My Thoughts on Black History Month: A reflection on the journey in Washington State Black History Month serves as an essential reminder of the rich heritage, struggles, and resilience of African Americans throughout history.  Living in Washington state, I have either witnessed first-hand the progression and complications of the African American experience from the 1930s to the present day, or have had stories passed down to us for protection.  As my family celebrates nearly 100 years of residency in this remarkable state, I can’t help but reflect on how far we have come, while recognizing that the journey is far from over.

In the 1930s, the landscape for Black Americans in Washington was laden with systemic racism and social inequities.  Despite the state’s physical beauty and the promise of opportunity, Black individuals often faced discrimination in housing, employment, and education.

​Communities were segregated, and those who dared to challenge the established order frequently encountered violence and hostility.  The 1940s onwards saw some progress with the contributions of Black soldiers in World War II, as well as the early Civil Rights Movement’s slow, yet impactful, advances.  Yet, the inequalities persisted, creating a paradox of apparent progress alongside the tenacious grip of discrimination.

With over 20 years of experience in vocational coaching, mentoring, and leadership, he exemplifies dedication and resilience. Growing up during extreme segregation, his journey is one of perseverance and purpose. Born to incredible parents who were also sharecroppers in the South, Terry and his family traveled to WA., where he was determined to transform the world with his labor of love. He has never stopped moving- working tirelessly to impact the lives of those he serves positively. Terry is not as well known as MLK, but he makes just as powerful an impact by serving and uplifting marginalized voices.

A long time ago, Neil Young put out an album he called Rust Never Sleeps and went on tour. I was in the audience when the tour hit my area.
 
I’ve never known exactly what he meant by rust never sleeps, but I always saw it as a warning to keep moving ahead, that to stop or slow down is to get rusty.
 
I think that applies to recovering from a traumatic brain injury: always keep moving forward.
 
How do you keep moving forward with a brain injury?
 
One way is to continue your self-care plan. Make keeping your body and mind active a paramount goal and stick with it no matter what. 
 
I advocate cultivating new interests and hobbies, even if it doesn’t involve physical activity. That will help keep your brain working. Maybe you can learn how to do something you haven’t tried before, like learning to knit, solving crossword puzzles or putting together jigsaw puzzles. It’s up to you; no two brain injuries are the same, and you know what’s best for you. The sky isn’t the limit; your imagination and drive are.
 
Constantly set goals for yourself. Keep your sights on the next hill you want to climb. Set a small goal to accomplish every day and eventually, you will be doing bigger things and achieving bigger goals.  Make winning a habit—in bite-sized chunks.
 
Inactivity and rust go hand in hand!

Written By, Linda Hale:  Employer Audit at Washington State Employment Security Department
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As the sun rises over Roy, Washington, I stand at the intersection of passion, family, and community. My heart beats in rhythm with the values that I hold dear: collaboration, communication, intentionality, and the unwavering pursuit of positive change.

​Leading by Example
I don’t just talk about belonging; I live it. With an open heart, I wake up each day on a mission—to create a sense of belonging wherever I go. As a collaborative leader, I know that actions speak louder than words. I work to be intentional and consistent in my thoughts, words, actions, and continuous learning. And I seek to embody the change I wish to see each and every day. I believe that by embodying these values, we can create a strong and cohesive team that can deliver exceptional results.
I received certification as a Fraud Examiner in 2014 after successfully passing a rigorous exam given by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). I am currently working on a fictitious employer project on the CCD Customer Compliance and Training team. Previously I supervised a brilliant staff of fourteen individuals for the Employer Audit Unit. I have worked as an auditor for both the Employment Security Department (ESD) and Department of Revenue (DOR). I have been the Controller for a multi-million-dollar business, and I have done my time as an auditor and tax preparer at a CPA firm.

A Proud Parent and Caregivers Journey
I have been a foster parent for a long time and have opened my home and heart to children who need stability and love. My first foster child, who is now 17 years old, has been a blessing to our family for the past 16 years and became a permanent member through adoption about 10 years ago.  Currently, I have three foster children, aged 13, 16, and 17, as well as two biological girls, aged 13 and 15. Interestingly, both of my biological girls were born on April Fools’ Day. The youngest child in my home identifies as transgender and goes by the pronouns they/them. My adult son recently moved out on his own after graduating with an accounting degree from Saint Martin’s University in May 2023. He currently works for the Defense Contracting Audit Agency and spends the weekly 3 hours of self-care time provided by the federal government rock climbing.

I am committed to nurturing a sense of belonging and providing a safe haven for all the children in my home. In addition to being a foster parent, I also took on the role of caregiver to my mother, who had Parkinson’s disease. In 2020, she had a fall and fractured her C1 and C2 vertebrae, which left her functionally quadriplegic with an 8-day life span projection. This experience taught my family resilience, compassion, and the importance of flexibility.
I have had to adapt my life to make space for caring for my mother, including taking a teleworking position with ESD in case her or her caregivers required my immediate attention. My mother passed peacefully in her sleep in January 2023, living more than 2 years past her original prognosis. I will always be grateful that I worked for an agency that allowed me to be available for her during her final days.

​A Political Campaign and Beyond
While my 2023 run for a non-partisan Yelm school board position may not have been successful, I remain deeply engaged. I attend advisory meetings for the Yelm Police, sharing my insights and advocating for community safety for all. My quarterly lunches with the Yelm mayor and city council are more than social gatherings—they’re opportunities to amplify voices and build bridges.
 
Emerge Bootcamp: A Transformative Experience
I immersed myself in the Emerge week-long bootcamp, designed specifically to empower women running for office. The bootcamp equipped me with invaluable skills in public speaking, grassroots organizing, and campaign management. But it was more than skill-building; it was a deep dive into the legislative process and the intricacies of government relations. My exposure to diverse perspectives during the bootcamp strengthened my ability to analyze bills critically. I understand that policies have real-world consequences, affecting different communities in unique ways. Armed with this knowledge, I am committed to advocating for equitable solutions that uplift every Washingtonian.
Boosting School Spirit
I have worn multiple hats within the Yelm School District. I helped to found both the High School and Middle School Booster Clubs in Yelm.  the As the past treasurer of the Yelm Middle School Booster Club and the past Secretary and Fundraising Coordinator for the Yelm High School Booster Club, I helped ensure that students had the resources they needed to thrive. I spent a year delivering food bags to the schools on Friday for All Kids Win to help prevent children from being hungry over the weekends. I chaperoned many school dances, so you might catch me dancing alongside the students much to my own childrens’ dismay. 

Equity and Civic Engagement: A 12-Week Journey
My commitment to equity extends beyond politics. I graduated from the WA Family Engagement Parent Leadership Training Institute—a rigorous 12-week course focused on inclusive policies and equitable representation. Equipped with this comprehensive understanding, I feel poised to champion the voices often unheard. My children also participated in the Children’s Leadership Training Institute, and each had a group project where my family collected substantial donations for the various causes their groups championed.
Committees and Community Engagement
I have actively participated in various committees throughout my professional journey. I am an active member on the Customer Compliance Division Equity Diversity Inclusion Belonging (CCD EDIB) committee and the Inclusive Hiring Workgroup. I also participated in the sub-committees for building engagement and communication. I have served on the employee engagement committee and the developmental job assignment sub-committees for Employment Security Department (ESD). I previously and currently participate in ESD’s mentorship program. I attend general membership meetings for Black Employee Inclusion Networking Group (BEING), Blacks United in Leadership and Diversity (BUILD), and Community Practice. I have 

A Comfortable Uncomfortableness
I have learned to be comfortable in historically unconventional spaces. I embrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth, pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. My lived experiences as a BIPOC foster child, foster parent, parent of a special needs child, and parent of a transgender child fuel my passion for creating a Washington where everyone thrives.
Equitable Decisions, Lasting Impact
I believe that missions and values are essential, but they must translate into equitable decisions and actions. As I pursue leadership in all facets of my life, I carry my commitment to equity and inclusion. My agency’s mission aligns with my vision—to create a workplace where everyone thrives and is valued. It is imperative that this directive from the top reaches the front-line staff. Changing the culture requires a mindset change in middle management. The agency and the people must do the work. Don’t just talk about it, be about it!
Conclusion
I hope to be a beacon of resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to positive change as I navigate the intricate dance of family, community, work, and civic engagement. Let’s build a Washington and agency where every voice matters, every individual thrives, and every dream finds wings.