African-American custom motorcycle builders Ben Hardy and Cliff Vaughs are credited with creating the customized 'Captain America' and 'Billy' choppers for the 1969 Peter Fonda road movie Easy Rider. Hardy and Vaughs remained largely unknown and uncredited for 25 years.
Considered one of the most iconic motorcycles ever built, the 'Captain America' bike was constructed from a then 20-year-old, heavily customized Harley-Davidson panhead. The ‘Billy’ bike was typical of the custom motorcycles Black bikers were riding at the time. Both captured the spirit of a generation and became somewhat of an anti-establishment symbol.
Hardy and Vaughs built two 'Billy' bikes and three 'Captain Americas', one of which was destroyed in the making of the movie, the rest of which were stolen.
Known locally as "Benny" and "King of Bikes", Hardy's Motorcycle Service was located in South Central, Los Angeles. He was a mentor to many of the local riders. His work has been featured in the “Black Chrome” exhibition at the California African American Museum.
After serving in the Marines, Vaughs earned a master's degree at the University of Mexico, moved to Los Angeles in the early 60's becoming involved with the motorcycle scene. Heavily involved in the Civil Rights movement, Vaugh engaged in several protests on the East Coast and voter registration drives in the Deep South. He filmed interviews with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Stokeley Carmichael, and Julian Bond and others, on the rise of the Black Power movement in the U.S. His documentary, What Will the Harvest Be? aired in 1965. Vaughs was denied entry into the cameraman's union while working at KABC, and sued successfully to break the 'color barrier' for union membership. He also produced and directed a 1972 motorcycle safety film Not So Easy, which featured Peter Fonda, Evel Knievel, and the LAPD motorcycles drill team on Harley-Davidsons.
Sources: Blackthen.com; Brothermoto.com; Wikipedia.org
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The Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES) is developing a pilot program titled WA EDGE (Encouraging Diversity Growth and Equity) to help mini and micro size construction firms gain an equitable “edge” in the public works bidding and procurement process, and we need your input!
A series of workshops to review the proposed pilot program are scheduled. DES is in need of input on what should be considered as a policy statement to support the program.
The EDGE program will provide training, technical assistance, and networking to help mini, micro, minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses learn more about how to become prime contractors on state public works construction and improvement projects. Program participants will also receive access to EDGE-only bid opportunities for one to three years.
What:
Three 90-minute virtual public workshops to discuss new WA EDGE pilot program. You only need to attend one workshop; each session will cover the same material.
All meetings will occur on Microsoft Teams
- 10-11:30 AM Thursday, July 27
- 2-3:30 PM Friday, July 28
- 6-7:30 PM Monday, July 31
For questions, please contact the Department of Enterprise Services Facility Professional Services | Public Works Business Diversity Program at 360-999-7667 | Charles.Wilson@des.wa.gov
302.9 Million Available in Two New Funding Opportunities to Develop Affordable Housing Projects Across Washington
Commerce will consider applications for multifamily rental housing projects seeking capital financing from the Washington State Housing Trust Fund (HTF), HOME, and National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF) programs from two separate Notices of Funding Availability (NOFA).
Applications are due to Commerce by noon on Sept. 18, 2023.
In-person workshops in July and August, plus two virtual workshops available
We are hosting four workshops to provide guidance on the 2023 Housing Trust Fund (HTF) application and criteria that will be used to evaluate applications for multifamily/rental projects seeking capital funding. An application process overview, and a question-and-answer session will follow.
In-Person Workshops
In-person workshops run from 9 AM to 3 PM. and include lunch. Venue capacity is 100 on a first-come, first-served basis by registration time.
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Tumwater – Aug. 8, 2023 ASHHO Cultural Community Center. Registration closes at 9 AM Aug. 1
Register for either in-person workshop using this link
Virtual Workshops
Virtual workshops will run on Zoom from 9 AM to 3 PM. Attendance is not limited. Registration is required using the links provided below. Registration will be available until the meetings begin.
Unable to attend a workshop?
We will post a slide show presentation following the workshops on the Housing Trust Fund Resources and Training webpage. Workshop attendance is NOT a requirement to apply for funding. However, participation will improve an applicant's understanding and ability to submit a competitive application.
For questions or accommodations to participate in the workshops or application process, please contact htfapp@commerce.wa.gov.
Visit the Commerce website for more about Housing Trust Fund programs.
The WA State Attorney General’s Office is pleased to invite qualified second-year law students to apply for summer 2024 paid law clerk or externship positions via our 2023 Fall Recruitment Program.
Why you should apply
Law clerks and externs with the Washington Attorney General’s Office have opportunities to engage in meaningful work making a difference for Washingtonians. The Attorney General's office is committed to supporting you in your growth through worthwhile, enriching, and educational experiences working for what we believe to be the best public law firm in the country.
Apply before August 27, 2023!
Wellness for the entire family! Join the health walk, sign up for insurance, get your health free health screening! Fred Hutch, Seattle King County Health, Swedish Hospital and others bring health care to the street! Don't miss this free community free service centered on YOUR health!
Call 1-800-756-5437 to schedule your FREE mammogram! Food and entertainment provided! For more information, call 206-579-4521
 
Nubian Jam returns for 2023. Saturday, July 29th, 2023 - 10 AM to 7 PM
Dont miss another summer event celebrating the culture!
Find food, vendors, free activities for the youth, music and more!
Location: Forest Park, Everett, WA
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Dr. Maxine Mimms - at 95 years young presents, Let the Strings Speak Truth. This show uses the vibrations of string instruments as the foundation for the music, adding dance and spoken word, stimulating all of your senses. The listener and observer are welcomed to a musical journey and a true celebration of African American culture.
This showcase is a vehicle for healing bringing together local musicians and entertainers to an intergenerational audience at the iconic Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute.
Tickets are the Pay What You Can model, affording every one a chance to see such greatness. This event offers many other ways and levels of support.
RSVP your seat today!
Saturday, August 12
2:00 PM
Langston Performing Arts Center
104 17th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144
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 Black Arts Love returns! Proudly promoting Black artists and excellence, the Pop-Up Market is scheduled every Saturday through August 26th!
417 East Pike Street, Seattle, Washington - Noon to 5 PM
Vendor application here
The last Friday of the month, now until September 29th, the Tacoma Urban League presents the Black Night Market Summer Series. An innovative market place that highlights BIPOC Owned Businesses, visual and performing artists!
LeMay Car Museum - 2702 East D Street, Tacoma, WA
The last Friday of the month until September 29th - 4 PM to 10 PM
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