Honoring humanity creates an equitable and just society.
Check out the resources below to learn about groups directly involved in creating a just and equitable experience for the Black Community. Visit Resources to explore resources for self-education and personal development.
Numerous local and statewide organizations are dedicated to pursing justice, educating Washingtonians about American history that includes the Black perspective, sharing Black culture to include dance and food, and more. Within state government, two organizations work to diversify and create space for the Black community in state employment and pass legislation to positively impact the Black Community and thus Washington as a whole.
Proclamations
Governor’s Black Lives Matter Proclamation
Governor's Juneteenth Proclamation
https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/youre-never-too-old-to-need-your-dad-gm1201594635-344652265
“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” - Marcus Garvey
Business Resource Groups
Blacks United in Leadership and Diversity
BUILD is the Business Resource Group for members of the Black Community and their allies in Washington state service.
Our Mission
Improve the experiences of Black state employees, increase representation in leadership positions, give voice to the Black perspective, and build each other up as we move forward.
Our Vision
Change the state’s narrative and give identity and voice to current employees while enforcing policies that promote diversity, inclusion and respect in the workplace.
Our Values
- We are firmly committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Learn about BUILD subcommittees and how to get involved:
- Communications.
- History and Activities.
- Membership Engagement and Support.
- Policy and Data.
- Professional Development and Leadership Support.
Commissions
Commission on African American Affairs
Our Mission
- Examine and define policy issues pertaining to the rights and needs of African-Americans and make recommendations to the Governor, the Legislature and state agencies for changes in state programs and laws.
Our Activities
- Develops and advances a Legislative Agenda - policy proposals of importance to the African American community.
- Relaying demands from the African American community to policy makers in government.
- Helps elected and appointed officials understand the needs of our community.
- Take positions on policy issues and recommending new policies and/or programs.
- Testifies before the Legislature, advisory boards and other settings.
- Hosts policy forums and other events, when allowed by statue.
- Perform ceremonial and public relations duties.
- Holds public meetings across the state to engage with the African American community about policy concerns and new legislation.
Washington State Human Rights Commission
- Our Mission: Eliminate and prevent discrimination in Washington state through the fair application of the law, efficient use of resources and establishment of productive partnerships in the community.
- Our Activities: There are five Commissioners appointed by the Governor, who appoint an Executive Director. The Executive Director appoints investigative staff, clerks and other employees as needed to conduct the day-to-day operations of the agency. The Commissioners provide policy direction, adopt regulations and meet monthly to pass upon the investigative finding determinations recommended by staff, review and approve settlement agreements, and issue Board Orders setting forth the terms of the legally binding agreements and may vote to grant or deny requests for reconsideration of previously issued investigative findings.
Washington Related Associations and Groups
- Racial Justice Resources Page | AIA Seattle
- NAMI Seattle | Black, Indigenous & People of Color Mental Health Resources
- wscacl – Washington State Coalition of African Community Leaders
- Black Community - Community Support and Justice - Library at Seattle Central College
- Black Arts and Heritage Organizations in Washington State - Artist Trust
- BlackPast.org
- Black Heritage Society of Washington State (BHS)
- Northwest African American Museum
- The Black Lens
- The Carl Maxey Center
- African American Community Cultural & Education Society (ACCES)
- African American Studies Program, University of Puget Sound
- Racial Equity, Social Justice & Black-Led Organizations, Resource Lists, Book Lists, & more - Earshot Jazz
- Civil Rights Resource Guide (Office of the Attorney General)
Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.