Addressing the Colman School Encampment
As Northwest African American Museum staff, we’ve come together to make it clear that we come from a place of mutual respect and genuine concern. We want to speak directly and factually to this issue. This statement is an attempt to uncover the full truth and take an honest step toward facilitating reconciliation between the African American Heritage Museum & Cultural Center (AAHM&CC) and NAAM.
It is important to note the following:
As the original occupiers of the Colman School building, Omari Tahir Garrett, Earl Debnam, Michael Greenwood, and Charlie James made an amazing sacrifice. While their full vision was not realized, we recognize and appreciate the eight years of sacrifice they gave to the original occupation.
Because of a split between factions in the early stages of planning for a museum, a new direction emerged resulting in low income housing and a museum. NAAM was born in turmoil. NAAM’s current leadership team is dedicated to addressing our inherited, damaged relationships. We acknowledge that we cannot heal those wounds while any of us operate under half-truths or intentional misguidance of our supporters. With a commitment to compassion, we extend apology to all who have been hurt over the 35+ year dispute.
NAAM is a separate entity from the Urban League. We are not “Urban League’s NAAM.” At the beginning of NAAM’s formation, we aligned with an existing non-profit (much like the AAHM&CC did with the City of Seattle via the Public Development Authority) until we could establish our own 501(c)3. NAAM gained independence from the Urban League in 2006. We collaborate with ULMS as a local, black organization, just as we partner with many other local organizations. However, the business nature of our relationship is that of landlord and tenant. We each have separate boards, staff, missions, and operating procedures.
Background
Through documents posted here on the AAHM&CC website as well as articles here and here , you will see the chronicle of information. The AAHM&CC has documented the issue at length here. We must note, however, that when it comes to the financial standing of the dispute, their documentation is not as clear on the ownership of the building.
In this piece, we will address the particular concern about the rights battle over the Colman School Building and NAAM’s involvement. To assist with clarity, we present the facts in the form of Frequently Asked Questions.
FAQs
What is going on in front of NAAM’s doors?
Currently, Omari Tahir Garrett is leading an encampment with the purpose of taking the Colman School to realize his vision of the AAHM&CC. The one demand is ultimately to control the Colman School building.
Why don’t you just give them the building?
Many people are unaware, but NAAM does not own any part of the Colman School building. We are a tenant of the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle (ULMS).
Why don’t you attempt to collaborate with them?
We did. On June 30, 2020, NAAM included an Africatown representative on our virtual program “It Takes a Village: From Pandemic to Protest” in hopes of collaboration. Regretfully, a leader from Africatown commandeered the discussion by inappropriate and disparaging comments out of turn.
On June 30, 2020 our executive director and board chair approached Omari Tahir Garrett and a small group that was gathered at the time. It was made clear that there was no interest on Mr. Garrett’s part to collaborate, and our director was told that she would “end up like Edwin Pratt” (Note: E.T. Pratt Homicide) Mr. Garrett also noted several other African American leaders who were killed or died, and stated “I’m warning you.”
Despite the clear threat, NAAM remains dedicated to finding a resolution.
Currently, we are working with community leaders to convene a healing circle that will result in a resolution for all parties involved.
Why do you keep calling the police on the occupiers?
We have not called the police on the occupiers. The calls to police and medic one were facilitated by entities outside of NAAM.
We do know that one instance of the police being called happened after a resident of the Urban League Village was assaulted with a golf club. In that instance, the ambulance called the police to the scene.
I don’t think NAAM is sufficient. Why aren’t you interested in giving our community more?
As noted in this 2018 article, our executive director ended with this quote, “There is a lot of work ahead, making this museum a world-class, nationally accredited museum. We are ready and we are committed and we will do it.”
We have a robust, multi-year vision and plan of expansion. We have been strategically building on that plan, step by step.
We are grateful for the space that has served us, and we continue to do amazing work with what we have while we plan for something greater.
Why did NAAM take so long to speak out about this?
Up to this point, we’ve looked for opportunities for resolution, which takes time. We discovered the dispute is over the building, which we do not own. This statement does not speak for the owners of the building, but we do want to shed light on NAAM’s involvement in this situation. We are a tenant, and the dispute is over ownership of the building.
NAAM staff has also been entrenched in accelerating our service to the community during this global pandemic.
Why are you only open 5 days a week 11-5?
NAAM is open Wednesday-Sunday, and the vast majority of our programs take place after 5 pm, so our building is often open late nights. Our exhibits are routinely left open for evening program attendees.
Unfortunately, we have limited staff and limited funds to hire more staff at the moment. It is our intention to honor work-life balance for the health of our staff. They are not just workers. The people who dedicate their time 5-7 days a week, (including weekends and late nights), are mothers, fathers, caregivers to their elders, community activists, and community performers.
It is our genuine hope to extend our hours and bring on more staff. In the meantime, more volunteers to help staff the front desk, run events, and docent would help us extend our hours.
Help us extend our hours, apply here to volunteer.
Help us hire more staff, click here to donate for operational support.
Why don’t you recognize the 1985 occupiers in your museum?
There is currently a plaque on display that lists the names of the original occupiers, and at the start of every tour, we dedicate time to talking about the original occupation.
NAAM realizes that our current recognition should be enhanced, and our team has begun the work to explore ways that the occupiers’ sacrifices can be showcased. Pre-COVID, we planned to host a Founders’ Day on November 23 to coincide with the date that the 1985 Declaration of Occupation was signed. It is our genuine hope that we can move forward with this event alongside the original occupiers to tell their story.
Why did you hold a press conference to call for “at least 2,000 more police officers?”
We did not. NAAM has not held or hosted any press conferences this year.
The African American Community Advisory Council held the press conference in question in the Jimi Hendrix park.
Why were you silent about the death of George Floyd?
We were not. You can read our statement that went out on June 1 here.
You can also visit our blog post that our Board Chair, Debbie Bird penned about the situation.
Additionally, we give platform on our blog to community members who wrote about the death in poems and essays, which can be found here.
NAAM is a vibrant organization, and we welcome you to learn more about us by visiting our website here, even though we are not open due to COVID-19. We invite you to attend our upcoming virtual and socially distanced outdoors programs. If any questions remain about where NAAM stands and who we work to serve, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can send your honest feedback about how we can improve our programs and operations to info@naamnw.org.