Support for Seattle's Black Community

@dozfy

Visit Seattle stands in solidarity with our local Black community.

We value and celebrate our city’s Black heritage, our residents, neighbors, and visitors that are tightly woven into the fabric of Seattle and have added to the vibrancy of the Pacific Northwest for generations. Read on for resources that provide education, support, and opportunities to celebrate Black communities in Seattle.

Be Intentional

Illustrated hands of different skin tones reaching toward each other in front of a circular light. Large text reads

#SpendLikeItMatters and celebrate the diversity and community of Black-owned businesses with Intentionalist. Discover how and where to show your support this Black History Month.

Lists of Black-Owned Businesses

Intentionalist | Black-Owned Businesses in Seattle

A sortable directory of Black-owned businesses in Seattle. The search can be expanded to include additional cities and minority groups.

Artist Trust | Black-led Arts and Heritage Organizations in Washington State

Artist Trust is using the the power of their platform to uplift Black voices, stories, and artists have been erased throughout history because of systemic racism.

Pike Place Market | Support Market Black-Owned Businesses:

These businesses offer a diverse collection of products, ranging from art and books to scratch-blended juices, hot sauces and more.

Seattle Good | Support Black-Owned Businesses and Communities

Find an array of ways you can join in supporting Black-Owned businesses and community members.

Seattle Met | A Guide to Seattle’s Black-Owned Restaurants

This updated list highlights some of Seattle Met's favorite Black-owned restaurants across Seattle, and beyond.

EatOkra App

EatOkra is a hand-held guide to black-owned restaurants. Find local black-owned restaurants with the EatOkra app, available for Apple and Android devices.

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Intentionalist | Black-Owned Businesses in Seattle

A sortable directory of Black-owned businesses in Seattle. The search can be expanded to include additional cities and minority groups.

Artist Trust | Black-led Arts and Heritage Organizations in Washington State

Artist Trust is using the the power of their platform to uplift Black voices, stories, and artists have been erased throughout history because of systemic racism.

Pike Place Market | Support Market Black-Owned Businesses:

These businesses offer a diverse collection of products, ranging from art and books to scratch-blended juices, hot sauces and more.

Seattle Good | Support Black-Owned Businesses and Communities

Find an array of ways you can join in supporting Black-Owned businesses and community members.

Seattle Met | A Guide to Seattle’s Black-Owned Restaurants

This updated list highlights some of Seattle Met's favorite Black-owned restaurants across Seattle, and beyond.

EatOkra App

EatOkra is a hand-held guide to black-owned restaurants. Find local black-owned restaurants with the EatOkra app, available for Apple and Android devices.

Next >>

Get to Know Seattle's Black Community

Shabazz Palaces | Open Studio

Growing up in the south end of Seattle, Ishmael Butler and Tendai “Baba” Maraire (better known as Shabazz Palaces) were surrounded by the city’s natural beauty - where the trees have stories to tell.

Seattle-based actor Nicholas Japaul Bernard, wearing an orange beanie, sips coffee with his friend, Siobahn in front of a decorative wallpaper design at Ben Paris. — Nicholas Japaul Bernard | Carson Artac Photography/Visit Seattle

Nicholas Japaul Bernard | I Know A Place

Talent. Costumes. Music. Performance. Join Seattle-based stage actor Nicholas Japaul Bernard as he shows his best friend Siobhan his slice of the Emerald City.

Watch

A person wearing a grey shirt sits at a table with a large plate filled with food in front of them. — **Ahadu** Ellie Logan

Seattle Soul

The Black community in Seattle has been shaping the city’s culture, artistic expression, and dining scene since the late 19th century.

A person with glasses and curly hair stands smiling in a cozy bookstore surrounded by tall stacks of books. The walls are adorned with posters and a whiteboard. The atmosphere is warm and inviting.

Quenton Baker | Creative City

Quenton, a poet, shares where they feel community, the best places for poetry in Seattle, and what draws poets to the Emerald City.

A person playing an acoustic guitar outdoors, set against a clear blue sky with the iconic Space Needle visible in the background. They wear bright yellow earrings and have a focused expression.

Naomi Wachira | Sounds by the Sound

Naomi Wachira performs Beautifully Human live at Seattle Center as part of Sounds by the Sound, Episode 3.

Watch

A person in a blue dress holds a cup while standing outdoors under string lights. They are surrounded by buildings against a clear blue sky.

Jade Solomon Curtis | Creative City

Jade, a choreographer, dance artist, and producer, gives her first-hand account on Seattle and shares how it's impacted her as a creative, her favorites spots, and more.

A person wearing a hat and puffy jacket stands on a hill, facing away and overlooking a cityscape at dusk. The background features blurred city lights and a bridge under a colorful evening sky. — **Sir Mix-A-Lot** Visit Seattle

Sir Mix-A-Lot | Music Genesis

Posse on Broadway paved the way for Sir Mix-A-Lot, and Seattle was the city that inspired it. In this episode, uncover the #MusicGenesis of this nationwide hit.

Watch

A person with white dreadlocks, wearing sunglasses, a sleeveless top, and a skirt, stands on a bench by a calm sea. The sun is shining brightly in the clear blue sky. — Marita Dingus | Creative City

Marita Dingus | Creative City

Marita is a mixed media sculptor. Discover where she finds inspiration, how the Northwest is reflected in her work, and what gets her excited as an artist.

Two people browse records in a cozy vinyl store with a brick wall and music-themed decor. The woman wears a red jacket, and the man wears a black jacket over a plaid shirt. Shelves are filled with records and posters on the walls.

SassyBlack | I Know A Place

Beaches. Synths. Records, records, and more records. Come along as Seattle musician SassyBlack shares her local faves with her friend, artist Tyrell Shaw. Let’s get into it.

A woman wearing glasses and a dark top places a plate of food on a table surrounded by drinks, including wine and a red candle. She smiles while serving, and another person is partially visible in the background. Dark curtains hang behind them. — Donna Moodie | Family Style

Donna Moodie | Family Style

Chef Donna Moodie found her way into her mother’s kitchen at an early age, impressed by her mother’s gracious hospitality. Today, Donna has brought that legacy forward in her own restaurant Marjorie.

Watch

Everett Fitzhugh | I Know A Place

Boats. Beers. Big walls. It’s Fitz’s best day ever. Join Seattle Kraken announcer Everett “Fitz” Fitzhugh as he shows his family around his favorite Seattle digs.

A person stands in a dimly lit, elegant room holding a pool cue. The background features a bar area with bottles and warm lighting, creating a cozy atmosphere. The person is dressed in a dark jacket and shirt, looking towards the camera.

Ahamefule Oluo | Creative City

A musician, composer, and comedian, Ahamefule shares his experience with music in Seattle and his favorite hidden gem in the city.

A smiling man sits cross-legged on a grassy lawn in front of a historic building with trees around. People are walking in the background under a clear blue sky. He's wearing a patterned shirt and light-colored pants.

Tim Bond | Creative City

Former Professor of Acting and Directing at the University of Washington, Tim shares his favorite things about Seattle.

A person with short curly hair and a black shirt smiles softly while sitting indoors. The background is softly lit with sculptures and artworks visible, creating an artistic and relaxed atmosphere. — Debora Moore | State of Glass

Debora Moore | State of Glass

The lush, natural surroundings of the Northwest have fueled the creativity of contemporary glass artist, Debora Moore. Here she shares how the shapes and textures of Northwest flora inspire her work.

Watch

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Shabazz Palaces | Open Studio

Nicholas Japaul Bernard | I Know A Place

Talent. Costumes. Music. Performance. Join Seattle-based stage actor Nicholas Japaul Bernard as he shows his best friend Siobhan his slice of the Emerald City.

Watch

Seattle Soul

The Black community in Seattle has been shaping the city’s culture, artistic expression, and dining scene since the late 19th century.

Quenton Baker | Creative City

Quenton, a poet, shares where they feel community, the best places for poetry in Seattle, and what draws poets to the Emerald City.

Naomi Wachira | Sounds by the Sound

Naomi Wachira performs Beautifully Human live at Seattle Center as part of Sounds by the Sound, Episode 3.

Watch

Jade Solomon Curtis | Creative City

Jade, a choreographer, dance artist, and producer, gives her first-hand account on Seattle and shares how it's impacted her as a creative, her favorites spots, and more.

Sir Mix-A-Lot | Music Genesis

Posse on Broadway paved the way for Sir Mix-A-Lot, and Seattle was the city that inspired it. In this episode, uncover the #MusicGenesis of this nationwide hit.

Watch

Marita Dingus | Creative City

Marita is a mixed media sculptor. Discover where she finds inspiration, how the Northwest is reflected in her work, and what gets her excited as an artist.

SassyBlack | I Know A Place

Beaches. Synths. Records, records, and more records. Come along as Seattle musician SassyBlack shares her local faves with her friend, artist Tyrell Shaw. Let’s get into it.

Donna Moodie | Family Style

Watch

Everett Fitzhugh | I Know A Place

Boats. Beers. Big walls. It’s Fitz’s best day ever. Join Seattle Kraken announcer Everett “Fitz” Fitzhugh as he shows his family around his favorite Seattle digs.

Ahamefule Oluo | Creative City

A musician, composer, and comedian, Ahamefule shares his experience with music in Seattle and his favorite hidden gem in the city.

Tim Bond | Creative City

Former Professor of Acting and Directing at the University of Washington, Tim shares his favorite things about Seattle.

Debora Moore | State of Glass

The lush, natural surroundings of the Northwest have fueled the creativity of contemporary glass artist, Debora Moore. Here she shares how the shapes and textures of Northwest flora inspire her work.

Watch

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African American Heritage Guide

African American heritage in Washington goes back to the territorial era, with the arrival of Black pioneers who settled in both rural and urban areas. Learn more about the region's rich African American communities in Visit Seattle's African American Heritage Guide.

Support Black-Led Cultural Institutions

Northwest African American Museum

Spreads knowledge, understanding, and enjoyment of the histories, arts, and cultures of people of African descent for the enrichment of all.

Black History Month Museum

Through February, Rainier Avenue Radio is converting the historic Columbia City Theater into a museum that celebrates the achievements and the achievers of the PNW through exhibits and installations.

The Hansberry Project

A professional Black theatre company dedicated to the artistic exploration of African American life, history, and culture.

Arté Noir

Seeks to be a gathering place for exploring the dynamic creativity that springs from African and African American culture.

Onyx Fine Arts Collective

Organized by the voluntary efforts of a group of artists and supporters, the mission of Onyx is to give greater visibility and opportunities to artists of African descent.

African American Writers' Alliance

The African-American Writers' Alliance, a diverse and dynamic collective of Seattle-area writers of African descent, provides an informal and supportive forum for new and published writers.

Umoja Fest

Provides a way to experience the rich African heritage and culture of the region by highlighting the history and contributions of African-Americans locally, nationally, regionally and internationally.

Langston

LANGSTON guides generative programs and community partnerships that center Black art, artists and audiences and honor the ongoing legacy of Seattle’s Black Central Area.

Spectrum Dance Theater

Spectrum Dance Theater brings dance of the highest merit to a diverse audience composed of people from different social, cultural, ethnic and economic backgrounds.

Festival Sundiata

An annual festival at Seattle Center that celebrates the arts and educates the community about people of African descent who form a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities.

Wa Na Wari

Wa Na Wari creates space for
Black ownership, possibility, and belonging
through art, historic preservation, and connection.

Northwest Tap Connection

Provides quality dance and job opportunities to under-served communities, and seeks to raise a generation of socially conscious artists who produce works that foster change.

Central District Forum for Arts & Ideas

Central District Forum for Arts & Ideas is the only local, nonprofit organization solely dedicated to presenting emerging Black arts, artists, and ideas in the Seattle area.

Next >>

Northwest African American Museum

Spreads knowledge, understanding, and enjoyment of the histories, arts, and cultures of people of African descent for the enrichment of all.

Black History Month Museum

Through February, Rainier Avenue Radio is converting the historic Columbia City Theater into a museum that celebrates the achievements and the achievers of the PNW through exhibits and installations.

The Hansberry Project

A professional Black theatre company dedicated to the artistic exploration of African American life, history, and culture.

Arté Noir

Seeks to be a gathering place for exploring the dynamic creativity that springs from African and African American culture.

Onyx Fine Arts Collective

Organized by the voluntary efforts of a group of artists and supporters, the mission of Onyx is to give greater visibility and opportunities to artists of African descent.

African American Writers' Alliance

The African-American Writers' Alliance, a diverse and dynamic collective of Seattle-area writers of African descent, provides an informal and supportive forum for new and published writers.

Umoja Fest

Langston

LANGSTON guides generative programs and community partnerships that center Black art, artists and audiences and honor the ongoing legacy of Seattle’s Black Central Area.

Spectrum Dance Theater

Spectrum Dance Theater brings dance of the highest merit to a diverse audience composed of people from different social, cultural, ethnic and economic backgrounds.

Festival Sundiata

An annual festival at Seattle Center that celebrates the arts and educates the community about people of African descent who form a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities.

Wa Na Wari

Wa Na Wari creates space for
Black ownership, possibility, and belonging
through art, historic preservation, and connection.

Northwest Tap Connection

Provides quality dance and job opportunities to under-served communities, and seeks to raise a generation of socially conscious artists who produce works that foster change.

Central District Forum for Arts & Ideas

Central District Forum for Arts & Ideas is the only local, nonprofit organization solely dedicated to presenting emerging Black arts, artists, and ideas in the Seattle area.

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SHAKIAH DANIELSON
Artistic Director & Hip Hop Teacher | Northwest Tap Connection

As a race and social justice-oriented dance studio, Northwest Tap Connection uses dance to enrich the lives of students while also helping them develop self discipline and to instill self confidence.

DAVID RUA AND PRIYA FRANK
Equity Team | Seattle Art Museum

The Equity Team at Seattle Art Museum promotes inclusivity and accessibility in the arts and is a key component of SAM’s participation in the city’s race and social justice initiative.

Lean In With These Seattle-Based Organizations

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

DONATE & GET INVOLVED:

Local Organizations

National Organizations

LEARN & TAKE ACTION:

Follow @visitseattle

SUBSCRIBE TO THE SEATTLE LOCALIST

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Book Your Trip

Support for Seattle's Black Communities

Visit Seattle stands in solidarity with our local Black community.

Be Intentional

#SpendLikeItMatters and celebrate the diversity and community of Black-owned businesses with Intentionalist. Discover how and where to show your support this Black History Month.

<< Previous

Next >>

<< Previous

Next >>

<< Previous

Next >>

<< Previous

Next >>

African American Heritage Guide

African American heritage in Washington goes back to the territorial era, with the arrival of Black pioneers who settled in both rural and urban areas. Learn more about the region's rich African American communities in Visit Seattle's African American Heritage Guide.

<< Previous

Next >>

<< Previous

Next >>

<< Previous

Next >>

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

DONATE & GET INVOLVED:

LEARN & TAKE ACTION:

SUBSCRIBE TO THE SEATTLE LOCALIST

Seattle’s best every month in your inbox