Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner says the district’s current financial condition is “structurally insolvent.” Staff photo by Aaron Allen.
By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner says that the district could face insolvency within a year without major financial changes. Shuldiner made the remarks during a press briefing Tuesday, where he described the district’s current financial condition as “structurally insolvent.”
Despite reducing an initial projected deficit of between $87 million and $100 million by roughly $50 million through central office and school-level cuts, Shuldiner said the district’s long-term financial outlook remains precarious.
“The latest information we showed is that we were going to be insolvent in about 10 months,” Shuldiner said. “If the board approves our new budget, we’ll have staved off insolvency for one more year, but like, it’s getting really bare bones, folks.”
The district’s rainy-day fund has fallen to approximately $30 million, well below the recommended reserve level of 10% to 15% of operating expenses. For a district the size of Seattle Public Schools, that reserve would total approximately $135 million.
Shuldiner said addressing the district’s structural deficit will require difficult decisions about staffing levels, operational costs and the way schools are organized throughout the district.
Among the most significant possibilities is the prospect of school mergers, an issue that generated controversy during previous administrations. Unlike past consolidation efforts, Shuldiner said the district intends to engage principals, educators, staff and families before any decisions are made.
He argued that mergers could help stabilize district finances while also improving educational opportunities for students by reducing the need for multi-grade “triple split” classrooms and isolated teaching assignments that can strain resources and limit instructional consistency.
While the district’s financial challenges remain front and center, Shuldiner emphasized that improving academic outcomes remains equally urgent.
He pointed to persistent achievement gaps in reading and math that continue to disproportionately affect students based on race, income and home language, noting that the district cannot focus solely on balancing its budget while ignoring student performance.
Part of that effort includes establishing clearer expectations for instructional time and classroom learning. Shuldiner recalled visiting a classroom where students received only about 30 minutes of instruction during the first three hours of the school day because of a fragmented schedule.
To address those concerns, the district is implementing a more standardized framework for classroom instruction and rolling out a newly approved K-5 curriculum designed to improve consistency across schools.
The district is also restructuring its Office of Student and Family Support to expand high-dosage tutoring and mentoring programs through partnerships with local nonprofit organizations. District leaders hope those investments will help address longstanding disparities in academic achievement and provide additional support for students who need it most.
In addition to academic reforms, Seattle Public Schools is planning operational changes aimed at improving efficiency and reducing costs. Central office staff are expected to return to full-time in-person work, and district leaders are evaluating a broader reorganization that could eliminate some administrative positions while returning certified educators currently working in office-based roles to school settings.
Shuldiner also said the district plans to continue investing in campus safety improvements, including perimeter fencing and upgraded security camera placement at school buildings across the city.
Shuldiner said difficult decisions about staffing, school operations and school structures can no longer be postponed.
“Everything’s on the table,” he said.
As Seattle Public Schools prepares for a summer budget vote, the decisions made in the coming months could shape not only the district’s financial future, but also the educational experience of thousands of students across the city.
Blair Hamilton Taylor has spent much of his career helping organizations solve problems.
Whether it was working alongside Howard Schultz at Starbucks, leading President Barack Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative, heading the Los Angeles Urban League or advising some of the nation’s largest corporations, Taylor has built a reputation as someone who believes people are capable of accomplishing more when they work together.
Now, Taylor is bringing that philosophy to one of the region’s most influential nonprofit organizations as the incoming CEO of United Way of King County.
But for Taylor, accepting the position was never about adding another title to an already impressive resume.
“What motivates me is, I get up, literally, I kid you not every day and think about, how can I make the world a better place?” Taylor said. “How can I do whatever God-given skill, talent, the little thing that I have, how can I contribute in a way that changes things, and hopefully changes them for the better at scale?”
At a time when communities across the country are grappling with economic uncertainty, workforce disruption, housing instability and growing social divides, Taylor sees the role as an opportunity to help bring people together around solutions.
“I think we’re living in probably the most vulnerable period of this country in a long, long time,” Taylor said. “But I’m an optimist. I actually believe most, if not all, of the issues that we face are solvable.”
A nationally recognized leader whose experience spans the nonprofit, corporate and public sectors, Taylor will officially assume leadership of one of the nation’s largest United Way affiliates on July 14.
The appointment represents something of a full-circle moment for Taylor, who previously served as chair of the United Way of King County Board of Directors and now returns to lead the organization during a critical period for both the nonprofit sector and the communities it serves.
In a one-on-one interview with The Seattle Medium, Taylor discussed his new role, his commitment to service and collaboration, and how he hopes to create greater opportunities for future generations.
His ties to Seattle run deep.
In addition to his years at Starbucks and his previous leadership role with United Way, Taylor currently serves as chair of the Seattle Urban League Board of Directors and has remained actively engaged in efforts to expand opportunity for underserved communities.
For Taylor, the assignment is less about leading an organization and more about helping shape the future of a community he has called home for more than a decade.
As the father of four, Taylor said he often thinks about the challenges facing young people today and whether society is adequately preparing them for success in a rapidly changing world.
He pointed to rising college costs, workforce disruptions driven by technological advances, widening economic inequality and persistent educational achievement gaps as issues that require urgent attention.
“When I went to college, you could actually work your way through college,” Taylor said. “I’ve got a young person in college right now, the last of my four, and I’ve got to tell you, writing these checks, this is some serious stuff.”
Taylor also expressed concern about whether educational institutions are preparing students for the realities of a 21st-century economy.
“Our educational systems are nowhere near where they need to be in the 21st century,” he said. “Are we preparing people for the jobs of the future? Are we graduating enough students from secondary schools with the skill sets and the preparedness they need to be able to support themselves in the 21st century?”
He believes workforce development, skills training and leadership development will become increasingly important as artificial intelligence and emerging technologies continue reshaping industries and career pathways.
“If you look at some of the issues that are forming on the horizon and rapidly so, and even upon us now, with respect to joblessness, with respect to skills training, skill enhancement and upskilling of the workforce in the AI era that we’re living in, I think that’s a tremendous opportunity,” Taylor said.
Taylor also highlighted the importance of mentorship and leadership development, particularly for young people who may have talent and ambition but lack access to guidance and opportunity.
“How can we expect people to lead in tumultuous times if we’re not training them with the basic skills that are necessary to lead?” he asked.
For Taylor, helping young people succeed is not simply about helping them find jobs. It is about preparing them to become leaders, mentors and contributors in their own communities. He believes investing in future generations today will ultimately determine what kind of community Seattle becomes tomorrow.
While Taylor said his first responsibility as CEO will be listening to staff, partners and community stakeholders, he acknowledged that several issues—including youth homelessness, workforce readiness, leadership development and economic opportunity—are likely to be areas of focus moving forward.
“My first job is to listen really carefully,” Taylor said. “Listen to the people around me, listen to the staff, listen to the board, listen to the partners that we’re working with to really try to get underneath what is going on.”
At the core of Taylor’s leadership philosophy is a belief that lasting change happens when organizations and institutions work together.
Drawing from leadership experiences in the corporate boardroom, nonprofit organizations and public service, Taylor argues that no single institution has the resources or capacity to solve today’s most pressing challenges alone.
“I don’t think one sector can solve these problems, not at scale,” Taylor said.
Having spent his career moving between the corporate, nonprofit and public sectors, Taylor believes some of the most effective solutions emerge when leaders from different backgrounds come together around a common purpose. He sees United Way as uniquely positioned to serve as that bridge.
Instead, Taylor envisions United Way serving as a convener capable of bringing together businesses, nonprofits, philanthropy, government and community leaders around common goals.
“We have to figure out how to bring the private sector into these social issues that we have to solve,” Taylor said. “We have to figure out how to do that better and we have to figure out how to do it at scale.”
He believes organizations often spend too much time competing for resources and recognition when the focus should be on solving problems.
“There hasn’t been a lot of incentive for nonprofits to work together,” Taylor said. “I’ve always been about collaboration.”
His commitment to collaboration is rooted in a broader philosophy of servant leadership that has guided him throughout his career.
“I don’t look at myself at the top of the pyramid,” Taylor said. “I look at myself at the bottom of the pyramid.”
Rather than viewing leadership as a position of authority, Taylor sees it as a responsibility to support others, build capacity and create opportunities for future leaders to emerge.
He recalled a young employee who once walked into his office and boldly told him that he wanted Taylor’s job.
Rather than viewing the comment as a challenge, Taylor embraced it.
“I looked at him and I said, ‘Well, let’s figure out how to get you this job,'” Taylor recalled.
For Taylor, leadership is measured not by how indispensable a person becomes, but by how effectively they help others grow and succeed.
“One way to define a great leader, or define a leader period, is look behind them,” Taylor said. “Is there anybody behind you?”
As he prepares to lead one of Washington state’s largest and most influential nonprofit organizations, Taylor said his goal is not simply to manage an institution, but to help build the partnerships, leadership pipelines and organizational capacity necessary to create lasting change.
He believes successful leaders establish a clear vision, invest in developing future leaders and leave organizations stronger than they found them.
“My dad used to say growing up, ‘If you don’t know where you’re going, any path will take you there,'” Taylor said. “We have to have a strategy. We have to have something that we’re setting out to do.”
That philosophy extends beyond his own tenure.
“I’m not seeking a position of permanence,” he said. “I’m seeking a position that’s catalytic.”
For Taylor, being catalytic means creating momentum, developing people, building partnerships and helping establish a foundation for progress that extends well beyond any one individual. It means building systems that can create opportunity and impact at scale for generations to come.
Despite the challenges facing the region, Taylor remains optimistic about Seattle’s future.
While his experience spans the country, from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., Taylor believes Seattle remains uniquely positioned to address many of the challenges facing urban communities. The region’s culture of innovation, strong philanthropic community and long history of civic engagement, he said, provide a foundation that many cities would envy.
“The greatness of Seattle is still there. The opportunities of Seattle are still there,” Taylor said. “But I think this moment requires some innovation and requires maybe some different approaches.”
As he prepares to begin his tenure at United Way, Taylor said he is excited about the opportunity to help bring together diverse voices and organizations around a shared vision for the future.
For a leader whose career has been defined by service, collaboration and community impact, the assignment is clear: help build a stronger Seattle for the generations that follow.
“This is a time where you either have to step forward and say, I’m going to be part of solving this, or you recede into the background and let it happen,” Taylor said. “I’ve never been a recede-into-the-background person.”
For many people, mental health support is associated with traditional therapy sessions and counseling appointments. But Lyndsey Williams, founder of Kyla Care Therapy, believes reproductive mental health care can and should extend far beyond those settings.
Through professional development, organizational consulting, trainings, workshops and community engagement, Williams has built a model that supports both individuals and the broader healthcare system, helping expand conversations around reproductive mental health and access to care.
As a social worker, Williams’ path into reproductive mental health began through work in hospital systems, including OB-GYN clinics and women’s wellness settings, before evolving into specialized perinatal mental health support. She later returned to graduate school to earn a degree in public health, helping shape the systems-based approach she now brings to Kyla Care.
Throughout that journey, one of the most rewarding aspects of her work has been helping people understand how deeply reproductive mental health influences everyday life.
“The positive changes in their everyday life that they didn’t expect to see are rewarding. But it is pretty fascinating when people find out how many lifestyle changes actually support mental health,” Williams said. “When I say reproductive health, many people say, ‘But I am not pregnant,’ and they don’t have any idea that it has to do with all types of bodily functions and hormonal changes that we have. Many don’t look at how it influences things, and I just find it fascinating when people realize that reproductive mental health affects them, and men are also included in this conversation.”
That broader understanding of mental health has influenced the range of services Kyla Care offers today.
While many people think of therapy as a one-on-one experience between a client and a clinician, Williams said support can take many forms. In addition to counseling services, Kyla Care offers digital resources designed to help people access support on their own terms.
“We sell eBooks and workbooks that support all different types of nuanced situations that women go through. People don’t have to be a client of ours directly to benefit from mental health support,” Williams said. “People can use these eBooks to support their mental health at their own pace. When people do buy them, they are really helpful, but it is an overlooked offering that we have.”
Beyond serving individual clients, Williams said one of Kyla Care’s most in-demand services involves helping organizations better support reproductive mental health.
“On the business-to-business side, our most requested services actually are organizational training. So, we are helping organizations understand how to better support women’s mental health in general and reproductive mental health,” Williams said. “It has been really surprising to see the amount of support. We really like to work with patients, clients and providers to create a better health ecosystem overall.”
That systems-level approach reflects Williams’ belief that mental health outcomes are influenced not only by individuals, but also by the environments and institutions that serve them.
“Organizational support is definitely a service people don’t realize we have. The private practices that we support, like fertility clinics, women’s wellness clinics and even community-based organizations that work with that population,” Williams said. “I think we see mental health not just for individuals, but also at a system level. How can we be better equipped to support and create a more healing environment overall.”
Williams believes growing public conversations around mental health have encouraged more people to seek support and helped reduce the stigma surrounding reproductive health concerns.
“It has helped people understand that there is someone they can talk to, and that has been one of my biggest campaigns at Kyla Care, that there is somebody to talk to about reproductive mental health,” Williams said. “Types of things like endometriosis, fibroids, PCOS, many people suffer in silence around those things. Women kind of were told not to talk about that, and that these things are too private or personal, so lately with just more attention around that, I do think that’s helped [bring in clients].”
As a femme-focused, neo-feminist therapist, Williams said her work also centers on addressing healthcare disparities that disproportionately affect Black women and creating spaces where women feel empowered to advocate for themselves and prioritize their needs.
“I think that the intersection of being Black, and if we are identifying as women, that increases our intersectionality, right? And that alone can create some disparities in how we’re responded to, and we see that across the board with many statistics,” Williams said. “We often overlook our own needs and downplay them. One thing I really try to highlight is acknowledging our vulnerability and being able to name our needs. I think that increased acceptance and vulnerability in our community can help us get the help we need.”
Through Kyla Care’s combination of direct services, educational resources, organizational consulting and community-centered advocacy, Williams continues to push for a broader understanding of mental health, one that recognizes support can happen at both the individual and systemic level.
“We are helping people find a way to land with their mental health. Consultations, digital workbooks, healing circles [are all a way],” Williams said. “There is a lot of mental health support that just comes in different mediums.”
For Williams, one of the most important steps toward healing is helping people recognize they do not have to navigate reproductive mental health challenges alone. Whether through therapy, education, community support or healthcare advocacy, she hopes more people feel empowered to seek help, speak openly about their experiences and acknowledge needs that have too often gone unspoken.
While conversations around mental health have become more common in recent years, health officials say many men continue to struggle in silence, often delaying or avoiding help because of stigma, social expectations or lack of access to support.
According to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), 1 in 10 adult men experience depression or anxiety.
“Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month works to reduce stigma and support men in navigating their personal situations by normalizing asking for help,” said Darrow Brown, chief for the DOH Center for Inclusion, Belonging and Well-Being. “Whether that is from within their own community, or from a mental health provider.”
While family members and friends may look for traditional signs of depression, Jarrett Brunny of DOH’s Prevention and Community Health Division said mental health challenges in men do not always present in expected ways.
“Irritability, anger, withdrawal, physical complaints like pain or poor sleep, and words indicating helplessness or hopelessness can all be symptoms. Changes in behavior can be important signals,” said Brunny. “Warning signs include reckless behavior, appearing anxious or agitated, talking about feeling like a burden or being trapped, increased use of alcohol or drugs, and mood swings. When someone begins talking more openly about suicide or making plans, even when it seems like they’re joking, it needs to be taken seriously.”
Today, conversations about masculinity and the expectations placed on men continue to evolve. At the same time, socioeconomic conditions, job stability, financial pressures, relationships and access to resources can significantly affect mental health outcomes.
“These parallel struggles can create a unique set of challenges for men living in 2026 America. For some men, there may be distrust or skepticism around mental health services. Other men may not be comfortable talking about mental health in general,” Brunny said. “Communities can help by humanizing the experience of asking for help. This can include promoting real-life storytelling and shared experiences around mental health. When men feel safe to share about mental health, they often find that they are not alone and that other people have felt the same way they are feeling.”
Brown said the statistics surrounding men’s mental health and suicide reveal the importance of addressing mental health concerns before they escalate into crisis situations.
“Men account for nearly 80% of suicides in the United States. Suicide remains one of the top 10 causes of death among men in the U.S. In Washington, 47% of men who died by suicide experienced a mental health concern in the past. Yet only 7% of men who died by suicide disclosed suicidal thoughts or plans to an intimate partner,” Brown said. “People often can name the risks, but there are also protective factors all around us, which are key to prevention initiatives. Examples include developing social support, positive peer relationships, [and many more prevention initiatives].”
For Black men, conversations about mental health can be further complicated by barriers that include stigma, racism, lack of representation and mistrust of healthcare systems. Health officials acknowledge that addressing those challenges requires more than simply expanding services. It also requires building trust and meaningful partnerships within communities.
“Partnership with communities requires acknowledging the reasons for distrust and making a commitment to listen, learn, and share resources in a way that is sensitive to people’s concerns and ideas for what will work in their area,” Brown said. “DOH works to build programs directly with community members who have the most experience in identifying specific risk factors and protective factors related to mental health.”
“We do this in several ways. Community collaboratives, listening sessions, participation in regional coalitions and partnership with local volunteers. Including the perspectives and recommendations from groups most affected by suicide and people with lived experience is essential,” Brown added.
Mental health challenges are also affecting younger generations in new ways. Increased social media use, social isolation, financial stress and exposure to violence have all contributed to growing concerns about the emotional well-being of young people.
“Many young men today are facing a combination of social isolation, economic uncertainty, and constant exposure to online influences. Research suggests that these factors contribute to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and emotional distress among young people,” Brunny said. “Strong relationships and a sense of belonging are among the most important protective factors for mental health.”
“There is a connection between community spaces and resilience. Trusted spaces where people feel safe enough to be real often serve as the first access point for those reaching out for help,” Brunny added.
As Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month is observed across the country, health officials emphasize that experiencing mental health challenges does not diminish a man’s strength, value or identity.
“Seeking help is a sign of courage and strength. Disobey your fear. You are not alone. You matter,” Brunny said. “Your health matters to you, your families, your friends, and your communities.”
Mia: “I view it as all three. I just learned about it recently. I really didn’t know anything about it. My mother, she would take us to all this stuff, so without our matriarchs here, we don’t have no instructions, so we need new leadership to just let us know about things. We should start putting signs up out in the community because a lot of us are very ignorant. It’s not that we’re dumb or stupid; we just lack some knowledge. I am 62, and I just learned about Juneteenth.”Yohannes: “I think I view Juneteenth as a celebration for Black people. For one, to celebrate being Black, celebrate being free in this country. It really gives a space for us to celebrate our own independence, in a way. And how I use my Juneteenth is just to celebrate being Black and doing whatever I want to do.”Cemonike: “Time for community, time for minority folk to get together, and others. Not trying to exclude anyone, but for us to just build on each other and love each other; at least this time needs to be celebrated like that.”Eliah: “I myself view Juneteenth as a reflection. I think, just kind of reflecting on where we came from on our side, where the other side is coming from, and just obviously focusing on where we want things to be. Carrying on the same spirit that started the movement toward Juneteenth and keeping and carrying that same spirit on to where we progress now and hopefully seeing that evolve.”Taleah: “When I think of Juneteenth, it’s more so just like a celebration because we see all the festivals and Black people gathering among each other and just celebrating our culture, our achievements, and being proud to be Black.”Dedrick: “I view it as a celebration. It is our day to celebrate being Black, and that should continue on for every year to come.”
Victor Lockhart was born in Seattle, WA, one of seven children born to Louis Del Lockhart and Mildred A. Carter Lockhart.
Victor attended Cleveland High School, graduating in 1973. He continued to pursue his love of cooking and attended a culinary cooking school. He worked for a time with the local phone company, Pacific Northwest Bell. He also worked more technical jobs, including painting ships at Lockheed Shipyard with uncles he admired, Crillion Lockhart and Willie “Fat” Lockhart.
As a young man, Victor faced many challenges he fought. In the end, he was able to overcome them. He was an active and faithful member of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Renton.
Victor transitioned May 7, 2026, in his home. He is preceded in death by loving parents Louis Del Lockhart and Mildred A. Carter Lockhart; brothers Louis Del Lockhart Jr. and Phillip Jerome Lockhart; and sister Melvina A. June Lockhart. Victor is survived by sisters Gwen Lockhart and Nobie Teresa Lockhart, brother Spencer Lockhart, and a host of extended family and friends.
His memorial service will be held Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, 400 S. 3rd St., Renton.
It is with deep heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of Iris Ann Malveau Hodge, who departed this life on June 10, 2026, at Opelousas General Hospital. She was born on October 19, 1947 to James and Dorothy Thierry Malveaux in Plaisance, Louisiana.Iris lived a life marked by dedication, kindness, and a passion for nurturing both people and community.
She graduated from Plaisance High School. In pursuit of higher education, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Southwest Louisiana and did part of her undergraduate studies at Swarthmore College. She moved to Seattle, Washington to earn her Master’s Degree at the University of Washington. Driven by her compassionate and generous nature, she used her talents with writing to help several other students with their studies at the university.
Iris’s professional journey was distinguished and impactful. She dedicated her talents and energies to children’s health and welfare, contributing her expertise at the Children’s Orthopedic Hospital & Medical Center. Her career also included significant roles at Washington Natural Gas and Seattle City Light, where her commitment to service was unwavering. Alongside her professional accomplishments, Iris shared her love of literature by teaching night classes at Seattle Central Community College, enriching the minds of many students outside the traditional daytime environment.
A lifelong member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Iris embraced the sorority’s principles of scholarship, sisterhood, and service throughout her life. This commitment reflected her steadfast dedication to fostering education, leadership, and community empowerment.
Beyond her career and academic interests, Iris was a woman of many passions. While mentoring students in the University of Washington’s Upward Bound program in the early 70’s, she instilled in them the courage to pursue their academic hopes especially when overwhelmed by challenges as newcomers to the university system. In later years, Iris relished the opportunity to tutor and welcome foreign exchange students into her home, sharing cultural experiences and broadening horizons with compassion and generosity. She hosted foreign exchange students from a range of countries, including Kuwait, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates. She cherished gardening, finding peace and joy in cultivating nature’s beauty. Her love extended to animals, especially cats, whom she cared for with gentle affection.
Iris Ann Malveau Hodge’s life was a testament to purposeful living—embracing education, professional excellence, community involvement, and personal warmth. Her legacy will endure in the hearts of all who knew her and were touched by her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering spirit.
Iris is survived by her daughter, Cari Hodge; son, William Hodge; sisters, Dorothy Rose Malveaux and Mary C. Malveaux; along with a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Iris Ann Malveau Hodge was held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at St Joseph Catholic Church in Opelousas, Louisiana.
Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.sibillefuneralhomes.com.
An Interview With Tonia McMillian, Black Californians United For ECE
Black Californians United for Early Care and Education (BlackECE) is a powerful coalition of advocates, policy-influencers, civil rights organizations, researchers, university faculty, non-profit leaders, early educators, caregivers, providers, families, and community-based organizations.
BlackECE members have intentionally organized our influence around a 10-point policy plan to serve over 490,000 of California’s Black children (Kids Data, 2020). BlackECE intends to create bridges to previous work and create equity-minded policies that focus on Black children, families, and the ECE workforce.
National Newspaper Publishers Association interviewed Tonia McMillian, one of the leaders of the initiative.
NNPA: Why is celebrating Juneteenth important for young children?
Tonia: Young children need to learn about Juneteenth because, although it happened in the past, it helps children understand what freedom and resilience look like. Even though the holiday stems from a terrible time in American history, it is a jubilant time in African American history. That is why we (especially Black people) see it as the time to celebrate and uplift our culture, Black history, and the importance of family.
NNPA: What’s the appropriate way to discuss complex topics like enslavement to young people?
Tonia: The education system in the U.S. literally opened the door for this discussion. Not so much for how it is being taught in schools, but more importantly, for how little of what actually happened during chattel slavery is shared. Therefore, we can dissect, correct, and interject the truth about slavery in this country. In my opinion, breaking down the history of Black people in America and how we came here and survived is one of the greatest stories ever told. My grandchildren know about slavery and how bad it was. They also know how strong and smart our ancestors were and how they are the reason we are here today.
NNPA: What are the best ways to mark Juneteenth for those in the early years?
Tonia: Children should look forward to celebrating our (African American) Independence Day, aka Freedom Day, by visiting museums, joining cookouts, enjoying parades, or any other celebrations that may be taking place in their communities. Black culture honors a Juneteenth tradition by serving “red” food and drink on that day. These foods include red Kool-Aid, red velvet cake, and watermelon. The following month, they can celebrate Independence Day on July 4th with the rest of the country.
NNPA: What does the Black Family Culture Kit offer for Juneteenth activities?
Tonia: Even though food is definitely a center of attention in Black culture, the Juneteenth Culture Kit focuses more on language, history, and music. Historically, music was used as a method of communication as well as a source of uplifting spirits during difficult times. As a poet, I learned how poetry represents the culture in sharing prose and stories, elevating the voices of Black people, their triumphs, as well as their challenges. The kit includes items such as children’s musical instruments, a book on Juneteenth history, and various activities that celebrate joy and our deep ancestral roots in the country.
NNPA: Why is Juneteenth important for all young children, not just Black children?
Tonia: All young children deserve to learn the importance of Juneteenth and its meaning so that they can celebrate freedom, resilience, truth, and African American heritage and culture.
NNPA: What does Juneteenth mean to you personally?
Tonia: For me, Juneteenth helps me honor my ancestors with a deep respect for our place in this country. I remove the idealized American narratives that history books taught me, which are held in the bosoms of the dominant culture, because Juneteenth demands that I do so. Juneteenth allows me to see clearly the painful truths of what took place for over two years to my ancestors; therefore, I must pay homage and show respect to those Black people who came before me for the sufferings and lies that they survived. There is a mixture of silent rage and grief in my heart, coupled with jubilation and pride in my spirit on that day. They are reminders that I must offer libations to the ancestors as well as celebrate with my family and community on that day.
When the United States Men’s National Team takes the field against Australia at Lumen Field on June 19, Seattle will host far more than a World Cup soccer match.
The game falls on Juneteenth, the national holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, creating a rare intersection between one of the world’s largest sporting events and one of the most significant dates in Black American history.
For Seattle organizers, former players, coaches and young athletes, the moment represents an opportunity to tell a story that extends beyond the pitch — one about freedom, progress, representation and possibility.
Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026 organizers have dubbed the effort “The 19th,” a campaign designed to connect the meaning of Juneteenth with the achievements of Black soccer players and the aspirations of future generations.
The initiative recognizes that while soccer is often called the world’s game, access and representation have not always been equal.
“Soccer is a game of space and movement,” organizers wrote in materials describing the campaign. “For the Black community, the struggle for space and movement has been the defining journey of the last 160 years.”
On June 19, that history and symbolism will be on display before a global audience.
The significance of the moment is not lost on Lamar Neagle, the former Seattle Sounders standout who helped bring professional soccer into the mainstream for many fans in the Pacific Northwest.
“Juneteenth to me means a couple of different things,” Neagle said in a video produced as part of Seattle’s Juneteenth World Cup programming. “The first thing that comes to mind is reflection. I can’t imagine the response that people would have at hearing the news of freedom for the first time.”
Neagle says Juneteenth is also a celebration.
“You know that there was still a long way to go. There was still a sense of inequality, but the idea that it was a massive step forward and what the future could hold.”
Growing up, Neagle says there were only a handful of Black soccer players he could look to for inspiration.
“Kobe Jones and Ernie Stewart were the guys that I looked to and throughout my career, they were ones that I strived to be like.”
Today, he sees a different landscape for young players.
“When I was growing up, there was only a handful of people that I could look up to that looked like me on the field,” Neagle said. “Now, kids will be able to see possibly a majority of their U.S. Men’s National Team look maybe like them and maybe give them the opportunity to dream, too.”
For James Riley, a former Major League Soccer defender, coach and executive, Juneteenth serves as both a celebration and a challenge.
“Juneteenth means to me a celebration of progress, but progress that continues to need to be made,” Riley said. “Remembering the past, celebrating the present and cheering for the future.”
Riley says Seattle’s match provides a unique opportunity to introduce millions of people around the world to the significance of Juneteenth.
“Juneteenth in Seattle is a great opportunity to have a staple event in Seattle and to welcome the world,” Riley said.
As one of the few Black coaches many young athletes encounter throughout their playing careers, Riley hopes the moment inspires the next generation.
“My hope for future Black athletes watching this match is to be inspired,” he said. “To be inspired by the game, to be inspired by something bigger than yourself.”
That same theme resonates with Christian Enman, a recent San Diego State University graduate whose parents immigrated to the United States from Ghana.
“My parents have kind of just taught me how to work hard and instilled that sort of resilience in me,” Enman said.
For him, the significance of the match is deeply personal.
“I have the opportunity to live in America and celebrate the holiday, and then it’s in Seattle. I love the game and I love the sport and I love being Black,” Enman said. “So all my favorite things all coming together on a special day.”
Enman hopes the visibility of Black athletes on soccer’s biggest stage will encourage young people to continue pursuing their dreams.
“As we see now, there’s plenty of Black representation, but you always want to push for more,” he said. “I hope that I can inspire players younger than me to keep on pushing.”
The celebration will extend far beyond the gates of Lumen Field.
In Seattle’s historic Central District, ARTE NOIR will host Freedom + Futbol at Midtown Square, bringing together soccer, culture and community through a public watch party centered on the United States-Australia match.
The event will feature youth soccer activities led by Coach G, music by DJ T-EN, food from Def Chef and Off Tha Iron Belgian Waffles, and community engagement opportunities with local organizations.
The following day, ARTE NOIR will continue the celebration with REVIVAL Market, an annual gathering featuring Black-owned businesses, artists, creatives and community organizations from throughout the region.
Together, the events are designed to honor Black history while creating opportunities for fellowship, economic empowerment and cultural celebration.
The Central District programming reflects a broader effort by organizers to ensure the World Cup’s benefits extend beyond stadium walls.
Seattle FIFA World Cup organizers have said the Juneteenth match presents an opportunity to educate visitors about the significance of the holiday while uplifting Black businesses, artists and cultural organizations.
The effort also includes a special Juneteenth Match Day design project created in partnership with ARTE NOIR.
Seattle artists Damon Brown and Samray Estifanos were selected as finalists in a regional design competition that sought artwork reflecting both the energy of the World Cup and the significance of Juneteenth. Their work celebrates freedom, resilience, Black identity and Seattle’s role as a global city.
For many organizers, the legacy of June 19 will not be measured by goals scored or points earned.
Instead, they hope the match inspires young people who may be watching soccer for the first time.
Neagle remembers being a 7-year-old boy watching the 1994 World Cup and falling in love with the game.
Now he hopes another child experiences that same moment when the world turns its attention to Seattle.
“The idea that there’s going to be a kid out there that falls in love with this sport during this World Cup watching the U.S. Men’s National Team and gives him the idea that he can represent the U.S.,” Neagle said.
“To that kid, I just want to say good luck. Keep dreaming. One day you’ll put on that jersey and I hope you lift that trophy.”
On June 19, as the United States takes the field and the world watches Seattle, organizers hope viewers will see more than a soccer match.
They hope they will see a story about freedom, progress, community and possibility — a story that continues to unfold 161 years after the first Juneteenth.
Where To Celebrate Juneteenth And The World Cup
Freedom + Futbol June 19 | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Midtown Square 2301 E. Union St.
Seattle is preparing for one of the biggest events in its history.
Between June 15 and July 6, FIFA World Cup 2026 will bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city, creating packed stadiums, crowded transit stations and a festival atmosphere stretching from Seattle Center to the waterfront and throughout downtown.
Whether you’re attending a match, heading to work or simply trying to navigate the city, officials say preparation will be the key to avoiding headaches.
Here’s what Seattle residents need to know.
Seattle’s Match Schedule
Seattle will host six World Cup matches at Lumen Field:
• June 15 — Belgium vs. Egypt (Noon) • June 19 — United States vs. Australia (Noon) • June 24 — Bosnia-Herzegovina vs. Qatar (Noon) • June 26 — Egypt vs. Iran (8 p.m.) • July 1 — Round of 32 (1 p.m.) • July 6 — Round of 16 (5 p.m.)
Officials expect the heaviest congestion on match days, particularly June 19 when the United States Men’s National Team plays on Juneteenth and thousands of additional visitors are expected throughout downtown Seattle.
Take Transit If Possible
The message from transportation agencies has been consistent: leave the car at home.
Seattle is one of the few World Cup host cities with a stadium located in the heart of downtown and connected directly to regional transit systems.
Sound Transit Link light rail will operate every eight minutes on match days and continue running until 1 a.m.
Transportation officials recommend riders use stations based on where they are traveling from:
• Coming from north Seattle? Use Pioneer Square Station. • Coming from south King County? Use Stadium Station. • Coming from the Eastside? Use International District/Chinatown Station.
Officials say using these stations will help distribute crowds and reduce congestion around the stadium.
Metro Expands Service
King County Metro is adding buses throughout the tournament and will operate two free shuttle services.
The Match Day Shuttle will run on all six Seattle match days, connecting Seattle Center, downtown and the Stadium District. Service begins three hours before kickoff and continues after matches end.
The Waterfront Shuttle is already operating and connects Seattle Center, the waterfront, Pioneer Square, Chinatown-International District and the stadium area.
Both services are free.
If you’re already downtown, these shuttles may be the fastest way to move between fan events and match-related activities.
Expect Pedestrian-Only Zones
One of the most noticeable changes will be in Pioneer Square.
On match days, large portions of the neighborhood surrounding Lumen Field will become pedestrian-only zones designed to safely accommodate tens of thousands of people walking between transit stations, fan celebrations and the stadium.
Street closures generally begin four hours before kickoff and remain in place until crowds have safely dispersed.
Parking restrictions begin at 2 a.m. on match days.
Residents should expect limited vehicle access in and around the Stadium District and Pioneer Square throughout the day.
No Public Stadium Parking
If you’re planning to drive to the match, think again.
There will be no publicly available parking in official stadium lots or garages during World Cup matches.
Rideshare services will operate from designated pickup and drop-off zones located outside the immediate stadium area.
Officials recommend parking outside downtown and using transit whenever possible.
Walking May Be Faster
Many visitors may find walking is the easiest option.
Lumen Field is within walking distance of downtown hotels, Pioneer Square, Chinatown-International District, the waterfront and ferry terminals.
The city has spent several years improving sidewalks, ramps, crossings and pedestrian routes around the stadium area.
During the tournament, walking may be faster than driving for many trips within downtown Seattle.
Bikes And Scooters Welcome
Seattle officials expect thousands of visitors to use bicycles and scooters.
Protected bike lanes now connect major downtown destinations, including the waterfront and stadium district.
Bike-share and scooter-share programs will have designated parking areas throughout downtown.
Personal bicycle valet service will also be available near the stadium on match days.
Official Fan Celebrations
Don’t have a ticket?
You can still be part of the World Cup experience.
Seattle has created four official fan celebration sites that are free and open to the public.
Seattle Center
Seattle Center serves as the city’s largest World Cup gathering place. Visitors can enjoy watch parties, entertainment, food vendors, family activities, cultural performances and community programming throughout the tournament.
Seattle Soccer House
Located at Pacific Place downtown, Seattle Soccer House features Seattle’s largest World Cup viewing screen measuring 70 feet by 40 feet.
The venue includes interactive exhibits, games, giveaways, food and beverage options and family-friendly activities.
Waterfront Park And Pier 62
The waterfront celebration includes watch parties, music, food trucks, cultural activities and soccer-themed experiences overlooking Elliott Bay.
Victory Hall
Located in SODO and hosted by the Seattle Mariners, Victory Hall features a giant screen and a match-day atmosphere within sight and sound of the stadium district.
Community Events Across The City
World Cup celebrations extend well beyond downtown.
Seattle Parks and Recreation is hosting more than 100 soccer-themed activities, including youth soccer jamborees, watch parties and recreation programs.
The Office of Arts & Culture is supporting dozens of cultural events, performances, public art installations and neighborhood festivals.
On June 19, ARTE NOIR’s Freedom + Futbol event in the Central District will combine Juneteenth celebrations with a public watch party for the United States-Australia match.
The Ethiopian community will also host a cultural celebration featuring music, food and a traditional coffee ceremony.
Expect Larger Crowds At SEA Airport
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is preparing for significantly higher passenger volumes throughout the tournament.
Travelers should allow extra time for security screening, baggage claim and transportation connections.
Link light rail provides direct service between SEA Airport and downtown Seattle in approximately 38 minutes.
Public Safety
Residents should expect a visible public safety presence throughout the tournament.
Police officers, transit staff, emergency management personnel and volunteers will be stationed throughout downtown and around event locations.
City officials emphasize that Seattle employees do not enforce federal immigration laws and do not ask about immigration status.
Three Things To Remember
If officials could offer only three pieces of advice, they would be:
Plan ahead.
Take transit.
Allow extra time.
The FIFA World Cup is expected to be one of the largest events Seattle has ever hosted. While crowds and delays are inevitable, city leaders believe careful planning and extensive transit options will help residents and visitors enjoy a once-in-a-generation experience.
For the next several weeks, Seattle will welcome the world.
And for residents, the best strategy may be to embrace the excitement while leaving the car keys at home.
