​CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
The 2022 Statewide DEI Summit Planning Committee needs your help to host a successful event. We know that many employees across the state are passionate about the summit and would like to contribute. We specifically need your help in moderating DEI Summit sessions. As a moderator, you will play an important role in ensuring that the conference is a success by attending various sessions, and helping the presenters and participants have a great experience.

​Qualifications

• Comfortable speaking publicly in front of large audiences
• Comfortable being seen and leading a zoom meeting 
• Familiarity with Zoom webinar functions

June 3-5, BURIEN PRIDE WEEKEND 3RD-5TH
June 4, OLYMPIA PRIDE
June 4, NEWPORT PRIDE
June 4, ARLINGTON PRIDE
June 4, PASCO (TRI-CITIES)
June 4, WHATCOM PRIDE
June 11, Spokane Pride
June 12, MONROE PRIDE
June 17, KIRKLAND PRIDE
June 18, YAKIMA PRIDE
June 18, WENATCHEE PRIDE
June 18, PORTLAND PRIDE (18th – 19th)
June 18, ANACORTES PRIDE
June 20-26, Seattle Pride (20th thru 26th)
June 25, PORT TOWNSEND
July 9-10, VANCOUVER PRIDE (9TH AND 10TH)
July 9, TACOMA PRIDE
July 17, BAINBRIDGE PRIDE
July 23, KITSAP PRIDE
​

“On May 25, Minneapolis police officers arrested George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, after a convenience store employee called 911 and told the police that Mr. Floyd had bought cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill. Seventeen minutes after the first squad car arrived at the scene, Mr. Floyd was unconscious and pinned beneath three police officers, showing no signs of life.” – New York Times.
 
Today we reflect on the criminal actions conducted by law enforcement that caused the passing of George Floyd. The excerpt taken from the report highlights the sad, brutal, and all too familiar feeling of black lives being taken in this country. Let us remember that the George Floyd tragedy is not a singular moment in American history, but his death does represent the continuous brazen actions that have led to so many Black lives being taken. Unjust actions that were taken based on the color of their skin.

Running for Co-Chair: Nolan Washington
Trooper / Recruiter / Community Liaison
Bio:
 
I am Nolan Washington, from Seattle, WA. I grew up in the south end part of Seattle. I went to Kennedy High School and then went on to Washington State University where I also played football and graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 2013. I was not expecting to actually be involved in law enforcement, but after seeing many of the things going on with our community and policing, I decided to take matters into my own hands and go into the law enforcement profession; embarking on this journey to bring about change from within.

I became a Trooper with Washington State Patrol in 2016, and now also serve as one of the field Recruiters and a Community Liaison for the agency. My job includes recruiting for more State Troopers, as well as other positions within our agency, and also be involved with community events around the state. My areas of recruiting are Pierce, King, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties and I assist with other counties around the state as well.

I got into this profession to be a door holder for all under-represented people within the profession and specifically my black brothers and sisters to be able to see themselves in me, and want to join and bring about true change. I look for platforms to challenge, educate, and inspire people to not only talk about changes they would like to see, but BE ABOUT IT! I am a firm believer in not waiting for anyone else for change but to do my part in bringing about the change I would like to see. My motto is to inspire the next.

In everything we do, we all can be an inspiration to others. We all have a story, and specifically as black people we know this journey has not been easy for us, but if we can try and remember that whatever we do in life, the real mission is to pave a way for the ones that will come after us. To truly bring about change and make sure that change is continued, means we are inspiring the next. The next generation, the next police officer, the next teacher, the next CEO, whatever! We are looking to leave a legacy that can be carried on for generations to come. I look forward to continue to gather inspiration from the amazing people I have and will meet through BUILD, and hope to challenge and inspire others to join me along the way. 

Running for Executive Assistant: Yeni Castaneto

As the incumbent Executive Assistant, I will continue to support the BUILD Leadership team with the critical mission of lifting Black voices and representation in leadership positions. I am committed to diversity and inclusion and fighting to change policies that systematically and structurally exclude BIPOC.

In the past year, BUILD has shown me that a collective few have the power to begin change by providing a platform and space for Black voices. I assisted Tyrone in launching our Intersectionality Listening Sessions, which provided a safe space for our members to speak on their lived experiences, truths, and realities. It has been a learning and humbling experience to be a part of BUILD, and I hope to do it another year. 

​This is the Inaugural year that the state of Washington recognizes Juneteenth as a legal state paid holiday on Monday, June 20, 2022. As Black Folks and allies, we have been celebrating Juneteenth for years. This government recognition is cause for a bigger celebration. Black-Owned Business Excellence (BOBE) in partnership with The Professional Women of Color Network and many other collaborators are cultivating this recognition with a Royal Ball that reclaims Community here in Washington.

Hello RAIN Community,

Please see the below message from our friends at the Blacks United in Leadership and Diversity (BUILD) BRG. RAIN’s leadership joins with BUILD in expressing our love and support for all of those affected and suffering due to the tragedy in Buffalo, NY over the weekend. We specifically hold members of the LGBTQ+ community, who have faced discrimination and abuse, in our thoughts and encourage our community to seek ways to uplift and support those and other marginalized voices in this conflict.
​
In Solidarity,
Taja Blackhorn, Co-Chair
Ryan Douglas, Co-Chair
Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network (RAIN)

Original message from RAIN

The Washington State DEI Summit is June 7, 14, 21, and 28. This event is virtual.

This year's theme this:
​
Acknowledging Our Past, Transforming Our Future

Washington State 2022 DEI Summit: Tuesdays in June: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Registration for the upcoming, annual Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Summit is currently available. This year’s virtual DEI Summit registration is free and open to all state agency employees. We encourage you to join us in this meaningful development opportunity, which was carefully planned to enrich our collective understanding and awareness through a wealth of DEI- related discussions and activities.
 
Registration and summit details:
https://ofm.wa.gov/DEIsummit

Interviews about the Summit moderated by BUILD's very own, Sharon Armstrong!
​
Check out more interviews!

Juneteenth is a state holiday!
Watch this space for more info as it becomes available.
​This event also serves as BUILD's June General Membership Meeting.

​Tacoma, WA – Cultural documentarian, author and photographer Candacy Taylor is the number one person you’d want to ask about the Green Book. She crisscrossed tens of thousands of miles in the United States to research and write The Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America. The 2020 book became the basis for The Negro Motorist Green Book exhibition, created by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) and co-curated by Taylor. The exhibition is on view at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma through June 12. The Black Heritage Society of Washington State has partnered with the History Museum and invites the community to meet Candacy Taylor at a free author talk and book signing on Thursday, May 19 at 6:00 PM.