- Early History: Beginning in the mid-19th century, Black settlers came west on the Underground Railroad or as soldiers, and laborers.
- Segregation: Discriminatory laws and attitudes prevailed until the civil rights era, confining many to Central District neighborhoods.
- Churches: Places like Mount Zion Baptist Church provided community and leadership on social issues.
- Music: Jazz flourished in 20s/30s Seattle, and influenced early genres like grunge from Black American musical roots.
- Literature: Authors like August Wilson, Claude Brown, and Jessica Johnson have explored the Black experience.
- Arts: Art forms like the quilting of Gees Bend collective have traditions brought from Africa and adapted here.
- Activism: Figures like chapter president Larry Gossett Jr. advanced causes like desegregation, and voting rights.
- Institutions: The Wing Luke Museum in Seattle’s ID tells untold stories of achievement and adversity.
- Today: Washington continues to address inequities while celebrating contributions in all fields by people of African descent.
African American heritage has profoundly shaped modern Washington through resilience, creativity, and social progress.
