Theme of accountability surfaces in latest ‘Black in Edmonds’ panel discussion

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…

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…

‘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…

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!…

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…

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…

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”…

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…

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…