"The legal system can force open doors and sometimes even knock down walls. But it cannot build bridges. That job belongs to you and me."
— Thurgood Marshall (July 2, 1908 – January 24, 1993), first Black Justice of the United States Supreme Court
[NOTE: Scroll down for Black History Month events across Washington State]
The story of Black America is one of extraordinary resilience, achievement, and an unwavering commitment to justice. From Reconstruction's brief flowering of democracy, when African Americans freed from slavery established schools, businesses, and democratic institutions, through the Civil Rights Movement's victories, to today's continuing pursuit of equity, Black communities have built bridges to justice.
We see this legacy in our legal aid work: the warehouse worker organizing her colleagues to challenge workplace discrimination, following in the footsteps of A. Philip Randolph and the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters; the home healthcare worker fighting for professional dignity, echoing the demands of Dorothy Lee Bolden and the National Domestic Workers Union; the mother resisting an illegal eviction, channeling the spirit of civil rights and housing activist Dorothy Height, who declared, “If the time is not ripe, we have to ripen the time.”
Yet, significant barriers to justice remain and loom larger as new federal policies erode hard won gains. In addition, the Black-White wealth gap persists – 85% in 2022, barely changed from 86% in 1992. It reflects systemic barriers built over generations, from discriminatory lending practices to redlining to educational inequities.
The racial wealth gap in 2022:
- White households: average wealth of $284,310
- Hispanic households: $62,120 (78% gap vs white households)
- Black households: $44,100 (85% gap vs white households)
For the U.S. overall, the wealth gap is also formidable: In 2024, the wealthiest 1% of families held 28% of wealth; families at the bottom half of the economy held 5.5%.
It makes sense, therefore, that race and economic status are the biggest predictors of who faces legal problems and of who has legal representation in civil legal matters – whether workplace discrimination, eviction, foreclosure, debt or family security.
Southwest Washington shows how these disparities play out. For example, Clark County's Black workers face both higher unemployment (7.8% compared to 5.1% overall) and lower average earnings ($53,587 compared to $67,016 overall).
Throughout history, Black communities have responded to systemic barriers with systemic solutions – building mutual aid networks, establishing freedom schools, creating economic cooperatives, and developing legal strategies and mass movements to challenge racial and economic inequities in every facet of life.
Following this tradition, NJP works today on multiple fronts: standing with individuals fighting for their legal rights to meet basic human needs while also leveraging the law for systems change from strengthening anti-discrimination enforcement to building equitable training and advancement opportunities into legal settlements.
As we celebrate Black History Month, we recognize that while the legal system can force open doors, building lasting bridges to justice requires the kind of sustained commitment, community solidarity, and unwavering hope that have characterized Black Americans’ long journey toward freedom and equality.
Black History Month Events
Seattle:
Call to Conscience Black History Museum
Feb 1–28, 2025 | Columbia City Theater
Rainier Avenue Radio continues its tradition of celebrating Black excellence with a pop-up museum and a full month of programming inside the Columbia City Theater. Events and installations—both historic and contemporary—center everything from Ezell’s Famous Chicken’s founding family to the Seattle Black Panther Party.
BE Great Celebration
Feb 6 -7, 2025 | Occidental Square
Occidental Square transforms into a nexus of celebration thanks to a stage filled with local musicians, a market featuring small Black-owned businesses, and soul food to keep the energy going into the weekend.
Coloring Outside the Lines
Feb 8–22, 2025 | Northwest African American Museum
The Central District museum touts two new art exhibits alongside a month of programming designed to showcase limitless Black artistry. From a cultural talk (The Oprah Effect: A Conversation with Black Women Media Trailblazers) to art workshops crafting yarn earrings and candles, the month is full of inspiration and artistic celebration.
WSBLI Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony & Black History Art Exhibition
Feb. 1-28, 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; exhibition runs Monday–Saturday through Feb. 28
The Washington State Black Legacy Institute is unveiling a new art exhibition at its new digs in West Seattle and inviting the public to celebrate the occasion at a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The exhibition can be viewed during open hours through Feb. 28.
Tacoma:
Black History Month Activities at People's Community Center
Feb. 1–28 | People's Community Center
The People’s Center in Tacoma has free family activities and events happening all month long in celebration of African American achievement. Kids can take part in daily trivia and open art projects.
We the People and the American Dream
Feb 20, 2025 | Washington State History Museum
An evening program of music and conversation celebrates the Civil Rights Movement and solidarity efforts from 1866 to 2025. A panel led by Lee Warnecke of the Southern Poverty Law Center, former Tacoma mayor Bill Baarsma, and others will converse before answering audience questions.
The Black Night Market: Fourth Annual Black History Month Market
Feb 23, 2025, 12 – 6 p.m. | Mount Tahoma High School
Come and support BIPOC businesses and performing artists during this third annual event! Located inside of the commons area of Mount Tahoma High School, anyone is welcome to this free community event that is family-friendly
Tacoma Public Library: Black History Month Events
Feb 1-27, 2025 | Multiple Branches
Join Tacoma Public Library in celebrating Black History Month with curated events, booklists, and online resources. Highlighted events include Black History Month Scavenger Hunt at multiple branches, family story times featuring Black/African American authors, movie screenings of award-winning films, a panel discussion on racial equity and social justice, and more.
Vancouver:
iUrban Teen Black History Month Celebrations
Feb. 1-15, 2025, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | iUrban Teen
Join iUrban Teen in celebrating & honoring community members who have contributed to Black history, art, engineering, health, and music. All Black History Month celebrations are open for youth and community members. Join us to learn about energy & engineering, health and wellness, and the history of our Buffalo Soldiers in the Pacific NW and nationwide.
- Feb 1: Empowering Black Excellence: Join energy and engineering partners as we celebrate and share information & resources on how to be part of these amazing career fields.
- Feb 8: Health and Wellness: Information & Resources for the Community
- Feb 15: Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts: Join iUrban Teen and Director Dru Holley in a showing of his documentary about the Buffalo Soldiers. Popcorn and treats are provided for all attendees.
They Want Our Rhythm, but Not Our Blues: African American Innovation through Pop Culture
Feb. 2, 2025, 6-8 p.m. | O.O Howard House
Reflecting on music, sports, language, food, and even hair, this talk calls audiences in beyond the rhythm to recognize the blues that made African American popular culture. It serves as a guide to appreciating the art of Black pop culture by understanding how and why African American culture was created, and when and where it appears across multiple platforms of popular culture—never without a unique artisan style.
Spokane:
Black Voices Symposium
Feb. 10, 7 p.m. | Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center
Celebrating Black History Month, Northwest Passages and The Black Lens present the fourth annual Spokane Black Voices Symposium. African American students from the Spokane area will be presenting their work, focused on the theme: Powered by Courage.
Poetry Rising: Celebrate Black History Month
Feb. 10, 6 p.m., South Hill Library (3324 S. Perry St.)
Celebrate Black History Month with poets Stephen Pitters, Gaye Hallman, Stephanie Noble Beans, jazz singer Inez Rahman, and author Teresa Brooks.
Bainbridge Island:
Radiant Reflections: Celebrating the Beauty of the African Diaspora
Daily, through Feb. 23 | Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
Head to Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) to check out a group exhibition which celebrates Black identity, culture and experience across the African diaspora through art.
Black History Month Soiree 2025
Feb 22, 2025, 6-10 p.m. | Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
The Black History Month Soirée is a time to come together and celebrate Black culture with a night filled with music, art, and a special pop-up group of vendors from Seattle’s Black Love Market. Indulge in a night of dancing while shopping Black-owned businesses and enjoying live music and performances. Grab a drink from the bistro, hit the dance floor, and surround yourself with community.
Free admission, all ages, $10 suggested donation. All are welcome!
Olympia:
Self-Guided Olympia Area Black Pioneers Walking Tour
This self-guided tour through Olympia and Tumwater includes 11 historical sites, with an introduction to important people in Olympia’s history. Take the whole family for an engaging walk through history.
Olympia Black History Month Celebration
Feb. 15, 2024, 5:30–8:30 p.m.| Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts, South Puget Sound Community College
The Hawk Foundation for Research and Education in African Culture, in partnership with the City of Olympia and Olympia School District, invite the community to join a celebration of Black history and heritage. The event is free and open to the public and will feature presenters, music and food.
Everett:
Everett Community College Black History Month Events
Feb. 5-25, 2025 | Multiple events | Everett Community College
Everett Community College's 2025 Black History Month events celebrate this year’s theme of “African Americans & Labor Rights.” Join us for cultural festivities including food, captivating arts, educational programs, community building, and inclusive spaces for all students, faculty, staff, admin, and campus community to learn and enjoy. Together we will honor the profound impact of African and African American contributions throughout history and today. Open to all EvCC students, faculty, staff, admins, and campus community. Snacks and light refreshments will be available.
Imagine Children’s Museum February Art Hangouts
Feb 1-25, 2025, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Imagine Children’s Museum
Celebrate Black History Month with us in the Art Hang Out on the second floor of Imagine Children’s Museum! This February, we’re honoring the creativity and contributions of Black artists and traditions through a series of hands-on art projects. All activities are included with museum admission and facilitated by our talented museum staff. No reservations are needed—just drop in and create during our regular business hours!