We’ve been partnering to tell the story of community, celebration, innovation, liberation and joy with the Northwest African American Museum. This year, and we could not be more delighted to have been able to document their Unity Benefit at Four Seasons Hotel, Seattle.
To know the diverse, talented and kind team with NAAM is to truly love and respect them, as they shine the light on youth and elders alike, highlighting the pathways of success, adversity and rising up to ensure that these pathways are supportive, well funded, and paved with resources for future generations.
Seattle creative’s helped to set the scene from event planning via Kind + Co Events , the smooth jazz setting the tone from Goody Bagg, a showcase of beauty from African American Cultural Ensemble (ACE), the first known, permanent, ongoing choir produced by a museum right here at NAAM, in Seattle. And others created an inspiring and moving experience as well – Tia Nache, Seattle native and a spoken word poet, Sean Hobbs Waters in dance, and art by Carletta Carrington Wilson , Vincent Keele, Lauren “Lo Mar” Metoyer, and Sounds by Bri.
The Champions of Unity Award honors two exemplary public servants who exemplify unity and community uplift. This year’s awards will be bestowed upon arts advocate Vivian Phillips and arts leader Brian Carter – you can read more about these two honorees and community leaders here.
And, lastly there was a recognition and celebration of LaNesha Debardelaben, CEO and President of NAAM for her service, leadership and vision. She has left NAAM and is pursuing her PhD full time in educational history at the UW. We are grateful for your service, leadership, spirit and friendship – and wish you the very, very best!
