 February 3, 2023
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This year’s Black History Month theme is “Black Resistance,” as selected by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. This theme was chosen to highlight the “institutions and affiliations [that] have lobbied, litigated, legislated, protested and achieved success.”
Black History Month Events in Renton
Renton-King County Alliance for Justice, Elevate PR Management, and Sync Seattle are sponsoring “Unity & Perseverance,” an open forum discussion centered around the Black culture and community. The forum will be at The Hyatt Regency-Lake Washington at Renton’s Southport, on Saturday, Feb. 18, at 12:30 p.m.
Later that evening at the Hyatt, Elevate PR Management and Sync Seattle will host Melanin Magic Disco from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. General admission tickets are $50, which includes two (2) drink tickets, light appetizers, and portrait photography. In addition, there are a limited number of VIP tickets for $100. Those include a private photo shoot, a bottle of champagne, and recognition during the program. The evening will also include the Community Leadership Awards. Two recipients will receive $1,000 each to support their work in the community.
Funding for both events comes partly from the city’s Lodging Tax Fund.
Our Black History Month video series will take you on a virtual guided tour led by life-long Renton residents Benita Horn and John Huston. Join them as they spotlight the city’s African American historical sites and the many contributions from our residents to performances and workshops. We’ve also included the events and workshops from the previous celebrations.
Nearby, Museum of History and Industry and Northwest African American Museum have events and exhibits planned throughout the month. King County Libraries (KCLS) and other agencies also has events planned and provide educational resources celebrating the month. We’ll be updating Black History Month events on our website.
Museum of History and Industry Exhibits
Feb. 4 to Apr. 30 - From the Ground Up: Black Architects and Designers. Explore past, present, and future architectural talent while learning about Black pioneers in the field.
Feb. 11 - Building with Purpose: Black Architects and Community Agency. Black architects bring their sense of community connectedness to current and future design within the Puget Sound region. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Feb. 15 - History Café: Paying Tribute to Seattle’s Black Landmarks and their Namesakes. Join historian Mary Henry to discuss her new book, Tributes: Black People Whose Names Grace Seattle Sites, and learn about the lives of the many Black figures whose names are found on street signs, parks, concert halls, and more. 6:30-8 p.m.
Feb. 28 - Designing with Intention: Three Generations of Black Architects. In the historically white–dominated architectural field, Black architects have created some of Seattle's most important landmarks and continue to change the industry. Join three generations of Black architects in the Pacific Northwest for a discussion on their work, inspirations, challenges, and hopes for the next generation. 7-8:30 p.m.
Northwest African American Museum Events
Feb. 12 - February Interactive Storytime: “Jake Makes a World,” by Sharifa Rhodes-Pitt. Explore the creative adventures of the young Jacob Lawrence as he finds inspiration in his community's vibrant colors and characters. It was written, 1-1:30 p.m.
Feb. 15 - Black History Month Research and Writing Workshop for High School Students, University of Washington Special Collections Room, 3-6 p.m.
Feb. 16 - Black History Month Keynote Program, Northwest African American Museum, 6-7:30 p.m. In-person conversation with Dr. Damion Thomas, Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture Curator of Sports.
Feb. 22 - Black History Month Research and Writing Workshop for College Students, University of Washington Special Collections Room, 2-5 p.m.
Mar. 12 - March Interactive Storytime: A reading of “Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer,” by Carole Boston Weatherford. This children's book tells the story of the life of one of the country’s most important civil rights leaders. 1-1:30 p.m.
Educational Resources
The King County Library System has curated a list of books celebrating African American history, culture, and contemporary issues, in addition to KCLS Black History Month events.
BlackHistoryMonth.gov highlights a series of federally funded virtual discussions, book talks, and other online events and resources to learn more about Black History Month.
The Library of Congress offers numerous exhibits, books, programs, events to celebrate Black History Month events.
African Americans Reach & Teach Health Ministry (AARTH) provides training and capacity-building for faith, community-based organizations, and medical institutions serving people of African descent.
The Center for MultiCultural Health promotes the health and well-being of diverse communities--including individuals from communities of color, individuals with limited English proficiency, immigrants, and refugees--through innovative health advocacy, health promotion, disease prevention, and immigrant and refugee service programs.
People of Color Against AIDS Network (POCAAN) is a multicultural, multi-social service agency that addresses disparities in marginalized communities in Seattle and greater King County by offering a wealth of health services and community programs.
Professional Women of Color Network is a business resource for all women of color in the Pacific Northwest to collaborate and empower.
Seattle Black MBA is a network for African American professionals creating economic and intellectual growth for African American communities.
Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle works in education, employment, health, and housing with the disenfranchised African American community. The Black Voices Project, sponsored by Urban League, is a virtual Black book club and community dedicated to uplifting Black literary/creative voices.
United Way of King County has committed $1.5 million each of the next two years through their Collective to invest and shift power to the Black community. In addition, a group of 15 Black nonprofit leaders has determined how funding will support equitable recovery and the long-term viability of King County's Black community. Find out more at Black Community Building Collective.
 Feb. 10 - Renton High School Multicultural Show, Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center (400 S. Second St.), 6 p.m.
Feb. 12 - Renton High School Multicultural Show, Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center (400 S. Second St.), 1 p.m.
Doors open 30 minutes before show time. Tickets are $5 and available at the door or online.
Feb. 17 – The Snow Ball, A Winter Family Dance, Renton Community Center (1715 SE Maple Valley Hwy), 6-8 p.m. $15 for Renton residents and $18 for non-residents. Register online (Keyword: Snow Ball).
Feb. 28 – Deadline for adding tiles to the Wall of Honor at Veterans Memorial Park.
March 1 – Free Museum Day, Renton History Museum (235 Mill Ave. S), 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
March 19 – Music Sings, Music Dances, Renton City Concert Band, Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center (400 S. Second St.), 2 – 4 p.m. Tickets: $10 (adults), $7 (Students & 50+ Seniors). Tickets can be purchased at Renton Community Center, Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center, and at the door on the performance day.
March 21 - Mayor’s State of the City Address, Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center (400 S. Second St.), 6 p.m.
April 1 – Renton Downtown Dragon Pub Crawl, Rain City Market (700 S. 3rd St.), 1-4 p.m. Visit multiple stops (locations to come) for samples and specials in downtown. Tickets include a commemorative cup and a taste or drink specials. Tickets are $20 and increase to $25 on March 1.
April 5 – Free Museum Day, Renton History Museum (235 Mill Ave. S), 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
April 15 – Dragon Dash 5K/10K Fun Run & Walk, 10 a.m. Open to competitive and fun runners, walkers, and families. Start downtown at Erasmus (826 S 3rd St.) and end at Henry Moses Aquatic Center. Early bird registration is open. Cost: $28 for 5K; $38 for 10K. Register before April 7 and receive a long-sleeved t-shirt.
 In other news this week
A recap of news posted on the city’s social media accounts. You can find us (@cityofrenton) on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter. Renton residents can also find us on Nextdoor.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Arts in Renton
City Council (agendas, documents, and meeting video)
Keep Storm Drains clear
Parks Projects (Arnold, Coulon, Kiwanis)
Pet Microchipping (free for Renton residents)
Recreation Guide (current classes, activities, leagues & events for January to April)
Report issues via Renton Responds
Traffic Projects (information on impact projects)
This Week in Renton
This Week in Renton is posted on the City of Renton’s website where it can be translated. For additional translation services email communications@rentonwa.gov.
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Story ideas or comments: communications@rentonwa.gov
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