By Chris B. Bennett, The Seattle Medium
As the nation reflects on the enduring legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Seattle stands as a testament to what grassroots advocacy can accomplish. Over decades, a coalition of activists, community leaders, and everyday citizens have worked tirelessly to ensure that Dr. King’s principles of justice and equality are not only remembered but actively woven into the city’s identity. From renaming streets and parks to influencing policy and cultural change, Seattle’s tribute to Dr. King is a powerful story of collective effort and determination.
Seattle’s groundbreaking advocacy began in 1974 when activists successfully pushed to rename Harrison Elementary School to Martin Luther King Elementary. This marked the first major public recognition of Dr. King in Washington state and was one of the earliest such efforts in the United States. At a time when Dr. King’s contributions were not universally acknowledged, the renaming of the school was a bold declaration of the city’s commitment to civil rights.
This spirit of leadership and determination carried forward into the early 1980s, when activists turned their focus to renaming Empire Way, a major Seattle thoroughfare, to Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Eddie Rye Jr., inspired by a suggestion from Rev. Jesse Jackson during a radio interview, initiated the campaign, rallying support from leaders like Rev. Dr. Samuel B. McKinney, Chris H. Bennett, and activist like Charlie James. The movement quickly grew into a significant grassroots effort supported by a coalition of more than 120 organizations.
The campaign faced fierce resistance. Some business owners opposed the change, citing financial concerns and pushing for only a partial renaming of the street. However, activists argued that honoring Dr. King required a full renaming to reflect the magnitude of his contributions. Protesters endured lawsuits, threats, and harassment, but they remained resolute. In November 1983, after years of organizing and legal battles, the Washington State Supreme Court ruled in favor of the renaming. By December of that year, the first Martin Luther King Jr. Way signs were installed, signifying a hard-won victory for the community.
Seattle’s trailblazing spirit didn’t stop with streets and schools. In 1986, the King County Council voted to rename the county in honor of Dr. King. However, the change was initially symbolic, as the county’s logo continued to feature an imperial crown. At a rally in 1999, Eddie Rye Jr. publicly challenged Larry Gossett to sponsor legislation that would formalize the renaming and replace the crown with Dr. King’s image.
The campaign to change the logo involved years of advocacy at the state level. Senator Adam Kline introduced legislation six times before it finally passed in 2005. Governor Christine Gregoire signed the bill into law, making King County’s dedication to Dr. King official – making it the only jurisdiction in the country whose namesake is Martin Luther King Jr. The following year, the county adopted a new logo featuring Dr. King’s likeness, cementing its place as a global symbol of civil rights.
Seattle’s grassroots advocacy also led to the creation of the Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Memorial Park, a four-and-a-half-acre space located on Martin Luther King Jr. Way. The park features a striking 30-foot black granite sculpture inspired by Dr. King’s “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech, delivered the day before his assassination in 1968. In 2018, the park’s name was updated to include “Civil Rights,” honoring both Dr. King and the local activists who championed social justice in Seattle.
Leaders like Chris H. Bennett, publisher of The Seattle Medium, were instrumental in galvanizing public support for these initiatives. Civil rights activist Charlie James and the late Dr. Samuel McKinney, former pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church, played pivotal roles in organizing coalitions and shaping the vision for many of these efforts. Freddie Mae Gautier, a political advisor and activist, contributed significantly to ensuring that the movement addressed not only symbolic changes but also practical solutions for marginalized communities.
The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations in Seattle continue to reflect the city’s dedication to Dr. King’s principles. These events, which draw thousands of participants, are more than commemorations—they are platforms for action. In 2002, for example, a rally of 7,000 people marched to the Seattle Chamber of Commerce, demanding increased employment opportunities for historically disadvantaged communities. The protest resulted in the creation of the Urban Enterprise Center and hundreds of new jobs for Black residents.
Seattle’s leadership in honoring Dr. King has inspired other cities to follow suit. From the early renaming of a school to the landmark changes in King County, the city’s efforts were ahead of their time, setting a national example of how communities can come together to honor the legacy of the civil rights leader.
While Eddie Rye Jr.’s contributions have been significant, he has always emphasized the collective nature of these achievements. “Dr. King’s courageous stands for African American rights compelled me to do whatever I could to ensure his life’s works would not be forgotten,” Rye explained. “But none of this would have been possible without the leadership and support of so many others in our community.”
Larry Gossett echoed this sentiment, highlighting the uniqueness of Seattle’s grassroots approach. “I’ve traveled to many parts of the country, and I’ve seen no other community where such a grand grassroots salute to honor Dr. King’s legacy occurs every year,” he said.
The fight for justice remains ongoing. Rye, Gossett, and other Seattle activists continue to emphasize the importance of voting rights as a cornerstone of democracy and equality. “Without voting rights, there is no democracy,” Rye asserted. “The fight for voting rights is the most important legacy left to us by Dr. King.”
Today, Martin Luther King Jr. Way stands as a testament to the resilience of Seattle’s grassroots activists. It is a daily reminder of what community organizing can achieve, even in the face of adversity. As Gossett noted, “When people from around the world see King County’s logo featuring Dr. King, they see a symbol of civil rights, a legacy of progress.”
For Seattle, honoring Dr. King is not just about remembering the past but building a future rooted in his ideals. As the city continues to grapple with challenges related to racial justice, housing, and voting rights, its residents remain inspired by Dr. King’s example—and are determined to keep his dream alive.
Source: Seattle Medium
