Former Microsoft Executive Kiesha Garrison Introduces Hey, Black Seattle!: A Nexus of Connection for the African Diaspora in the Emerald City

By DaMarko Webster

Entrepreneur and former Microsoft director Kiesha Garrison proudly unveils Hey, Black Seattle!, a platform designed to address the question “Where are all the Black people?” in Seattle. This community-focused initiative aims to unite, assist, and celebrate the diverse Black population of the region by harnessing the power of data and technology for positive change.

Despite statistics indicating a relatively small percentage of Black residents in the Greater Seattle area (6.7% in the city of Seattle, 8% in the central Puget Sound as of the July 2022 census), the area boasts a vibrant array of Black community organizations, Black-owned businesses, and artists dedicated to preserving Black culture and combatting the isolation felt by many Black residents. From longstanding institutions like the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute and the Black Heritage Society of Washington State to newer initiatives such as the Africatown Community Land Trust and Arte Noir, these entities exemplify the resilience of a community refusing to be marginalized by systemic inequality.

Founder Kiesha Garrison emphasizes, “While it’s understandable that some express frustration with the narrative that ‘there are no Black people in Seattle,’ it’s evident that they’re overlooking the impactful work of dedicated Black leaders in the region.” Hey, Black Seattle! aims to bridge this awareness gap, ensuring that disconnected individuals can discover and engage with the drivers of Black culture and community in the area.

Garrison, an alumna of Spelman College who held various leadership roles in consumer products and enterprise AI at Microsoft, draws inspiration from her experiences, including her tenure at Vitals and her involvement with The Live Music Project. Encouraged by Microsoft Employee Resource Group leaders who curated Black community resource lists for employees, as well as conversations with local nonprofit leaders seeking a digital community hub, Garrison leveraged her background in data-driven technology and her commitment to Black well-being to create a central platform for community engagement that transcends professional and social boundaries.

The mission of Hey, Black Seattle! is straightforward yet profound: to reduce the time it takes for Black individuals to connect with their community in the Puget Sound region. Garrison, also a public speaker focusing on the impact of oppression on identity and culture, explains, “Community is vital because isolation stifles dreams. I want Black people and our aspirations to flourish wherever we reside.”

At the heart of the platform is a comprehensive database of organizations serving the Black community across King, Pierce, Kitsap, and Snohomish counties. Hey, Black Seattle! has seeded this database with over two hundred vetted entities, creating a robust directory poised to expand through collective knowledge-sharing and offering hope to those who may consider relocating for a sense of belonging and well-being.

A Holistic Platform

In addition to the community resource directory, Hey, Black Seattle! features:

• An events calendar, providing a dedicated space for community members to share and discover events often overlooked on mainstream search platforms.
• A job board, offering organizations a direct avenue to advertise employment opportunities and support economic empowerment within the Black community.
• A photo archive to contribute to the preservation of the region’s Black history.
• Regular meetups to introduce newcomers to neighborhoods and educate them about Seattle’s rich Black heritage.
• Space for residents to share “Black Love Notes,” acknowledging the importance of mutual appreciation in fostering community cohesion.

Hey, Black Seattle! transcends being merely a platform; it is a movement—a call to action for Black residents of the Greater Seattle area to unite and contribute to a vibrant, inclusive community where everyone can thrive.