Originally published February 19, 2021.

​"Yesterday I had the pleasure of announcing Dr. Karen Johnson as the first director of Washington state’s new Office of Equity. Dr. Johnson has been a Washington state employee for over a decade, working with state agencies to transform our institutions to better and more equitably serve Washingtonians."

Thank you our members who submitted photos highlighting the milestones and influential people in your life during Black History Month! Claude Burfect (pictured below) has been steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in the work for a long, long time. That’s why he is a Black History inspiration to member Kevin Allen!

Compiled by BUILD for our Black History Month celebration, 2021.

​This is a story of a little boy name Theo, who woke up one morning and asked his mother, "Mom, what if there were no Black people in the world?" Well, his mother thought about that for a moment, and then said, "Son, follow me around today and let's just see what it would be like if there were no Black people in the world." Mom said, "Now go get dressed, and we will get started."

Please attend our next Lunch and Learn session:
The topic of discussion: The Equity Filter
Location:  Online (More Information Below)  
Date: February 17th, 2021
Time: 12:00-1:00 pm
Facilitator: Leilani Williams

The Disability Inclusion Network (DIN), a fellow statewide business resource group, is excited to announce the availability of an Inclusive Virtual Meeting Planning guide and checklist published on their website.

“We must never forget that Black History is American History. The achievements of African Americans have contributed to our nation’s greatness.”
​- Yvette Clarke, Congresswoman

“The month of February marks Black History Month, when our country celebrates the generations of Black Americans whose courage, advocacy and patriotism have enriched our communities and strengthened our democracy. In honoring Black trailblazers and change-makers of the past, we also gain inspiration for the work that still remains to fulfill our sacred responsibility to form a more perfect union.

Sadly, Black History Month comes as the scourges of systemic racism, injustice and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has inflicted a devastating, disproportionate toll on the health and economic stability of communities of color, continues to undermine Americans’ rights and our most fundamental values. In the face of these grave challenges, countless young Black leaders, activists and dedicated citizens have marched, mobilized and are making a difference to advance justice and build a brighter future for all. In this vital mission, we are blessed by the leadership and vision of a record number of Black Members of Congress as well as the historic inauguration of Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black woman vice president in American History.”
​- Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, February 1, 2021

NEWS RELEASE: February 1, 2021
MEDIA CONTACT: Julianna Verboort, Marketing and Communications Director, Washington State Historical Society, 253-343-7004 julianna.verboort@wshs.wa.gov

From Black pioneers to Seattle hip hop: Learn about Black Washingtonians during February and beyond

​TACOMA, Wash – Washington State Historical Society (WSHS) will feature two free online lectures to celebrate February’s Black History Month, and is also working with an advisory committee to implement Washington Black History Project initiatives that will educate and enlighten throughout every month of the year.​