Archives for June 11, 2020

Black Lives Matter marches on Friday, June 12

Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County has called for a statewide day of action on Friday, June 12. In Seattle proper the main event is a silent march from Judkins Park south to Jefferson Park on 23rd Avenue S. People are asked to gather starting at 1 PM at Judkins Park, with the march itself starting at 2 PM. Closing remarks will be held at Jefferson Park once the march has arrived.

Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County event graphic for the March of Silence on Friday, Jule 12.

The event page for the march includes an order to the march, rules for the march (including COVID-19 considerations), additional safety precautions being taken by the organizers, and contact information regarding donations and donation needs.

Locally, in Northeast Seattle, we know of three four five six events happening (please add others in the comments, and we will add them into the main post below):

  • Stand Up Along 65th. The event that started on Friday, June 5 will be held again this Friday, and subsequent Fridays, along NE 65th Street, starting at 4:00 pm. Neighbors and families are invited to stand along NE 65th Street either near their homes, in one of the business areas on 65th (being mindful of those businesses which are open), or to gather near larger intersections (25th, 20th, 15th).
  • Solidarity with General Strike for Black Lives. This event is organized by the John Rogers Elementary School PTA and is set to begin at 5:30 PM at 35th Avenue NE and NE 110th Street (near the fields at Nathan Hale High School).
  • Black Lives Matter in Victory Heights. The Victory Heights Blog reports that community members will be gathering at the corner of NE Northgate Way and 19th Avenue NE from 5-6 PM.
  • UW Medical Center Rally in Support of Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County’s Statewide Silent March and General Strike. From noon until 1 PM, UWMC staff are invited to a BLM strike alternative in front of the “W” sign at Montlake and Pacific or a couple locations on the Northwest Hospital campus. (Thank you, Dr. Andrew Wright.)
  • 35th Ave Socially Distanced Demonstration in Support of Black Lives. Also being repeated this Friday is a standing demonstration in Wedgwood along 35th Avenue NE, between about NE 55th and NE 95th Streets, or wherever it makes sense for your family or group. (Thank you, Linsey.)
  • Silent March. Meet at NE 65th St and 35th Avenue NE at 1:50 PM and march silently to NE 75th St and 40th Ave NE and back. Found this one on Think Big Wedgwood, a new local website that as popped up in the last week specifically around the subject of racism. At this time we are not sure who is behind it, but here is their FAQ.

Specifically here in Ravenna, we would like to call out two local businesses: Zeeks Pizza, who supported last week’s event with some free slices but will be closed this Friday throughout Seattle and Tacoma “in solidarity with the BLM march“; and NE 65th Street restauranteur Edouardo Jordan, who had the following advice for those standing along 65th and/or protesting in business areas as businesses reopen:

And speaking of “the beacon that has always made noise,” Jordan is one of four Black chefs featured in a piece this week by Nicole Taylor for the New York Times, “A Juneteenth of Joy and Resistance.” Read about this way-way-way-overdue-designated-national-holiday, and what it means to four different Black chefs in America this year.