Race And Equity

Seattle area faith leaders call on WA Congress members to back a ceasefire in Gaza

Close to 200 Seattle area faith leaders from different backgrounds have signed onto a statement outlining a plan to address the rising death toll in Gaza, which has now surpassed 11,000. A portion of those faith leaders gathered in front of the Jackson Federal building on Thursday morning, looking for the attention of U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, and other federally elected officials.

Mayor Harrell orders Seattle departments to increase BIPOC contracts, with emphasis on Black-owned businesses

Mayor Bruce Harrell has issued an executive order instructing Seattle departments to prioritize contracting with women- and minority-owned businesses (WMBE), with an emphasis on Black-owned firms.

New push to ‘hold police accountable’ gains steam in Washington state

A Washington advocacy group continues to push for a statewide office that can charge police officers for misuse of deadly force.

Black officers say racism was rampant at UW Police. Trial starts Monday in Seattle

A jury trial is scheduled to begin Monday in a case involving dozens of claims of racial discrimination at the University of Washington Police Department.

'Remember how much I love you.' Manny Ellis' mother recounts last conversation with her son in trial of officers charged in his death

Marcia Carter-Patterson, mother of Manuel Ellis, took the stand Monday in the trial of three Tacoma police officers charged with her son’s death. Ellis, a 33-year-old Black man, died in police custody in March 2020.

WA investigations office created in response to Manny Ellis killing begins work as trial of Tacoma officers continues

The Office of Independent Investigations, formed in 2021, is conducting trainings and bringing new staff on board to conduct investigations of the use of deadly force by law enforcement throughout the state.

Seattle council members call for action after another controversial police recording