For many, comfort lies in the privileges they experience, the powers they exercise, and the convenience of not being in that group of "those others". We live in a country that was founded on equality for some and the promise of equality for others. We live in a country that has never lived up to the concept and manifestation of freedom and justice for all.

In the midst of an ecological crisis, a global pandemic, a recession, and a racial justice uprising, we are all going through an awakening. MLK reminds us that "Injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere." Audre Lorde recognizes that "There is no single issue struggle."

We exist in a country, state, county, and city that fails to ensure that all of us have equitable and equal access to our human rights - clean water, healthy food, affordable housing, healthcare, due process, access to education, and employment opportunity. We ALL deserve to live dignified, thriving lives.

We are not free and liberated until all peoples and relatives are free and liberated. Collective liberation cannot come in part. It must come intersectionally and all once.

This Human Rights Day, the Seattle Human Rights Commission spotlights Black Voices.

Community members from King County Equity Now, Decriminalize Seattle, Converge Media, Black Trans Task Force, and Morning March Seattle will navigate a discussion on the Black Experience in Seattle.

Special Thanks to Town Hall Seattle for helping make this happen. We are also grateful to the Seattle Office for Civil Rights and the University of Washington's Center for Human Rights for their sponsorship.