Celebrating Our Community: Experiencing Black Puyallup
BY JMARIE JOHNSON-KOLA
On February 1, 2022, history was made in the City of Puyallup. For the very first time, February was officially proclaimed as Black History Month.
Stop! Read that again.
For the very first time, February was officially proclaimed as Black History Month.
Black History Month first originated as part of an initiative by writer and educator Carter G Woodson, who launched Negro History Week in 1926. In 1976, as a part of the nation’s bicentennial, Black History Week was expanded and became established as Black History Month, and is now celebrated all over North America, Canada, and Great Britain.
In Puyallup, a diverse and dedicated group of community leaders have joined together to ensure the first-ever Black History Celebration on February 25 and 26 is wonderful, welcoming to all, fun, and free.
At Puyallup’s first ever community-wide Black History Celebration, every one of your senses will be lit up with awe and appreciation. It has been created to be a full body experience that appeals to all the senses. You will see the art, hear the music, taste and smell the food, and be touched by the beauty and brilliance of your Black neighbors.
To maintain the health and safety of our guests, this event will comply with CDC and state guidelines.
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Friday, February 25, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Pre-Event Seminars focusing on COVID in The Black Community and Black Mental Health will be presented and a light meal will be served.
Saturday, February 26, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The Culminating Celebration of a month-long Community Celebration will feature:
- Kouyate Arts
- The Buffalo Soldiers Museum
- The Melanated Market
- Velvet’s Big Easy New Orleans Cajun and Creole Cuisine, and much, much more!
Event Location:
Puyallup Nazarene Church
1026 7th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA 98371
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From the first day of February to the last, the Puyallup community will celebrate Black History! Some additional planned events include, but are not limited to:
- The City of Puyallup Proclamation that February is Black History Month
- Pierce County Proclamation that February is Black History Month
- The Puyallup/Sumner Chamber of Commerce Spotlighting Black Businesses
- The Puyallup Library sponsoring A Community Read Challenge of Ta-Nehisi Coats’ Between the World and Me
- The Puyallup Library giving away books by Black Authors during their Big Book Bonanza
- The South Hill Mall partnering with Melanated Market for a special exhibit
- The YMCA creating a special display in honor of Black History Month
Community Partners include:
- The Puyallup Community Foundation
- Puyallup School District
- Lisa Gerber
- Eric Molano
- Deon Moyd
- The City of Puyallup City Manager Steve Kirkelie
- County Executive Bruce Dammeier
Financial Supporters include:
- Diverse Community Connectors
- Waste Management
- Red Canoe
- Hans Zeiger
We invite you to meet the team that made all this possible and find out how you can support this historic effort by accessing the link below.
Celebrating Our Community: Experiencing Black Puyallup Tickets, Puyallup | Eventbrite
If you have any questions or comments, please call or text JMarie Johnson-Kola at (425) 903-0614 or email her at jmarie@acommunityconnected.com.
