Read about Byrd Barr Place’s progress, services and updates from 2017-2018…. Read Full Article >
Liberty Bank Building Ribbon Cutting on March 23
Liberty Bank, founded in 1968 as a community response to redlining and disinvestment in Central Seattle, was the first Black-owned bank in the Pacific Northwest. As of March 2019, the Liberty Bank Building now offers 115 affordable homes for people earning between $13,000 and $65,000 a year…. Read Full Article >
Leading the Way in Innovation
Byrd Barr Place is one of many agencies around the country administering the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federal program that provides financial assistance to low-income people to maintain affordable, dependable utility services and avoid shutoff during the winter. … Read Full Article >
Creating a blueprint for a Community Land Trust
In a single generation, the African American population in the Central District has decreased from 70% to less than 20%, driving a cultural “diaspora” from Seattle’s historically Black area for over 130 years. … Read Full Article >
Announcing our new online application process
Announcing our new online application process for Energy Assistance. For the best experience, please use a smartphone or tablet Apply Online… Read Full Article >
Building Assets for Washington State’s Future
“In an inclusive economy, everyone – including the youngest among us – would have the means to have a lifetime of economic security. Yet this is not the case for many children and families in Washington state. Financial security and stability remain out of reach for many families, especially for families of color. Thirty percent… Read Full Article >
Remembering Pastor Samuel McKinney
Samuel McKinney, civil rights pioneer, community leader and longest serving pastor of Seattle’s Mount Zion Baptist Church passed away April 7th at the age of 91. We remember McKinney and his tireless activism to make Seattle a more equitable home for all. As pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church the congregation tripled under his leadership… Read Full Article >
An Open Letter to the Community
Dear neighbors, allies, friends, and family, We write to you today with hearts full and hopes high—a sentiment that may feel out of place in a time when our national conversation is filled with the rhetoric of prejudice and racism. In the last year we’ve witnessed ongoing police brutality against Black and Brown men and… Read Full Article >
Centerstone, Seattle’s historic Black community organization, is now Byrd Barr Place
The Central District’s historic Black community-led organization, Centerstone of Seattle, today unveiled a new name: Byrd Barr Place, in honor of Seattle civil rights advocate, educator and journalist, Roberta Byrd Barr. “Roberta served her neighbors, the community and the city in pursuit of a more just, equitable world,” said Andrea Caupain Sanderson, CEO of Byrd… Read Full Article >
Welcome to Byrd Barr Place
In 1965, the Central Area Motivation Program (CAMP) opened its doors. In 2012, CAMP became Centerstone of Seattle. In 2018, Centerstone is becoming Byrd Barr Place. Our new name honors Roberta Byrd Barr, a community leader, educator and journalist, who once served as editor of the Trumpet, CAMP’s newspaper. Our new name is an opportunity… Read Full Article >
