Black History Month in Seattle (Seattle Forward)

February 06, 2015

Black History Month in Seattle

February is Black History Month and I encourage you to recognize it by taking time to read stories about Seattle’s African American community on HistoryLink. This is a great resource for biographies of local figures and local history. Here are a few articles I’ve picked out, but there are many others to choose from:

Sam Smith, the first African American elected to the Seattle City Council. He sponsored an ordinance to end discriminatory housing practices in the city, which the Council passed in 1968.

Thelma Dewitty, the first African American teacher in Seattle Public Schools. She shook up the Laurelhurst Elementary school teacher’s lounge by sitting in a different seat each day, forcing others out of their usual routine.

Edwin Pratt, the former director of the Urban League. He was assassinated on his doorstep in 1969.

Tyree Scott, the civil rights and labor leader. He led local organizing efforts against discrimination in the construction industry.

Bertha Pitts Campbell, the civil rights worker and a founder of the Christian Friends for Racial Equality. Her oral history discusses snapshots of her 67 years in Seattle.

This year, the City government held its own event commemorating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at which the Mayor and several councilmembers spoke. You can watch a video of my remarks.

Posted by Tim Burgess on February 06, 2015 at 03:08 PM in Little Things Making Life Better | Permalink

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Burgess Bookshelf

Snyder, Timothy: Our Malady: Lessons in Liberty from a Hospital Diary
This book, along with Snyder's earlier, On Tyranny, is packed full of useful policy ideas that can help rebuild our country. Snyder's understanding of the rising threat of authoritarianism is exactly what needs to be understood today, coupled with his diagnosis of how we have failed to support all of the people of America.
Putnam, Robert D.: The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again
Here's a hope filled historical review of how America has made itself more inclusive and equitable and can do it again. Very encouraging.
Sacks, Jonathan: Morality: Restoring the Common Good in Divided Times
Rabbi Sacks' book is essential reading, in my opinion, especially now when freedom is under such attack. His wisdom fills every page, his defense of liberal democracy is compelling.
Epstein, David: Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World
This is a compelling and great read. I love it since I'm a generalist.
McCaulley, Esau: Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope
While the white Christian church, especially evangelicalism, was the dominant influence in my family of origin and my youth, I've learned so much more recently from the Black church. McCaulley's book is a very good introduction to Black theology and biblical interpretation.
Yglesias, Matthew: One Billion Americans: The Case for Thinking Bigger
A critical thinker and blogger, Yglesias lays out a vision for America that is more inclusive and equitable; includes good sections on early learning and the crucial value of immigration.
Thomas E. Ricks: Churchill and Orwell: The Fight for Freedom
This book examines the lives and efforts of two men who never met each other but who helped save democracy leading up to and during World War II. Another much read for those who are worried about the American condition today.
Timothy Snyder: The Road to Unfreedom: Russia, Europe, America
From the author of "On Tyranny" comes another pithy look at how freedom and democracy can be destroyed from within.
Greg Weiner: American Burke: The Uncommon Liberalism of Daniel Patrick Moynihan (American Political Thought)
Fascinating account of the former New York Senator; good friend and colleague of our own Senator Henry Jackson.
Steven Levitsky & Daniel Liblatt: How Democracies Die
This is a must read for people concerned about the future of our democracy. One of their main points is that democracies begin to fail when the norms of civil discourse and the rule of law begin to crumble. We are seeing that happen before our very eyes today.