Preserving Black History in the Central District: Highlights from Our February Community Meeting

More than 75 neighbors filled the room at the February Leschi Community Council meeting to hear from Stephanie Johnson-Tolliver, President of the Black Heritage Society of Washington State (BHS), for a powerful and informative lecture on preserving Black history in Seattle’s Central District—a history she emphasized includes Leschi.

Johnson-Tolliver introduced herself as a fourth-generation Seattleite, noting that her family moved to the area in 1903. She grounded her talk in both personal connection and historical context, underscoring why preservation matters not only for buildings, but for the stories and communities they represent.

The Central District is one of Seattle’s oldest neighborhoods, with homes built as early as the late 1800s. For much of the city’s history, Black residents were relegated to this area through restrictive housing practices. Yet despite its central role in Seattle’s Black history, the Central District remains significantly underrepresented in the City’s landmark designations.

Of the 513 designated Seattle landmarks, only 13—just 2.5 percent—are located in the Central District.

Johnson-Tolliver highlighted the national significance of the neighborhood, noting visits by Thurgood Marshall in 1947 and Martin Luther King Jr. in 1961, and reminded attendees that the first and second headquarters of the Black Panther Party were in the Central District—properties BHS is actively working to preserve.

She then walked the audience through the 13 designated landmark sites, presented in chronological order of their nomination:

• Immaculate Conception Church (1977)—a historically diverse congregation and host to many important community events

• Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute (1982)—formerly a synagogue, now a cultural hub hosting the Black Film Festival and youth programs

• First African Methodist Episcopal Church (1984)—Seattle’s first Black church, still active today

• James and Janie Washington House and Studio (1991)—home of sculptor and activist James Washington Jr. who helped bring James Baldwin to Seattle and activist Janie Washington, who famously baked pies for Mt. Zion

• Yesler Houses (1998)—central to Black community life in the neighborhood

• Douglass-Truth Library and Garfield High School (2003)—the library holds the largest collection of Black literature on the West Coast; BHS refurbished the Soul Pole on its grounds

• Fire Station 6 (2007)—now the William Grose Center for Cultural Innovation, currently undergoing renovation

• Colman School (2009)—now the Northwest African American Museum, preserved after the longest civil disobedience occupation in U.S. history

• Washington Hall (2010)—once home to a vibrant jazz scene including Duke Ellington, now offices and creative spaces

• Horace Mann School (2013)—now the NOVA School, noted for its beautiful interior

• Mount Zion Baptist Church (2018)—a cornerstone of the Black community and the civil rights movement

• Tolliver Temple (2025)—a historic Black church, formerly a synagogue

Stephanie also demystified the landmark nomination process, explaining that anyone can nominate a site—although the application process can be daunting. Nominations go before the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board, involve multiple City departments, and require approval by both the City Council and the Mayor. BHS often assists community members through this intensive process, though not every nomination is approved.

Looking ahead, BHS is focused on creating a trail of Black Panther sites, including the first and second headquarters, the Carolyn Downs Clinic, and the William Grose House. Other sites under consideration include the Frank Waldren House, the Jacob Lawrence House, and the Garfield Playfield, where Black baseball thrived in the 1930s and 1940s.

The evening was a reminder that preservation is about more than buildings: it’s about honoring history, recognizing community contributions, and ensuring these stories remain visible for future generations.

~Nikola Davidson