Rev. Dr. Robert L. Manaway Sr., a longtime Central District pastor and community leader, is being recognized by the City of Seattle with an honorary street designation for his more than four decades of service and leadership in the Central District and Seattle’s Black community.
The Seattle City Council unanimously approved the designation in an 8-0 vote, naming a stretch of South Jackson Street between 28th Avenue South and 29th Avenue South as “Dr. RL Manaway, Sr. Way.”
Manaway has served as senior pastor of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church since 1983, leading the congregation through more than four decades of growth and transition. When he arrived, the church had approximately 125 members. Today, it has grown to more than 1,700 members while expanding its role beyond worship to include housing support, outreach and community-based services.
Councilmember Rob Saka spoke in support of the designation during the meeting.
“It is my distinct honor to make a few remarks about this proposal. This is an important piece of legislation that we are going to consider,” said Saka.
Seattle City Council President Joy Hollingsworth highlighted Manaway’s leadership and longstanding impact in the Central District.
“I have been impressed obviously with Pastor Manaway and his leadership in our community. He has been the pastor of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church since 1983, and couldn’t be more grateful for the foundation that he has set in our community,” said Hollingsworth.
Hollingsworth also pointed to the importance of recognizing institutions that have remained rooted in the community as the city continues to change.
“As we are continuing to build our city and our neighborhoods are changing and shifting, words matter. These cultural places matter to folks,” said Hollingsworth.
Founded in 1950, Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church has long served as a cornerstone of Seattle’s Central District, one of the city’s historically Black neighborhoods. Located at 28th Avenue South and South Jackson Street, the church has played a central role in the spiritual, cultural and civic life of the community for generations.
Over the years, the church has expanded its work to address the needs of the community through programs focused on food security, housing stability and support for individuals reentering society. Under Manaway’s leadership, those efforts have included outreach to unhoused residents, transitional housing initiatives and partnerships aimed at strengthening families and neighborhoods.
Manaway has also held leadership roles in regional and national Baptist organizations, extending his influence beyond Seattle and contributing to broader faith-based and community efforts.
City leaders noted that the recognition comes as the Central District continues to experience demographic and economic change, underscoring the importance of acknowledging longstanding community institutions. Black churches have historically served as anchors for advocacy, mutual support and cultural identity in the neighborhood.
The honorary designation will not change the legal name of the street or alter addresses but will add signage recognizing Manaway’s contributions along the block where the church is located.
Installation of the honorary signs is expected to cost about $2,500 and will be funded by a third party.
The designation adds a permanent marker in the Central District recognizing Manaway’s leadership and the longstanding presence of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in the community.
