Welcome,
The Black Heritage Society of Washington State, Inc. was first proposed in 1977 and became incorporated in 1982. Preserving, collecting and sharing the history of African Americans in Washington State are the priorities that shape the BHS mission.
BHS collections are a protected resource and public asset that archives the past and present to inform the future. The Society recognizes the importance for documenting the culture and heritage of Black people statewide, and advocates for saving places to uphold the notion that Washington State history is an essential link in the broader narrative that defines the story of our nation.
Preserving our past ~ Informing our future
Access to the Archive
BHS Jacqueline E.A. Lawson Resource Center and Archive is open for public visits.
Visits by appointment on Fridays 11:30am-2:30pm. *Ask about other weekday options.
INQUIRIES and APPOINTMENTS
Email: blackheritagesocietywa@gmail.com
Resource Center Message Phone: 206 324-1126 x190
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 28647 Seattle, WA 98118
Physical Address by Appointment: 5933 6th Ave S Seattle, WA 98108
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UPCOMING EVENTS
and EXHIBITIONS
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NOW AT MOHAI
MANDELA: THE OFFICIAL EXHIBITION
From The Royal House of Mandela
May 24 – September 7, 2025
Exceptional Exhibition!
A Seattle component complements the exhibit.
Public Programs Coincide With This Exhibition
co-sponsored with BHS
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SAVE THE DATE
12th Annual Jackson Street Jazz Walk
Saturday, September 6, 2025
20 Bands I 9 Community Stages
Tickets: https://givebutter.com/JacksonStreetJazzWalkTickets
All Access $35 Day of $40
(Early bird $30 to August 15)
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ARTE NOIR 3rd Anniversary Gala – FADE TO BLACK
Saturday, September 20, 2025
Tickets Here …Don’t miss the fun!
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Wa Na Wari Walk the Block
Saturday, September 27, 2025
You’ve been waiting for this!
Link to event experience
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BHS in the News
Because it was a wonderful day…we’re highlighting,
Inspired by Eunice Johnson
a BHS event partnered and sponsored in part by Getty
to highlight the Johnson Publishing Company archive.
On Sunday, June 29, 2025 at the Washington Hall Ballroom, BHS welcomed guests
and acknowledged Mrs. Josephine Stokes for her liaison to Ebony Fashion Fair
during the era of Eunice Walker Johnson. 
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ALL THAT JAZZ!
Not Just Any Trail…Seattle Jazz History.
It’s self-guided whether you walk it or enjoy online.
Jazz Trail Website Here…waypoints and history.
Watch a Converge Media production
archived at Back2Besa on FOX13.
Click the photo for a teaser.
International Sweethearts_at Black & Tan Club_1944
MOHAI Al Smith Collection
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KCTV takes the King County Metro Transit
Bus Shelter Project in Seattle’s Central Area
to another level.
Routed in History was developed in partnership with
KC Metro Transit, RieImagine Solutions, and BHS.
-supported in part by 4Culture, HCAACD & MOHAI-
5 of 7 shelter video clips are here. Click the image to view.
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2025 ANNUAL HISTORY KEEPER MEMBERSHIPS
Photo courtesy of William Krossen
Renew your annual membership or
become a new member today!
Your membership sustains the archive and supports community outreach.
Membership levels available.
You can join now on the website or by mail:
Black Heritage Society of Washington State
P. O. Box 28647
Seattle, WA 98118
Thank You for supporting
Washington State Black History.
Black Heritage Society of Washington State, Inc.
is a registered 501 c 3 nonprofit organization.
BHS Supporting Organizations
BHS Affiliations
