal Church on Capitol Hill in Seattle. It was a somber and reflective day featuring a memorial as well as a look at the work different organizations and individuals are doing throughout the community to end the epidemic of violence.