Formed and Coordinate the Annual Celebration of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs & Freedom –

 

August 28, 2018, MLKCC hosted the 55th Anniversary March on Washington for Jobs & Freedom. The theme was “Reflecting Back…Marching Forward” which held the first march & rally on Rev. Dr. Samuel Berry McKinney Ave (19th Ave.) from Union Street to Mount Zion Baptist Church on Madison Street. It included a free reception featuring a variety of ethnic dishes and the main program speakers were elected officials, faith based and community leaders. The Washington State Civil Rights Coalition presented the MLK Social Justice and Inclusion Award to John Creighton, Seattle Port Commissioner from 2006-2017 and posthumously to Elouise Pepion Cobell former Blackfoot Nation Elder & Treasurer. The program was dedicated in memory of the late Rev. Dr. Samuel Berry McKinney. He was the Honorary Chairperson of the April 4, 2018, 50th Anniversary of the Assassination of Rev. Dr. King, “A Day of Remembrance”. There were over 1,000 participants.   

 

On August 28, 2019, at Mt. Zion, the 56th Anniversary of the March on Washington was held. The theme was “I -1000 Together Toward Tomorrow” featuring the commemorative March from Union Str. to Madison Str. on Rev. Dr. S. McKinney Ave., formerly 19th and a free dinner reception with a variety of ethnic dishes, followed by the commemoration program with elected officials, faith based, and community leaders. Awards were conferred on four (4) local Civil Rights Leaders. The Community Leaderships Award - Rev. Dr. Carey G. Anderson, Senior Pastor First AME Church, Change Agent Award – Nate Jackson, Sponsor of Initiative 1000 (I- 1000), Community/Public Agency Collaboration Award – Luis Navarro, Director Office of Social Responsibility, Port of Seattle, and Community Service Award – Rev. Harriett Walden, Founder Mothers for Police Accountability.

 

August 28, 2020 The 57th Anniversary was held as a live-streamed event. The theme was “Black Lives Matter YESTERDAY, TODAY & TOMORROW” the program highlighted the history of the Civil Rights Movement and the Unbroken Line of White Supremacy in America. Seven (7) awards were presented to local civil rights leaders that accomplishments embody the principles that guided Dr. King in the struggle for socio-economic justice.

 

The Awards presented were named after local departed Civil Rights Legends:

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• Roberto Maestas Young Leadership Award to Bobby Alexander, 2016 Chair of the MLK Seattle Organizing Coalition while completing his Law Degree 

• Edwin Pratt Community Service Award to Black Lives Matter Seattle King County, for focusing on dismantling anti black systems and policies of oppression,

• Tyree Scott Ordinary Labor Worker Award to Rev. Lawrence Willis, President of the United Black Christian Clergy, and establishing the Urban League Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program,

• Aki Kurose Public Agency Award to Leslie Jones, for her leadership at Sound Transit in championing diversity, inclusion and social equity in contracting,

• Jeri Ware Educational Advocacy Award to Sarah Sense-Wilson, Founder & Chair of Urban Native Education Alliance providing culturally relevant educational support to Native /Indigenous youth, 

• DeCharlene Williams Distinguish Business Award to Lewis Rudd, President Ezell’s Chicken for his leadership in developing entrepreneurial support groups, and helping numerous organizations who serve the less fortunate, and

• The Bernie Whitebear Legacy Award to Diane Narasaki, for her leadership, of over 20 years, as Executive Director of the Asian Counseling & Referral Services (ACRS) as well as a recipient of numerous local and national recognitions and awards.