By Rosie L. Grant, Marketing/Communications Coordinator, Byrd Barr Place
CAMP, now known as Byrd Barr Place, has been a cornerstone in the Black community of the Central District and greater Seattle for six decades. We wouldn’t be here today without the countless individuals who volunteered, led programs, ran daycare and aftercare services, assisted with relicensing, helped young adults craft their first resumes, and much more. These everyday heroes changed the trajectory of our community, one person at a time. It’s time we recognize these unsung champions who laid the foundation of our historic organization.
At our 60th Gala, we honored the names that are celebrated, the ones most associated with our organization. However, we want to also highlight the everyday people who kept our beloved organization running day after day. Failing to acknowledge these vital contributors would be an injustice to the true spirit of community building. At Byrd Barr Place, we are committed to building and maintaining community spaces for Black Seattleites, regardless of the political or social climate.
Our beloved firehouse on Cherry Street continues to serve as a place where all can receive assistance, especially the Black community. Those who come through our doors know they can rely on us to meet their basic needs. This is the essence of our ongoing mission: providing support, empowering our neighbors, and making sure that everyone has access to the tools they need to thrive.
Our organization began at a time when the Black community was the majority in the neighborhood. As the area changes, preserving our history becomes even more crucial. While it’s important to highlight the accomplishments of those in leadership positions, we want to ensure that every sacrifice, no matter how big or small, is recognized. Whether you volunteered at aftercare, helped a young person write their first resume, or assisted in any way, your service is deeply appreciated and essential to our shared legacy.
In the coming year, we plan to host community events, both public and private, where we honor these individuals. We want to give them their flowers, securing their legacy not just within their families and circles, but as part of our collective history. We want Black Seattle to know that Byrd Barr Place—formerly CAMP—is the same organization that you fought so hard to preserve. We continue our founders’ mission to fight the war on poverty while also providing the resources and tools for Black Seattle to THRIVE.
Every contribution, every hour volunteered, and every effort made has shaped the foundation of this organization. We are deeply grateful to those who laid the groundwork, and we will continue to honor their impact by building a future where every member of our community can succeed and flourish.
Source: Seattle Medium
