Seattle street named for Black theater pioneer
Decades ago, Douglas Q. Barnett realized how many Black playwrights were out there, smashing his preconceptions, he recalled in a Historylink.org essay. “They just need a venue.”
Barnett, who died last year last year at 88, gave Seattle that venue. In 1969, he founded the Black Arts/West Theatre, which became a nationally-known showcase for Black writers, actors and dancers until it folded in 1980.
The Historic Central Area Arts and Cultural District: preserving legacy and uplifting Black arts and culture
In 2015, the Historic Central Area Arts and Cultural District originated in Seattle’s neighborhoods along 23rd and MLK Way. Since then, the HCAACD has worked to recognize the identity of the neighborhood and how Black cultural heritage has defined the community. Co-chair of the HCAACD Sharon N. Williams says the HCAACD works to create and sustain Black arts where the community has been traditionally redlined.
Local Jazz Legend Honored with Street Name Signs in the Central District
Ernestine Anderson was a legendary American jazz and blues singer who grew up in Seattle’s Central District and graduated from Garfield High School. Ms. Anderson’s prolific singing career spanned more than five decades and included more than 30 albums. She was a four-time Grammy nominee and performed at Carnegie Hall and around the world. In short, her creative talents and musical accomplishments helped shape the Seattle music scene.