Urban Forum Northwest

Today, Thursday, May 28 on Urban Forum Northwest:

*On Tuesday, May 26 the following elected officials and community advocates celebrated the unveiling of the first Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Highway sign in Renton WA. On December 10, 2025 the Washington State Transportation Commission unanimously passed Resolution NO.755 to extend Martin Luther King Jr. Way 9.2 miles to Kent WA.

*Gwen Allen Carston, Executive Director, Kent Black Action Commission (KBAC); Senator Claudia Kauffman (D)-47th LD, Mia Su Ling Gregerson (D)-33rd LD, Senator Tina Orwall (D)-33rd LD, Representative Edwin Obras (D)-33rd LD; Kent City Council Members John Boyd, Sharon Shoker, and Zandria Machaud; Renton City Councilman Ed Prince; King County Council member Steffanie Fain. Hayward Evans, president, Seattle King County NAACP.

*Reverend Dr. Carey Anderson, Pastor, Seattle's First AME Church and Hayward Evans, Co Convener, Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Committee (MLKCC) comments on the significance of remembering the Charleston 9. The worshipers that invited a white man, Dylann Roof into their Bible Study and killed them on June 17, 2015. First AME and MLKCC will host a Day of Remembrance on June 17 at 5:30 pm at First AME.

*Cheryl Jackson-Williams, Chair, Seattle King County NAACP Housing Committee comments on her vision for the organizations efforts to provide affordable housing for King County residents. She has been the leader of Skyway's very successful Juneteenth event.

Urban Forum Northwest streams live at www.1150kknw.com. Visit us at www.urbanforumnw.com for archived programs and relevant information. Like us on facebook

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thursday, May 21 on Urban Forum Northwest:

*Earl Key, Senior Director of Transportation Equity, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) talks about WSDOT's new Small Business Program that complies with the new anti DEI initiatives and still afford possibilities for minority and women owned businesses seeking to do business with WSDOT.

*Hayward Evans is the newly elected president of the Seattle King County NAACP. He shares his organizational strategy which is already being implemented to insure that the NAACP will have a representative in every region of Martin Luther King Jr. County.

*Bob Armstead, president, Washington State Chapter-National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) comments on the role that Wendell Stemley, president, National NAMC played in saving the Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE). The lawsuit, Mid-America Milling Co. vs DOT was originally filed by groups seeking to eliminate race and gender conscious elements of the DBE Program.

*Dennis Williams, Jr.,Vice President, Wealth Advisor, Farther Finance invites you to New Beginnings Christian Fellowship (NBCF) to hear information regarding Investment Strategies;Retirement Readiness;Long Term Care;College Savings;Budget and Savings. The workshop will be held on Saturday, May 23 11:00 am-12:30 pm at NBCF.

Urban Forum Northwest streams live at www.1150kknw.com. Like us at www.urbanforumnw.com for archived programs and relevant information. Like us on facebook

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, Thursday, May 14 on Urban Forum Northwest:

*Representative Jamila Taylor (PD)-30th LD was the sponsor of the Washington State Home ownership Covenant Act which is being targeted by the Trump administration's Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The policy is designed to expand access to home ownership for communities excluded from the housing market. The program has assisted over 1300 home buyers.

*Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (D)-5th Congressional District MO comments on the gerrymandering that is aimed at eliminating the seats of African American Members of Congress, primarily in southern states. His seat is also targeted.

*Juan Peralez, president, UNIDOS of Snohomish County, the organization's focus has been on police accountability. He comments on their success the last legislative session with the support of Senator John Lovick (D)-44 LD when through the legislative process they were able to gain uniformity in police standards.

*The following individuals discussed and offered solutions on fighting for and maintaining the voting rights of African Americans that were gained over 60 years ago when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act on August 7, 1965.

Reverend Dr. Steve Baber, Saint Peters United Methodist Church (retired pastor)

Reverend Dr. Phyllis Beaumonte, Assistant Pastor, Mount Zion Baptist Church

Bishop Reggie Witherspoon, Sr., Pastor, Mount Calvary Christian Center COGIC

Reverend Malando, Youth & Young Adult Minister, Shiloh Baptist Church & President, Tacoma Branch NAACP

Urban Forum Northwest streams live at www.1150kknw.com. Like us at www.urbanforumnw.com for archived programs and relevant information.

Like us on Facebook.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thursday, May 7 on Urban Forum Northwest:

*Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans is the first African American and person of color to serve in that office. She has extensive legal experience, serving as Assistant City Prosecutor, Assistant City Attorney, and Assistant US Attorney. She is a graduate of the University of Washington and Seattle University School of Law. She comments on what she was able to accomplish during the last legislative session to expedite justice.

* Hayward Evans, Co Convener, Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Committee (MLKCC) and he is the president elect of the Seattle King County Branch NAACP. He comments on MLKCC's plan for the anniversary of the June 17, 2015 murder of the Charleston Nine, during Bible Study at Mother Emanuel AME Church.

*Carl Livingston, Senior Pastor, Kingdom Christian Center, is also a political science Professor, author, and community activist. He pays tribute to Charles Oliver an Assistant pastor at Kingdom Christian Center who passed away last month. Charles had been an activist beginning at Franklin High School. His service will be held Friday, May 15 at 11:00 am at Seattle's Greater Mount Baker Missionary Baptist Church, 2425 South Jackson Street, Seattle 98144.

*Roger Evans, Co Founder, Washington State Black Legacy Institute-home to a growing visual and digital archive of Black History in Washington State. The facility is surrounded by wall portraits of pioneering figures such as Nettie Asberry, William Grose, and Susan Revels Cayton. Visitors can explore and produce digital copies of historical artifacts from across the state.

* Dr. Marci Tate Arunga, former Dean, Tacoma Campus, Evergreen State College is the Featured Keynote Speaker for the 2026 Black Legacy Summit For Historic Preservation Hosted by Washington State Black Legacy Institute the event is Saturday, May 9 9:00 am-5:00 pm. The facility is located at 2656 42nd Avenue SW, Seattle 98116. Dr. Tate Arunga will speak at 12:00-1:30 pm.

*Karen Vargas is Founder and Director of Living Life Leadership, a youth mentoring program with New Life Community Development Agency in Kitsap County. She is Chairperson, Multi Cultural Advisory Council for the Bainbridge Island School District. And Founder, Living Arts Cultural Heritage Center in Bremerton WA.

Urban Forum Northwest streams live at www.1150kknw.com. Visit us at www.urbanforumnw.com for archived programs and relevant information. Like us on Facebook.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, Thursday, April 30:

*Seattle Port Commission President Ryan Calkins comments on the multiple responsibilities of the Port. He also comments on how the Middle East conflict is impacting the airlines and marine traffic in the Puget Sound.

*Senator T'wina Nobles (D)-28th LD, she Chairs the Senate Higher Education Committee, is member of the University Place School Board, and leads several organizations and is a faithful member of the Tacoma/ Pierce County Black Collective.

*Veronica Gallardo, Director of Facilities and Cultural Events for Seattle's El Centro de la Raza. She invites you to the organizations Cinco de Mayo Celebration that will be held on Saturday, May 2 12:00-4:00 pm at 2524 16th Avenue south.

*Duane Hill of the Seattle Breakfast Group comments on the work that the organization is doing with young men in five Seattle High Schools through their Project Mister Program. Their signature event is the Tie-One-On Celebration Luncheon will be held Thursday, May 7 at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel.

Urban forum Northwest streams live at www.1150kknw.com. Visit us at www.urbanforumnw.com for archived programs and relevant information. Like us on Facebook. X@Eddie_Rye.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, Thursday, April 23rd on Urban Forum Northwest on 1150 AM KKNW/www.1150kknw.com, on Alexa and my Podcast 2:03-3:00 pm (PDT) my guest for the hour are:

• Attorney James Bible comments on the victory he secured for Seattle Police Detective Cookie Bolden.
• Michelle Merriweather, president & CEO, Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle comments on the growing organization that’s in the process of developing affordable housing across the city. She is being honored Saturday at the Washington State African American Achievement Awards. 
• Reverend Dr. Leslie D. Braxton, Pastor, New Beginnings Christian Fellowship (NBCF) Kent, WA will be honored Saturday at the Washington State African American Achievement Awards being held at Olympic College in Bremerton, WA.
• Paul Mitchell one of the Founders of the Seattle Breakfast Group comments on the organization’s “Tie One On” an event that prepares young men for adulthood, college and work.
• Former Washington State Representative Dawn Mason will be honored on Saturday at the Washington State African American Achievement Awards.

Urban Forum Northwest streams live at www.1150kknw.com. Visit us at www.urbanforumnw.com for archived programs and relevant information. Like us on facebook.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, Thursday, April 16 on Urban Forum Northwest on 1150 AM KKNW/www.1150kknw.com, on Alexa and my Podcast 2:03-3:00 pm (PDT) my guest for the hour are:

*Central District Community Preservation & Development Authority (CDCPDA) Board of Directors President Lawrence Bigham and Vice President Dr. Lora-Ellen McKinney comment on the progress of the agency under the new board leadership.

*Linda Taylor is the new Chief Programs Officer for the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle (ULMS). She talks about her role of overseeing all of the ULMS programs that employ over 100 people. Ms. Taylor is one of the most knowledgeable housing experts in the state.

*Deborah Moore Jackson, Executive Director, Surviving Change and the Convener of the Washington State African American Achievement Awards (WSAAAA). The event will be held in Bremerton, WA at Olympic College on Saturday, April 25.

*Tony Benton (Tony B) of Rainier Avenue Radio and the Columbia City Theater comments on the Earth Day activities scheduled for April18-24. April 18 is Black Earth Day. He provides details for the week that will include a trip up the Duwamish River.

*Nyema Clark, Founder & Executive Director, Nurturing Roots Farm and the Project Lead for the Black Panther Park that is located in Skyway, WA at 75th and Renton Avenue South. The opening of the park will be held on Sunday, April, 19 11:00 am-3:00 pm (PDT).

Urban Forum Northwest streams live at www.1150kknw.com. Visit us at www.urbanforumnw.com for archived programs and relevant information. Like us on facebook.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thursday, April 9 on Urban Forum Northwest:

Aaron and Elmer Dixon Co Founders of the Seattle Black Panther Party.

Dr.Angela Griffin, president & CEO, Byrd Barr Place.

Shaude’ Moore, president & CEO, Central District Community Preservation & Development Authority (CDCPDA).

Tana Yasu, Executive Director, Joe Brazil Legacy Committee.

Urban Forum Northwest streams live at www.1150kknw.com. Visit us at www.urbanforumnw.com for archived programs and relevant information. Like us on Facebook.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thursday, April 2 on Urban Forum Northwest:

*Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos (D)-37th LD is the first Japanese-American woman to serve in a state legislature on the mainland. She serves on the Education; Finance; Insurance, Financial Services & Consumer Protection; and Rules committees. She comments on the short session that adjourned two weeks ago.

*Bishop Reginald (Reggie) Witherspoon Sr., Senior Pastor, Mount Calvary Christian Center COGIC, he is known a trailblazer in Kingdom leadership, a champion for the marginalized, and voice of wisdom and reconciliation. He provides an update of the progress of their new Church in Kent.

Hayward Evans, Co Convener, Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Committee (MLKCC) gives an overview of the organization's "A Day of Remembrance" where the 58th Anniversary of the assassination of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. April 4, 1968 will be the topic of discussion. This year there will be a video/radio presentation on Rainier Avenue Radio on April 4 at 3:00 pm.

*James Posey, president, Portland Branch NAACP joins in on the conversation sharing some of Oregon sate's history and how his chapter is dealing with gaining equality for his membership. He will be a panelist for the April 4 program.

*Stephanie Johnson-Toliver, president, Washington State Black Heritage Society, Inc. just returned from South Africa. She will be panelist on "A Day of Remembrance" on April 4. She provides insight into the relationship between her organization and the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI).

Urban Forum Northwest streams live at www.1150kknw.com. Visit us at www.urbanforumnw.com for archived programs and relevant information. Like us on Facebook.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thursday, March 26 on Urban forum Northwest:

*Senator Claudia Kauffman (D)-47th LD comments on the recent session. She is being honored for her work on getting the Washington State Transportation Commission to adopt Resolution 755 that extends Martin Luther King Jr. Way from Seattle to Kent, WA along state highway 515.

*Representative Jamila Taylor (D)-30th LD, she was the sponsor of House Bill 1474, a landmark bill that helped create the Covenant Homeownership Program, an initiative that will help people or their descendants who have been impacted by housing discrimination become homeowners.

*Megan Matthews has been confirmed as Director, Washington State Office of Equity, she has served as assistant director and acting director. The Office of Equity was created through legislation and signed by governor Jay Inslee and is tasked with promoting access to equitable opportunities and resources to reduce disparities and improve outcomes statewide across government.

* Hayward Evans, Co Convener, Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Committee (MLKCC) talks about the significance of "A Day of Remembrance" on April 4, the 58th anniversary of the assassination of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Several deserving people will be honored and there will be presentation over the airwaves of Rainier Avenue Radio on Saturday, April 4 at 3:00 pm.

*Randy Cross of Seattle's Royal Esquire Club invites you their fund raiser for scholarships at Icon's Night that will celebrate and honor former Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. The attire is semi-formal and the doors open at 5:00 pm.

Urban Forum Northwest streams live at www.1150kknw.com. Visit us at www.urbanforumnw.com for archived programs and relevant information. Like us on Facebook.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.