Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1930, Lorraine Hansberry was the daughter of a real estate entrepreneur and schoolteacher. The Hansberry family struggled against segregation and challenged a restrictive covenant in the 1940 U.S. Supreme Court case Hansberry v. Lee. Her family’s landmark court case against discriminatory real estate covenants in Chicago served as inspiration for her Broadway play, A Raisin in the Sun (1959). The highly lauded film starred Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, Claudia McNeil, and Diana Sands. Hansberry made history as the first African American woman to have a show produced on Broadway.
She attended the University of Wisconsin, but left after two years to serve as a writer and editor of Paul Robeson’s newspaper Freedom. Committed to racial equity, she participated in civil rights demonstrations wrote plays, short stories, and articles regarding race relations.
Close friend Nina Simone penned the song “Young, Gifted and Black” in tribute to Hansberry after she succumbed to pancreatic cancer age 34.
Sources: Biography.com; Nmaahc.si.edu; Wikipedia.org; Womenshistory.org
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For questions and call 253-886-8339 or by email, contact@apriseattle.org. Event itinerary at APRISeattle.org
 Planning to Attend African American Legislative Day?
The 2024 legislative session is well underway and continues to host a large mix of visitors, lawmakers, and engaged citizens on the Capitol Campus. Also, there have been some changes since COVID. Here are a few things to know!
Please visit APRISeattle.org for the AALD schedule.
Events
Many permitted free speech events and activities take place on the Capitol Campus. There will be multiple events on the Campus in addition to AALD. Please wear comfortable shoes and prepare for changing weather conditions.
DASH Shuttle Service and Metered Parking
The DASH Shuttle Service provided by Intercity Transit in years past has been shut down.
Parking on Campus is very limited. Some metered visitor parking is available in several locations on the Capitol Campus. View the DES interactive map to find parking and electric vehicle charging stations available to visitors. The cost to park on Campus is $2 per hour on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. EV charging fees vary by station
Additional metered parking on Capitol Way / Downtown. Visit the City of Olympia website for additional parking options.
 Department of Social and Health Services is looking to spread the word about our Summer Internship Program. The application process is open NOW but closes March 3, 2023.
Summer opportunities are available to qualified applicants currently enrolled at an accredited postsecondary college, university, or specialized technical or trade school.
This video showcases the diverse range of social service areas students encounter through these internships. Learn more and apply if interested: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/4329718/dshs-college-student-paid-internship-program-summer-2024
February 13: United Way of King County presents Advancing Racial Equity: Revisiting Dr. King's Lost Speech from 6-7:30 p.m. at Rainier Arts Center. Join us to celebrate Black History Month and for an evening of advancing racial equity in King County. Come, listen, learn, and take action! Explore excerpts from one of Dr. Martin Luther King’s speeches, a treasure discovered in 2008. Our panelists include Colleen Echohawk, Jorge L. Barón, Marcus Boston, and Gordon McHenry, Jr.
February 14, various times: In partnership with members of the Thurston County Black community, the Governor’s Mansion Foundation (GMF) is recognizing the 2024 Black History Month theme “African Americans and the Arts.” During the one-hour tour, local Black artists, whose works are on display in the mansion’s gallery, will be showcased along with short performances of poetry and music. Make reservations online via the mansion tour request form. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Each tour is open to 25 guests and spots fill up fast.
February 15: Northwest African American Museum presents Black History Month Keynote with Dr. Doretha Williams from 6-8 p.m. Dr. Williams will be joined by her family history team from the Smithsonian Museum. She’ll discuss Black family history and genealogy. Dr. Williams' presentation honors NAAM's tradition of hosting a Smithsonian scholar for Black History Month.
February 15: The Hawk Foundation for Research and Education in African Culture, in partnership with the City of Olympia and Olympia School District, invite the community to join a celebration of Black history and heritage from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public and will feature presenters, music and food. Happening at the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts at South Puget Sound Community College. (event listing courtesy of Parent Map)
February 17: The BIMA Black History Month Soirée is a time to come together and celebrate Black culture with a night filled with music, art, and a special pop-up group of vendors from Seattle's Black Love Market. Indulge in a night of dancing while shopping Black-owned businesses and enjoying live music and performances. Grab a drink from the bistro, hit the dance floor, and surround yourself with community. From 6-10 p.m. at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art.
February 21: The Downtown Seattle YMCA presents Stamped from the Beginning, a thought-provoking journey that spans centuries, shedding light on the deeply rooted issues that have shaped the racial landscape in the United States. This documentary is a crucial watch for those seeking a deeper understanding of the historical forces influencing the ongoing struggle against racism. There will be viewings at 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. No RSVP is required – we hope to see you there.
February 24:
Celebrate Black History Month by learning how to piece together the stories of your ancestors, and bring them to life. Tacoma Family History Center is hosting a FREE genealogy workshop designed specifically for individuals with African American ancestry. This FREE workshop will be held February 24, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Tacoma Family History Center, 1102 S Pearl St. in Tacoma Washington. A free lunch will be served to attendees.
 A Free Workshop on Preserving the Cultural and Historical Records of Your Ethnic Community, Organizations, and Families.
Presented by archivists from the University of Washington Libraries. Learn how to get started documenting family and community history. Find project partners and resources. Featuring ideas for history projects and programs.
Register for the 7th Annual Kent We Are History Keepers Workshop
Saturday February 17, 2024 | 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Kent Commons Community Center, 525 4th Avenue North, Kent, Washington
This workshop is presented by the Ethnic Heritage Council and the University of Washington Libraries with the Greater Kent Historical Society.
The event is FREE and open to all! Registration is required!
 BUILD cordially invites and welcomes you to join us as we celebrate and recognize African Americans' historical contributions, culture, and great achievements during the annual observance of Black History Month. Virtual & In-Person!
Friday, February 23, 2024, from 1:30 pm to 5 pm
Northwest African American Museum
2300 S Massachusetts St
Free parking in the Northwest African American Museum parking lot/Free street parking
Please register by February 15th 2024.
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