THE LEGACY OF THE SEATTLE CHAPTER OF THE BLACK PANTHER PARTY LIVES ON

Founded in 1968, the Seattle Chapter of the Black Panther Party (SCBPP) was one of the first authorized chapters outside of Oakland, actively serving the community until 1978. Though the formal chapter was disbanded, the Panthers have always had a home in the Central District, and now, with the help of local activists, relatives, and Chapter members, permanent locations honoring their legacy are sprouting up around the city and beyond.

Commissioned by the SCBPP in 1969, the People's Wall is a mural at 20th and Spruce Street in the Central District, painted by artist Dion Henderson in 1970 to honor the Party and nine of its fallen comrades. The SCBPP's headquarters were housed in the building next to the retaining wall for about three years before the Chapter relocated. The headquarters there served as a gathering place for party members and the community, offering a free clinic and breakfast programs. Though the building was demolished in 1973, the local government's attempt to remove the symbolism associated with the location, the retaining wall and mural remain. To date, the artwork has never been defaced, and in 2008, it received a beautification "facelift" from artist Eddie Walker. Today, The People's Wall serves as a reminder of the SCBPP's history and impact, and as a call to protect and empower the Black community.

Artist Dion Henderson, painting The People's Wall with his daughter Sydney, 1970. Image courtesy of the Black Heritage Society of Washington.

Because of the Wall's historical significance, the Black Heritage Society of Washington, along with fellow community supporters, has been pushing for the site to be designated as a historic landmark. And this past month, The People's Wall was unanimously designated a historic landmark by the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board! When considering granting a building or location historic landmark status, at least one out of six significant criteria must be met. The People's Wall met five of them, making it the only designation to meet such high criteria in many years. This truly historic decision means the Wall will continue to be funded and maintained, so that it can continue representing the legacy of the SCBPP for decades to come.

"I am extremely proud of the Black Heritage Society of Washington State Community Preservation Cohort efforts. Recognizing and acting on the importance to honor and preserve the historic significance of the People's Wall is essential to Black legacy in Seattle and beyond. Currently, less than 2% of Seattle landmark designations represent Black legacies. The power to lift, acknowledge, and share true Black history lies in the determined hands of the community from which it was built. We the people, are our own best advocates and stewards who stand resolved for the significance of place." 

Last Friday, I received notice that Historic Seattle has selected the Black Heritage Society of Washington State as recipient of the 2026 Community Advocacy Award. We see ourselves in the "preservation room" and among amazing preservationists who do not look like us but are of like-minds. I am grateful for the honor to be received at a public program on August 5, 2026." - Stephanie Johnson-Toliver, President, Black Heritage Society of Washington.

The remains of the second SCBPP headquarters, featuring the People's Wall. Image credit Carlos Imani.

Also in the news, the vibrant Black Panther Park in Skyway opened on April 19th. The park is a community garden—an ode to the Black Panther Party's Free Breakfast for School Children program—planted and maintained by Skyway residents. The project was spearheaded by Nurturing Roots Farm, Stone Soup Gardens, and King County Parks, and was specifically designed so that anyone walking past can pick from the edible plants. To enhance this incredible project, the park also includes murals from artists Tomas Afeworki, J'Von Buckley, Myron Curry, Ari Glass, Kai Greene, Al-baseer Holly, Cristina Martinez, Shakore Nelson, and Chloe Washington.

Children enjoying the mural at Black Panther Park. Image credit Susan Fried for South Seattle Emerald.

Through exhibitions, oral histories, and public programs, the Seattle Black Panther Interpretive Center serves as both a living archive and a community space for education, dialogue, and organizing. Located in the Metropole Building in downtown Seattle, there is currently a call for artists to submit visual artworks "that engages the legacy, lived experience and ongoing resonance of the Seattle Black Panther Party." If you'd like to visit the center, they are open to the public Thursday to Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Finally, we hope to see you in the ARTE NOIR gallery to experience Central District Legacy: Black. Power. Black Panthers. now on view through August 2nd.