Olympia holds walking tour, online celebration for Black History Month

As part of its observance of Black History Month, Olympia will hold a series of events commemorating African American contributions to the city.

“We want to provide a day of celebration of black culture and independence by bringing performers, artists, and educators, together to educate the community and empower Olympia to embrace diversity and equity,” said Javoen Byrd, event co-host and Hawk Foundation president in a City of Olympia press release.

There will be a walking tour this Sat., Feb. 26, 1 p.m. kicking off at the Bigelow House Museum, celebrating black Olympia pioneers Alexander and Rebecca Howard, hosted by the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum and the Olympia Arts + Heritage Alliance (AHA).

AHA will hold walking tours visiting the Howard Point interpretative marker near East Bay Drive and Glass Avenue.

Also part of the celebrations is an online event at 11 a.m. Mon., Feb. 28, featuring performances by Unspoken Truths Traveling Museum, Chanel Music, Awodi Drumming, with Councilmember Dontae Payne delivering a message.

Olympia passed a proclamation celebrating Black History Month in its City Council meeting on Feb. 1, along with a proclamation for the Asian community’s Lunar New Year.