By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
As members of the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Committee (MLKCC) prepared for the annual tree lighting in commemoration of Black History Month at the Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Memorial Park in Seattle, they were disappointed and dismayed to find out that vandals had taken all of the electrical outlets from the park.
According to Hayward Evans and Eddie Rye, co-conveners of the MLKCC, the tree lighting has been a yearly tradition since 2019 and is not only a symbol of the historical contributions of African Americans but also builds awareness about the park as a place that can spark inspiration for current and future generations of people in Seattle.
“The vandalism has left the park without power, preventing us from lighting the park this year. So, it was a bit disappointing,” Evans said. “The park is significant just to ensure future generations that we were here to support our interests, the upward mobility of our people, and, frankly, to make sure that people understand that there has been an ongoing fight for justice, unity, and equality.”
Rye feels that the recent act of vandalism to the park emphasizes the disregard some folks have for the African American community.
“I don’t want to attach it to anything racially, but whoever the vandals are, they have total disregard for Dr. King, for the African American community, and they have total disregard for people who resemble Dr. King and are still acting out for justice and equality for all, regardless of color and ethnicity,” Rye said.
In observance of Black History Month and during a politically pivotal time for our country, Rye emphasizes the importance of teaching the history and legacy of Dr. King. Rye remains hopeful that the tree lighting ceremony at MLK Park can still take place but says it will take swift action by elected officials to authorize and mandate the necessary repairs to the park. To that end, he is encouraging the community to contact their elected officials and advocate for immediate repairs so the trees can be lit before the end of February.
“Given the current political situation in our country, it is important to represent Dr. King. It is just too bad that this had to happen, but I am insistent that we will be able to get it fixed and get the lights up,” says Rye. “And make it the responsibility of our elected officials and private individuals as well.”
“The park is a place where we can reflect back on all of these people who have contributed to it, who are in this region. This is something that we should love. This is a Civil Rights Memorial Park. It encompasses everybody, not just Dr. King’s legacy,” says Evans.
Despite this setback, MLKCC will continue its Black History Month tradition by hosting its annual MLKCC BHM Awards Ceremony on February 17, 2025, at Holgate Street Church of Christ (2600 S. Holgate St., Seattle). A free dinner reception begins at 5:30 PM, followed by the program at 6:30 PM.
“All are welcome to come by the event and enjoy a free dinner, and if anybody has been to the dinner events, they are very good. People should bring their children as well because I think that is important,” Evans said. “We give out various awards to people in our community at the event. The criteria are that they reflect the principles of Dr. King—how they live, the activities that they do to promote equality for all, and that they embrace what is important to bring about a more just society.”
“Even though the current president is trying to kick DEI to the curb, we embrace DEI,” Evans concluded.
Source: Seattle Medium
