The Seattle Griot Project

Washington State Black Legacy Institute
Inspire, Empower & Activate through History.

The Business Festival during Kwanzaa is the vibrant manifestation of Unity, Self-Determination & Cooperative Economics. Through small business showcases, financial literacy workshops, tech training, cultural performances, and marketing interviews, we aim to empower, inspire entrepreneurship, bridge educational gaps, and foster collaboration. Come and Join Us!

From Dec. 29th, 2pm -7pm, Dec. 30th, 11am-7pm & Dec. 31st, 11am-5pm
2656 42nd Avenue SW Seattle WA 98116

This project is funded in part by a Neighborhood matching fund award from the Seattle Department of
Neighborhoods, 4Culture grant and a Office of Arts and Culture grant.
The Seattle Griot Project is fiscally sponsored by Shunpike.

The Washington State Black Legacy Institute (WSBLI) The Black Community is coming together to remember!

Open house 8-20-2023 3pm to 6pm

Today we conducted our 60th interview. The elders continue to lay down the groundwork for our community. Thank you all for keeping those memories of yesterday to tell the children of tomorrow.

Embark on a transformative journey with the Seattle Griot Project's Visionary Acquisition Plan! Our new home, the historic Sanctuary at Admiral, will be the heartbeat of our mission. Nestled in the vibrant Admiral District of West Seattle, this iconic venue will serve as a cultural sanctuary where stories unfold and traditions thrive. With your support, we'll transform this architectural gem into a dynamic space, amplifying the voices of our community and connecting generations. Together, let's unlock the power of heritage, foster understanding, and celebrate the rich tapestry of our shared history. Join us as we shape a brighter future at the crossroads of tradition and innovation. Experience the essence of the Seattle Griot Project at the Sanctuary at Admiral!

A few of the most recent of community's interviews

When the Sankofa Theater in Seattle presented the Maafa Experience, it featured a talented ensemble of over 100 local performers, singers, musicians, and young artists from both New York and various parts of South and West Africa. The Sankofa Theater Company had a captivating and unique narrative to share.

The Seattle production stood out for its theatrical focus, skillfully combining spoken word, live drummers, dance, and captivating visuals. Erwin Thomas, one of the actors in the production, highlighted the remarkable dedication of the cast, who rehearsed six days a week for six weeks, from 6 to 10 p.m. The demands on the artists and the cast were significant, providing new learning experiences for those who had not previously performed. Thomas expressed his awe at being part of the African community and having the opportunity to tell their story, describing the intense rehearsals as a transformative journey that brought the cast together as an extraordinary family.

The Seattle Griot Project captured the event on film and skillfully edited the performances from 2003 and 2004, aiming to "reclaim" the experience for generations who hadn't witnessed it directly. The Maafa Experience will be showcased on June 17th at 3:30 p.m. at Columbia City Theater, with doors opening at 3 p.m. We invite you to join us, but please note that seating is limited. We encourage you to seize this opportunity as the event is open to the public and admission is free.

4916 Rainier AVE South Seattle WA 98118
https://youtu.be/j6OQsAyPj_8

Kwanzaa is around the corner but the call of our people to implement the 7 Principles is DAILY!
Revisiting this gem where our future shines in reciting what Kwanzaa means to them. We cant wait to release all that is being worked toward currently! It is a journey...purpose and progress make for Divine Presentation.

Kwanzaa Archive 2004 | VIDEOS ARCHIVE This is the presentation version of Seattle Vocational Institute's Business winter festival excerpts. This short will give you a glimpse into the contents of the archives within the Seattle Griot's Project.

In 2003-2004 Roger Evans was the Lead videographer filming the play of the Maafa Experience. So here at The Seattle Griot Project we will be creating and posting content from those days and even more recently from the Maafa commemoration of 2021 as well. Please stay tuned.
https://youtu.be/OMhsSfpuup8
https://youtu.be/jgrmjEK_3B0

2004 Maafa Experience Review Extended version Sung by Felicia Loud in 2003 this is a short clip summary of the LIBERATION DANCE featuring Shirley Black Brown Coward choreographed by Jamel Gaines.

Greetings! We are in search of computer proficient black history enthusiasts who want to be involved in documenting historical events and preserving paper artifacts. This work will be about the Blacks in the state of Washington who have built community here. We envision bringing this information into schools as curriculum. Pay is low but higher than minimum wage, i am hoping the benefit to the community will make up for it. We are seeking in our past, the gems necessary to bring us closer to a solution...a bright future!

Please call or email if interested.

Roger
www.theseattlegriotproject.com
[email protected]

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