June 21, 2017 The Skanner Page 5
News
Events & Announcements
Community
Calendar 2017
cont’d from pg 4
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28
ALBINA HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START OPEN HOUSE: A
community event for families in North, Northeast and Southeast
Portland with young children. Prenatal moms and children birth
to age fgive may apply for services onsite. Join us for fun, crafts,
snacks, community resources and prizes. To apply for services,
please bring proof of last year’s income and proof of children’s
age. 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., Richard Brown Center, 805 NE Ivy St.
SATURDAY, JULY 1
PHOTO BY SUSAN FRIED
“NATIONALITY MATTERS SYMPOSIUM”: Moorish Science Temple
of American presents “Nationality Matters Symposium” on the
effects of citizenship and statelessness (specifically to people of
African descent). Keynote speaker: Minister Emmanuel Braswell
Bey. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Charles Jordan Community Center, 9009 N.
Foss Ave. Suggested donation $10. For more information go to
msta.portland.oregon@gmail.com.
Jimi Hendrix Park
Jimi Hendrix Park Foundation and Friends of Jimi Hendrix Park committee members Deborah Clothier and Stephanie Johnson-Tolliver,
Jimi Hendrix Park Foundation Director Janie L. Hendrix, Carver Gayton and Seattle Mayor Ed Murray joined other dignitaries June 17 to
cut the ribbon at the Grand Opening Ceremony of Jimi Hendrix Park.
Seattle News Briefs
Seattle King County NAACP
Releases Statement on Lyles
Shooting
On June 18, Seattle police officers shot and killed a
young Black woman, Charleena Lyles, in her home.
The Seattle King County NAACP released the follow-
ing statement in response:
“Sunday’s tragedy should never have happened. A
young Black woman called the police for help. She re-
ported an attempted break-in and somehow wound
up dead; murdered at the hands of Seattle Police De-
partment (SPD). Charleena Lyles was pregnant, and
had three children who were in the apartment when
she was shot and killed. The police also knew that
she suffered from mental health issues; citing that
as their reason to send two officers. The NAACP de-
“
Sunday’s tragedy should
never have happened. A
young Black woman called
the police for help
mands that Seattle City Council and the Mayor hold
a public hearing where Charleena’s family and our
community can question SPD Chief O’Toole directly
about this incident.
“The Seattle King County NAACP does not want to
see any more excuses or justifications for such a cal-
lous use of force. SPD’s current consent decree agree-
ment with the Department of Justice means nothing
if it can’t prevent the death of someone like Charleena
Lyles. We also know that this is not an isolated inci-
dent. Her death can only be understood in the context
of a much larger pattern of institutional and struc-
tural racism in our country. SPD has a long history
of excessive use of force, especially when it comes to
people of color. While people sit by and debate the nu-
ances of police reform, the death toll in our communi-
ty continues to rise. As we fight to ensure that Char-
leena’s family receives the justice that they deserve,
the officers that shot her are on paid, administrative
leave. Something is terribly wrong with our justice
system when someone loses their life and the people
accountable are put on paid vacation.
“The Seattle King County NAACP is tired of watch-
ing Black and Brown people victimized at the hands
of our police. We’re tired of releasing statement af-
ter statement demanding justice and accountability,
only to have the officers found not guilty. The state of
police relations in our city and across the country is
abysmal. We have a serious problem on our hands,
and no amount of training, or protocol is going to fix
it. It’s time to actually start holding officers account-
able when they kill innocent victims; sending a clear
and strong message that force of that kind won’t be
tolerated. What unfolded on Sunday was an aggres-
sive showing of force against a young, Black woman,
who was known to have mental health problems. The
police should have been prepared to handle the situa-
tion accordingly, and find ways to de-escalate the con-
versation and ensure that everyone stayed safe.
“At the root of all of these interactions, is the dehu-
manization of people of color. The headlines immedi-
ately following Charleena’s death mentioned she was
armed and had mental health issues. But Charleena
was much more than that. She was a human being; a
mother, a sister, and a dedicated member of the com-
munity. She was scared. But even if she wasn’t any of
those things, she was still a young woman who de-
served to have her humanity recognized by the police
that showed up at her door and ultimately killed her.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Charleena
Lyles’ family; from her children who were forced to
witness her death, to everyone that knew and loved
her.”
City of Seattle, King County Release
Joint Request for Proposals for Legal
Defense Fund
This week, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray and King
County Executive Dow Constantine, along with the
King County and Seattle City Councils, announced a
joint request for proposals (RFP) to provide legal ser-
vices, guidance and referrals to legal services for im-
migrants and refugees from a $1.55 million fund. Lo-
cal organizations providing these services can apply
for the funding, which will assist people living in the
area in need of representation for issues related to
their immigration status. Both the City and the Coun-
ty passed legislation authorizing these funds earlier
this year as President Donald Trump threatened im-
migrant and refugee communities through rhetoric
and unconstitutional executive orders.
Two RFPs are being administered by the Seattle Of-
fice of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs and the King
County Office of Equity and Social Justice for:
• Community navigation services (i.e. guidance and
referral) for legal representation for residents of
King County who are in detention, facing deporta-
tion, or in danger of losing their status; and
• Legal representation for residents of King County
who are in detention, facing deportation, or in dan-
ger of losing their status.
In addition to legal defense, King County is sup-
porting immigrant and refugee organizations with
$450,000 to increase the protections of vulnerable
residents in the county; via a Resilience Fund, the
Seattle Foundation and other philanthropic partners
have added to this funding for community organiza-
tions.
Both RFPs are due by July 12.
Seattle Metro
FRIDAY, JUNE 23
AUBURN’S KIDS DAY: The perfect day for any child. Live enter-
tainment, inflatable rides, mini golf, arts and crafts and much
more. Free for all to come and have fun. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Les Gove
Park, 910 9th St. SE, Auburn.
SATURDAY, JUNE 24
REPAIR FAIR: Do you have something lying around your home
that could be useful again if only you knew how to repair it?
Join us at the free Repair Fair. Volunteers experienced in repair
will be on hand to try to fix items brought in by the public. Bring
in any small household items and the pieces that are broken or
need to be repaired with them. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Newport Way
Library, 14250 SE Newport Way, Bellevue.
BLACK ARTS LOVE SUMMER MIXER AND MARKETPLACE: Join us
for a free and fun Community event celebrating African Ameri-
can arts and culture. Event will feature over 25 artists and busi-
nesses, live performances, DJ, Paint party for kids, interactive
activities, good food and community fun. Noon – 5 p.m., Franklin
High School, 3013 S. Mount Baker Blvd.
PACIFIC THEATER DAY: Join the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor
Museum for Pacific Theater Day, an exciting day of flying and
vehicle demonstrations from the war, involving machines that
operated during this historic time. Doors open at 9 a.m. 10 a.m.
– 3 p.m. Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum, 3407 109th
St. SW., Everett.
KITSAP PENINSULA NATURAL WATER TRAILS FESTIVAL: Join us in
celebration of the Kitsap Water Trails. Family friendly, entertain-
ment, food and fun. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Silverdale Waterfront Park,
3337 NW Byron St., Silverdale.
TUESDAY, JUNE 27
TUESDAYS IN THE GARDEN: Enjoy “hands- on” work with staff
gardeners and other like-minded volunteers. Tools and gloves
are provided. Afterwards, enjoy a hot beverage and conversa-
tion. Bring lunch if you would like. 10 a.m. – noon., Kubota Gar-
dens, 9817 55th Ave. S.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28
DOWNTOWN PARK GRAND OPENING: Join us to celebrate the
completion of the 35 year vision for the park and a new univer-
sally – accessible playground. The ribbon cutting ceremony will
take place at 3:30 p.m. with live music, entertainment and food
trucks throughout the afternoon. 3 p.m. – 6 p.m., 10201 NE 4th
St., Bellevue.
THURSDAY – SUNDAY, JUNE 29 JULY 1
VINTAGE SALE: The Vintage Sale will feature quality collector,
antique, and home décor items. Proceeds will benefit the non-
profit Bellevue Botanical Garden Society. Free admission, cost
of items will vary. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., All days! Bellevue Botanical
Garden, 12001 Main St., Bellevue.
FRIDAY, JUNE 30
KIDS’ SAFETY DAY: Fun safety related kid’s activities and a great
opportunity to see fire trucks and police vehicles up close. Visit
with fire fighters, police officers and special guests. 10 a.m. – 1
p.m., Museum of Flight, 9404 E. Marginal Way S.
View the Community Calendar and regularly updated
News Briefs for Seattle and Portland at TheSkanner.com
