EVERETT—Following a Sunday celebration, in honor of the Reverand Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee continued its festivities through Martin Luther King Day proper on January 19 with a march, rally, and community gathering at Volunteer’s of America Western Washington’s (VOAWW) Carl Gibson Center in downtown Everett.
The Carl Gibson Center (owned by the City of Everett but stewarded by the VOAWW) is named after longtime Everett Carl Gibson, former NAACP President and first African American elected in the City of Everett.
The morning began with a march and rally, traveling from Everett Memorial Stadium to the Carl Gibson Center by way of Colby Avenue and Lombard. Hundreds joined the march sporting Black Lives Matter signs, vouching for freedom and equality, and singing “We Will Overcome.”
The community gathering portion was emceed by Larry JJ Frank, with Bible Way Church and YMCA, alongside DeLon R. Lewis with Everett Community College, featuring guest speakers, a resource fair, 2026 Essay and Art Contest winner announcements, dancing, music, and more.
First to speak was Dr. Steven Woodard, VP of Community Engagement for VOA and Mountlake Terrace’s newest (and first Black) Mayor sharing the misfortunate history of Mountlake Terrace’s redlining, having been developed as a settlement for White veterans returning from war.
Not only is Dr. Woodard Mountlake Terrace’s first Black Mayor, but it is also the first time the Mountlake Terrace City Council has been a majority BIPOC council (along with council members William Paige and Same Doyle, as well as former Mayor Kyoko Matsumoto-Wright, who still sits on council).
“How does a brother go from not the best childhood to Mayor? A six-prong framework I offer all to you: First one is get involved, number two is there’s always a reason to keep your head up and if you get involved you will see that. Next one comes from our President of the Black Heritage Committee and that’s teamwork makes the dream work. That said, dream bigger. The last one is protect your joy,” said Dr. Woodard. “Those six prongs don’t mean nothing without telling someone else so get a mic but you yourself are a microphone every day.”
Following Dr. Woodard the Black National anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing, was performed by the MLK Ensemble choir before the next speaker, Mr. Fredrick T. Bletson, Jr., SCBHC Executive Board Member, took the stage.
“It’s cold outside today. It reminds me of the 70’s when we were marching in the rain, and the snow, and the sleet, all with the purpose of togetherness, oneness. We didn’t care what your ethnicity was, what your gender was, it wasn’t about any of that. It was about there being a fire and us needing to pool our buckets of water together to put that fire out,” said Bletson. “We still have fires today. We’ve made progress but we have a lot more work to do. Walking in the cold just reminds us of that work so keep on keeping on.”
City of Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin followed Mr. Bletson with some remarks of her own.
“I’m honored here to stand with you, as we gather to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” said Mayor Franklin. “Doctor King’s dream was never just a vision of what could be, it was a call to action; a reminder that true belonging is possible when we choose to stand with one another, especially when it’s hard.”
Mayor Franklin continued that many people are carrying grief, fear, and uncertainty lately with many of us witnessing “hatred and division in our institutions and sometimes even in our backyards.”
“In times like this leading with love is not easy but it is exactly what Dr. King called on us to do,” said Mayor Franklin. “He taught us that dreams only become real when people are willing to do the work and willing to show up.”
Mayor Franklin also thanked DanVonique Reed, President of the SCBHC, for her work which, Franklin continued, reminds us that “community doesn’t just happen, it’s built with intention, care, and love.”
On the national level, Congressman Rick Larsen (WA-02) spoke on how Dr. King’s words, and vision for a more equitable future, are more important than ever but those in attendance are a living example of that dream and that work.
“Today you are not alone. It’s been a day on, not a day off. It’s been a day of service all weekend. Happenings like this are happening all across the Pacific Northwest, and across the country – you are not alone at all,” said Larsen. “As Doctor King said, ‘now is the time to make real the promises of democracy.’ Now, more than ever, that call to action is incredibly important. In a moment right now, where a lot of our neighbors are afraid of what’s going on with our country, Doctor King’s words to call us to band together as a community and to speak out against what’s happening to our neighbors.”
Earlier that morning Rep. Larsen paid a visit to the City of Lynnwood to plant trees along its Mesika Trail.
Other speakers included Mike “The Mayor” Thomas, Owner of the Everett Royals Football franchise, and Kim Toskey, President and CEO for Homes and Hope Community and Land Trust who read a poem.
Closing remarks and prayer was led by Pastor Doris Cope, with Bailey AME Church in Everett.
Performances included a dance performance by the Everett Dance School, and music by Cai Brown, Ms. Karen Casey Shepard, and Noah Jackson.
In addition to the speakers and entertainment there were approximately 12 organizational resource booths offering their services and information. These included: the Snohomish County Health Department, Compass Health, League of Women Voters, Providence Health, Dance School of the Arts, and Homes and Hope Community and Land Trust.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
