Tag Archives: Victor Simoes

Community

Where to Turn for Help: The South End Guide to Crisis and Advocacy Groups

by Victor Simoes

Last Updated on April 16, 2024, 1:52 pm.

Strong communities are a source of vital connection and a sense of belonging — a place of collaborative care where we often seek help and support​​ in times of crisis. When emergencies happen, it can be daunting to figure out where to turn, especially if calling police-involved numbers like 911 or the 988 hotline isn’t ideal. 

In this South End Guide, the Emerald has compiled a list of crisis and advocacy groups that offer immediate assistance through emergency or crisis services, legal assistance, and information and support on mental health, domestic violence, sexual assault, and substance use. 

Continue reading Where to Turn for Help: The South End Guide to Crisis and Advocacy Groups →
Community

The South End Guide to Winter Preparedness

by Victor Simoes and Mark Van Streefkerk

Last Updated on January 9, 2024, 5:22 pm.

Temperatures are dropping, winds are clocking upwards of 25 mph, thousands of people throughout the South End are without power, and the year’s first weather advisories are upon us — sounds about right for January. 

Whether you’re hunkered down at home or seeking a dry place to warm up, use this guide to brush up on your emergency winter preparedness knowledge and resources for where to go to stay dry.  

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Arts & Culture

Fueling Artistic Growth: The Annual Soul Café Awards Uplifts the South End Artistic Community

by Victor Simoes

The stage is set and the red carpet is rolled out for the Third Annual Soul Café Awards. With 21 categories and more than 50 nominees, the award ceremony will take place at Rainier Arts Center on Sept. 9 from 6–10 p.m. The award show honors the very best in the South End performing arts community, from breakthrough artists to seasoned veterans. This event showcases the talent and contributions of community leaders’ achievements, personal accomplishments, influence, creativity, and leadership.  

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Arts & Culture

‘Our Stories’ Spotlights the Power of Personal Narratives and Artistic Expression

“We need to tell our stories; that’s what’s going to heal us.”

by Victor Simoes

Sheila Kay, local singer, songwriter, and the founder of Inspirational Productions, is hosting the second edition of “Our Stories” on July 29 at Rainier Arts Center. The show that combines storytelling and artistic expression to uplift and motivate people in the creative community and beyond is returning to the South End, with DJ sets, food, and live band performances.

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Community

Empowered Minds Unleashed: ILPS’ Solidarity School and WA-BLOC’s Summer Freedom Schools

Local activists and organizers subvert classic approaches to education.

by Victor Simoes

The International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS) Solidarity School and Washington Building Leaders of Change (WA-BLOC) Freedom Schools are redefining the learning experience offered by academic institutions. Organized by a collaboration of passionate educators, grassroots organizations, and community effort, these two programs extend the educational journey beyond the standardized curriculum, drawing inspiration from the historic Freedom Schools of the Civil Rights Movement. 

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Community

Lavender Rights Project Centers Black Trans Joy at Second Annual Comedy Showcase

by Victor Simoes

For their second annual Black Trans Comedy Showcase fundraiser on June 10, Lavender Rights Project (LRP) is going even bigger than in their first edition. With a stellar lineup of performers and comedians, the event hosted by activist and reality TV star T.S. Madison will showcase trans magic and laughter in a space dedicated to building community and learning how to protect Black trans lives. 

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Arts & Culture

‘Elevators Ep. 1’ Pays Homage to the Seattle Dance Scene in Its First Edition

by Victor Simoes

Editors’ Note: “Elevators Ep. 1” was slated for last December, but inclement weather forced the show to reschedule. “Elevators” will now take place Friday, June 2, at the Clock-Out Lounge

“I want people to feel that cinematic, nostalgic, déjà vu-type sensation. I hope people meet there and fall in love because of a moment they had dancing with somebody at our event. I want there to be that tangible and indescribable magic.”

This is how Aaron Walker-Loud, artist, band director, composer, producer, educator, and one-third of Elevators, described his hopes for the Big World Breaks and Vinyl Sound production “Elevators Ep. 1,” kicking off at the Clock-Out Lounge on Friday, June 2.

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Arts & Culture

Columbia City Beatwalk Is Back for Its 28th Year, With Live Music and the First Full-Fledged Pride Edition

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by Victor Simoes

Happening every second Sunday of the month from June through September, Columbia City Beatwalk returns, bringing live music and local vendors according to monthly themes, along with the first-ever dedicated Pride Beatwalk. 

Continue reading Columbia City Beatwalk Is Back for Its 28th Year, With Live Music and the First Full-Fledged Pride Edition →
Arts & Culture

‘BLEAK!’, a Satirical, Anti-Capitalist Song Cycle, Arrives in Seattle on May Day

by Victor Simoes

This May Day, the cabaret duo John Coons and Matt Aument are bringing BLEAK! Songs for the Not-Quite End of the World to Town Hall Seattle. The anti-capitalist satire that discusses humankind’s dystopian present will be a one-night-only event, with additional songs, instruments, guests, and new material specially crafted for a Seattle audience. 

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Arts & Culture

The Works of Local Black Women Artists Shine at Gallery Onyx’s ‘Embrace Equity’

by Victor Simoes

From March 7 to May 12 the Onyx Fine Arts Collective celebrates Black women artists with “Embrace Equity.” The 48 works by 28 artists not only celebrate artistic excellence but create a discussion on equity and equality. It is the first gallery opening for many of these artists, whose artwork includes paintings and mixed-media compositions that incorporate collage and textile work into the canvas. 

Continue reading The Works of Local Black Women Artists Shine at Gallery Onyx’s ‘Embrace Equity’ →