By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
A nearly two-year effort led by the Kent Black Action Commission (KBAC) has culminated in the renaming of a major stretch of Benson Road in South King County to Martin Luther King Jr. Way. The proposal, which was approved last week by the Washington Transportation Commission, honors Dr. King’s legacy while preserving existing business and residential street addresses.
Spanning nearly 10 miles through Renton, Kent, and unincorporated King County, the newly designated roadway reflects a coordinated community campaign supported by State Representative Mia Gregerson and the Washington State Department of Transportation.
As a longtime Kent resident and executive director of KBAC, Gwen Allen-Carston helped lead the charge. The initiative, she said, was rooted in a lifelong commitment to advocacy and pride in the Black community.
“The love for our people was my main motivation, considering the climate in the Pacific Northwest and how things have come and gone. Growing up, my community was strongly, purely, boldly Black,” said Allen-Carston. “I have always been concerned and ready to help whatever the situation is for the sake of our Black community, so this is a huge achievement.”
Allen-Carston said the renaming effort took about a year and a half. Organizers collected petitions, rallied support, and engaged residents across the region.
“We did all of the groundwork getting petitions signed and engaging people with interest, and everybody we spoke to was excited that this needs to happen,” said Allen-Carston. “With all that encouragement and excitement, that’s how we kept going until it was signed, sealed, and delivered.”
The new name will serve as a memorial designation, ensuring businesses and residents will not have to change their mailing addresses. Allen-Carston hopes to eventually see full renaming, but the current approach allows the effort to move forward without disruption.
State Representative Mia Gregerson said the initiative speaks directly to her work in public office, especially during a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion are under threat.
“I was the first person of color on city council. No one looked like me or the people in my community and my friends, and I realized that my role would be to really bridge those different gaps between communities of color and those in elected office or positions of power,” said Gregerson. “It is so important right now to continue to make changes that are permanent, that show that this state values people and history, and that diversity, equity, and inclusion is something we are not going to back away from, even with the threats from the federal government.”
Gregerson said the goal is to unveil the new signs on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January, marking the occasion with pride and resilience.
“We’re hoping to be able to put up the signage on Martin Luther King Jr. birthday. As the federal government is trying to roll back those efforts, it feels even more worthwhile to continue to stand out to those who are trying to intentionally create harm and division,” said Gregerson.
Reema Griffith, executive director of the Washington State Transportation Commission, said the decision to rename the road followed strong public support and clear legislative backing.
“The commission looks for community support and local legislative involvement, and they had done that really well,” said Griffith. “They put the word out in a number of ways. A lot of people were very supportive. That, coupled with the fact that the legislation passed successfully, and that we already have an existing highway named MLK Way, made this really an extension.”
Gregerson said the approval represented a moment of unity during a time of heightened tension and uncertainty.
“At a time where so many people are being harmed and hurt intentionally, and violence and crime are at an all-time high, I think it is exciting to see this happen,” said Gregerson. “Instead of us being scared, we are coming together at the right time. They want us to be scared, but we are coming together. I am so proud of the community, so proud of Gwen, and so proud of the people who helped on this effort.”
Griffith said efforts like these help preserve and elevate the importance of Black history.
“Anything we can do to preserve history and people’s awareness of where this country has come from and who the great leaders were that shaped the public policies we enjoy today, it’s something we need to always honor,” said Griffith. “In times like these, with so much division, anything that reminds us that we’re all one and that the fight for freedom is for everybody is especially important.”
Reflecting on what the renaming means for future generations, Allen-Carston encouraged young Black residents to step forward as leaders in their own communities.
“To anyone, especially our young Black folks who are climbing and growing, whatever comes to mind for the sake of other people, you can do it,” said Allen-Carston. “Don’t worry about what could get in your way. Just put your feet on the ground and walk toward what you decided to do. Keep walking through disagreements. If it’s meaningful and it’s for the people, especially for our Black community, keep your eye on the prize, because it will come true.”
“So many people need to know that their ideas are just as valid as those who have been doing this work forever,” added Allen-Carston. “I appreciate the energy of our youth today.”
