{"campaignList": [{"_extra": {}, "ai_options": null, "always_show_to_advocates": false, "background_color_override": "#ffffff", "background_image_override_url": "", "background_style_type": null, "campaign_interaction_types": [], "campaign_layout": 1, "campaign_type": 2, "conf_email_from_address": "info@kingcountyequitynow.com", "conf_email_from_address_username": null, "conf_email_from_name": "KCEN Family", "conf_email_reply_to_address": "info@kingcountyequitynow.com", "conf_email_reply_to_address_domain": null, "conf_email_reply_to_address_username": null, "conf_email_reply_to_name": "KCEN Family", "conf_email_subject": "Thank you!", "custom_call_to_action_button_text": "", "custom_call_to_action_text": "", "custom_css": "", "custom_fields": [], "custom_gamification_points": 10, "custom_javascript": "", "custom_target": "", "custom_thank_you_javascript": "", "description_alignment_type": 1, "facebook_leadgen_form_id": "", "facebook_leadgen_form_questions": null, "fixed_post_message": "", "fixed_post_message_two": "", "fixed_pre_message": "", "fixed_pre_message_two": "", "footer_html": "", "full_bleed_header_image_contain": false, "full_bleed_header_image_url": "", "full_bleed_header_text_is_left_aligned": true, "full_bleed_header_type": 1, "full_bleed_header_video_url": "", "gamification_points_mode": 1, "id": 104343, "inbound_texting_reply_message": "", "internal_only_name": "", "is_custom_targeting_enabled": null, "is_one_click_registration_enabled": true, "logo_override_url": "", "long_description": "

UPDATE

On January 31, 2025, King County Superior Court Judge Josephine Wiggs-Martin ruled in favor of Battalion Chief Erwin Chappel and the Black firefighters seeking to recover the SBFF house, holding the defendants Douglass Johnson and associates in contempt of court orders and issuing financial sanctions. \u00a0The judge initially postponed the decision to rescind the illegal sale, to to give the buyer, Camila Borges, and the finance company, Toorak Capital Partners Inc., an opportunity to be heard.

On March 7th Judge Wiggs Martin will rule on reversing the sale and restoring ownership of the property to SBFFA.

SAVE THE BLACK FIREFIGHTERS\u2019 HOUSE IN SEATTLE\u2019S HISTORIC CENTRAL DISTRICT

\u201cThis is our house! We shall not be moved!

Background

The Seattle Black Firefighters Association (SBFFA) House is under attack. This iconic property, purchased in the 1970s by the SBFFA, has been a cornerstone of Seattle\u2019s civil rights movement and a hub for community organizing. Located in the heart of the Central District, it stands as a testament to resilience and Black excellence.

A Legacy of Service

The SBFFA has used the house for decades to support vital initiatives, including:

Organizing to fight racism within public service professions
Hosting the Seattle Black Police Officers Association and Black Transit Workers Association.
Organizing voter registration drives and the \u201cRides to the Polls\u201d program.
Providing free CPR training, Sunday school lessons, and pandemic-era breakfasts.

A Legacy Under Threat

In January 2022, Douglas Johnson, a member of the SBFFA, secretly colluded with Windermere Broker Carmen Gayton and placed the SBFFA House into \"pending\" status. This move was part of a plan to sell the SBFFA's only asset, which would destroy the SBFFA and its heritage.

After all attempts to resolve the issue quietly and amicably were rejected by Douglas Johnson, Battalion Chief Erwin Chappel, and other SBFFA members took legal action, suing Johnson and his associates.

On December 26, 2023, the court wrote an opinion finding the proposed sale of the house was illegal and that the Defendants could not continue to deprive SBFFA members of their membership rights. (See judgment https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:ab2ef153-c558-47a0-ac71-ba31b89c6fd5).\u00a0

The judge ruled the SBFFA House could not be sold unless all SBFFA members received notice and were allowed to vote.\u00a0\u00a0

Illegal Sale and Defacement

In October 2024, despite the court ruling prohibiting its sale without member approval, the SBFFA House was illegally sold by Windermere Real Estate Managing Broker Carmen Gayton to Unico Designs LLC\u2014a subsidiary of Contour LLC \u2013 both owned by predatory developer Carmen Borges\u2014at just $680,000, far below market value. The developer, Camila Borges, has already begun defacing this historic property.

Even worse, SBFFA members have received no accounting of the sale proceeds, which are suspected to total hundreds of thousands of dollars. This betrayal not only threatens the SBFFA's heritage but also undermines Seattle's cultural legacy.

Upcoming Court Hearing: March 7, 2025

The fight to reclaim the SBFFA House continues in court. Legal motions to reverse the sale, to add the buyer and bank to the lawsuit, compel transparency, and hold accountable those responsible are set to be heard:

Date: Friday, March 7, 2025
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Regional Justice Center, 401 4th Ave. N, Room 2D, Kent, WA 98032, Judge Josephine Wiggs-Martin\u2019s courtroom.
Case: Erwin Chappel et al. v. Douglas Johnson et al. (Case No. 22-2-02416-0)

How You Can Help

Advocate: Click to send your letter now!
Donate: Help cover legal costs via our GoFundMe: Save the Historic SBFFA House https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-the-historic-sbffa-house\u00a0

Watch the Press Conference

See what\u2019s at stake: Watch the December 23, 2024, confrontation where predatory developer Camila Borges disrupted the SBFFA members were blocked from accessing the house during a press event. https://www.whereweconverge.com/post/showdown-on-23rd-and-pike-seattle-black-firefighters-and-new-property-owners

", "multi_action_ordered_children_ids": [], "multi_action_parent_id": null, "multiple_actions_allowed": true, "name": "Save The Black Fire Fighters House", "navigation_bar_is_transparent": false, "navigation_bar_type": 1, "number_actions_count": 1276, "number_actions_last_month_count": 101, "number_participants_count": 255, "number_participants_last_month_count": 98, "order": 102, "page_layout_type": 1, "personalized_campaign_pages": {}, "pos_message": "", "pos_subject": "", "rate_limit": null, "registration_page": "/api/grassrootsregistrationpage/2391/", "regulation_id": null, "required_video_link": "", "resource_uri": "/api/grassrootscampaign/104343/", "share_story_type": 1, "share_story_video_duration": 60, "short_description": "The Black Fire Fighters House is under attack", "should_rework_with_ai": false, "should_use_footer_html": false, "show_num_actions": true, "show_num_supporters": true, "single_body_for_all_messages": false, "status": 2, "summary_display_option_type": 3, "supporters_can_choose_targets": false, "targeting_type": 1, "unique_identifier": "", "vanity_url_slug": "104343", "video_notified_users": [], "visible_on_action_center": true}, {"_extra": {}, "ai_options": null, "always_show_to_advocates": false, "background_color_override": "#ffffff", "background_image_override_url": "", "background_style_type": null, "campaign_interaction_types": [], "campaign_layout": 1, "campaign_type": 2, "conf_email_from_address": "info@kingcountyequitynow.com", "conf_email_from_address_username": null, "conf_email_from_name": "KCEN Family", "conf_email_reply_to_address": "info@kingcountyequitynow.com", "conf_email_reply_to_address_domain": null, "conf_email_reply_to_address_username": null, "conf_email_reply_to_name": "KCEN Family", "conf_email_subject": "Thank you!", "custom_call_to_action_button_text": "", "custom_call_to_action_text": "", "custom_css": "", "custom_fields": [], "custom_gamification_points": 10, "custom_javascript": "", "custom_target": "", "custom_thank_you_javascript": "", "description_alignment_type": 1, "facebook_leadgen_form_id": "", "facebook_leadgen_form_questions": null, "fixed_post_message": "", "fixed_post_message_two": "", "fixed_pre_message": "", "fixed_pre_message_two": "", "footer_html": "", "full_bleed_header_image_contain": false, "full_bleed_header_image_url": "", "full_bleed_header_text_is_left_aligned": true, "full_bleed_header_type": 1, "full_bleed_header_video_url": "", "gamification_points_mode": 1, "id": 113058, "inbound_texting_reply_message": "", "internal_only_name": "", "is_custom_targeting_enabled": null, "is_one_click_registration_enabled": true, "logo_override_url": "", "long_description": "

UPDATE

On March 7th Judge Wiggs Martin will rule on reversing the sale and restoring ownership of the property to SBFFA.

SAVE THE BLACK FIREFIGHTERS\u2019 HOUSE IN SEATTLE\u2019S HISTORIC CENTRAL DISTRICT

\u201cThis is our house! We shall not be moved!

Background

A Legacy of Service

The SBFFA has used the house for decades to support vital initiatives, including:

Organizing to fight racism within public service professions
Hosting the Seattle Black Police Officers Association and Black Transit Workers Association.
Organizing voter registration drives and the \u201cRides to the Polls\u201d program.
Providing free CPR training, Sunday school lessons, and pandemic-era breakfasts.

A Legacy Under Threat

The judge ruled the SBFFA House could not be sold unless all SBFFA members received notice and were allowed to vote.\u00a0\u00a0

Illegal Sale and Defacement

Upcoming Court Hearing: March 7, 2025

Date: Friday, March 7, 2025
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Regional Justice Center, 401 4th Ave. N, Room 2D, Kent, WA 98032, Judge Josephine Wiggs-Martin\u2019s courtroom.
Case: Erwin Chappel et al. v. Douglas Johnson et al. (Case No. 22-2-02416-0)

How You Can Help

Attend the Hearing: Stand in support the Black Fire Fighters on March 7th to show your support.
Donate: Help cover legal costs via our GoFundMe: Save the Historic SBFFA House https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-the-historic-sbffa-house\u00a0
Advocate: Contact your state, county, and city officials to demand action to preserve this critical piece of Seattle\u2019s history.

Watch the Press Conference

", "multi_action_ordered_children_ids": [], "multi_action_parent_id": null, "multiple_actions_allowed": true, "name": "Rescind The Sale", "navigation_bar_is_transparent": false, "navigation_bar_type": 1, "number_actions_count": 0, "number_actions_last_month_count": 0, "number_participants_count": 0, "number_participants_last_month_count": 0, "order": 102, "page_layout_type": 1, "personalized_campaign_pages": {}, "pos_message": "", "pos_subject": "", "rate_limit": null, "registration_page": "/api/grassrootsregistrationpage/2391/", "regulation_id": null, "required_video_link": "", "resource_uri": "/api/grassrootscampaign/113058/", "share_story_type": 1, "share_story_video_duration": 60, "short_description": "The Black Fire Fighters House is under attack", "should_rework_with_ai": false, "should_use_footer_html": false, "show_num_actions": true, "show_num_supporters": true, "single_body_for_all_messages": false, "status": 2, "summary_display_option_type": 3, "supporters_can_choose_targets": false, "targeting_type": 1, "unique_identifier": "", "vanity_url_slug": "113058", "video_notified_users": [], "visible_on_action_center": true}, {"_extra": {}, "ai_options": null, "always_show_to_advocates": false, "background_color_override": "#ffffff", "background_image_override_url": "", "background_style_type": null, "campaign_interaction_types": [], "campaign_layout": 1, "campaign_type": 2, "conf_email_from_address": "info@kingcountyequitynow.com", "conf_email_from_address_username": null, "conf_email_from_name": null, "conf_email_reply_to_address": null, "conf_email_reply_to_address_domain": null, "conf_email_reply_to_address_username": null, "conf_email_reply_to_name": null, "conf_email_subject": null, "custom_call_to_action_button_text": "", "custom_call_to_action_text": "", "custom_css": "", "custom_fields": [], "custom_gamification_points": 10, "custom_javascript": "", "custom_target": "", "custom_thank_you_javascript": "", "description_alignment_type": 1, "facebook_leadgen_form_id": "", "facebook_leadgen_form_questions": null, "fixed_post_message": "", "fixed_post_message_two": "", "fixed_pre_message": "", "fixed_pre_message_two": "", "footer_html": "", "full_bleed_header_image_contain": false, "full_bleed_header_image_url": "", "full_bleed_header_text_is_left_aligned": true, "full_bleed_header_type": 1, "full_bleed_header_video_url": "", "gamification_points_mode": 1, "id": 81808, "inbound_texting_reply_message": "", "internal_only_name": "", "is_custom_targeting_enabled": null, "is_one_click_registration_enabled": true, "logo_override_url": "", "long_description": "

Say NO to Mayor Harrell\u2019s budget proposals to redirect vital funds from the Black community, affordable housing, climate and economic justice!

The recent presidential election and changes in federal policy threaten to reduce resources that address historic economic exclusion and suppression. This will result in our communities being more reliant on local resources.

Demand investments NOW to correct decades of systemic anti-Black racism and Jim Crow Apartheid in Seattle!

Take Action Now!

Public safety, gun violence, homelessness, the opioid crisis, and skyrocketing housing costs are gripping Seattle. Yet, rather than addressing these crises at their root, Mayor Harrell is pulling critical resources from the Black community\u2014resources intended to confront historic, anti-Black racism.\u00a0

As Black median income remains at nearly half and Black legacy Homeowner\u2019s struggle to hold on to their properties in Seattle and Black youth have highest premature death we cannot afford to go backwards on our investments that can close the gap.

Mayor Harrell\u2019s proposals to divert funds from affordable housing and equitable economic opportunities including Summer Youth Employment will only worsen the inequities, keep more people in the streets, and create the very conditions that fuel crime and unsafe communities.

This is unacceptable. Prioritizing corporate interests over the needs of historically marginalized communities is a gross injustice. In one of the wealthiest cities in America, economic disparities born from racist, anti-Black policies still suffocate the creativity, entrepreneurship, and industrious spirit of Black Seattleites resulting in a less safe city for all.

Stealing resources from those who have the least to safeguard the privileges of those who have the most is not just wrong\u2014it\u2019s outrageous.\u00a0

We demand that Mayor Harrell and the City Council act now to reverse this shameful course and begin truly repairing the harm that has been done.

We call on Seattle\u2019s leaders to take IMMEDIATE action:

Restore Funding Pledged to the Black Community: Don't allow a flawed process to strip funds meant to uplift Black lives.
Reinstate JumpStart Funding: Maintain the integrity of the JumpStart Payroll Expense Tax spending plan maximize investments in affordable housing and equitable economic development to support the Black community. These are essential to dismantling systemic inequalities and making Seattle safer for everyone.
Fully Fund Community-Led Projects:
Commit to the following community initiatives that are vital for safety, opportunity, and real equity:
- $4.4 million for Benu Community Home the only shelter program addressing the overrepresentation of Black men in the homeless population
- $2 million for William Grose Center Phase 2 Renovations and STEM programming to
- $10 million for Legacy Black Homeowners to prevent displacement of homeowners that endured decades of anti-Black policies
- $10 million for Black-Owned Businesses
- $5 million for Black Youth Arts, Culture & Enterprise as an alternative to violence

Seattle\u2019s future is at stake, and we demand justice, equity, and accountability NOW. It\u2019s time for our leaders to stand on the right side of history\u2014or be held accountable for the consequences of their failure.

TAKE ACTION!

Email the Seattle City Council today!
Attend the Budget Public Hearing: Tuesday, November 12th at 5PM @ City Hall or virtual. Childcare provided on site until 7PM and parking across the street will be a $5 flat rate as long as you leave by 10PM.

", "multi_action_ordered_children_ids": [], "multi_action_parent_id": null, "multiple_actions_allowed": true, "name": "Urgent Demand for Justice and Equity in Seattle", "navigation_bar_is_transparent": false, "navigation_bar_type": 1, "number_actions_count": 1834, "number_actions_last_month_count": 10, "number_participants_count": 242, "number_participants_last_month_count": 1, "order": 99, "page_layout_type": 1, "personalized_campaign_pages": null, "pos_message": "", "pos_subject": "", "rate_limit": null, "registration_page": "/api/grassrootsregistrationpage/2391/", "regulation_id": null, "required_video_link": "", "resource_uri": "/api/grassrootscampaign/81808/", "share_story_type": 1, "share_story_video_duration": 60, "short_description": "Say NO to Mayor Harrell\u2019s budget proposals to redirect vital funds from Black community", "should_rework_with_ai": false, "should_use_footer_html": false, "show_num_actions": true, "show_num_supporters": true, "single_body_for_all_messages": false, "status": 2, "summary_display_option_type": 3, "supporters_can_choose_targets": false, "targeting_type": 1, "unique_identifier": "", "vanity_url_slug": "81808", "video_notified_users": [], "visible_on_action_center": true}, {"_extra": {}, "ai_options": null, "always_show_to_advocates": false, "background_color_override": "#ffffff", "background_image_override_url": "", "background_style_type": null, "campaign_interaction_types": [], "campaign_layout": 1, "campaign_type": 2, "conf_email_from_address": "info@kingcountyequitynow.com", "conf_email_from_address_username": null, "conf_email_from_name": null, "conf_email_reply_to_address": null, "conf_email_reply_to_address_domain": null, "conf_email_reply_to_address_username": null, "conf_email_reply_to_name": null, "conf_email_subject": null, "custom_call_to_action_button_text": "", "custom_call_to_action_text": "", "custom_css": "", "custom_fields": [], "custom_gamification_points": 10, "custom_javascript": "", "custom_target": "", "custom_thank_you_javascript": "", "description_alignment_type": 1, "facebook_leadgen_form_id": "", "facebook_leadgen_form_questions": null, "fixed_post_message": "", "fixed_post_message_two": "", "fixed_pre_message": "", "fixed_pre_message_two": "", "footer_html": "", "full_bleed_header_image_contain": false, "full_bleed_header_image_url": "", "full_bleed_header_text_is_left_aligned": true, "full_bleed_header_type": 1, "full_bleed_header_video_url": "", "gamification_points_mode": 1, "id": 71721, "inbound_texting_reply_message": "", "internal_only_name": "", "is_custom_targeting_enabled": null, "is_one_click_registration_enabled": true, "logo_override_url": "", "long_description": "

The diversion, dilution, and depletion of funds meant to address structural racism against Black people\u2014descendants of enslaved Africans\u2014must cease immediately. For over 500 years, African-Americans have endured abuse, economic exploitation, and devastation. This long history of injustice has severely impeded progress toward racial equity. When will it be enough?

Background on Participatory Budget Funds

2020 Commitment: In response to the George Floyd protests and calls to remedy centuries of anti-Black racism, worsened by COVID-19, Mayor Jenny Durkan pledged $100 million annually for 10 years, totaling $1 billion, to the Black community.

Funding Breakdown: Amidst debates between the City Council and the Mayor, several programs were established for allocation of the pledged resources. These included the Equitable Communities Initiative, funding for community safety, and a $30 million participatory budget.
Resource Diversion: The focus shifted from \"Black\" to \"BIPOC,\" opening the door to a redistribution of resources away from addressing specific harms faced by the Black community towards a broader range of groups and issues. King County Equity Now was clear in it's opposition to a process that would result in diverting resources away from the intended outcomes.
Funding Redirection: The flawed process resulted in $30 million designated to address combat disparities caused by anti-Black structural racism, being proposed for the following uses:
- Public Restrooms: $7.2 million
- Native-Focused Community Center: $7.2 million
- Urban Farming and Food Equity: $7 million
- Mental Health Crisis Response: $2 million
- Enhanced Housing Navigation Services: $2 million
- Youth and Young Adult Emergency Shelter Capital Fund: $1.85 million
Consequences of Fund Diversion: Diverting funds intended to address anti-Black racism contributes to unsafe communities, as evidenced by the epidemic of gun violence disproportionately affecting Black males, both as victims and perpetrators.

Demand Accountability and Action

It is unacceptable to divert funds meant to address centuries of harm, perpetuating a modern-day Jim Crow system in Seattle and King County. Effective solutions led by Black community organizations are under-resourced, and there is no concrete plan to build an inclusive One Seattle.

Call to Action

Demand that the City Council and Mayor honor their commitment to invest in the Black community. The resources designated for Black communities must be returned and fully utilized as promised.

Join Us

Send an email today and stand with us on Tuesday, September 24th at 2pm at City Hall to ensure that the $27 million\u2014and all promised resources\u2014are allocated to the Black community as intended.
Online sign-ups for Public Comment for Seattle City Council meeting on 9/24 only becomes available 1hr before the meeting on the 24th. It will be available\u00a0starting at 1pm. Press the below link to sign up.\u00a0
Public Comment - Council | seattle.gov
Together, we can make a difference.

", "multi_action_ordered_children_ids": [], "multi_action_parent_id": null, "multiple_actions_allowed": true, "name": "$27 Million for the Black Community Must Be Honored", "navigation_bar_is_transparent": false, "navigation_bar_type": 1, "number_actions_count": 1010, "number_actions_last_month_count": 5, "number_participants_count": 166, "number_participants_last_month_count": 1, "order": 97, "page_layout_type": 1, "personalized_campaign_pages": null, "pos_message": "", "pos_subject": "", "rate_limit": null, "registration_page": "/api/grassrootsregistrationpage/2391/", "regulation_id": null, "required_video_link": "", "resource_uri": "/api/grassrootscampaign/71721/", "share_story_type": 1, "share_story_video_duration": 60, "short_description": "", "should_rework_with_ai": false, "should_use_footer_html": false, "show_num_actions": true, "show_num_supporters": true, "single_body_for_all_messages": false, "status": 2, "summary_display_option_type": 3, "supporters_can_choose_targets": false, "targeting_type": 1, "unique_identifier": "", "vanity_url_slug": "71721", "video_notified_users": null, "visible_on_action_center": true}, {"_extra": {}, "ai_options": null, "always_show_to_advocates": false, "background_color_override": "", "background_image_override_url": "", "background_style_type": null, "campaign_interaction_types": [], "campaign_layout": 1, "campaign_type": 2, "conf_email_from_address": null, "conf_email_from_address_username": null, "conf_email_from_name": null, "conf_email_reply_to_address": null, "conf_email_reply_to_address_domain": null, "conf_email_reply_to_address_username": null, "conf_email_reply_to_name": null, "conf_email_subject": null, "custom_call_to_action_button_text": "", "custom_call_to_action_text": "", "custom_css": "", "custom_fields": [], "custom_gamification_points": null, "custom_javascript": "", "custom_target": "", "custom_thank_you_javascript": "", "description_alignment_type": 1, "facebook_leadgen_form_id": "", "facebook_leadgen_form_questions": null, "fixed_post_message": "", "fixed_post_message_two": "", "fixed_pre_message": "", "fixed_pre_message_two": "", "footer_html": "", "full_bleed_header_image_contain": false, "full_bleed_header_image_url": "", "full_bleed_header_text_is_left_aligned": true, "full_bleed_header_type": 1, "full_bleed_header_video_url": "", "gamification_points_mode": 1, "id": 45905, "inbound_texting_reply_message": "", "internal_only_name": "CHARTER SCHOOL FUNDING", "is_custom_targeting_enabled": null, "is_one_click_registration_enabled": false, "logo_override_url": "", "long_description": "

CALL TO ACTION\u00a0-\u00a0Join us in opposing HB 1737

HB 1737 is created to expand & rename the Community reinvestment fund. The Community reinvestment fund was advocated for & by our community. Our community has been meeting statewide for 5 months to develop the details of the community reinvestment program. There have been thousands of hours invested into the development of the program.\u00a0

\u00a0

We had no knowledge of HB 1737, and the bill was never proposed to the community for transparency.\u00a0\u00a0HB 1737 is targeted to highlight certain special interest groups. The Black farmers already have the option to apply for Community reinvestment funds through the economic development bucket that currently exists. The bill says there are 100 black farmers, although NO farmers showed up to testify for the bill, nor did any farmers sign in favor of the bill.

\u00a0

The only pro that is recorded during the 3/13 hearing is from a special interest marijuana group. Their goal and objective is to clearly manipulate the fund.

\u00a0

This bill is deceptively designed by special interests to manipulate funds that are much needed by our community.\u00a0

\u00a0

There\u2019s no need for two more buckets to add to the usage of funds. The new buckets proposed are designed to manipulate the Fund. Our communities are engaged & together to oppose this bill. Please join us in sending a letter to your legislators in opposition to this bill.

", "multi_action_ordered_children_ids": [], "multi_action_parent_id": null, "multiple_actions_allowed": false, "name": "Oppose HB 1737", "navigation_bar_is_transparent": false, "navigation_bar_type": 1, "number_actions_count": 1044, "number_actions_last_month_count": 3, "number_participants_count": 353, "number_participants_last_month_count": 1, "order": 89, "page_layout_type": 2, "personalized_campaign_pages": null, "pos_message": "Dear {{target_appropriate_greeting}},\n\nPLEASE DO NOT SUPPORT HB 1737\n\nHB 1737 is created to manipulate the Community reinvestment fund. The Community reinvestment fund was advocated for & by our community. Our community has been meeting statewide for 5 months to develop the details of the community reinvestment program. There have been thousands of hours invested into the development of the program. \n \nHB 1737 is targeted to highlight certain special interest groups. The Black farmers already have the option to apply for Community reinvestment funds through the economic development bucket that currently exists. The bill says there are 100 black farmers, although NO farmers showed up to testify for the bill, nor did any farmers sign in favor of the bill.\n \nThe only pro that is recorded during the 3/13 hearing is from a special interest marijuana group. Their goal and objective is to clearly manipulate the fund.\n \nThis bill is deceptively designed by special interests to manipulate funds that are much needed by our community. \n \nThere\u2019s no need for two more buckets to add to the usage of funds. The new buckets proposed are designed to manipulate the Fund. Our communities are engaged & together to oppose this bill.\n\nFrom your constituent,\n\n{{contact_first_name}} {{contact_last_name}}\n", "pos_subject": "PLEASE DO NOT SUPPORT HB 1737", "rate_limit": null, "registration_page": "/api/grassrootsregistrationpage/2391/", "regulation_id": null, "required_video_link": "", "resource_uri": "/api/grassrootscampaign/45905/", "share_story_type": 1, "share_story_video_duration": null, "short_description": "Join us in opposing HB 1737, and protect community funds from special interest groups!", "should_rework_with_ai": false, "should_use_footer_html": false, "show_num_actions": false, "show_num_supporters": true, "single_body_for_all_messages": false, "status": 2, "summary_display_option_type": 3, "supporters_can_choose_targets": true, "targeting_type": 1, "unique_identifier": "", "vanity_url_slug": "45905", "video_notified_users": null, "visible_on_action_center": true}, {"_extra": {}, "ai_options": null, "always_show_to_advocates": false, "background_color_override": "", "background_image_override_url": "", "background_style_type": null, "campaign_interaction_types": [], "campaign_layout": 1, "campaign_type": 19, "conf_email_from_address": null, "conf_email_from_address_username": null, "conf_email_from_name": null, "conf_email_reply_to_address": null, "conf_email_reply_to_address_domain": null, "conf_email_reply_to_address_username": null, "conf_email_reply_to_name": null, "conf_email_subject": null, "custom_call_to_action_button_text": "", "custom_call_to_action_text": "", "custom_css": "", "custom_fields": [], "custom_gamification_points": null, "custom_javascript": "", "custom_target": "", "custom_thank_you_javascript": "", "description_alignment_type": 1, "facebook_leadgen_form_id": "", "facebook_leadgen_form_questions": null, "fixed_post_message": "", "fixed_post_message_two": "", "fixed_pre_message": "", "fixed_pre_message_two": "", "footer_html": "", "full_bleed_header_image_contain": false, "full_bleed_header_image_url": "", "full_bleed_header_text_is_left_aligned": true, "full_bleed_header_type": 1, "full_bleed_header_video_url": "", "gamification_points_mode": 1, "id": 41800, "inbound_texting_reply_message": "", "internal_only_name": "", "is_custom_targeting_enabled": null, "is_one_click_registration_enabled": false, "logo_override_url": "", "long_description": "

Restore and return our Odessa Brown Clinic now! This is not the clinic the community built.\u00a0Seattle Children\u2019s Hospital has kidnapped our community asset and lifeline. Because of Children\u2019s Hospital, our beloved clinic on Yesler is closed! The ongoing blatant racism, disgrace and disregard for the wellbeing of the African American community will no longer be tolerated. At a time when we need health services the most, you\u2019ve tried to close the doors on us, but we will not let you. Odessa Brown does not belong to Children\u2019s Hospital, it belongs to the community. We have had enough. It is time to restore and return Odessa Brown back to the community.

#RestoreandReturnOdessaBrown

", "multi_action_ordered_children_ids": [], "multi_action_parent_id": null, "multiple_actions_allowed": true, "name": "RESTORE & RETURN Odessa Brown Clinic to Community", "navigation_bar_is_transparent": false, "navigation_bar_type": 1, "number_actions_count": 990, "number_actions_last_month_count": 1, "number_participants_count": 951, "number_participants_last_month_count": 1, "order": 56, "page_layout_type": 1, "personalized_campaign_pages": null, "pos_message": "", "pos_subject": "", "rate_limit": null, "registration_page": "/api/grassrootsregistrationpage/2391/", "regulation_id": null, "required_video_link": "", "resource_uri": "/api/grassrootscampaign/41800/", "share_story_type": 1, "share_story_video_duration": null, "short_description": "Restore and return our Odessa Brown Clinic now! We have had enough. It is time to restore and return Odessa Brown back to the community.", "should_rework_with_ai": false, "should_use_footer_html": false, "show_num_actions": true, "show_num_supporters": true, "single_body_for_all_messages": false, "status": 2, "summary_display_option_type": 3, "supporters_can_choose_targets": true, "targeting_type": 1, "unique_identifier": "", "vanity_url_slug": "41800", "video_notified_users": null, "visible_on_action_center": true}, {"_extra": {}, "ai_options": null, "always_show_to_advocates": true, "background_color_override": "", "background_image_override_url": "", "background_style_type": null, "campaign_interaction_types": [], "campaign_layout": 1, "campaign_type": 2, "conf_email_from_address": null, "conf_email_from_address_username": null, "conf_email_from_name": null, "conf_email_reply_to_address": null, "conf_email_reply_to_address_domain": null, "conf_email_reply_to_address_username": null, "conf_email_reply_to_name": null, "conf_email_subject": null, "custom_call_to_action_button_text": "", "custom_call_to_action_text": "Email Now!", "custom_css": "", "custom_fields": [], "custom_gamification_points": null, "custom_javascript": "", "custom_target": "", "custom_thank_you_javascript": "", "description_alignment_type": 1, "facebook_leadgen_form_id": "", "facebook_leadgen_form_questions": null, "fixed_post_message": "", "fixed_post_message_two": "", "fixed_pre_message": "", "fixed_pre_message_two": "", "footer_html": "", "full_bleed_header_image_contain": false, "full_bleed_header_image_url": "", "full_bleed_header_text_is_left_aligned": true, "full_bleed_header_type": 1, "full_bleed_header_video_url": "", "gamification_points_mode": 1, "id": 28566, "inbound_texting_reply_message": "", "internal_only_name": "Keiro", "is_custom_targeting_enabled": null, "is_one_click_registration_enabled": false, "logo_override_url": "", "long_description": "

Keiro represents one of the largest opportunities to make a material impact in the Black community in Seattle. Built in 1976, the Keiro facility served as a vital elder care facility for the Pan-Asian community, particularly for Japanese elders post-internment. Encountering financial difficulties, Keiro was pressured to sell the property. In 2020, Black community mobilized tremendous community support to halt the predatory development of the Keiro site\u2014nearly a full block in the heart of the Central District.\u00a0

Building on the legacy of the Liberty Bank Building, Africatown Community Land Trust (ACLT) is facilitating a community planning process for truly equitable development that honors the Kiero site\u2019s legacy as a cultural institution, pays homage to the long history of Black and Asian solidarity work in Seattle, and paves way for future cross-community building.\u00a0

What\u2019s more, Keiro\u2019s existing structure allows for the immediate accommodations for over 250 folks experiencing homelessness. As the Black community is widely overrepresented in the homeless population, this project represents a national opportunity to model Black-led and centered direct social service hub to assist our community members to replant roots, reconnect and rebuild community.\u00a0

This historic, cross-community, anti-gentrification project has received huge support from City and State officials, including support from Gov. Inslee. We\u2019re now in the home-stretch to make this national model a reality, and we only need a few legislators' support to move this forward!\u00a0

Tap-in to help make this happen.\u00a0

", "multi_action_ordered_children_ids": [], "multi_action_parent_id": null, "multiple_actions_allowed": true, "name": "Stop Gentrification in the Central District", "navigation_bar_is_transparent": false, "navigation_bar_type": 1, "number_actions_count": 12705, "number_actions_last_month_count": 23, "number_participants_count": 1338, "number_participants_last_month_count": 1, "order": 48, "page_layout_type": 1, "personalized_campaign_pages": null, "pos_message": "Keiro represents one of the largest opportunities to make a material impact in the Black community in Seattle. Built in 1976, the Keiro facility served as a vital elder care facility for the Pan-Asian community, particularly for Japanese elders post-internment. Encountering financial difficulties, Keiro was pressured to sell the property. In 2020, Black community mobilized tremendous community support to halt the predatory development of the Keiro site\u2014nearly a full block in the heart of the Central District. \n\nBuilding on the legacy of the Liberty Bank Building, Africatown Community Land Trust (ACLT) is facilitating a community planning process for truly equitable development that honors the Kiero site\u2019s legacy as a cultural institution, pays homage to the long history of Black and Asian solidarity work in Seattle, and paves way for future cross-community building. \n\nWhat\u2019s more, Keiro\u2019s existing structure allows for the immediate accommodations for over 250 folks experiencing homelessness. As the Black community is widely overrepresented in the homeless population, this project represents a national opportunity to model Black-led and centered direct social service hub to assist our community members to replant roots, reconnect and rebuild community. \n\nThis historic, cross-community, anti-gentrification project has received huge support from City and State officials, including support from Gov. Inslee. We\u2019re now in the home-stretch to make this national model a reality, and we only need a few legislators' support to move this forward!\n\n{{contact_first_name}} {{contact_last_name}}", "pos_subject": "Redress historic failures by allocating $13.8M to ACLT for purchase and activation capital of the former Keiro site", "rate_limit": null, "registration_page": "/api/grassrootsregistrationpage/2411/", "regulation_id": null, "required_video_link": "", "resource_uri": "/api/grassrootscampaign/28566/", "share_story_type": 1, "share_story_video_duration": null, "short_description": "Redress historic failures | Help ACLT acquire the Keiro building in the heart of the Central District", "should_rework_with_ai": false, "should_use_footer_html": false, "show_num_actions": true, "show_num_supporters": true, "single_body_for_all_messages": true, "status": 2, "summary_display_option_type": 3, "supporters_can_choose_targets": true, "targeting_type": 1, "unique_identifier": "", "vanity_url_slug": "Keiro", "video_notified_users": null, "visible_on_action_center": false}, {"_extra": {}, "ai_options": null, "always_show_to_advocates": true, "background_color_override": "", "background_image_override_url": "", "background_style_type": null, "campaign_interaction_types": [], "campaign_layout": 1, "campaign_type": 2, "conf_email_from_address": null, "conf_email_from_address_username": null, "conf_email_from_name": null, "conf_email_reply_to_address": null, "conf_email_reply_to_address_domain": null, "conf_email_reply_to_address_username": null, "conf_email_reply_to_name": null, "conf_email_subject": null, "custom_call_to_action_button_text": "", "custom_call_to_action_text": "", "custom_css": "", "custom_fields": [], "custom_gamification_points": null, "custom_javascript": "", "custom_target": "", "custom_thank_you_javascript": "", "description_alignment_type": 1, "facebook_leadgen_form_id": "", "facebook_leadgen_form_questions": null, "fixed_post_message": "", "fixed_post_message_two": "", "fixed_pre_message": "", "fixed_pre_message_two": "", "footer_html": "", "full_bleed_header_image_contain": false, "full_bleed_header_image_url": "", "full_bleed_header_text_is_left_aligned": true, "full_bleed_header_type": 1, "full_bleed_header_video_url": "", "gamification_points_mode": 1, "id": 30469, "inbound_texting_reply_message": "", "internal_only_name": "EACS", "is_custom_targeting_enabled": null, "is_one_click_registration_enabled": false, "logo_override_url": "", "long_description": "

Help create permanence and agency for East African refugee and immigrant youth and families in Othello! Take action to build the\u00a0Family Empowerment Center and Community Housing.\u00a0

East African Community Services (EACS) has served East African immigrant and refugee communities for 20 years. From its early roots in naturalization and citizenship services, EACS provides East African youth and families with holistic programs and resources to adjust to life in the United States, preserve diverse cultural heritages, and participate in a broad and collectivist community life.\u00a0

Rising housing costs and predatory development have forced East African and other Black immigrant groups further and further south, outside of Seattle. Having experienced the harmful impacts of gentrification and displacement first-hand, EACS knows well the importance of land acquisition, ownership and agency in building and maintaining thriving communities.\u00a0

Our communities deserve and demand better. We\u2019ve spoken with a resoundingly unified voice: vacant public land must be transferred to Black community ownership now!\u00a0EACS seeks to develop\u00a0vacant\u00a0Sound Transit Lots #6 and #12 into a\u00a0Family Empowerment and Community Housing Center. The Center will address multiple needs and realize a long-held dream: a state-of-the-art, community-owned space that allows us to leverage the social, cultural, spiritual and economic strengths of the East African community for the betterment of generations to come.\u00a0Take action and write the Sound Transit board!\u00a0

We are honored to be in partnership with EACS, a deeply-rooted and trusted resource for the more than 75,000 East Africans in King County, WA. More\u00a0here.\u00a0

", "multi_action_ordered_children_ids": [], "multi_action_parent_id": null, "multiple_actions_allowed": true, "name": "#FreeTheLand | Family Empowerment Center and Community Housing", "navigation_bar_is_transparent": false, "navigation_bar_type": 1, "number_actions_count": 7637, "number_actions_last_month_count": 49, "number_participants_count": 635, "number_participants_last_month_count": 2, "order": 47, "page_layout_type": 1, "personalized_campaign_pages": null, "pos_message": "Representatives, Officials: \n\nRising housing costs and predatory development have forced East African and other Black immigrant groups further and further south, outside of Seattle. East African Community Services (EACS) has served East African immigrant and refugee communities for over 20 years. From its early roots in naturalization and citizenship services, it provides East African youth and families with holistic programs and resources to adjust to life in the United States, preserve diverse cultural heritages, and participate in a broad and collectivist community life. Having experienced the harmful impacts of gentrification and displacement first-hand, EACS knows well the importance of land acquisition, ownership and agency in building and maintaining thriving communities. \n\nBlack communities deserve and demand better. We\u2019ve spoken with a resoundingly unified voice: vacant public land must be transferred to Black community ownership now! Black community is working in tandem to transfer Sound Transit Lots #6 and #12 to EACS to build the Family Empowerment and Community Housing Center. The Center will address multiple needs and realize a long-held dream: a state-of-the-art, community-owned space that allows us to leverage the social, cultural, spiritual and economic strengths of the East African community for the betterment of generations to come. \n\nAfter widespread community advocacy for nearly a year, the Washington State House of Representatives recently allocated $1M in funding toward development costs for the Center in support. This is a huge win and major step forward in realizing this incredible, well-needed project. \n\nAs we know budgets are value statements, we call on all state Senators to approve this funding in full to support East African communities and help make sure this incredible Black-led housing, empowerment and community-building comes to fruition! \n\n#BuildBlackTheBlock #FreeTheLand #EACS \n\n{{contact_full_name}}\n", "pos_subject": "Allocate development capital for the EACS' Family Empowerment and Community Housing Center in South Seattle", "rate_limit": null, "registration_page": "/api/grassrootsregistrationpage/2391/", "regulation_id": null, "required_video_link": "", "resource_uri": "/api/grassrootscampaign/30469/", "share_story_type": 1, "share_story_video_duration": null, "short_description": "", "should_rework_with_ai": false, "should_use_footer_html": false, "show_num_actions": true, "show_num_supporters": true, "single_body_for_all_messages": true, "status": 2, "summary_display_option_type": 3, "supporters_can_choose_targets": false, "targeting_type": 1, "unique_identifier": "", "vanity_url_slug": "30469", "video_notified_users": null, "visible_on_action_center": false}, {"_extra": {}, "ai_options": null, "always_show_to_advocates": true, "background_color_override": "", "background_image_override_url": "", "background_style_type": null, "campaign_interaction_types": [], "campaign_layout": 1, "campaign_type": 2, "conf_email_from_address": null, "conf_email_from_address_username": null, "conf_email_from_name": null, "conf_email_reply_to_address": null, "conf_email_reply_to_address_domain": null, "conf_email_reply_to_address_username": null, "conf_email_reply_to_name": null, "conf_email_subject": null, "custom_call_to_action_button_text": "", "custom_call_to_action_text": "", "custom_css": "div#grassroots-app div.page div.page-col div.widget-wrapper div.campaign-wrapper div.campaign-description a {\n color: #15c !important; \n}\n\ndiv#grassroots-app div.campaign-description-col > img {\n border: none !important;\n}", "custom_fields": [], "custom_gamification_points": null, "custom_javascript": "", "custom_target": "", "custom_thank_you_javascript": "", "description_alignment_type": 1, "facebook_leadgen_form_id": "", "facebook_leadgen_form_questions": null, "fixed_post_message": "", "fixed_post_message_two": "", "fixed_pre_message": "", "fixed_pre_message_two": "", "footer_html": "", "full_bleed_header_image_contain": false, "full_bleed_header_image_url": "", "full_bleed_header_text_is_left_aligned": true, "full_bleed_header_type": 1, "full_bleed_header_video_url": "", "gamification_points_mode": 1, "id": 30887, "inbound_texting_reply_message": "", "internal_only_name": "WSFHC", "is_custom_targeting_enabled": null, "is_one_click_registration_enabled": false, "logo_override_url": "", "long_description": "

UPDATE:\u00a0After mobilized community pressure, WSHFC selected and announced projects in the City of Seattle. Why did it take such resounding community support to fund City projects? To fund Black projects? How much of WSHFC funding since its inception has gone to Black developers or Black-owned projects?\u00a0

Tap in to demand WSHFC revamps their entire selection process, and priorities Black investment in all subsequent years until the Black community reaches equity across home ownership rates, land ownership, housing development projects and more.\u00a0

The Washington State Housing Finance Commission (\u201cWSHFC\u201d) was reportedly planning NOT TO FUND\u00a0any affordable housing projects within the City of Seattle in 2021 effectively excluding Black-led projects\n including Africatown Plaza, Elizabeth Thomas Homes and Ethiopian Village from accessing critical\n resources. Out of the seven (7) total projects expected to be funded by WSHFC in 2021, zero (0) of those projects were within Seattle\u2019s city limits. Initially, WSHFC awarded out $235M. Black-led projects applied for $42M. WSHFC awarded $0 to Black projects. Initial award list\u00a0here.\u00a0

This decision is explicitly anti-Black and inconsistent with the Gov. Jay Inslee\u2019s commitment to diversity,\n equity and inclusion in Washington state announced December\n 15th 2020 and President Biden\u2019s administration\u2019s stated commitments to Build Back Better through Racial Equity and the\n Executive\n Order On Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities signed Jan 20, 2021.\n

Seattle has historically been the base for the vast majority of Washington State\u2019s Black population.\n Centuries of racist covenants and anti-Black racial hostility drastically narrowed places where the Black\n community could call home. In spite of such hostile and adverse circumstances, Blacks in Washington created\n vibrant Black communities in the spaces afforded, particularly in the Central District of Seattle and\n Southeast Seattle. Anti-Black racism permeated public and private policies and practices as identified in HB\n 1918 legislation passed in 2019, Sec. 5. (1):\u00a0\n

\u201cThe legislature finds that the Central District is identified as the oldest surviving residential\n neighborhood in Seattle where, historically, residents who faced housing and economic discrimination\n elsewhere in the city could settle and raise families, resulting in a richly diverse multicultural\n community. The legislature also finds that the Central District is widely recognized as the historical\n center of the Seattle African American community which is reflected in the historic buildings,\n institutions, and culture of the neighborhood. The legislature further finds that the Central District\n has been adversely impacted by public works, capital projects with significant public funding, and other\n land use decisions which have contributed to dislocation, displacement, and the disintegration of an\n identifiable existing community and its historical and cultural character.\u201d\u00a0\n

Now, as demand for land in Seattle grows at an unprecedented pace, new anti-Black government\n policies are aiding the violent disruption of the small piece of space the Black community called\n home. This violent disruption includes the rapid gentrification and exclusion of Blacks from\n Seattle, which is important not merely due to the dismantling of historical Black cultural and\n societal spaces, but also due to the socio-economic, health, wealth, and education implications\n resulting from Blacks being pushed out of the State\u2019s largest economic and cultural engine.\u00a0\n

From the broad to the specific, we would like to call your attention to the following Black focused\n Seattle Project applications that would be denied if Seattle is ignored:\u00a0\n

Africatown Plaza. As you are aware, Africatown Community Land Trust (\u201cACLT\u201d) is a\n nationally recognized anti-gentrification organization. Formed in 2016 by long-standing Black\n residents of Seattle\u2019s Central District to combat the decimation of Washington\u2019s most historic\n Black neighborhood, ACLT has quickly become a beacon of light in a city rapidly forcing\n communities of color out. The Africatown Plaza project symbolized the collective mobilization of the Black community\n saying \u201cNo\u201d to the development of a whole block of extreme cultural importance. ACLT now owns\n twenty percent of that block and has secured over $16 million in funding for the development of\n a culturally fluid affordable housing complex aimed for Black residents that long called the\n Central District home. While this project has been recognized nationally and internationally for its importance, it\n has received far too little state support. As such, Africatown Plaza is one of the projects\n requesting funding this round, specifically in the forms of bonds and 4% credits. The total\n annual allocation of 4% credits ACLT is requesting is $2,680,075 to make the Africatown Plaza\n project viable after lying dormant all of these years.

Other critical Black projects in the City of Seattle that have or planned to apply to\n WSHFC include:

The Ethiopian Village.\u00a0The Ethiopian Community in Seattle (ECS) is one of the first grassroots organization founded by Ethiopian immigrants residing in greater Puget Sound. Since becoming a Washington nonprofit in 1987, ECS has been serving Ethiopians and East Africans of Seattle and King County, including the creation of the Ethiopian Community Center which is the project site for the Ethiopian Village Project, an affordable housing for Seniors. The Ethiopian Village Project will provide many critical services including an after school programing, senior meal programs, health workshops, social services, summer camps, coding training, cultural immersion courses and more. The Ethiopian Village will offer\u00a090 units of affordable housing for seniors in South Seattle.

Elizabeth Thomas Homes. In the midst of a citywide affordable housing crisis, Catholic Housing Services and Equity Alliance of Washington, in partnership with the Rainier Beach Action Coalition (RBAC), seek to develop a community-oriented project that includes affordable housing and commercial space. Research shows that Black families and other families of Color who qualify for affordable housing are larger than the county average, and particularly larger than white households who qualify for affordable housing. Elizabeth Thomas Homes will deliver much needed housing to working families at risk of displacement from Seattle, addressing the \u201cmissing middle\u201d population, or those left with few housing options. Elizabeth Thomas Homes will include\u00a0119 units of family housing in Rainier Beach, South Seattle.\u00a0

\n\n

In total, 30 projects applied to WSHFC to receive funding in 2021. That zero projects were\n selected from Seattle highlights a gross oversight that disproportionately impacts Washington\u2019s\n Black community.\u00a0 This anti-Black action needs to be rectified immediately. This is\n all the more pressing given the recent data on how COIVD-19 is devastating our communities, and\n that the projections for Black homelessness (already and epidemic) have vastly increased due to\n the resulting economic and health impact of COVID-19.\u00a0\n

Accordingly, we are calling on the community to reach out to WSHFC (see instruction on how\n below) to demand that WSHFC stop its anti-Black policies, and instead invest in Black communities.\n WSHFC is having a public meeting via zoom on 2/25 - we encourage everyone to attend that meeting\n as well to make your voice heard as well in addition to direct outreach.\n

February 25 Public Meeting\u00a0| Use your voice at the Washington State Housing Finance Commission Work Session meeting today (Thursday, 2/25) at 11am. Join virtually at www.zoom.us. Go to \u201cJoin a Meeting,\u201d and enter:

Meeting ID: 865 7622 0438
Passcode: 155682

Tweet:\u00a0WSHFC Twitter

See whose in charge:\u00a0The commission\n board

Washington State Housing Finance\n Commission\u00a0
1000 Second Avenue, Suite 2700
Seattle, WA 98104\u00a0Directions
Main\n Phone: 206-464-7139\n

Email: AskUsMHCF@wshfc.org

", "multi_action_ordered_children_ids": [], "multi_action_parent_id": null, "multiple_actions_allowed": true, "name": "EMAIL ACTION: Communities United Against Washington State Housing Finance Commission's (WSHFC) Anti-Black Policies.", "navigation_bar_is_transparent": false, "navigation_bar_type": 1, "number_actions_count": 2810, "number_actions_last_month_count": 12, "number_participants_count": 360, "number_participants_last_month_count": 2, "order": 46, "page_layout_type": 1, "personalized_campaign_pages": null, "pos_message": "Seattle has historically been the base for the vast majority of Washington State\u2019s Black population. Centuries of racist covenants and anti-Black racial hostility drastically narrowed places where the Black community could call home. In spite of such hostile and adverse circumstances, Blacks in Washington created vibrant Black communities in the spaces afforded, particularly in the Central District of Seattle and Southeast Seattle. Anti-Black racism permeated public and private policies and practices as identified in HB 1918 legislation passed in 2019, Sec. 5. (1): \n\n\u201cThe legislature finds that the Central District is identified as the oldest surviving residential neighborhood in Seattle where, historically, residents who faced housing and economic discrimination elsewhere in the city could settle and raise families, resulting in a richly diverse multicultural community. The legislature also finds that the Central District is widely recognized as the historical center of the Seattle African American community which is reflected in the historic buildings, institutions, and culture of the neighborhood. The legislature further finds that the Central District has been adversely impacted by public works, capital projects with significant public funding, and other land use decisions which have contributed to dislocation, displacement, and the disintegration of an identifiable existing community and its historical and cultural character.\u201d \n\nThe demand for land in Seattle is growing at an unprecedented pace. We will NOT ACCEPT anti-Black government policies that aid the violent disruption of the small piece of space the Black community called home. This violent disruption includes the rapid gentrification and exclusion of Blacks from Seattle, which is important not merely due to the dismantling of historical Black cultural and societal spaces, but also due to the socio-economic, health, wealth, and education implications resulting from Blacks being pushed out of the State\u2019s largest economic and cultural engine. \n\nWe demand that WSHFC priorities Black community, centered and operated investment projects until the Black community reaches equity across home and land ownership rates. ", "pos_subject": "STOP WSHFC's anti-Black policies; START investing in Black Communities: We demand that WSHFC Prioritizes Black Community Projects Until Black Community Reaches Equity Across Home and Land Ownership Rates", "rate_limit": null, "registration_page": "/api/grassrootsregistrationpage/2391/", "regulation_id": null, "required_video_link": "", "resource_uri": "/api/grassrootscampaign/30887/", "share_story_type": 1, "share_story_video_duration": null, "short_description": "Demand that the Washington State Housing Finance Commission invest in Black communities! ", "should_rework_with_ai": false, "should_use_footer_html": false, "show_num_actions": true, "show_num_supporters": true, "single_body_for_all_messages": true, "status": 2, "summary_display_option_type": 3, "supporters_can_choose_targets": true, "targeting_type": 1, "unique_identifier": "", "vanity_url_slug": "wshfc", "video_notified_users": null, "visible_on_action_center": false}, {"_extra": {}, "ai_options": null, "always_show_to_advocates": true, "background_color_override": "", "background_image_override_url": "", "background_style_type": null, "campaign_interaction_types": [], "campaign_layout": 1, "campaign_type": 2, "conf_email_from_address": null, "conf_email_from_address_username": null, "conf_email_from_name": null, "conf_email_reply_to_address": null, "conf_email_reply_to_address_domain": null, "conf_email_reply_to_address_username": null, "conf_email_reply_to_name": null, "conf_email_subject": null, "custom_call_to_action_button_text": "", "custom_call_to_action_text": "Contact WSHFC directly here! ", "custom_css": "", "custom_fields": [], "custom_gamification_points": null, "custom_javascript": "", "custom_target": "AskUsMHCF@wshfc.org", "custom_thank_you_javascript": "", "description_alignment_type": 1, "facebook_leadgen_form_id": "", "facebook_leadgen_form_questions": null, "fixed_post_message": "", "fixed_post_message_two": "", "fixed_pre_message": "", "fixed_pre_message_two": "", "footer_html": "", "full_bleed_header_image_contain": false, "full_bleed_header_image_url": "", "full_bleed_header_text_is_left_aligned": true, "full_bleed_header_type": 1, "full_bleed_header_video_url": "", "gamification_points_mode": 1, "id": 30889, "inbound_texting_reply_message": "", "internal_only_name": "Chained action to AskUsMHCF@wshfc.org | WSHFC", "is_custom_targeting_enabled": null, "is_one_click_registration_enabled": false, "logo_override_url": "", "long_description": "

Reach out to WSHFC here to demand that it stop its anti-Black policies and instead invest in Black communities.\u00a0Demand that WSHFC fund Seattle City-based affordable housing projects including specifically: Africatown Plaza, The Ethiopian Village in South Seattle; and Elizabeth Thomas Homes in Rainier Beach.\u00a0

WSHFC is having a public meeting via zoom on 2/25 - we encourage everyone to attend that meeting as well to make your voice heard as well in addition to direct outreach.

WSHFC Twitter

The commission board

Washington State Housing Finance Commission\u00a0
1000 Second Avenue, Suite 2700
Seattle, WA 98104\u00a0Directions
Main Phone: 206-464-7139

Email:\u00a0AskUsMHCF@wshfc.org

February 25 Public Meeting

", "multi_action_ordered_children_ids": [], "multi_action_parent_id": null, "multiple_actions_allowed": true, "name": "EMAIL ACTION: Contact WSHFC Directly", "navigation_bar_is_transparent": false, "navigation_bar_type": 1, "number_actions_count": 8, "number_actions_last_month_count": 1, "number_participants_count": 8, "number_participants_last_month_count": 1, "order": 45, "page_layout_type": 1, "personalized_campaign_pages": null, "pos_message": "It is completely unacceptable that the Washington State Housing Finance Committee (\u201cWSHFC\u201d) planned to NOT FUND any affordable housing projects within the City of Seattle in 2021. This effectively excludes the critical, Black-led projects including Africatown Plaza, Elizabeth Thomas Homes and Ethiopian Village from accessing critical resources! Out of the seven (7) total projects expected to be funded by WSHFC in 2021, it is completely unacceptable that exactly zero (0) are within Seattle\u2019s city limits. \n\nThis decision is explicitly anti-Black and inconsistent with the Gov. Jay Inslee\u2019s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in Washington state announced December 15th 2020 and President Biden\u2019s administration\u2019s stated commitments to Build Back Better through Racial Equity and the Executive Order On Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities signed Jan 20, 2021.\n\nSeattle has historically been the base for the vast majority of Washington State\u2019s Black population. Centuries of racist covenants and anti-Black racial hostility drastically narrowed places where the Black community could call home. In spite of such hostile and adverse circumstances, Blacks in Washington created vibrant Black communities in the spaces afforded, particularly in the Central District of Seattle and Southeast Seattle. Anti-Black racism permeated public and private policies and practices as identified in HB 1918 legislation passed in 2019, Sec. 5. (1): \n\n\u201cThe legislature finds that the Central District is identified as the oldest surviving residential neighborhood in Seattle where, historically, residents who faced housing and economic discrimination elsewhere in the city could settle and raise families, resulting in a richly diverse multicultural community. The legislature also finds that the Central District is widely recognized as the historical center of the Seattle African American community which is reflected in the historic buildings, institutions, and culture of the neighborhood. The legislature further finds that the Central District has been adversely impacted by public works, capital projects with significant public funding, and other land use decisions which have contributed to dislocation, displacement, and the disintegration of an identifiable existing community and its historical and cultural character.\u201d \n\nThe demand for land in Seattle is growing at an unprecedented pace. We will NOT ACCEPT anti-Black government policies that aid the violent disruption of the small piece of space the Black community called home. This violent disruption includes the rapid gentrification and exclusion of Blacks from Seattle, which is important not merely due to the dismantling of historical Black cultural and societal spaces, but also due to the socio-economic, health, wealth, and education implications resulting from Blacks being pushed out of the State\u2019s largest economic and cultural engine. \n\nWe demand that WSHFC funds City-based affordable housing projects including: Africatown Plaza (Central District), The Ethiopian Village (South Seattle); and Elizabeth Thomas Homes (Rainier Beach). \n\nIn total, 30 projects applied to WSHFC to receive funding in 2021. That zero projects were selected from Seattle highlights a gross oversight that disproportionately impacts Washington\u2019s Black community. WE DEMAND that this anti-Black action is rectified immediately. As COIVD-19 devastates our communities, and projections for Black homelessness (already and epidemic) vastly increase due to the resulting economic and health impact of COVID-19, we call on WSHFC to stop its anti-Black policies, and instead invest in Black communities. ", "pos_subject": "Stop anti-Black policies and invest in Black communities; WSHFC must fund Seattle City-based affordable housing projects including: Africatown Plaza (Central District), The Ethiopian Village (South Seattle); and Elizabeth Thomas Homes (Rainier Beach).", "rate_limit": null, "registration_page": "/api/grassrootsregistrationpage/2391/", "regulation_id": null, "required_video_link": "", "resource_uri": "/api/grassrootscampaign/30889/", "share_story_type": 1, "share_story_video_duration": null, "short_description": "Demand that Washington State Housing Finance Committee STOP its anti-Black policies and START investing in Black communities. ", "should_rework_with_ai": false, "should_use_footer_html": false, "show_num_actions": true, "show_num_supporters": true, "single_body_for_all_messages": true, "status": 2, "summary_display_option_type": 3, "supporters_can_choose_targets": true, "targeting_type": 1, "unique_identifier": "", "vanity_url_slug": "30889", "video_notified_users": null, "visible_on_action_center": false}, {"_extra": {}, "ai_options": null, "always_show_to_advocates": false, "background_color_override": "", "background_image_override_url": "", "background_style_type": null, "campaign_interaction_types": [], "campaign_layout": 1, "campaign_type": 19, "conf_email_from_address": null, "conf_email_from_address_username": null, "conf_email_from_name": null, "conf_email_reply_to_address": null, "conf_email_reply_to_address_domain": null, "conf_email_reply_to_address_username": null, "conf_email_reply_to_name": null, "conf_email_subject": null, "custom_call_to_action_button_text": "", "custom_call_to_action_text": "", "custom_css": "img[data-filename=\"Untitled.png\"] {\n width: 100% !important;\n}\n\n.progress-bar-wrapper {\n display: none;\n}\n\n.campaign-header {\n margin-bottom: 16px;\n}", "custom_fields": [], "custom_gamification_points": null, "custom_javascript": "", "custom_target": "", "custom_thank_you_javascript": "", "description_alignment_type": 1, "facebook_leadgen_form_id": "", "facebook_leadgen_form_questions": null, "fixed_post_message": "", "fixed_post_message_two": "", "fixed_pre_message": "", "fixed_pre_message_two": "", "footer_html": "", "full_bleed_header_image_contain": false, "full_bleed_header_image_url": "", "full_bleed_header_text_is_left_aligned": true, "full_bleed_header_type": 1, "full_bleed_header_video_url": "", "gamification_points_mode": 1, "id": 34735, "inbound_texting_reply_message": "", "internal_only_name": "CH Primary", "is_custom_targeting_enabled": null, "is_one_click_registration_enabled": false, "logo_override_url": "", "long_description": "

For years, Seattle Children\u2019s Hospital refused to provide adequate care to Black people, dismissed Black patients, doctors, workers and community members, and ignored Black community needs and demands, resulting in increased Black death. It discriminated against non-English speakers; called police and security disproportionately on its patients of color; and retaliated on staff and workers for calling for accountability.\u00a0

As a collective of Black community organizations, leaders, mothers, grandmothers, parents, and more driving Black health equity in Martin Luther King Jr. County, we collectively call for:

Children\u2019s Hospitals\u2019 donors to redirect funding into Black-led health solutions that truly serve and are accountable to the Black community. Take this reflective moment to sever funding for an institution that abuses, discriminates, mistreats and kills Black people. Instead, invest in critically under-resourced, local Black health organizations like: the Tubman Center for Health and Freedom, African American Health Board, SURGE Reproductive Justice and more.¹
Children\u2019s Hospital to\u00a0cede Odessa Brown Clinic back to\u00a0Black community ownership.\u00a0The\u00a0Odessa Brown Clinic was birthed from amazing Black organizing fighting against the same health injustices the Children\u2019s Hospital is now trying to silence 50+ years later. It is a dishonor to this legacy, and to the Black community more generally, for the Children's Hospital - an institution that has demonstrated such anti-Black racism - to be the steward of Odessa, Odessa Brown Clinic must revert back to Black community ownership.
Children\u2019s Hospital to provide 10 years of operating funds to the Black community, to go towards Odessa Brown Clinic site operations.
Children\u2019s Hospital to\u00a0immediately inject funding\u00a0into Black-led health equity solutions (listed above) before 2021 year-end:

$30M - Tubman Center for Health & Freedom capital campaign\u00a0
$3M - African American Health Board to bring on leadership team and staff\u00a0
5% of Children\u2019s Hospital\u2019s endowment to Black community

Children\u2019s Hospital to immediately fire CEO Jeffery Sperring² and remove Board Chair Susan Betcher. Both have demonstrated abysmal leadership, anti-Blackness racism, and have caused irreparable harm to King County\u2019s / Seattle\u2019s Black community. We reject either continuing at Children\u2019s Hospital in any capacity.

Children\u2019s Hospital has wholesale failed Black people. Moreover, its leadership not only failed to act but worked to actively cover-up Children\u2019s Hospital malpractice6. Under the false guise of trusted stewardship, Children\u2019s preyed upon one of the only Black-led health clinic in the Pacific Northwest, the Odessa Brown Clinic. The clinics\u2019 namesake is a Black woman who was denied medical services for her own health problems. As a Black community organizer, she fought for quality health care with dignity for children in the Central District. Odessa Brown died of leukemia in 1969, a year before the first clinic opened.

Since stepping into the very privileged position of (purporting) to serve the local Black community, Children\u2019s Hospital has only rejected and abused its responsibility. For years, it refused to provide adequate care to Black people, dismissed Black patients, doctors, workers and community members, and ignored Black community needs and demands, resulting in disparate treatment and wholly preventable Black death.

***UPDATE***

A Legacy of Service

Illegal Sale and Defacement

Upcoming Court Hearing: March 7, 2025

How You Can Help

Watch the Press Conference

***UPDATE***

A Legacy of Service

Illegal Sale and Defacement

Upcoming Court Hearing: March 7, 2025

How You Can Help

Watch the Press Conference

UPDATE

UPDATE