Gratitude, Rest, and Rising Together:
A Year-End Reflection from Our CEO
As we close out this year at Byrd Barr Place, my heart is truly full. I want to thank every community member, partner, donor, volunteer, and friend who has walked with us and believed in our mission. Your support has strengthened our programs, expanded our reach, and created countless moments where our neighbors experienced dignity, connection, and care. This year reminded me that our impact goes far beyond the services we provide. It is about building community, honoring culture, and standing firmly in the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Celebrating a Year of Community and Culture
This year we showed up for one another in beautiful and powerful ways. We hosted a Community Health Fair that centered wellness and access. We celebrated our 2nd annual block party in the heart of the Central District with music, food, and joy as we honored six decades of resilience and leadership. Our Legacy in Motion Gala with Attorney Ben Crump was a defining moment, and his words affirmed that Byrd Barr Place is not only a service organization but a civil rights institution with a responsibility to protect the dignity and future of Black communities and all communities who are pushed to the margins.
We also stepped into a new role this year by hosting our first candidate forum and contributing leadership to the Black Legislative Caucus Town Hall. These gatherings created space for community voice and helped shape important policy conversations. Throughout this work, we received strong encouragement from key leaders such as Representative Chipalo Street, Mayor Bruce Harrell, and Council member Joy Hollingsworth, whose support strengthened our commitment to community-centered advocacy.
The spirit of togetherness continued with our Fall Kickoff, where families and partners gathered to prepare for the busy season ahead. We fed the community through our Holiday Food Distribution where we gave out one thousand turkeys and bags of food so families could gather in abundance and dignity. I am especially grateful for the support we received from the Black Greek organizations who partnered with us in service this year. My Zeta Sorors and my Sigma brothers wrapped turkeys with care, the Kappas helped distribute them with love and service, and the Deltas wrapped Christmas presents to help create a joyful holiday season for our children and families. Their commitment to community uplift was truly felt and deeply appreciated.
We closed the year with our Community Christmas Party featuring Black Santa, a celebration filled with representation, joy, laughter, and a sense of belonging that every child deserves to feel.
These gatherings reflected the heart of Byrd Barr Place. They showed the power of showing up, the power of joy and cultural pride, and the power of community.
Lifting Up Community Voice
This year we launched our Community Needs Assessment focusing on the realities of Black displacement and gentrification across Seattle. We are listening closely to our neighbors, gathering their stories and insights, and elevating their experiences to shape the work ahead. Community voice is our compass. This assessment will guide how we advocate and invest in solutions that support the stability, wellness, and long-term prosperity of Black families and all families facing systemic inequities.
Honoring Our Staff With Rest
I could not be more proud of our staff. They carry an incredible amount of responsibility and consistently respond to growing community needs with compassion, creativity, and heart. It is important to me that they feel valued not just for what they do but for who they are. This is why I am committed to giving our team two full weeks off at the end of the year. Rest is a vital part of how we sustain this work. It allows our staff to reset, reconnect, and return grounded and energized for the year ahead. When our team is well, our community is served better. Their wellbeing is central to our mission.
Looking Ahead to 2026
I feel real momentum as we step into 2026. We will continue strengthening programs that support food security, energy assistance, and pathways toward economic stability. We will expand partnerships that honor community voice and increase access to opportunity. We will build on our civil rights mandate with even greater focus and conviction. We will continue addressing the root causes of displacement and poverty while creating spaces where culture, joy, and empowerment can flourish.
We are moving into the new year grounded in our history and motivated by the possibilities ahead.
Thank You
Thank you for believing in this work, for showing up with us, and for helping us create a Seattle where everyone has the chance to thrive. Thank you for celebrating with us, sharing your stories, and allowing us to be part of your journey. I am especially grateful to our Board of Directors whose leadership and partnership make this work stronger and more sustainable. I wish you a season filled with rest, warmth, joy, and connection. I am excited for all that 2026 will bring and grateful to be in community with you.
In community,
Dr. Angela Griffin
CEO, Byrd Barr Place
As we close out this year at Byrd Barr Place, my heart is truly full. I want to thank every community member, partner, donor, volunteer, and friend who has walked with us and believed in our mission. Your support has strengthened our programs, expanded our reach, and created countless moments where our neighbors experienced dignity, connection, and care. This year reminded me that our impact goes far beyond the services we provide. It is about building community, honoring culture, and standing firmly in the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Celebrating a Year of Community and Culture
This year we showed up for one another in beautiful and powerful ways. We hosted a Community Health Fair that centered wellness and access. We celebrated our 2nd annual block party in the heart of the Central District with music, food, and joy as we honored six decades of resilience and leadership. Our Legacy in Motion Gala with Attorney Ben Crump was a defining moment, and his words affirmed that Byrd Barr Place is not only a service organization but a civil rights institution with a responsibility to protect the dignity and future of Black communities and all communities who are pushed to the margins.
We also stepped into a new role this year by hosting our first candidate forum and contributing leadership to the Black Legislative Caucus Town Hall. These gatherings created space for community voice and helped shape important policy conversations. Throughout this work, we received strong encouragement from key leaders such as Representative Chipalo Street, Mayor Bruce Harrell, and Council member Joy Hollingsworth, whose support strengthened our commitment to community-centered advocacy.
The spirit of togetherness continued with our Fall Kickoff, where families and partners gathered to prepare for the busy season ahead. We fed the community through our Holiday Food Distribution where we gave out one thousand turkeys and bags of food so families could gather in abundance and dignity. I am especially grateful for the support we received from the Black Greek organizations who partnered with us in service this year. My Zeta Sorors and my Sigma brothers wrapped turkeys with care, the Kappas helped distribute them with love and service, and the Deltas wrapped Christmas presents to help create a joyful holiday season for our children and families. Their commitment to community uplift was truly felt and deeply appreciated.
We closed the year with our Community Christmas Party featuring Black Santa, a celebration filled with representation, joy, laughter, and a sense of belonging that every child deserves to feel.
These gatherings reflected the heart of Byrd Barr Place. They showed the power of showing up, the power of joy and cultural pride, and the power of community.
Lifting Up Community Voice
This year we launched our Community Needs Assessment focusing on the realities of Black displacement and gentrification across Seattle. We are listening closely to our neighbors, gathering their stories and insights, and elevating their experiences to shape the work ahead. Community voice is our compass. This assessment will guide how we advocate and invest in solutions that support the stability, wellness, and long-term prosperity of Black families and all families facing systemic inequities.
Honoring Our Staff With Rest
I could not be more proud of our staff. They carry an incredible amount of responsibility and consistently respond to growing community needs with compassion, creativity, and heart. It is important to me that they feel valued not just for what they do but for who they are. This is why I am committed to giving our team two full weeks off at the end of the year. Rest is a vital part of how we sustain this work. It allows our staff to reset, reconnect, and return grounded and energized for the year ahead. When our team is well, our community is served better. Their wellbeing is central to our mission.
Looking Ahead to 2026
I feel real momentum as we step into 2026. We will continue strengthening programs that support food security, energy assistance, and pathways toward economic stability. We will expand partnerships that honor community voice and increase access to opportunity. We will build on our civil rights mandate with even greater focus and conviction. We will continue addressing the root causes of displacement and poverty while creating spaces where culture, joy, and empowerment can flourish.
We are moving into the new year grounded in our history and motivated by the possibilities ahead.
Thank You
Thank you for believing in this work, for showing up with us, and for helping us create a Seattle where everyone has the chance to thrive. Thank you for celebrating with us, sharing your stories, and allowing us to be part of your journey. I am especially grateful to our Board of Directors whose leadership and partnership make this work stronger and more sustainable. I wish you a season filled with rest, warmth, joy, and connection. I am excited for all that 2026 will bring and grateful to be in community with you.
In community,
Dr. Angela Griffin
CEO, Byrd Barr Place