State of Black Tacoma 2024
SAVE THE DATE
STATE OF BLACK TACOMA
MAY 30, 2024, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
MEET US AT: EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE:
We are so excited for the community to come together and share the State of Black Tacoma - Public Safety, Health, Education, Housing & Workforce - let us know your coming and get free registration here: https://2024sobt.eventbrite.com
State of Black Tacoma 2023 Video Report
Small Business Development
Jenefeness Tucker, VP of Community Relationships and Public Affairs at Seattle Credit Union, gives us an update about the robust, community-oriented, black business community in Tacoma. She shares how historic increases in partnership and designated funds for small businesses are strengthening economic prosperity in our community.
Violence Prevention
Candace Westley from Tacoma Ceasefire shares an analysis of how the rise in gun violence is related to disenfranchisement and the impacts of COVID-19 on our Black community. She shares how we are tackling violence prevention as a team alongside the City of Tacoma.
Education
Dr. Tafona Ervin, Executive Director of Graduate Tacoma, shares an update about barriers and movement towards supportive education for all Black students. The goal is to help every black child experience joy through education, so that they understand true liberation for themselves and their community.
Employment
Katie Condit, CEO of Workforce Central, shares updates on work towards the goal of ensuring everyone in our Black community has a quality job with livable wages and good benefits.
Health
Dr. Jamila Sherls-Jones, Director of Immunization at the Washington State Department of Health and former Director of Health Equity at MultiCare, discusses how healthcare has changed since the pandemic and the impacts that COVID-19 has had on the Black community.
Housing
Felicia Medlen, Housing Division Manager at the City of Tacoma, shares an update on movement towards more equitable housing in Tacoma. She also gives historical context for how our Black community has been excluded from home ownership — one of the most direct pathways to building wealth.
2022 State of Black Tacoma
In 2022 we also discussed growth and opportunities in many of these areas. Check out our 2022 State of Black Tacoma video report to learn more about where we’ve been and where we’re heading.