Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Newsletter

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 03/04/2021 11:59 AM PST
illustration of Cayton-Revels family

Learn About the Cayton-Revels Family

Horace Cayton and Susie Revels played a very important role in shaping Seattle in the early 1900s. Cayton founded the Seattle Republican newspaper which grew to be the second most-read in the city and had a predominately white readership. Susie Revels was the daughter of the first Black senator and one of Seattle's first female editors.

The couple used their publication to promote equal rights and give a voice to the local Black community, but when segregation and redlining spread throughout Seattle, the publication folded and the family was pushed out of the city's history. The history and legacy of the Cayton-Revels family is an important part of Seattle's historical narrative and deserves to be amplified.

Read their story on the Front Porch Blog.

Other City News

Youth Web Design Program Supports Black-Owned Businesses and BIPOC Students: Learn more about this program that connects BIPOC students with businesses in need of web design. (more)

Seattle Youth Employment Program Now Accepting Applications for 2021 Internships: Learn more about the job readiness training opportunity and plans for the program this year. (more)

Join the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise Levy Oversight Committee: Discover more about the open positions and how you can help build a better future for students in Seattle. Applications due Friday, March 5. (more)

Seattle Department of Transportation Opens Virtual Office Hours for Community Questions on 15th Ave NE Paving Project: See a full list of dates and times you can connect with project team members for questions and information. (more)

Updates on 24/7 Enhanced Shelters and More Temporary Housing Options Throughout the City: Learn more about the more than 350 new spaces of enhanced shelter programs. (more)

Join Our New Latinx/Spanish Facebook Group: We are excited to announce the creation of a new Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Facebook Group for Latinx/Spanish speaking communities in Seattle. Join us to stay informed about recent news, build community, and connect with your neighbors. (more)

Office of Housing Invests in Affordable Senior Housing Project in Central District: Learn more about Mount Zion on 19th and how it will serve Black seniors. (more)

Final Phase of Construction Begins on Northgate Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge: See progress on the bridge and learn more about when it will be open for use. (more)

 

In the Community

LEMS storefront

Seattle's Longest Running Black-Owned Bookstore Begins a New Chapter

When Vickie Williams opened the doors to the first Black-owned bookstore in Washington more than 20 years ago, she had a vision. She envisioned a place where the Black community could gather safely to learn about their heritage and empower each other. Located in Columbia City, Life Enrichment Bookstore (L.E.M.S.) became the only bookstore in the state specializing in African-American literature and history. Beyond books, L.E.M.S. was always a community hub. Though the store closed after Williams death in 2017, thanks to dedication from her family and community support, L.E.M.S. has reopened in Columbia City. The store holds the same mission and vision and continues to serve as a community center and safe-space.

Read more in The Seattle Times.

 

Share Your Feedback

Community Feedback Needed for Restored King County Metro Service: Help King County Metro as they begin to resume transit service in the area. (more)

Sand Point Arts and Cultural Exchange Seeks Community Input for Strategic Planning: Provide feedback and information on SPACE exhibits and events to help shape future installations. (more)

Community Engagement Survey for U-District Mural Program: Give ideas and inspiration to artists creating murals in the U-District. (more)

Input Needed for South Lake Union Community Center: Help shape the new welcoming space at the corner of Mercer Street and Dexter Ave. (more)

Community Feedback Needed for Street Parking and Curbspace Changes around Climate Pledge Arena: Help shape street changes for effective movement in the Uptown area. (more)

Online Open House for South Park Community Center Site: Learn about the final design and construction schedule for the South Park Community Center and Sitewide design. (more)

Help Inform the Future of Affordable Housing Near the Mount Baker Light Rail Station: Provide feedback to help guide how new development will look and feel. (more)