What started as a conversation about how a former Minneapolis police officer was held accountable for the death of a Black man ended with a call for Edmonds residents and elected officials to hold themselves, their family and friends accountable to ensure the city is welcoming to people of color. The venue for this discussion…
Racial equity
George Floyd vigil in Edmonds attracts dozens seeking an end to police violence
Dozens of people attended a “stop the hate” vigil at Edmonds United Methodist Church Wednesday night, standing in solidarity for the George Floyd family. Floyd, a Black man, died May 25, 2020, after Derek Chauvin, a white Minneapolis police officer, knelt on his neck for almost 10 minutes, causing national and worldwide protests. Chauvin was…
Edmonds United Methodist Church hosting April 21 vigil ‘in solidarity with George Floyd family’
Edmonds United Methodist Church is hosting a community vigil from 7-7:30 p.m. Wednesday evening, April 21, “to stand in solidarity with the George Floyd family.” According to the church announcement: “Where there’s people, there’s power,” and we join with our Black and Brown siblings across the country who cry out for justice. Though the verdict…
‘Black in Edmonds: After the Verdict’ roundtable discussion set for April 24
The next segment of Black in Edmonds will focus on what’s happened in Edmonds since the death of George Floyd in May 2020 sparked worldwide protests. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted Tuesday of murder and manslaughter in Floyd’s death. Edmonds resident Alicia Crank will moderate the virtual discussion, with the following panelists…
Participants explore ‘what’s next’ for addressing issues raised during Black in Edmonds series
Listening. Empathy. Understanding. Those were among the suggested next steps for addressing issues raised during a series of online conversations on being Black in Edmonds. Moderator Alicia Crank on Saturday afternoon hosted the last of the four-part series, recapping the last three listening sessions and asking the part four participants for their ideas on where…
Reminder: What happens next? Part 4 of Black in Edmonds series set for Sept. 19
The last of the four-part Black in Edmonds series this Saturday, Sept 19 will recap the last three listening sessions and discuss what should — or needs to — happen next. That’s according to series moderator Alicia Crank, a member of the Edmonds Planning Board, the Snohomish County Airport Commission, and Chief Development Officer at AtWork!…
‘It’s OK to feel uncomfortable’: Black in Edmonds panelists discuss ways to be an ally and accomplice
When it comes to being an ally or accomplice to people of color, it’s OK to feel uncomfortable and make mistakes. The key is to begin the journey, even if it’s just with small steps — learning and growing along the way — and to be committed to it for the long term. Those were…
Edmonds Youth for Equality bring Black Lives message to Edmonds with Saturday march
In a Saturday afternoon event that drew more than 250 participants of all ages, Edmonds Youth for Equality staged a peaceful but vocal march through downtown Edmonds aimed at driving home the issues of social justice and Black Lives Matter. Led by Edmonds residents Mikayla Weary and a fellow organizer who asked to only be…
Youth-led protest to recognize racism scheduled Saturday in downtown Edmonds
A youth-led protest is set for downtown Edmonds Saturday, Aug. 29 to “support Black residents, recognize racism in our community and take action against it, recognize privilege and educate yourself on current political issues.” Organized by Edmonds Youth for Equality, the protest will start with a 12:30 p.m. march from Brackett’s Landing to the Edmonds…
Edmonds man charged with malicious mischief in ‘I Can’t Breathe’ artwork vandalism
An Edmonds man who allegedly vandalized the “I Can’t Breathe” artwork on the Civic Field fence July 14 is scheduled be arraigned in Edmonds Municipal Court Sept. 16 after being charged with third-degree malicious mischief. The misdemeanor charge against 69-year-old Richard Tuttle was filed by City of Edmonds Prosecuting Attorney James Zachor last week and comes…
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Second Black in Edmonds conversation explores equity in education, police in schools and hate crimes
Publisher’s note: This story was originally posted on Saturday, Aug. 22. We are reposting it Aug. 24, along with a few others, so that they will appear in the next daily newsletter. Due to a technical glitch, that newsletter did not go out on Sunday, Aug. 23. Equity in education, police officers in schools and…
Reminder: Second Black In Edmonds event scheduled for Aug. 22
The second in a four-part series of “Black In Edmonds,” is set for Saturday, Aug. 22 at 1 p.m. This program features a discussion with elected leadership and Black families. “We will discuss policy and decision making with some of our local elected leaders and its impact on those who are Black/BIPOC in our community,” the…
Edmonds acting police chief issues statement following prosecutor’s office decision on artwork charges
In the aftermath of the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office decision to not file hate crime charges in connection with the defacement of the “I Can’t Breathe’ artwork, Edmonds Acting Police Chief Jim Lawless issued the following statement Friday: There have been numerous comments/questions regarding the case surrounding the vandalism of the “I Can’t Breathe” art…
County prosecutor’s office declines to pursue hate crime charges for defaced Edmonds artwork
Updated with news that Edmonds police have sent the case to the city prosecutor for consideration of misdemeanor charges. And further updated with Mayor Mike Nelson’s response to the prosecutor’s office decision. The Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office has declined to file criminal charges in the case of a 69-year-old Edmonds man who vandalized the “I Can’t Breathe”…
Edmonds police: Hate crime charges referred in vandalism of ‘I Can’t Breathe’ art installation
A 69-year-old Edmonds man has been identified as a suspect in the vandalism of the “I Can’t Breathe” art installation on the fence at Edmonds’ Civic Park, and Edmonds police have referred hate crime charges to the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office. The prosecutor’s office will review and then make a decision whether to file charges in…
Community members restore defaced ‘I Can’t Breathe’ artwork in Edmonds
The “I Can’t Breathe” art installation on the fence at Edmonds’ Civic Park, defaced with black spray paint, was restored Tuesday afternoon thanks to the quick work of community members. The art was installed last week as part of the city’s On the Fence temporary artwork program. It was completed by lifelong Edmonds resident and…
Artist says On the Fence installation symbolizes ‘a cry for justice of the Black community’
The temporary art installation on the fence at Civic Park along 6th Avenue North was proposed by Edmonds-Woodway High School graduate Christabel Jamison, who wanted to support conversation in Edmonds about the Black Lives Matter movement. Jamison grew up in Edmonds and noticed past installations for On the Fence, inspiring her to create her own piece. Her installation…
As COVID-19 numbers rise, organizers postpone July 3 Edmonds Rally for Black Lives
Following comments by officials Tuesday regarding rising COVID-19 numbers in Snohomish County, organizers of the Edmonds Rally for Freedom to Support Black Lives have decided to postpone the July 3 event set for Civic Field “While recent protests and rallies have not been found to be super-spreader events when attendees wear masks and follow distancing,…
Rally for freedom to support Black Lives set for July 3 in Edmonds
The community is invited to attend a family-friendly rally to support Black Lives from noon-2:30 p.m. this Friday, July 3 at Civic Field, 310 6th Ave. N., downtown Edmonds. Starting at noon, there will be music and art activities for all ages, sign making (make and take home), as well as a Black-owned business showcase. Attendees…
‘Odyssey of Peace’ performed by Edmonds karate group honors Black lives
In a special performance melding karate and theater, members of Edmonds-based Carter Karate Institute of Peace came together Saturday morning on the Edmonds Library Plaza to film a performance in honor of Black Lives Matter. “Martial arts, and karate in particular, are all about peace, calm and control – unless of course you need to…
Snohomish County councilmembers hear from citizens on racism, criminal justice reform
The Snohomish County Council held a virtual town hall meeting Monday, June 22 to gather public comments by video conference or telephone about racism and criminal justice reforms. A majority of those who spoke were in favor of addressing what they see as systemic inequalities and also supported the council’s resolution — adopted on June 3 —…
Edmonds mayor issues statement about hate flyer
Edmonds Mayor Mike Nelson issued a statement on Facebook Tuesday regarding a hate flyer that was distributed in parts of downtown Edmonds. “This deceptive flyer copied the Black Lives Matter logo above a list of made-up inflammatory statements designed to incite fear, hatred and violence,” Nelson said. “This flyer has also been seen in other parts…
Reminder: Snohomish County Council to host June 22 town hall on racism and criminal justice reform
The Snohomish County Council will host a town hall on racism and criminal justice reform Monday, June 22, from 6-8 p.m. via Zoom. The council invites all members of the public to join the conversation. Other county elected officials and leaders will be invited as well to hear the ideas of community members. The council…
District students celebrate Juneteenth with march, vigil and a call for more equitable learning
After a day of marching and supporting Black artists and business owners, a group of about 100 students, teachers and community members gathered in front of Meadowdale High School Friday evening for a candlelight vigil in honor of Juneteenth. Hosted by the high school’s Black Student Union, the vigil invited Edmonds School District families to…
New YWCA Little Free Library dedicated to empowering voices of Black women and girls
Staff and supporters of the YWCA gathered in a Lynnwood neighborhood Friday morning to dedicate a Little Free Library filled with books on racial justice and those written by Black and African American women and girls. The idea of a Little Free Library is this: Build a box — about the size of a large birdhouse…