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CAAA will hold its September commission meeting in Tri-Cities, Washington Friday, September 13, 2024. This meeting is open to the public and live streamed via Zoom. Register for this webinar at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MlLYQLUvQQeWwXVBe27FKg
Interested in serving as a CAAA Commissioner? Apply using this link https://governor.wa.gov/boards-commissions/apply-serve.
We advocate for the community to the Governor, state legislature and state agencies. Participation is an effective way to become an active voice in our community.
CAAA Commissioners are appointed to a two-year term and can be reappointed at the Governor's discretion. Questions? Call 360-725-5664
A paramount duty of the state is to provide education for our children.
However, there is a known achievement gap when it comes to African American students. CAAA has made strides to close the gap, but we need the help of parents, students, educators and caregivers in our efforts.
Make public education improvements - complete our 15-minute Washington State African American Educational Opportunity Survey For our kids to be successful, we need to hear about the public school experiences and desires of African American students, and anyone who assists them in their public-school experience.
We know a quality education is achievable for every student in our state. Help us build a path to better educational success - for our future.
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Today, we say goodbye to one of the most iconic African American actors in history.
James Earl Jones, a vanguard of film, television, and theater passed away today. He started out in film by appearing in the 1964 political satire film Dr. Strangelove then went on to star in the 1970 film The Great White Hope portraying boxer Jack Jefferson, who, at the height of the Jim Crow era, became the first Black world heavyweight boxing champion.
Co-staring alongside Diahann Carroll in the film Claudine, the story detailed a woman who raises her six children alone after two failed and two "almost" marriages. The film focusing on the systemic racial disparities black families faced. It was one of the first major films to tackle themes such as welfare, economic inequality, and the typical marriage of men and women in the African American community during the 1970s. Both Jones and Carroll received widespread critical acclaim and was the second African-American male performer, after Sidney Poitier, to be nominated for Best Actor by the Academy Awards.
Considered a major star of stage and screen, Jones was raised by his maternal grandparents, who moved to Michigan from Mississippi during the Great Migration. Jones developed a stutter so severe that he refused to speak and was mute until high school. He credited his English teacher, Donald Crouch, who discovered Jones had a gift for writing poetry. Crouch urged him to challenge his reluctance to speak through reading poetry aloud to the class.
Jones participated in making test films for the children's education series Sesame Street and the his iconic voiceover role as Darth Vader in George Lucas' blockbuster film Star Wars. Among many memorable roles, Jones' role as King Jaffe Joffer in Coming to America and Coming to America 2 funneled the historical and revolutionary concept of Black people as royalty.
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Washington State has rolled out an innovative program to boost economic mobility and support communities that have been hit hardest by economic and social disparities.
Funded by the state’s Community Reinvestment Account, the Economic Security for All (EcSA) Career Accelerator Incentives Fund and the EcSA Business Support and Subsidized Training program address the harm caused by the War on Drugs, providing opportunities and support to Black communities.
The goal: create lasting economic benefits, build wealth, and ensure everyone has a fair chance at success.
- Creating jobs in partnership with diverse small businesses.
- Offer training programs to meet workforce needs: higher self-sufficient incomes for people to support their families, helping people acquire assets like homes and new businesses, and increasing safety of our neighborhoods through community-led projects.
Real-Life Impact
If you’re employed and looking for a higher paying job/career, the EcSA Career Accelerator could be a fantastic opportunity for you. Imagine an underemployed single parent from Tacoma, working hard but still not earning enough to cover all the basic needs. The monthly $1,000 from the EcSA Career Accelerator can be a lifeline in this situation.
Here’s how it works:
Monthly Incentives: Participants in the EcSA program can receive $1,000 per month as they work towards securing a good-paying job. This money is meant to help you stay focused on your career goals without worrying about immediate financial pressures. For example, if you’re attending training or developing your skills to land a better job, this incentive can help cover your bills during that time.
Eligibility: Anyone enrolled in the EcSA program is eligible for these monthly payments. The program especially targets Black, Latine, and tribal communities, so outreach is strong in these areas. However, all eligible individuals can benefit, regardless of their background.
Supporting Local Businesses
The other half of this program is dedicated to helping businesses thrive, particularly those owned by Black, Latine, and Native American entrepreneurs. This support comes in the form of financial help to businesses that hire and train workers, including on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and other skills development opportunities.
Your Next Step
Whether you’re looking for a job, trying to hire new staff, or just want to learn more, contact the Economic Security for All (EcSA) program through your local workforce development board. See the image below for the contact in your area.
Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity (Tacoma Habitat) is providing FREE Homeowner Orientation Sessions for those interested in exploring affordable homeownership in Pierce County. Through Tacoma Habitat’s Homebuyer Program, Pierce County residents can own an affordable home through an innovative restricted resale/land lease model. This program aims to boost financial stability, increase security and self-reliance, and build wealth for eligible participants. "Incomes are not keeping pace with housing prices. That's why it's a great time to become a Habitat homebuyer." said Maureen Fife, CEO of Tacoma Habitat. "If you're ready to make your homeownership dreams come true, we are ready and excited to work with you!"
To qualify for the program, individuals must have: household income of at least $60,000 per year and not to exceed 80% of the Area Median Income, a credit score of 620 or higher, and a willingness to attend homebuyer preparation classes. Income can include sources such as child support, disability benefits, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
For those who are not quite mortgage-ready, Tacoma Habitat offers free HUD-approved Housing Counseling to help prepare for homeownership with expert guidance and support.
Free Homeowner Orientation Sessions help potential buyers understand the process, Tacoma Habitat offers free Homeowner Orientation Sessions. These sessions provide an overview of the application process, eligibility requirements, and an opportunity to get all questions answered by our experts.
Upcoming FREE Online Orientation Sessions: Folks can register today and take the first step toward owning a home:
- Thursday, September 12, 2024, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Register here
- Thursday, October 10, 2024, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Register here
- Thursday, November 14, 2024, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Register here
- Thursday, December 12, 2024, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Register here
Download this free "Renting vs. Buying" guide to learn more about why a Habitat Home could be right for you. Get started now by completing a brief form the Habitat website to receive your free download.
 Courtesy of the Office of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Washington State Field Office
When: Tuesday, September 17, 2024 | 10 AM to 3:30 PM
Where: Federal Coworking Space-Conference Room - 1301 A Street
Tacoma, WA 98402
Why: During this interactive event, BIPOC developers share experiences, learn about financial resources and technical assistance. Use the QR code to register.
Contact Info: Gary Gant
(202) 340-5932
Gary.D.Gant@hud.gov
Registration closes on : September 16, 2024
 The 2024 Regional Contracting Forum on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at McCaw Hall, Seattle Center, 321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109.
Introduce your business to prime contractors, prime consultants and the region's largest government entities: City of Seattle, King County, Washington State Department of Transportation, University of Washington, Port of Tacoma, Washington State Office of Minorities and Women's Business Enterprises, Washington State Department of Enterprise Services, Sound Transit, Port of Seattle, City of Bellevue, City of Tacoma, Department of Social and Health Services, and others. Attendees have the opportunity to meet government contracting representatives and network with contractors, consultants and suppliers all at one event.
One-on-One Sessions
Businesses will have the opportunity to meet with prime contractors and prime consultants in one-on-one sessions during pre-scheduled interviews. It also allows you to present what you do and why you believe you are the perfect match for a particular service. Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards, and/or brief marketing materials that include your firm's contact information, list of products and/or services you provide, and if applicable, current government contracts you currently hold. Register to attend up to four, One-on-One sessions. All registered attendees will receive a link via email to sign up for the sessions of your choice.
Register via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-regional-contracting-forum-tickets-902865504027?aff=oddtdtcreator
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