Joy Hollingsworth, a food security advocate who helped build her family’s sustainable cannabis farm, has announced that she will challenge longtime District 3 Councilmember Kshama Sawant for her seat on the Seattle City Council.
Hollingsworth, who was born and raised in the Central Area, announced her campaign at the MLK Family Arts Mentoring Enrichment Community Center on MLK Day with over 100 supporters, while also paying homage to her trailblazing grandmother, Dorothy Hollingsworth.
Hollingsworth was the first Black woman on a Washington State School Board. She helped desegregate Seattle Public Schools and led dynamic change in Seattle. She also marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in his famous 1963 march on Washington.
“Six decades ago, my grandmother traveled across the country to march for civil rights and human rights at a time when our nation and cities needed transformational change,” said Hollingsworth. “Today, I am proud to take the next step in my own journey of helping local families and communities thrive in our city. We have so much to look forward to. Seattle is a city that needs hands-on and innovative leadership to address affordability, housing, public and health safety, mentorship of our youth, and nurturing our small businesses. I want to bring new perspectives to this office and am excited for the progress and results an optimistic outlook can produce.”
Currently working in food accessibility at Northwest Harvest, Hollingsworth continues to be engaged in the operations of her family farm– one of the few Black-owned businesses in Washington’s legal cannabis market. She has also worked in youth sports and as assistant women’s basketball coach at Seattle University.
“My perspectives on policy and public service are informed by real life experience, rolling up my sleeves to serve historically excluded communities, building a small business, team values, and advocating for our youth,” said Hollingsworth.
“I want to bring these practical, applied, perspectives to the city council that is missing a Black and LGBTQ representation,” she added. “I envision a Seattle where everyone can have an important voice in helping with solutions as we address safety, housing, health well-being and other city priorities.”
Hollingsworth will be participating in the city’s voucher program, and is committed to a grassroots, community driven campaign.
“I’m excited to talk to neighbors throughout the district over the coming months,” said Hollingsworth. “From folks I grew up with to the new residents of the city, I want to bring my energy and passion to the critical issues we face, and hear all the voices of our community. I know that with a commitment to thoughtful, community-driven action on local priorities, we can make Seattle a welcoming, safe, and thriving city for all.”
