dreamin4freedom

Romans 8: 38-39

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Thank God, evil could not separate these beautiful girls from the love of their heavenly Father. Four girls at church, in their Sunday best, getting ready for service to their God and congregation.

How easily can you recall the names of the Four Little Girls killed by a pipe bomb on September 15, 1963 in Birmingham, Alabama? Be honest. Can you even remember one name?

I took time today to study, mourn, and reflect on Addie Mae Collins (11), Denise McNair (14), Cynthia Wesley (14), and Carole Robertson (14). I have seen their faces many times. I remember their place in civil rights history. It hurts to remember how they died. Today, I studied their faces and wept at the grief of their parents at their funerals.

Their egregious murders were an impactful event that helped pave the way for the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1964. Our current administration wants to reverse and even erase this history. They don’t want this history taught in schools. I shared this history moment with 2nd graders on Friday. They were wide-eyed with disbelief and questions. Some asked, “Why did they bomb them?” My short answer, “Racism and hate.”

Maxine McNair, mother of Denise McNair, died on January 2, 2022, at the age of 93. She was the last living parent of a child killed in the 1963 bombing. She spent three decades teaching in Birmingham Public Schools. In 2013 President Obama awarded the four girls The Congressional Gold Medal, and Maxine McNair was in attendance. Lisa McNair, Denise’s sister, has written a book of letters to her sister she never got to know, titled “Dear Denise”. Check it out at this link https://g.co/kgs/hxKowCM.

To honor the memory of these four little girls, let’s remember to say their names:

Addie Mae Collins

Denise McNair

Cynthia Wesley

Carole Robertson

We will never forget!!

We may be quite familiar with the verse Philippians 4:7, which talks about “peace that passes all understanding”, but I sometimes wonder what it really means, and why does it sometimes evade me. I am not always at peace. I have to talk to the Lord, I have to ask questions, and I have to pray my way to peace. Some days, it might be a struggle. Does anyone else ever feel that way? I found a great translation today of Philippians 4:7. The Contemporary English Version says it like this:

“7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel. “

That’s a whole word! “Control how I think and feel,” now that’s what I need peace to do FOR ME! Say Amen, somebody!

The world news, daily trials of life, sickness and disease, foolishness of coworkers, family and friends, and even the normal aging of our bodies can displace our peace. We have a multitude of reasons to not be “at peace.” BUT GOD! He who makes a way out of no way, who hears our prayers (and answers), who told us in Him we would have life, our God can and will give us peace. True peace, a peace folks will not be able to completely understand!His peace will shelter us from the daily storms of life. Our job is to acknowledge Him, seek Him, and pray for this peace.

Pray with me:

Dear Lord,
We need your peace today. We need to experience rest from the worry and fear the daily news brings. We need your peace to control how we think and feel. Let us cling to your peace when we get bad news, when someone hurts us, or when we are anxious. Lord, your peace is the only peace that calms, that restores joy, and makes us feel we can go on. Your peace is unlike the peace of the world. Bless us with peace today and everyday. Amen

Praying for your peace.

Philippians 4:11-13

“¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

One of the most popular gospel songs this past year was titled “Jireh”. Some of the lyrics were taken from the scripture noted above. It is a very stirring and beautiful song about God being our provider and us being content with that knowledge. I played it, a lot! It spoke to me. I would sing loudly, “And I will be content in every circumstance. Jireh, you are enough.” Philippians 4:11 came to my mind as I contemplated “being content” in life, and what it really means for those of us who consider ourselves Christians.

The Oxford dictionary defines “content” as being “in a state of peaceful happiness.” So I asked myself, am I content with injustice towards me, my family, or loved ones? No. Am I content when things don’t turn out the way I thought they would? Sometimes. Do I always remember God is still with me and guiding my life? Sometimes. Honestly, it can be hard to sense God’s presence during difficult times. Especially if your life seems unfair. Yet, if we understand during those difficult times, he is still with us and fighting for us, we can live in victory. We must hold on to his promises to never leave us nor forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)

What is your response to daily challenges: unfairness, injustice, people disregarding/mistreating you, arguments that leave you hurt and unsettled, your inability to keep up with life/work balance, unrelenting health problems, family disagreements and divisions, financial concerns, emotional/physical abuse and trauma? The proper response according to scripture is to “be content” in any of these circumstances. I know this is no easy task. How often do you respond “fine” to being asked, “How are you doing?” Probably often. I know for a lot of us, the answer is not always an honest one.

Challenges of life such as those previously listed cause anxiety, depression, anger and even illness. If we are constantly upset, anxious, or depressed about life, we must reevaluate what we really believe about Jesus and his place in our lives. Some of us expect the world from him, yet do not give him space in our life until we need him. We should try to stay close to him by nourishing our minds with his word and promises. We have a remedy for what ails us when life is difficult. We just have to take time to tap in to him. He has peace for us, he has restoration for us, he has joy for us, and he has a way to heal our brokenness. His word tells us, “Come unto me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me (not the world), for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) Amen! That is life-giving, refreshing news!

We can be content right here, right now. If we take on the yoke of Jesus. With his gentle and humble heart, we can and will find rest. We can be content with our lives, and with “what comes next” when we trust in Him. We can be content in our loneliness, our trials, our sadness, our grief, our trauma, our not being or having enough (ouch), our comparisons, and our insatiable desire to be seen in a world where we sometimes feel invisible (shout out to Ralph Ellison, “The Invisible Man”). Jesus came to make life better for all of us. Through his suffering and death, we received the gift of eternal life. His sacrifice allows us to be content in any circumstance. He walks with us, and if we quiet our busy thoughts for a moment, he will talk to us. Let’s choose to find contentment in every circumstance, even the hard ones. Jesus will meet you there, he promised.

Take a moment to quiet your heart and listen to “The Call” by Isabel Davis (no relation, except in Christ)

This post is dedicated to my children, Kaila and Jerrell. Life brings times of tribulation, but God is always there. His strength is perfect when your strength is gone. He can hold you when I cannot. Love, Mom

“I will lift my eyes to the hills, where my help comes from. My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1,2

Lifting our eyes and looking to the hills sounds like an easy thing to do. It’s not. In difficult or tragic times, my heart pounds with anxiety and worry before I’m reminded to “look to the hills.” The anguish, tears, and frustration push the Lord’s presence just a little out of my reach. Thankfully, the anguish and tears don’t last. I remember I serve a living God who gives “peace that surpasses all understanding.” (Philippians 4:7) The Lord’s peace has the power to guard or protect our hearts and minds in times of trouble and tragedy. When we are overwhelmed and looking for help or a hand to hold, I assure you your help will come. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). When his presence rains on us, we are comforted and strengthened.

If difficult times tempt us to doubt the Lord’s presence, we should remind ourselves of all he has done for us. Can you remember what he did for you yesterday? It’s easy to forget when we are faced with challenges and difficult circumstances. It helps to quiet ourselves, spend time alone with God, and remind ourselves he is still good. We look to the hills because he is STILL a very present help in time of trouble (Psalm 46:1).

When we are grieving, angry, crushed in spirit, and barely clutching the hem of God’s garment, we can remind ourselves of his power and presence in our lives. In life’s difficult times, while we are waiting for our hurting to stop, our tears to stop, our miracle to take place, our health to improve, our job to come through, or our love to be returned, we must remember our help is just a prayer away. Look to the hills for your ever-present help. We can still turn to our Prince of Peace, Everlasting Father, Mighty God, Lion of Judah, Lamb of God, Way Maker, Mender of Broken Hearts, and On-Time God. He is waiting with open arms to carry us through our dark times. Indeed, our help has come.

ELIJAH LEWIS, YOUR MEMORY LIVES ON IN OUR HEARTS AND OUR COMMUNITY!

“Precious Lord, take my hand. Lead me on, let me stand. I am tired, I am weak, I am worn. Through the storm, through the night. Lead me on to the light. Take my hand, precious Lord, and lead me home. (Thomas Dorsey)

When the Lord feels far away, take a listen to “Draw Nigh” by Fred Hammond

“And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” Mark 4: 39

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. During the entire month of October, individuals and organizations seek to highlight the issue of domestic violence, its pervasiveness, and its devastating effects on women, men, children, and families across the nation and world. Domestic violence causes innocent women and children to face repeated violence in their homes, a place they should be safe. An incident of domestic violence can be terrifying for victims to experience. Victims can be immobilized by fear as they seek a way of escape from the “storm” that is raging before them. Just as the disciples in Mark 4 were tossed during the storm, and wondered if God cared whether they drowned, victims of domestic violence may question whether God cares about what is happening to them. The answer is “yes.” God cares about victims of domestic violence. Acts of domestic violence are against everything God represents, most importantly, his goodness and love. His commandment is to “love one another, as I have loved you, so you must also love one another.” (John 13:34)

As a former legal advocate, one of my purposes in life is speaking up for domestic violence victims and educating/informing the public about domestic violence and the harm it does to our communities. It is all of our business to protect women and children, and to work towards ending domestic violence. Abusive relationships are painful, chaotic, and destructive. Hope and healing lies in the assistance and resources provided by many local and national agencies, including Northwest Family Life, where I recently joined the staff as a part-time Community Engagement Coordinator. Northwest Family Life is one local agency providing our communities with domestic violence resources such as safe shelter (Penny’s Place), advocacy, support groups, counseling, education, intervention, prevention, and training. When these resources are combined with compassion, warmth and understanding, survivors have an increased chance at healing, restoration, renewal, and peace.

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence, also referred to as intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pattern of behaviors used to exert power and control over another in an intimate relationship. Domestic violence can be physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, psychological or financial (economic abuse). Verbal abuse can cause irreparable harm to a victim’s self-esteem, especially if she is regularly called names like “stupid” and “bitch”. Physical violence can begin with a slap in the face, grabbing of the arms, or a push. The violence can escalate to punches, kicks, strangulation, and ultimately murder. It is important to state domestic violence is a crime. The list of crimes associated with domestic violence include assault, threats/intimidation, harassment, murder, property damage, telephone harassment, stalking, cyberstalking, unlawful imprisonment, protection order violations, and interfering with reporting domestic violence (simply put, making the phone unavailable to a victim).

According to statistics, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience intimate partner physical violence in their lifetime, affecting more than 12 million people each year. Additionally, 1 in 10 teenagers will be harmed in an abusive relationship. Black women experience intimate partner violence at a rate 35% higher than that of white females, and about 22 times the rate of women of other races. Black women who are marginalized are at a tremendous risk for victimization by an intimate partner (Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community). According to Northwest Family Life, more than 20,000 phone calls are placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide on a typical day. Calls to Northwest Family Life increased by 40 percent during the pandemic. These calls included requests for support, resources, housing, perpetrator treatment, and counseling. One statistic of grave concern is that children who witness domestic violence are 10 times more likely to be involved in violent intimate relationships, either as perpetrators or victims. These statistics emphasize the need for society to increase efforts to end domestic violence. Ending the silence around domestic violence, and encouraging more open discussions on the topic is a way we can all take small steps to help save lives.

Warning signs that a relationship may be abusive or unsafe:

Your partner hits or assaults you.

You are afraid of your partner.

Your partner blames you for everything wrong about your relationship.

Your partner is verbally or emotionally abusive.

You are constantly being put down and called names.

Your partner is controlling,

Your partner is extremely jealous.

Your partner takes your phone and checks your messages.

Your partner accuses you of being unfaithful.

Your partner threatens you or coerces you to do things you don’t want to (such as having sex).

Your partner threatens to harm your children or other family members.

Your partner does not allow you access to finances or bank accounts.

Your partner takes your money, keys or car.

You are isolated from your friends and family.

This list of abusive and controlling behaviors is not exhaustive, however, if you are experiencing any of the behaviors listed, this may indicate you are in an abusive relationship. Ask for help. Don’t suffer in silence. There is help available. You deserve peace, safety, and a violence-free life.

How can you help a friend or loved one you suspect is being abused?

Be non-judgmental and compassionate, and listen to their story. Don’t tell them what you would do. Listen.

Ask them what you can do to help. Maybe they need money or a ride to safety.

It is okay to say “I am afraid for you” or “I am concerned for your safety.”

Find out if weapons are accessible to the abusive partner. Weapons add another level of danger and increase the urgency to plan for safety.

If you witness someone being harmed or abused, call 911. Do not put yourself at risk of being harmed.

Refer friends or loved ones to domestic violence agencies providing advocacy, counseling, resources, and shelter.

Suggest they make a safety plan. Click this link https://ncadv.org/personalized-safety-plan

**Important: A victim is at risk of increased danger or even death when she is leaving an abusive relationship.

We cannot end domestic violence without a coordinated worldwide effort of individuals, agencies, churches and other houses of faith, that are dedicated to ending the epidemic of domestic violence. We must continue to promote awareness, education, prevention and intervention. We CAN make a difference in the many lives of individuals who need support and assistance in escaping abuse. It is my belief this issue is at the center of God’s heart, He speaks to the storms that arise from the heartache of domestic violence, and says “Peace, be still.” It is our combined efforts that help provide the calm after the storm.

Here is a short list of resources for domestic violence survivors. Please consider donating to these agencies during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It can be your step towards helping end domestic violence. Thank you.

Atlantic Street Center https://atlanticstreetcenter.org

New Beginnings https://newbegin.org/

DAWN https://www.dawnrising.org/

Northwest Family Life https://northwestfamilylife.org/

Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence https://wscadv.org

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence https://ncadv.org/

YWCA Seattle/King County https://ywcaworks.org

Seattle City Attorney’s Office Domestic Violence Unit

https://www.seattle.gov/cityattorney/crime-victim-assistance/domestic-violence-help

Project Be Free https://project-be-free.com

1st Corinthians 13: 4-7 (NIV) “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.“

Love, according to the above passage, “does not dishonor others,” “it is not easily angered”, and “it does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” In this passage we see a clear picture of the right kind of love, even the “good love” that Whitney Houston once sang about. Victims of domestic violence do not receive the right kind of love when they are in an abusive relationship. October is designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Having spent fifteen years as a domestic violence legal advocate, one of my purposes in life is to speak up for domestic violence victims and educate/inform the public about domestic violence and the harm it does to our communities. It is all of our business to protect women and children, and to work towards reducing or eliminating domestic violence.

Let’s begin with a brief description of what qualifies as domestic violence. Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors used to exert power and control over another in an intimate relationship. Domestic violence can be physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, psychological or financial. Verbal abuse can cause irreparable harm to a woman’s self-esteem, especially when she is called names like “stupid” and “bitch” on a regular basis. Physical violence can begin as a slap in the face or a push. The violence can escalate to punches, kicks, strangulation, and ultimately murder. Domestic violence crimes include assault, threats, harassment, malicious mischief, property damage, telephone harassment, stalking, cyberstalking, unlawful imprisonment, protection order violations, and interfering with reporting domestic violence (simply put, making the phone unavailable). These behaviors are NOT examples of the right kind of love.

According to statistics, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men will experience intimate partner physical violence in their lifetime. 1 in 10 teenagers will be harmed in an abusive relationship. Black women experience intimate partner violence at a rate 35% higher than that of white females, and about 22 times the rate of women of other races. Black women who are marginalized are at a tremendous risk for victimization by an intimate partner (Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community).

Let’s take a glimpse at two real life headlines from last year:

“Domestic-related murder victim allegedly attacked by suspect 1 month before death” – Fox 59

June 10, 2020

Indianapolis – Police were called to a home early Tuesday morning and found  29 year old Ashley Richardson shot to death. Her fiance was arrested for her murder. According to her sister, “he lured her there and executed her.” “He took her from us. There is no redo.” Just five weeks before the fatal shooting, police were called to the same address for a previous violent domestic incident between the same suspect and the same victim. The victim’s sister said Ashley tried to break up with the suspect after prosecutors claim he assaulted her with a hammer inside their home last month.

“Mom stabbed to death on North Side trying to help rescue friend’s daughter from boyfriend”

Syracuse.com December 13, 2020

Syracuse, N.Y. – On Friday night, a friend asked Franchelli Almonte to help her pick up her 17 year-old daughter, who was with a boyfriend who wouldn’t let her leave. Almonte drove her friend to a North Side apartment, but when the girl tried to leave, her boyfriend told her she couldn’t. He threatened her. When the girl got into the car, he threw a brick through the car’s back window. Then he came over to the driver’s side of the car, where Almonte sat. She tried to ward him off with a stick she kept in the car for self defense. Instead he stabbed her. “All she was doing was giving her friend a ride, said Amy Larrieux, another friend of Almonte. Later that night, Almonte, 36, mother of two, was pronounced dead at Upstate University Hospital, according to police and friends.

Sadly, there are many more headlines just like these. The reality is domestic violence can never be eliminated by silence. Speak up. Innocent women and children are still being murdered. Speak up. Society can no longer afford to be bystanders to the violence that occurs in families. The children who witness violence are likely to repeat the behavior as adults. Speak up. The trauma lasts for generations without intervention/counseling. There are resources, shelters, hotlines, and advocates to help you through a violent situation. Don’t let fear keep you silent. Speak up. Ask for help, or if you are given the opportunity, help someone. Here are a few ways to help yourself or others:

1. DON’T suffer alone and in silence, there are people that care.

2. DO speak up and report domestic violence.

3. DO obtain a protection order to keep an abuser away from you and/or your children.

4. DO confide in a friend, one who will listen and not judge.

5. DON’T blame victims. The violence they endure is not their fault.

6. DO make a safety plan. Click this link https://ncadv.org/personalized-safety-plan

7. DO know the warning signs of abuse (available through agency links provided below).

Following is a short list of resources for domestic violence survivors. Please consider donating to these agencies during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It can be your step towards helping eliminate domestic violence.

Atlantic Street Center https://atlanticstreetcenter.org

New Beginnings https://newbegin.org/

DAWN https://www.dawnrising.org/

Northwest Family Life https://northwestfamilylife.org/

Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence https://wscadv.org

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence https://ncadv.org/

YWCA Seattle/King County https://ywcaworks.org

Seattle City Attorney’s Office Domestic Violence Unit

https://www.seattle.gov/cityattorney/crime-victim-assistance/domestic-violence-help

Project Be Free https://project-be-free.com

“Show them your heart and tell them you’ll help” is the final statement of a commercial I saw more times than I can count during the pandemic. This commercial advertisement raises awareness and money for abused animals. During the same time period, I don’t recall seeing a commercial addressing domestic violence or raising money for abused women and children. I love my cat Sierra dearly, but can our society be more concerned about animals than abused women and children? I sure hope not.

The right kind of love is kind, loving, patient, it protects and does not harm, it is not verbally, emotionally, or physically abusive. The right kind of love will always make you feel safe. The right kind of love will not isolate you from your family and friends. The right kind of love allows you to control your own thoughts and decisions.

To anyone who has been harmed or affected by domestic violence, I wish you peace, healing, and restoration. My daughter sang this song for me, and now I dedicate it to you. You are beautiful, courageous, resilient and strong. You should be given your flowers now. God bless you.

India.Arie, “Flowers”

Christians are supposed to be “the best of the best with honors, sir” (quoted from Will Smith in the movie Men in Black). We are not supposed to cuss or speak ill of others even when they hurt us. In Luke 6:28, KJV it says, “Bless them that curse you, and pray for those mistreating you.” Romans 12:14 NIV states, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse”. Finally, 1st Peter 3:10 NIV says, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.” We get it Jesus, we are not supposed to curse. We are yet striving to be like you.

These last two years painful things occurred that were out of my control, and there were times when a cuss word wanted to slip out. There I said it! Confession is good for the soul. The Lord’s grace and mercy brought me back to the reality that if I am going to represent Him, I have to stick to His godly standards. That is all right with me. I wrote this poem to express my feelings of hurt. Maybe you can relate, and maybe you can’t. I am sharing my heart with you:

“I Didn’t Cuss”

I didn’t cuss, I didn’t cuss, I wanted to, I felt I must.

The hurt I felt was so unjust.

Hurt from here, hurt from there, my heart was hurting everywhere.

I played by the rules that I was taught

Be kind, show love, but it was for naught.

The world had different rules to play,

In their rules I had no say.

Sit down, shut up, your thoughts don’t matter

Wait, I still have a glass ceiling to shatter.

I grew up poor, saw my brothers imprisoned,

It changed my mind, and gave me a new vision.

Within those walls I would never be,

My sound mind and education would set me free

To be, I thought, whatever I wanted to be.

Isn’t that what mama told me?

I didn’t cuss, I didn’t cuss

I wanted to and I felt I might bust

As I tried to keep hurt from turning to hate

To call on sweet Jesus before its too late.

I needed Him to help me carry the weight.

Contents under pressure, straining to pour out

Lifting my burdens with the sound of a shout.

I wanted to cuss, I wanted to cuss, I did not feel

There was anyone I could trust.

But I learned cussing won’t ease this pain.

So I wait, Holy Spirit, for your comfort, rest and rain.

I didn’t cuss.

When people and circumstances cause you pain, you can still trust the Lord. Check out Donnie McClurkin’s beautiful song “I’ll Trust You.”

I think it is time that we pay our last respects to our dearly departed iconic Central Area spots that we’ve loved, and yet never properly mourned. I was born and raised in Seattle, and it has been my home for almost 60 years (oowee).  As a child, I resided with my family at a number of locations including 15th and Cherry, 18th and Jefferson, 28th and Norman, and the Yesler Terrace. My aunt and uncle owned a house on 28th and Norman, where much of my childhood was spent. Additionally,  my uncle owned two record shops in Seattle: Summerrise World of Music on 12th and Jackson and the Wholesale House on Rainier Ave South across the street from Boraccini’s bakery. For some residents, these were good, prosperous times in the Central Area. Recently, however, the Central Area looks less and less like the Black community of the past, and it makes me sad. I feel a sense of grief and loss for what once was a thriving community. 

Earlier this week I drove past the southeastern corner of 23rd and Jackson, a site formerly known as Promenade 23. I witnessed for the first time, a huge, beautiful new complex. My first thought was “how many Black people will be living there?” I was not excited about this new building because it did not represent something that “belonged” to the community. Instead I felt resentful. I’m being honest. In the months I spent watching this building taking shape, I felt the need to mourn that particular block of the Central Area. Gentrification has continued at an alarming rate in the Central Area. I do not claim to have the answers as to how this trend will be reversed. This blog post is my cathartic way of mourning for the Central Area. Join me now for the Memorial Service for the Central Area. I think I hear the community gathering, and they are singing “Oh my lord, lord, lord, lord. Oh my lord, lord, lord, lord. Um hmm, um hmm, uh mmm.”

ORDER OF SERVICE

OPENING SONG “Back Down Memory Lane” By Minnie Riperton (click on link) https://youtu.be/82vJHFg33NkT

Old testament reading Lamentations 3: 22-23

New testament reading Revelations 21:4

Community Reading “I Remember the Central District in a Special Way”

“Today we are going on an imaginary trip through the old Central District. We will name and remember favorite local spots that no longer exist. Some of these sites were businesses,  stores, schools and restaurants. There is no need to hold back your tears, cry as loud as you want when we visit these places. There should be plenty of tissue available. Here we go…

Summerrise World of Music 12th and Jackson (not actually in the CD, but it was owned by my uncle and he lived in the CD and he served the community)
RL’s Home of Good Bar-B-Q Yesler Way (The best barbecue in Seattle, hands down! Cash only, and there was an accompanying sign that read”In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash”)
Little’s Mini Mart – Corner of 17th and Jefferson across from Providence Hospital
Inez’s Kitchen 12th & Jefferson
La Mediterranean (Black owned restaurant near Seattle U, and a favorite of my husband’s when we were attending SU)
Central Area Motivation Program 722 18th Ave. (The original can never be replaced. My aunt, cousin and my husband were all employed here at one time. My son injured his head at the park next door when he was four, resulting in his first stitches. Luckily his big sister was there and rescued him.)

Liberty Bank – 24th & Union (a Black owned bank, where I had an account)
Frank’s corner store 24th & Jackson (I used to buy red ginger and lemon here)
Jordan’s Drugs – Cherry St. (open for  late night prescriptions)
Catfish Corner ML King Jr. & Cherry (I know they have new locations, but nothing beats the OG spot and staff)
Promenade 23 – Includes Red Apple, Joy Unlimited Christian Bookstore, Lady Legs Hosiery, Welch’s Hardware Store
BJ’s Beauty Supply 24th & Jackson 
Hidmo Eritrean Cuisine 20th & Jackson (Rest in Peace Rahwa Habte)

Heritage House/Cotton Club Martin Luther King Jr. Way S. & S. Dearborn ( the R&B group Blue Magic performed there)
Carol’s Essentials Gift Shop 23rd Ave. in the post office plaza
Helen’s Diner 23rd Avenue & Union
Thompson’s Point of View Off Union
Philly’s Best (original location on 23rd and Union)
Sammy’s Burgers 26th & Union (you needed patience and courage to order from this place)
Eddie Cotton’s on Madison (home of the Soul burger and the best shakes)
East Madison Valley Cleaners (my mother worked here for L.B. Haynes. He called me “Small Fry”)
S.O.I.C. on Madison and Jackson (my aunt Hellyne worked there as did many African Americans in the 80’s)
Deano’s on Madison (this is for somebody out there)
Oscar’s on Madison (who’s spot was this?)

Special Salute to South Seattle’s historic past (Read silently, but loud sobbing allowed)
Reflective musical tribute  SOUF by Rell Be Free https://youtu.be/t2RtX9oK3rA

Zion Preparatory Academy (both of my children attended Zion Prep at both of the locations. Is there even a marker?)
Rainier Cinema Columbia City (it was our Black theater)
Unforgettable’s Gift Shop Rainier Plaza
The Wellington Tea Room (my daughter’s 8th birthday was celebrated here)
Southwest Mortuary at Rainier & Henderson

Parting View Yesler Terrace (our family resided at 911 Alder, Apt 799)

Recessional song        “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday”  By G.C. Cameron https://youtu.be/_ybSbqV5ll4

This concludes our service in memory of the Black Central District and surrounding neighborhoods. The community is welcome to celebrate the passing of these iconic places by regularly supporting our local Black businesses still in existence. Together we can keep hope alive!

p.s. Please share any fond memories you may have of the CD in the comments. God bless you.

Scripture verse:

Psalm 103:10

“he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.”

How often does the saying or thought, “that’s what you get” come from your lips or to your mind. Never? You’re good. Often? Let’s pray! I think we all can be guilty of this offense if we are honest. Most recently the thought “that’s what you get” came to mind when several people were infected with Covid 19, after attending gatherings known as “super spreader” events. We read the headline and say or think, “See that’s what you get, didn’t nobody tell you to go to a superspreader event”. Or when something bad happens to someone who has wronged us or a loved one, the initial thought is “That’s what you get”. We somehow feel vindicated. Can I tell on me? When something bad happens to folks that offend us, we should not say, “that’s what you get for messing with me”. That is NOT God. That is coming from our flesh and it is sinful. Oh, it is difficult to really BE and represent God on a daily basis. Our flesh is at war constantly with his spirit. Psalm 103:10 says “he does not give US what we deserve.” That is me and you. Even so, we find it hard to extend this same grace to others? I am going to do my best to stop the thought “that’s what you get” from taking over when I am tempted. I want to be more like Christ in ALL my ways. Will you take the challenge with me?