Building the Beloved Community Gala –
Your support is critical in El Centro de la Raza’s work to make Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream of a “Beloved Community” a reality—one that is only possible if people of diverse backgrounds come together in mutually supporting relationships of care, respect and love while working for justice within our communities, our nation, and our world.Through your generosity, we raised more than $638,000 for vital programs and services that improve the lives of more than 21,000 individuals and families across our region. Proceeds from the gala will strengthen and grow our work, which includes feeding the hungry, helping a family make rent, empowering students to graduate from high school and attend college, and supporting our immigrant community. Read more here!
Affordable Housing– Four Amigos – Beloved Community Project Update
Project Update: Significant Progress at the Four Amigos – Beloved Community Development!
We’re excited to share notable advancements in the Four Amigos – Beloved Community project in Columbia City. This mixed-use, affordable housing development, featuring 87 units, the José Martí Child Development Center, Church of Hope, and offices for Consejo, honors the legacy of Roberto Maestas and his partnerships with Larry Gossett, Bob Santos, and Bernie Whitebear.
Construction Update:
▪️The southwest corner is taking shape, with most scaffolding now removed.
▪️Additional scaffolding clearance at the west elevation enhances visibility and access.
▪️Courtyard work is ongoing, and playground equipment is ready for installation.
▪️Tile flooring is being installed at the Child Development Center, with mural and fence artwork already on-site.
▪️Formwork is in place at the surface parking lot, bringing the project closer to completion.
Gratitude: Many thanks to our neighbors for their patience and support, and to the Church of Hope, SMR Architects, Beacon Hill Development Project, and Walsh Construction Co. for their collaboration.
Stay tuned for more updates as we bring this vision to life!
Business Opportunity Center – Concluded our collaboration with Friends of Waterfront and City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development.
Our Business Opportunity Center concluded its summer collaborating with Friends of Waterfront and the City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development on the promenade project. We’ve helped recruit 15 small businesses for potential participation, playing a key role in the selection process. In addition, we provided technical assistance to business owners, ensuring they secured the necessary documentation for contracts and received stipends for supplies, supported by Friends of Waterfront and OED. We’ve proudly served as the link between businesses, FOW, and OED throughout this initiative.
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Advocacy and Culture – KEXP and Aqui y Ahora Hispanic Heritage Month Speaking Panne;
El Centro de la Raza, participated in **KEXP** and **Aquí y Ahora** inspiring event, *”Latin Music and Culture in Seattle: A Conversation to Build Comunidad.”* It was an honor to participate in this important discussion alongside key cultural and community leaders.
Special thanks to @albinacabrera for moderating such an insightful conversation and to all the panelists who shared their perspectives on the role of Latinx music and culture in shaping Seattle’s diverse community.
We’re grateful to be part of such a powerful space for connection, cultural exchange, and community-building. ¡Gracias por celebrar nuestra cultura!
Seattle Kraken Honor El Centro de la Raza’s José Martí Early Learning Teachers: The Heroes of the Deep
Through the Kraken Unity Fund, created by the Seattle Kraken’s One Roof Foundation, this recognition honors inspiring individuals making a powerful impact—transforming lives, fostering resilience, and strengthening our community across the Pacific Northwest. Each Hero works with the One Roof Foundation to select a nonprofit recipient for a $32,000 Kraken Unity Fund donation. In this case, our teachers chose El Centro de la Raza. ¡Mil gracias to all!
The Seattle Kraken invited our teachers to game day on October 12, 2024, where they were warmly welcomed and featured on the jumbotron. Their smiles radiated with pride, joy, and the fun energy of the game.
Learn more about Heroes of the Deep and the Kraken Unity Fund here.
