February Newsletter

As a historically Black organization, Byrd Barr Place celebrates the strength and beauty of Washington's Black residents, this month and all-year round.

For this newsletter, we're highlighting a few special initiatives that have intentionally curated spaces that center and honor the well-being, art and experiences of Black people.

Byrd Barr Place partnered with the Black Future Co-op Fund, Washington’s first Black-led philanthropy, to produce the Black Well-being Report. “We created this thing that was for us and by us, in our likeness, with the language that we chose to use to describe ourselves. We controlled the narrative." Read more about the report.

The Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) reopened its building operations on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2023. After three years of virtual and outdoor programs due to the pandemic, the public is finally able to walk through its physical space again. Learn more about current exhibits and upcoming programs on the NAAM website.

Traveling While Black is a travel show and brand created and hosted by Marlie and Anthony Love. The couple traveled to Seattle last December, and attended our Sync Seattle event benefitting Byrd Barr Place. Check out the episode.

Learn Simple, Daily Practices To Improve Your Mental Health

As we take care of our bodies for our physical health, it's also important to take care of our minds for our mental health.

We are excited to partner with advocate, speaker and author Richard Taylor once again for conversation and connection around mental health. He will be sharing highlights and lessons from his newest book “31 Days of Power” — all participants will receive a complementary, signed copy of the book!

RSVP for "31 Days of Power"

Meet our Market Coordinator, Leon Forde!

"I love that when people come into The Market they can hold their heads high. It’s new, it’s clean, it’s like you’re at a regular grocery store ... I make sure to treat everyone with dignity and respect and love to get people smiling.

Everyone who comes into The Market at Byrd Barr Place is familiar with Leon Forde and his infectious smile and energy. His care for the community is evident in each conversation he has and he puts his whole heart into everything he does.

In this interview, Leon tells us a little bit about his upbringing, his special connection with Byrd Barr Place, and his vision for the future of the organization.

Get to Know Leon