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HISTORY
According to the organization’s historian and one of the founding members Marilyn Quincy, the impetus to form the Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee happened in 1991, when headlining news of Rodney Glen King, a victim of police brutality by the Los Angeles Police Department had spread like wildfire not only in Snohomish County, but across the county and world at large. Soon following this situation, in 1992 the Los Angeles riots occurred. Because of these two incidents, many black parents here in Snohomish County became genuinely concerned about the safety of their families. They began to reach out to local community organizations, local Black churches and the school district for answers and support for families and the children. Many complained their children did not feel safe or comfortable in the neighborhoods they lived in or schools they attended (which were predominately white). Parent sought support and resources to help their children cope and have a sense of self and pride in spite of being victimized with the social and racial unrest happening around the nation.
In 1993, the City of Everett turned 100 years old and, in an effort, to be a part of that celebration, Marilyn Quincy reached out to the planning committee for the centennial to seek approval for the Black community to share and contribute. After receiving the endorsement from the City to participate, coupled with the unresolved issues involving discrimination, racism and lack of trust regarding law enforcement, and social justice issues in Snohomish County, a group of Black citizens came together to organize and later incorporate the Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee (SCBHC). According to Ms. Quincy, the original mission read as follows:
“To bring the community together and establish a strong support mechanism by providing current and up to date resources to youth to benefit the community at large”.
The mission statement has since been revised to read as follows;
“To enrich the residents of Snohomish County through knowledge of and the celebration of Black Heritage. This is accomplished by educating the Snohomish County community about the African American culture, promoting racial harmony, and embracing cultural diversity and inclusion.”
Presently, the SCBHC focuses on four primary events;
1) The Greater Everett Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration Weekend,
2) Winterfest,
3) the Nubian Jam Community festival and
4) Youth Initiative related events.
The SCBHC will continue the work towards elevating and encouraging the Black youth, honoring our Black Elders, and advancing our community by forging partnerships with entities such as the City of Everett, the Snohomish County NAACP, the Communities of Color Coalition (C3), Millennia Ministries, the Faith based communities and churches, the educational systems, local businesses, Law Enforcement organizations, the Tribes and Snohomish County government.
Our Logo:
The SCBHC Logo was created by Logo Designs Adam Stout. (ladamstout@gmail.com)
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