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 are now open for public access.
*Ask about health and safety protocols as all are subject to change.
Visits are by appointment only on Fridays 11:30am-2:30pm.
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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IN THE NEWS
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Confronting Hate Together Exhibition Update
A Message From the BHS President
August 12, 2024
DEAR BHS MEMBERS, FRIENDS, AND COMMUNITY,
Thank you to all who have reached out with inquiries and concern for the Black Heritage Society of Washington State (BHS) regarding our community partnership with The Wing Luke Museum and the Washington State Jewish Historical Society for Confronting Hate Together (CHT). Much has happened since August 2023 when BHS joined the effort to support a call to action to challenge the harm and hate that touches us all.
It is important that we bring clarity to our partnership in CHT. BHS shows up as a respected stakeholder within the Black community to represent our mission as protectors of history and legacies with no assumptions that we speak or act on behalf of the entire Black community for the CHT campaign.
This update is not so much about a response to a recent public statement issued on August 8, 2024, that questions our allyship and tenacity for when times get tough. At our core is cross-community respect for all cultures and understanding for collective struggle and togetherness. Far from the truth of our core is the lack of empathy or transparency in our purpose with particular regard to what history tells us about turning a blind eye to hate and how turning away serves to perpetuate harm. BHS is not stuck in its purpose but flows in real time as the world makes history every day.
BHS joined CHT to support open dialogue, advocate for active listening, and encourage a call to action against hate and harm. In a world where multiple truths do exist based on our experiences, learning, and cultural differences we are all challenged to self- evaluate and find empathy for one another even though we may disagree on a singular path to an understanding for what we hold in common.
At BHS we are following our path and purpose. We have been good and tolerant partners in CHT. The pop- up exhibition that is a series of panels will not open at The Wing Luke Museum but will go on the road for a temporary installation at a venue that will be determined and monitored by WSJHS. BHS is proud of what we have contributed to both the pop-up and online exhibit that hosts a four-part series of podcasts. There is a link below to the digital exhibit. All is meant to generate conversations and encourage action to challenge and heal harm, a lesson in understanding for all of us.
CHT Online Exhibit and Podcast Here
Words are not enough to express the gratitude we have at BHS for our fiscal sponsor at The Wing Luke Museum, the writers, editors, interns, consulting staff, and funders whose contributions have been great to CHT. Thank you.
And, thank you, to all the believers and justice-seekers who are invested in a world where differences and freedom of speech are not stifled. Stay vigilant.
We are History Keepers.
Always in community,
Stephanie Johnson-Toliver, President
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Converge Media is documenting Washington State Black History.
Jessa Thomas, 2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Washington State.
Watch the trailer – Facing the Reign – with more to follow soon.
It is our honor at BHS to support Queen Jessa Thomas.
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BLACK WASHINGTON
An African American History App developed at Washington State Historical Society.
Tap into Washington State stories, landmarks, and icons.
Guess What? There’s a feature that allows YOU to add to this resource.
Check it out and get the App here.
CONGRATULATIONS!
BLACK Washington is the recipient of the 2024 AASLH Award of Excellence.
BHS is proud of its ongoing contributions that supports this important resource.
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Community Landmarks Cohort at BHS
Cohort members with BHS President, Stephanie Johnson-Toliver are
Chardonnay Beaver, Ethelmarie Hubbard, Ariel Paine,
Kennesha Poe-Buycks, and Mercedes Robinson
Also pictured are consultants Taha Ebrahimi, Zola Mumford, and Jackie Peterson
with Taelore Rhoden, Historic Seattle Community Events Mgr.
BHS in partnership with Historic Seattle is proud to introduce the Community Landmarks Cohort. A successful 2022 donor campaign is funding awareness and skills-building for understanding the process to nominate African American heritage sites.
The series was funded in part by King County 4Culture.
Did you know that less than 2% of Seattle landmarks are relevant to
African American history and legacies?
2024 ANNUAL HISTORY KEEPER MEMBERSHIPS
Photo courtesy of BHS Member William Krossen
Renew your annual membership or
become a new member today.
THANK YOU, LIFE MEMBERS!
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
