Visit Seattle Celebrates Black History Month 2021

SEATTLE – Seattle is a city known for its commitment to activism, diversity, equity and inclusion. We are a city dedicated to amplifying diverse voices. A city that has and will continue to be a pioneer in advocating for the dismantling of systemic racism, and for societal and cultural change.

Each February, Black History Month is an opportunity for Seattle to place special emphasis on the celebration of Black lives and voices. It’s a time for us to remember and mourn the racism and discrimination that has so long been a part of the story for Black Americans, and to continue fighting for greater equality and justice for the Black community in our city and beyond.

Visit Seattle is proud to support the efforts of partners who are joining their voices in the chorus to honor Black History Month. Below are just a few of the ways our city is celebrating throughout the month of February:

• The Soul of Seattle: The Soul of Seattle 2021 is a series of virtual fundraising events throughout the month of February to benefit local Black chefs and organizations that empower youth of color in Seattle. Presented by Chef Edouardo Jordan in partnership with Northwest Harvest. See attached release for more details.
• Seattle Solidarity Boxes: After pivoting from food tours to curated food boxes during the pandemic, Savor Seattle also rolled out the Seattle Solidarity Box, shining a light on Black-owned small business artisans in our community. Artisans include JuneBaby, Marjorie Restaurant, Bite Me Cookies, Boon Boona Coffee and others.
• Black-owned Business Excellence: Kick off Black History Month on February 2 with Black-Owned Business Excellence, a virtual event designed to inspire, educate, celebrate and generate excellence in Black-Owned Businesses in Washington State. The conference will feature panel discussions, workshops, networking, and more.
• When History is Your Story: Presented by the Museum of History and Industry and the Black Heritage Society of Washington State, hear from community members inspired by moments from local Black history that impact their present lives. This event will take place virtually on February 24.
• Black-owned Businesses and Makers at SEA Airport: SEA Airport is home to an expansive collection of shops and restaurants, from souvenirs and designer brands to local brews and sushi, many of which are Black-owned.
• Seattle Strong | Seattle Artists Relief Fund: Over the course of the pandemic, three Black artists and one Black organization, with the generous support of thousands of individual donors, have provided critical emergency funding to over 2,000 artists in the Seattle arts community through the Seattle Artists Relief Fund (SARF).

Visit Seattle Supports Black Lives, not only in February but throughout the entire year. Check out the below video series for profiles on several influential Black leaders who infuse art, creativity and really good food into our city:

• • Music Genesis | Sir Mix-A-Lot
  • Uncharted | Chef Edouardo Jordan
  • State of Glass | Debora Moore
  • Open Studio | Shabazz Palaces

About Visit Seattle:
Visit Seattle has served as the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Seattle and King County for more than 50 years. A 501(c)(6) organization, Visit Seattle enhances the economic prosperity of the region through global destination branding along with competitive programs and campaigns in leisure travel marketing, convention sales and overseas tourism development. Visit visitseattle.org.

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