The Forging of a Black Community: Seattle's Central District from 1870 through the Civil Rights Era

Seattle's first black resident, Manuel Lopes, arrived in 1858 and became the first barber. African Americans began to stay and build a community in the Central District by the early twentieth century, but black Seattle was never a monolith. Despite intragroup conflicts and varied approaches to challenging racial inequity, they nurtured a distinct African American culture and black urban community ethos.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 426 pages
Publication date: 07 June 2022
Publisher: University of Washington Press

Seattle's history is intertwined with the story of its first black resident, Manuel Lopes, who arrived in 1858 and became the community's first barber. However, Lopes left in the early 1870s in search of economic prosperity elsewhere. As Seattle transformed from a stopover town to a bustling city, African Americans began to settle and establish a community. By the early twentieth century, black life in Seattle had coalesced in the Central District, a four-square-mile section east of downtown.

Black Seattle, however, was not a monolithic entity. Throughout world wars, economic booms, and busts, as well as the civil rights movement, black residents and leaders navigated intra-group conflicts and adopted diverse strategies to combat racial inequality. Despite these differences, they fostered a distinct African American culture and a unique black urban community ethos.

This second edition of "The Forging of a Black Community" is a vital resource for understanding the history and present of the largest black community in the Pacific Northwest. It provides a comprehensive account of the challenges and triumphs faced by black Seattleites throughout their journey. The book offers a fresh perspective on the city's past, shedding light on the experiences of African Americans and their contributions to the development of Seattle.

In the new foreword, author and historian Dr. Eric Liu explores the historical context of black settlement in Seattle and the challenges faced by early African American residents. He highlights the importance of community building and the role that black organizations and leaders played in shaping the city's identity. Liu also discusses the impact of segregation and discrimination on black Seattleites and the ongoing struggle for racial equality.

The afterword, written by Dr. Lisa M. Matthews, provides a contemporary perspective on black Seattle. She explores the city's vibrant cultural scene, including its music, art, and literature, and discusses the challenges and opportunities faced by black residents in the twenty-first century. Matthews also highlights the contributions of black leaders and organizations in promoting social justice and equity in Seattle.

Overall, "The Forging of a Black Community" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the history and culture of Seattle. It offers a rich and nuanced account of the experiences of black Seattleites and their contributions to the city's development. The book serves as a valuable resource for educators, students, and community members alike, and contributes to our understanding of the complex and diverse history of the Pacific Northwest.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780295750415
Edition number: second edition