Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle’s Guild Celebrates Trailblazing Black Women in Washington State

By Chardonnay Beaver – chardonnaybeaver.com

SEATTLE — On Sunday, March 30, the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle’s Guild concluded Women’s History Month at the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) by hosting its inaugural Trailblazing Black Women in Washington event.

The event was hosted by Chelsea Riddick, Seattle Center’s director of programs and events. It was inspired by Marilyn Morgan’s 2022 book, Trailblazing Black Women in Washington State, which commemorates the excellence of Black women—past, present, and future. More than 100 Black women attended the luncheon, with brunch catered by Good For Your Soul. Special performances were given by gospel songstress Felecia Curry and King County’s Poet Laureate Mona Lake Jones. Special guests included Michelle Merriweather, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, and author Marilyn Morgan. Honorees received awards named after historical figures featured in Morgan’s book.

Dr. Sarah Pritchett, assistant superintendent of human resources for Seattle Public Schools, received the Thelma Dewitty Award for her outstanding contributions to education and equity. Dewitty was the first Black woman to teach in Seattle Public Schools.

Seattle City Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth received an award named after her grandmother, Dorothy Hollingsworth. Among her many accomplishments, Dorothy Hollingsworth was the first Black woman in Washington state to serve on a school board and the first director of Seattle Public Schools’ Head Start program.

Dr. Elizabeth Wako, president and CEO of Swedish Health Services, received the Alice Ball Award. Ball, a Seattle High School and University of Washington alum, developed the first effective treatment for leprosy. Her contributions were initially overlooked when a colleague took credit for her work.

The event also recognized Washington’s Future Women to Watch, honoring:

Nicole Bascomb-Green, owner and designated broker of Bascomb Real Estate Group

Jazmyn Scott, executive director of Arte Noir

Besa Gordon, media producer and host of Back2Besa

Chardonnay Beaver, creator of WOWbyChar, author, influential speaker, and multimedia story-teller

The Facts Newspaper congratulates all the honorees, to learn more

about GUILD visit urbanleague.org/guild