Converge Media proudly re-releases "The Legacy of the Soul Pole," a captivating short documentary chronicling the restoration of this iconic artwork, which has graced the exterior of The Seattle Public Library’s Douglass-Truth Branch for overt 50 years. This film delves into the rich cultural significance of the Soul Pole, a symbol that the Black Heritage Society of Washington State has hailed as a “beacon of Black pride” in the Central District.

Through interviews and historical footage, we trace the journey of this powerful emblem of Black pride and resilience, from its creation in 1969 by artist and activist Raqib Mu’ied and the youth of the Seattle Rotary Boys Club, to its recent restoration and reinstallation in April 2022. The film highlights the collaborative efforts of the Black Heritage Society and the Library to uncover and preserve the Soul Pole's history, a process that continues to unfold.

As Elijah Mu’ied, son of Raqib, eloquently expresses in the film, “The Soul Pole represents the advent of African American’s history coming to America, starting from the bottom to the top... Raqib Mu’ied was an activist... I would say that the Soul Pole embodies his activism, from the ground up.”

The documentary also features insights from Kate Dawson of Artech Fine Art Services, which oversaw the conservation project, and conservator Corine Landrieu. They discuss the meticulous process of assessing the damage to the pole and developing a conservation plan to preserve the artwork for future generations. "We knew that would be the most important thing, that’s what success would look like," Dawson reflects in the film.

The film culminates with breathtaking footage of the Soul Pole's reinstallation on a bright, sunny day, a momentous occasion marked by a moving ceremony attended by community members and family members of those originally involved in the project. "He carved the top piece, the head," Elijah Mu’ied shares about his father, Raqib Mu’ied, at the reinstallation, "which represents African-American awakening, our freedom, which many of us know we’re still working on to this day.”

"The Legacy of the Soul Pole" is a testament to the enduring power of art, community, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Watch the film and gain a deeper appreciation for the Soul Pole's profound significance in Seattle's Black history. #SoulPole #SeattleHistory #BlackHistory #Documentary #ConvergeMedia