The NAACP Withdraws from MoU in Solidarity with Displaced Community Members

Posted on
by

The NAACP Withdraws from MoU in Solidarity with Displaced Community Members
The Seattle-King County NAACP has decided to withdraw from a Memorandum of Understanding with Alchemy Real Estate. The NAACP has taken this action in the interest of the community and in solidarity with Saba Restaurant, a local Black-owned business that is being displaced from the Central Area.

On 7/26/19 the Seattle-King County NAACP has decided to withdraw from a Memorandum of Understanding with Alchemy Real Estate. The NAACP has taken this action in the interest of the community and in solidarity with Saba Restaurant, a local Black-owned business that is being displaced from the Central Area.

After weeks of negotiations with the developer and advocacy for the business, with the Seattle-King County NAACP was unable to secure a written agreement with the developer that would prevent the owner of the restaurant, Workie Wubushet. The NAACP is withdrawing from the agreement in order to really live our values and to reinforce our commitment to the community.

The values of the Seattle-King County NAACP are incompatible with business practices that exacerbate displacement and the increasing racial wealth gap in Seattle and King County. In King County, specifically the city of Seattle, the Black community is disproportionately affected by displacement and economic disenfranchisement. In the outset of this agreement, we worked in good faith to create office space for not just the NAACP but four businesses from the community that would help to anchor people to their communities. This was our vision and a reflection of our values.

For the last weeks, our President, Sadiqa Sakin and Housing Chair, Cliff Cawthon, have been working with community activists and Council member Sawant, as well as the developers. The numerous parties have not been able to come to an accord in the interest of the Wubushet family and our community.

We will continue to work to advocate for under-represented and under-served communities throughout the county and the city of Seattle. We firmly stand with the community and we will not settle for perpetuating the cycle of displacement and disenfranchisement that disproportionately impacts People of Color.

Media Contact
Company Name: Seattle King County NAACP
Contact Person: Sadiqa Sakin, President
Email: Send Email
Phone: 206-636-2952
Address:715 23rd Ave
City: Seattle
State: WA
Country: United States
Website: https://www.seattlekingcountynaacp.org/press-releases-and-statements/the-naacp-withdraws-from-mou-in-solidarity-with-displaced-community-members