Black Community Resources
February is Black History Month, where we honor and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of Black people who have guided our country’s growth and progress.
Black Community Resources
The YMCA Equity and Justice Center of Excellence and African American Employee Resource Network have curated resources for education, growth, and healing for our local Black and African American communities.
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Books Honoring Black History & Excellence
Tribute
Tribute: a Guide to Seattle's Public Parks and Buildings Named for Black People
by Mary T. Henry
Seattle in Black and White
Seattle in Black and White: the Congress of Racial Equality and the Fight for Equal Opportunity
by Joan. Singler
Black Women in Leadership
Black Women in Leadership: Their Historical and Contemporary Contributions
by Danielle Joy Davis
Unequal Sisters
Unequal Sisters: an Inclusive Reader in U.S. Women's History
by Vicki Ruiz and Ellen Carol DuBois
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Community Organizations & Resources
The following is a list of local resources where Black/African community members can find community and engage with others as part of a healing collective.
Africatown/Umoja PEACE Center
Fulfills the need in Seattle to build job skills, confidence, and cultural pride in young people of African descent. The group aims to provide programs to reduce anti-social behavior, juvenile delinquency, crime, and violence.
Black Dot Collective
Black Dot is a culturally responsive community for Black entrepreneurs. We provide space, knowledge, and support for creatives to operate and grow their business.
Black Lives Matter
Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County is a grassroots, volunteer-run, social-justice nonprofit organization focused on the empowerment and liberation of Blacks and other people of color through advocacy and direct action.
Eritrean Association
The Eritrean Association in Greater Seattle was organized by immigrants who volunteered to establish a diasporic community that would preserve their cultural heritage. Their effort to build a strong communal landmark continues to enrich the pan-cultural experience in the Pacific Northwest.
Ethiopian Community
The Ethiopian Community of Seattle aims to facilitate the seamless integration of all persons of Ethiopian origin into American society. ECS contributes to the social, cultural, and civic life of the Puget Sound area.
Lavender Rights Project
Lavender Rights Project offers pro-bono legal advocacy for Black communities by-and-for housing justice.
MÁS Workshops
Movimiento Afrolatino Seattle was created by Afro-Latino communities and artists to ensure the sustainability of their rich cultural heritage.
NAACP
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People works to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination.
Somali Community
The Somali Community of Seattle works for the success of refugees to undergo a smooth transitional process and attain self-sustainable status in their new country.
Urban League
The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle implements its mission through advocacy, direct programming, community outreach, and coalition building.
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Healing Resources
- This free toolkit from the Community Healing Network and the Association of Black Psychologists guides you through healing in the face of cultural trauma.
- An additional 44 Mental Health Resources for Black People Trying to Survive in This Country because Black lives, Black bodies, and Black minds matter.
- The Safe Place is a free app offering mental health resources and self-care tips for the Black Community.
- This article on Racism and Violence: How to Help Kids Handle the News helps adults support kids during this time.
- Washington Counselors of Color Network website specifically lists therapists of color here in King County and Washington state. Contact your insurance company to confirm the eligibility of providers.
- The National Association of Mental Illness provides resources and free support groups for individuals and families affected by mental illness. Local chapters, including Seattle, provide groups specifically designed for Black and Indigenous participants.
Liberate Meditation
Liberate Meditation is a free meditation app designed by and for People of Color.
Therapy for Black Girls
An online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black Women and Girls; a referral tool to find a therapist in your area.
Therapy for Black Men
While primarily a therapist directory for Black Men seeking therapy, it also includes some additional resources.
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Heritage
Black Heritage Society of Washington State
Archiving, preserving, collecting, and sharing the history of African Americans in Washington State are the priorities that shape the BHS mission.
Northwest African American Museum
Presents and preserves the connections between the Pacific Northwest and people of African descent; and investigates and celebrates Black experiences in America through exhibitions, programs, and events.
Arts & Heritage Organizations
Black Arts and Heritage Organizations in Washington State - Artist Trust: Black Arts and Heritage Organizations
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Professional Resources
Professional Women of Color Network
The Professional Women of Color Network aims to create a business resource for all Professional Women of Color in the Pacific Northwest and globally.
Seattle Black MBA Association
Group of professionals dedicated to advancing our careers, enriching our personal and professional experience, investing in the leaders of tomorrow, and driving impact in our communities.
Umoja PEACE Center
The center provides out-of-school enrichment activities in the areas of music, digital media production, leadership development, and social entrepreneurship for youth and young adults who live in and come to the Central District.
Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle
The League has historically focused its community work on education, employment, health, and housing with Seattle’s disenfranchised African-American community.
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