Black History Month | Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners join in celebrating Black History Month, observed each year during the month of February. We reserve this time to reflect upon the monumental contributions that the Black community has made to our society, celebrate our diversity throughout the Pacific Northwest, and honor the Black and African American members of our organization, fan base and communities.

What is Black History Month?

Black History Month honors the contributions and legacy of the Black community, and each year, there is a different theme. The theme for 2024 is African Americans and the Arts, exploring the key influence African Americans have had in the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression.

Supporting Black-Owned Businesses

We are proud to partner with Intentionalist, an organization that makes it easy to find and support local small businesses and the diverse people behind them through everyday decisions about where we eat, drink and shop. For the month of February, the Mariners are encouraging fans to #SpendLikeItMatters and support Black-Owned Businesses.

Receipt & Receive: Throughout the month of February, you can get involved by uploading your receipts from any Black-Owned Businesses, partnered with Intentionalist, for the chance to win special prizes from your favorite Seattle teams!

Black History Month Marketplace: To celebrate Black History Month, Intentionalist has curated a marketplace of gift certificates, products, and services from Black-owned businesses throughout the Greater Seattle area. Each purchase supports a local small business, and you can learn about the people and story behind the packages and items for sale.

Lasting Impact of Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities

Major League Baseball’s Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program provides opportunities to young people from underserved and diverse communities to play baseball and softball. The Mariners have supported RBI since its arrival in Seattle in 1994, and alumni of the program have gone on to have a positive impact on young people throughout our region. Alumni include Bookie Gates, founder of Baseball Beyond Borders, a Seattle RBI program that provides young African Americans an opportunity to learn and play the game at a high level. This summer, Baseball Beyond Borders will host the RBI West Regional tournament from July 18-21, bringing young athletes to Seattle on their way to the RBI World Series.

Celebrating Front Office Members

Eric Farris, Bench Coach, Triple-A Tacoma. What does Black History Month mean to you? “Black History Month should be a reminder of how much we ALL can learn from each other. The history of America can't be erased but within that history there's so much we all can gain by having tough conversations and having the willingness to listen.”

Demetrius Grant, Senior Coordinator, Community Relations. How has Black History influenced your career or personal life? “My parents and grandparents explained some of the history and always encouraged my brother and I to pay special attention at school to learn about where we come from. I try to do the same with my own children today. In learning about Black History, I was always fascinated by the Negro League and Jackie Robinson’s story, so it’s a real treat to be able to work in baseball, help celebrate that history AND work to grow the game in the Black community.”

Hannah Hall, Coordinator, Membership Engagement. What does Black History Month mean to you? “Black History Month is a time to look back at our accomplishments and contributions that may have been overlooked in the past. This month provides us with an opportunity to not only celebrate Black culture, but to educate others on the everyday issues the community faces. I feel the responsibility to leverage my platform as a Mariners employee and Hometown Nine mentor to guide the youth who may be facing similar adversities as I did when I was younger. Black History Month is a representation of our struggles, triumphs and resilience that allows us to thrive.”

Nate Johnson, Account Executive, Suite & Hospitality Sales. Who is someone making Black history today that is influencing you? “There are many Black Americans that are doing great and inspirational things. Barack and Michelle Obama continue to inspire young men and women. The way I see it, every Black man and woman who is making the most of their opportunities is making history. We continue to be entrepreneurs, trend setters and innovators in every industry. Hopefully, future generations are paying attention and dreaming dreams of their own as a result.”

D’Nesha McClellon, Staff Accountant. What does Black History Month mean to you? “Being a young millennial today in America, Black History Month to me is an annual reminder to continue to heal. This may be in the form of re-aligning personal goals that you forgot about, starting therapy to heal past traumas, or helping others heal. This new era of being successfully Black in the U.S. has taken its form and that includes getting an education, traveling, learning how to protect yourself (rights), and most importantly sharing that knowledge with our youth. I’m in no way an activist like Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks, or MLK Jr., but I feel like healing is an obligation in all of us.”

Bianca Mouton, Security Officer. How has Black History influenced your career or personal life? “The amount of pride, triumphs and achievements that are put on display keeps me motivated. Black History is so much more than what we learn in social studies classes. It’s made every day. Showing how we don't have to give in to our circumstances or give in to certain stereotypes has helped me to think freely and to explore avenues that are or once thought to be off limits to me.”

Ingrid Russell-Narcisse, Senior Director, Corporate Partnerships Strategy & Activation. How has Black history influenced your career or personal life? “There has always been a sense of pride. Despite hardships, systemic and foundational racism there are so many amazing stories of accomplishment. They were told NO, and YOU’RE NOT ALLOWD but there are countless examples of people overcoming discrimination. The generation before me had so many obstacles and they risked their lives so it would be a little easier for my generation. I appreciate their sacrifice and I push through, always remembering to honor the past and keep the doors wide open for the next generation.”

Mussie Simon, Video Editor. How has Black History influenced your career or personal life? “I think that Black History has not only influenced me in my personal life, but also professionally. The commitment to continuing the culture and traditions of those who came before us is rewarding and I'm humbled in knowing that I should continue passing down knowledge to the next generation.”

$Eric Young Jr., Minor League Field Coordinator. Who is someone making Black history today that is influencing you? “Fortunately for me I have my father, Eric Young Sr., as my inspiration. He has been laying the foundation for me since I was born, personally and professionally. We both currently are trying to blaze our own trails and etch ourselves as a small fraction of the greatness which is Black History.”$

Local Experiences

The Northwest African American Museum
The Northwest African American Museum, located in Seattle’s Central District neighborhood, works to spread knowledge, understanding, and enjoyment of histories, arts, and cultures of people of African descent for the enrichment of all. On February 15, NAAM will welcome Dr. Doretha Williams from the Smithsonian Museum as their 2024 Black History Month keynote speaker. Learn More

People’s Community Center in Tacoma
People’s Community Center in Tacoma is hosting a Black History Month Celebration on February 3 to honor the many achievements and contributions made by African Americans to our economic, cultural, spiritual, and political development. They are also hosting the 14^th annual Hilltop Health Kids & Family Carnival on February 17, featuring live music, tons of fun, and free services for kids and families. Both events are part of the People’s Community Center’s month-long celebration of Black History Month. Learn More

The Outlet Collection in Auburn
The Outlet Collection in Auburn is hosting a two-day vendor market featuring small and local black-owned businesses on February 17 & 18. Learn More

The Urban League of Portland
The Urban League of Portland is hosting a free Black History Month Celebration on February 23 featuring kids activities, crafts, spoken word and more. Learn More

The Urban league of Metropolitan Seattle Young Professionals
The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle Young Professionals (ULMS-YP) is hosting Join Week with events on February 5 – 11. The goal of each event is to learn about the local chapter & how to get involved and connect with current chapter members. Learn More

Steelheads Alley
Steelheads Alley, part of The Boxyard complex in Seattle’s SODO neighborhood, is named after the 1946 Seattle Steelheads Negro League baseball team. The unique setting includes a large collection of artwork and memorabilia honoring and paying tribute to the rich and diverse sports history of baseball and softball in the Pacific Northwest. Steelheads Alley is also home to Métier Brewing Company, a purpose-driven, Black-owned craft brewery. Learn More

Resources

The vision of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History is to be the premier Black Heritage learned society with a strong network of national and international branches and partners whose diverse and inclusive membership will continue the Woodson legacy. Learn More

BlackPast is dedicated to providing a global audience with reliable and accurate information on the history of African America and of people of African ancestry around the world. We aim to promote greater understanding through this knowledge to generate constructive change in our society. Learn More

Sharing the origin of Black History Month, History.com delves into how and where the celebration began and its growth over the decades. Learn More

The National Museum of African American History & Culture examines the legacy of Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, along with other ways of knowing (e.g., birth workers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.) throughout the African Diaspora. Learn More

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, established in 1990, offers online content, histories, and virtual tours to preserve the history of Negro Leagues baseball. It is the world’s only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of African-American baseball and its impact on the social advancement of America. Learn More

Street Art in the African American Community (ASALAH)

A free online event on February 8, exploring the 2024 Black History Month theme, African Americans and the Arts. Learn More

Visit Seattle African Cultural Heritage Guide