Seattle was the first city outside California to form a BPP chapter. Founded by Aaron Dixon and Elmer Dixon, the chapter addressed issues of police brutality and systemic racism in the Pacific Northwest.
The Seattle chapter established critical community programs, including a Free Breakfast Program for children, a free medical clinic (Sydney Miller Free Medical Clinic), and legal aid initiatives.
The first Black Student Union in Seattle was founded at the University of Washington (UW) in 1968. Inspired by the growing civil rights and Black Power movements, Black students at UW sought to address systemic racism and the lack of representation in education and campus life.
The BSU’s efforts at UW and local high schools permanently changed educational landscapes by introducing ethnic studies programs and diversifying faculty and staff.Their advocacy for culturally relevant curricula inspired other educational institutions in the region to follow suit.The BSU provided a safe space for Black students to organize, build solidarity, and express their cultural identity. This empowerment encouraged many students to become leaders in their communities.The BSU became a model for student-led activism in Seattle. Their work inspired other marginalized groups to form similar organizations, such as Chicano, Asian American, and Native American student unions.
Many former BSU members went on to become prominent activists, educators, and community leaders. For a FULL CIRCLE example Larry Gossett became a prominent politician and served on the King County Council for decades, advocating for social and economic justice. In 2024 TSTF was awarded The Larry Gossett Service Award that recognizes and affirms an individual or organization who has made significant contributions in the areas of racial equity, social justice, and/or human rights. The awardee is selected by the King County Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Ripple Effect: Inspiring Other Movements
The success of the BSU at UW also had a national impact. Its model of student-led activism inspired other marginalized groups to form their own student organizations, including Chicano, Asian American, and Native American student unions. These movements, which would later become central to the broader fight for multicultural representation in education, were shaped by the groundwork laid by the BSU in Seattle.
As Stokely Carmichael, a key leader in the Black Panther Party, once said:
“We must organize black community power to end abuses and to give the Negro community a chance to have its needs addressed.”
The BSU at UW, in partnership with the Black Panther Party, exemplified this philosophy, showing that when youth take action, they can not only address immediate needs but lay the foundation for systemic change that reverberates across generations.
A Call to Action: The Power of Today’s Youth
The story of the BSU and the Black Panther Party in Seattle is an enduring reminder that youth are not only capable of creating change—they are often the catalysts for it. Their activism, driven by a deep commitment to justice and equity, serves as a blueprint for today’s youth-led movements. Whether it’s fighting for climate justice, racial equity, or social change, the power of young people to organize, lead, and inspire continues to shape our society.
As we reflect on the past during Black History Month, let us remember that the work of youth activists like the BSU members at UW is ongoing. The courage to challenge the status quo, to demand better, and to build a more equitable future is just as urgent today as it was in the 1960s.
Let the legacy of the BSU inspire the next generation to rise up and take action. The future of social justice lies in the hands of today’s youth—just as it did in the hands of the young people who formed the BSU over half a century ago.
At The Silent Task Force, we take great pride in working closely with our intergenerational community, with a deep commitment to empowering, engaging, and supporting our youth. From the Renton School District After School Programs to Juvenile Detention initiatives, we create culturally relevant experiences that celebrate the power and beauty of Black and Brown identity. We are dedicated to helping our youth understand their inherent worth and resilience, reminding them that, despite the challenges our community faces, we are strong enough to spark change.
Our youth programs are all led by Black instructors who bring diverse life experiences and perspectives, fostering an environment where every student can thrive. Programs include The Beauty of My Black/Brownness Mentorship, Robotics & STEM, Gardening, Basketball, Artistic Expression, Positive Personal Identity, Healthy Relationships, Alternatives to Violence, Real-Life Living Skills, and strategies for resisting gang involvement. Each program is designed to nurture the leadership potential in our youth and provide them with the tools to create a brighter, more empowered future.
Sources:
Washington State Rising: Black Power on Campus in the Pacific Northwest
This book documents the origins, actions, and impact of the Black Student Union in Washington State from 1967 to 1970, highlighting the organization's role in the Black Power Movement.
The Blueprint: A Black Student Union Handbook
Authored by Agyei Tyehimba, this guide offers practical advice for Black college students aiming to lead and elevate their BSUs, covering topics like leadership training and the purpose of BSUs.
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