Africatown Community Land Trust (ACLT)

Black joy. Black love. Black empowerment. Black business. Black Wall Street. Still reeling off the energy you brought to this week’s Honoring Our Black Wall Streets event where we celebrated our past and present brilliance and paid honor to those who have laid the foundations for our current success and future wins. Next up: JUNETEENTH FREEDOM FEST June 19th, 2024 Jimi Hendrix Park | 6-8PM VENDOR APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN NOW! Register to sponsor, vend or volunteer at or tap the link in profile. Thank you to our title sponsor @wellsfargo and our presenting sponsor @keybank and our many other partners and supporters who are helping to ensure the success of our summer events! 📸 | @the.elitecollective #blackwallstreetseattle #aclt #centraldistrict #africatownseattle #summerofsoulseries24 #summerofsoulseattle #juneteenthseattle

Save the date, mark your calendars and get ready to soak in the soulful vibes with community at Summer of Soul 2024 . Vendor applications are now officially open! Space is limited so get your applications in today! (SWIPE) You don't want to miss this opportunity to share your products and services with communities throughout the region Link in bio for all the details. Like, comment and share to help us spread the word about this unique community event! #SummerOfSoulSeattle2024 @africatownseattle @blackdotunion @africanprinttakeover @helloblackseattle @blackinpnw @metierbrewing @bobe.wa

Let’s rewind, shall we? We are elated to unveil our end-of-year campaign: ‘Build Legacy: Shaping Our Future Together.’ This is more than an invitation; it’s a call to join us on a profound journey, to write a story that will be told for generations. For us, legacy isn’t just something you leave-it’s what you live. Our city, known for its rich diversity and cultural vibrancy, faces a silent crisis that threatens to dim these bright faces. The shadows of displacement, rising housing costs, homelessness, violence and economic barriers loom, threatening to fray the fabric of our community. This is not the legacy we want to leave. In these challenges, we find our strongest resolve. ACLT, standing shoulder to shoulder with you, is working to ensure these threats do not win. With all that is uncertain in today’s world-one thing we are absolutely certain of? We CANNOT do this without your support. GIVE TODAY TO LIVE THE LEGACY YOU WANT TO LEAVE In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing stories of impact from those who have partnered with us and enabled us to continue this work as well as those who have benefitted from the support we have been able to provide. Our hope is that, as you listen to and read these stories of impact, you will be motivated to actively support the mission of ACLT through one-time or recurring giving. We are thrilled to have you join is on this journey and look forward to the coming weeks, months and hopefully years in partnership with you as we, together, realize the future of Seattle that we want to see. ☝🏽Don’t delay, give today via the link in profile or at /support-aclt-2. #aclt #africatownseattle #giving #nonprofitgiving #seattlenonprofit #wagives #givingtuesday #livinglegacy #legacy #blackseattle #seattlehousing #blacktech #blacktechseattle #seattleunhoused

Last month, Converge Media had the honor of partnering with @africatownlandtrust to capture an unforgettable #Juneteenth celebration! Hosted by our very own Trae Holiday (@traeholiday ) from #TheDayWithTrae , the event was a testament to our community's strength, resilience, and commitment to progress. We were especially proud to feature the final segment produced by the talented @besagordon before her leave. Besa's dedication and storytelling prowess have left an indelible mark on our work, and we are grateful for her contributions. The day was filled with meaningful discussions, the best in local and national performances and entertainment, and fueled a renewed dedication to addressing the challenges Seattle's Black community faced. With a median income disparity of 47% compared to white households, the importance of Africatown's mission to ensure equitable housing opportunities is clearer than ever. Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating Juneteenth, sharing your stories, and supporting this and so many other community events. Your presence and support are invaluable, and it's these moments and the work that you do that drive our community forward. Juneteenth is part of the broader Summer of Soul Series, which runs through Summer 2024 and capstones with UmojaFest on August 3rd and 4th. For more information about Summer of Soul events, visit and mark your calendars for Reunion on Union, coming up on July 21st from 2PM - 6PM happening on 23rd and Union. For more information on Africatown Community Land Trust's projects and programs, visit . "Community celebrating Juneteenth in Seattle's central district at Jimi Hendrix Park with performances and entertainment from local and national artists and community members who spoke of the significance of the community event in light of the many obstacles faced by those pushed out by gentrification" - via Africatown Community Land Trust #summerofsoulseattle #convergemedia #AfricatownCommunityLandTrust #Seattle #BlackExcellence #community #communitypower #BesaGordon #thedaywithtrae #SeattleEvents #SupportBlackCommunities

Seattle came alive this Juneteenth with a vibrant celebration of Black freedom, community, and culture during Africatown Community Land Trust’s Summer of Soul Juneteenth celebration hosted by Trae Holiday. The event, held at the iconic Jimi Hendrix Park, drew a diverse crowd eager to commemorate this important day in American history. Jimi Hendrix Park was filled with the sounds of live music, laughter, and the aroma of delicious food. Attendees enjoyed performances by local artists, including a special set by J.Holiday. Families participated in engaging activities like basketball and even horse riding, while vendors showcased their unique crafts and goods. The event was not just a celebration but also a testament to Seattle’s commitment to honoring its Black history and fostering community unity, all thanks to Africatown Community Land Trust. As Seattle’s largest Juneteenth celebration, the event served as a reminder of the progress made and the work still to be done. It was a day of reflection, joy, and community building, a true embodiment of the spirit of Juneteenth. Swipe left for more photos from this year’s Juneteenth Celebration at Jimi Hendrix Park below, taken by Jordan Somers (@tanzanicaphoto ) on behalf of Converge Media

Happy Father’s Day to the all heroes today who not only don’t wear capes but who selflessly give of themselves - asking for nothing in return but who deserve all the love, care, compassion and gratitude in the world. May your hearts experience peace + joy and your naps be long today. ☺️ #fathersday #fathersday2024 #seattlefathers #qotd

Tell a friend to tell a friend - we’re doing it (bigger and better) again. 🫵🏽📌✅REGISTER TODAY!! (Admission is free with RSVP) Grab your SOS MERCH while you’re there, too. 😉💥💥💥 Juneteenth Fest is merely ONE WEEK away and we are thrilled to bring you the best on local and national entertainment and performances this year. Featuring performances from - @ambientvillage @shainashepherdmusic @zainatvofficial @maribased1official @taliwhoah and @skyedior Freedom + Reparations Panel w/ @deadprez . With DJ’s @tazzenrico DJ Moni @djjaycee313 and @dj.topspin to keep the sounds and vibes top tier all event-long. Where will you be this Juneteenth? We know where we’ll be. Join us next week at Jimi Hendrix Park from 12-8PM for a celebration and call to action with @kingcountyequitynow . REGISTER TO ATTEND, VOLUNTEER OR VEND TODAY VIA THE LINK IN PROFILE! (Registration is free with RSVP) A special thanks to all of our sponsors @wellsfargo (Title Sponsor) @centralareacollaborative @gglodesign @seattleeconomy @keybank @portofseattle and the many others providing the support necessary to help us keep this going and for backing our mission to build a more equitable future for Seattle’s Black communities. #juneteenth #seattle #seattlejuneteenth #seattleevents #communityevents #seattleweekend #centraldistrict #africatownseattle #equity #seattlehousing #seattleequity

#BlackWallStreet - Africatown Community Land Trust held its annual Black Wall Street Market as part of The Summer of Soul Series. The event transformed 23rd and Jackson into Seattle’s own Black Wall Street, with over 100 Black businesses celebrating the rich history of Black commercial centers. The market featured Vibe Bingo and the Double Dutch Divas, creating a dynamic celebration of culture and community. Besa Gordon of Back2Besa connected with leaders like K. Wyking Garrett, Trae Holiday, Kiesha Garrison, and Darnesha Bowman, who shared their visions for empowering Seattle’s Black community. The Black Wall Street Market is part of the Summer of Soul Series, which includes events like Reunion on Union, Juneteenth celebrations, and UmojaFest. Learn more at africatownlandtrust.org. This segment was initially aired on Back2Besa (@back2besatv ) on @FOX13Seattle . See past episodes and segments at whereweconverge.com/back2besa and on the FOX Local app. Head over to bit.ly/watchfoxlocal to learn how to download the free FOX Local app and watch Back2Besa all over the nation.

#BlackWallStreet - Some of the most respected names in Seattle’s Black business community came together last week at @byrdbarrplace in the #CentralDistrict for Africatown Community Land Trust’s Building Black Wall Street Mixer + Chat. The mixer was hosted by author @thedebrena and keynoted by Central District business icon, Lewis Rudd, co-founder of @ezells_chicken . Before the panel discussion began, ACLT President and CEO @wykingbuilds gave a historic overview of Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma as well as the history of Black business in the Central District and also offered insights as to what ACLT is currently doing to further develop a Black business district in the Central District and beyond. Next was the panel part of the evening and it was comprised of several distinguished Black business owners including @veronicaverydavis of Wonder of Women Intl, @dameparle of Communion R&B, Rodney Hines of @metierbrewing , and @monikashyne of QueenCare Products and was moderated by TV host @jaymartinjr from PBS. The panelist all shared some of their business journey especially the challenges they faced and how they overcame them as well as advice for up and coming entrepreneurs. Also in the building that night was Seattle City Councilmember @joyhollings who represents the Central District. Hollingsworth shared sobering numbers about the net worth of Black people in Seattle but also shared a collective vision how developing more Black owned businesses and creating more access to capital are key to turning those numbers around. The Building Black Wall Street Mixer + Chat was part of Africatown Community Land Trust’s Summer of Soul Series running through the summer of 2024 and includes events like Reunion on Union, Juneteenth, as well as UmojaFest. To learn more visit / #BlackMediaMatters #back2Besa #BuildingBlackWealth #SupportBlackBusiness

Last night’s Honoring Our Black Wall Streets Seattle Business Mixer + Chat was nothing less than amazing. As we reflect on both the significance and impact of this event, we can’t help but express our deepest gratitude to our wonderful sponsors and community partners - especially our Summer of Soul Title Sponsor @wellsfargo and our SOS 2024 Title Sponsor @keybank . Without community, we are not powered to move this mission forward. We’d like to take a moment to thank our program participants - @thedebrena , our emcee for the night, @jaymartinjr , Panel Conversation Facilitator, Monika Mathews of @queencareproducts_1 , Rodney Hines of @metierbrewing , Damon Bomar of @communionseattle and Veronica Very of @wowgalleryexp and the many other resource providers and partner from @seattleeconomy @centralareacollaborative @wastatecommerce as well as our event space host - @byrdbarrplace . Your unwavering support and generous contributions were instrumental in bringing this event to life and fostering a space for meaningful connections and discussions. Thank you for standing with us and supporting the growth and success of our community. Together, we are making strides towards a brighter future. NEXT UP: Honoring Our Black Wall Streets event on Monday, May 27 at 23rd and Jackson. Come Join us for this monumental event and opportunity to continue your support of Seattle’s Black business community. Admission is free with RSVP. Register via the link in profile. IMAGE 1-6 CREDIT | Erik Wilson @contemporaryloveaffair #HonoringBlackWallStreets #CommunitySupport #ThankYouSponsors #EventSuccess

It’s officially May and that can only mean one thing - Summer of Soul officially kicks off in just a few more weeks, beginning with Honoring Our Black Wall Streets on May 27th. Summer of Soul aims to bring community together in ways that provide opportunities for meaningful connection and growth, year after year. You don’t need to take our word for it, though. The community agrees - this is a time we all look forward to and need. Tap the link in bio for more information about all SOS events as well as information about how you can become a vendor, volunteer or sponsor. You may also visit . Thank you to our Summer of Soul Sponsors: @wellsfargo - TITLE SPONSOR @keybank - PRESENTING @lisc_hq @deltadentalwa #summerofsoulseattle #summerofsoul2024 #seattleevents #seattle #pnwevents #pnwsummer #summereventsseattle #summerevents #blackseattle #communityeventsseattle #communityevents

For Lillian Rambus, Black Wall Street isn’t just another fun event, it’s an opportunity to shape and experience legacy in the making for many of our Black businesses. As a Black business owner of her family owned business - Simply Soulful - for a decade now, Rambus understands the importance of supporting and building strong foundations that provide proper resources that enable entrepreneurs to build a legacy that can continue for generations to come. Join us on May 27th from 1PM - 6PM as we take over 23rd and Jackson showcasing some of Seattle’s best in Black business and services across the region. Join us this year as a vendor, sponsor or volunteer as we continue to build opportunities for Seattle’s Black businesses and entrepreneurs to grow and thrive. For more information and to register, tap the link in profile or visit . Thank you to this year’s Summer of Soul sponsors and supporters: @wellsfargo - TITLE SPONSOR @keybank - PRESENTING @lisc_hq @deltadentalwa LIKE COMMENT AND SHARE THIS POST. Help us spread the word about this and our many Summer of Soul events this summer. #summerofsoulseattle #seattle #summer #events #seattleevents #africatownseattle #blackwallstreetseattle #blackwallstreet #supportsmallbusiness