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Public places named for Black Americans
African Americans have played an integral role in the history of King County from its beginnings.
In recognition of their contribution to the community, many have had parks and buildings named
after them. Described below are a few of these Black Americans and the public places,
which honor them. For more information about famous African Americans and the local public places
named for them, an excellent source is "Tribute" by Mary T. Henry, published
by Statice Press and supported in part by funds from the King County
Landmarks and Heritage Commission.
- William Grose (1835-1898). By 1860 when William Grose first arrived in Seattle,
he'd already voyaged to Asia, the Arctic and Central America, panned gold in California, and helped run an underground railroad for escaping slaves. Admired for his integrity, business sense and hospitality, he owned a popular Yesler Way hotel and became one of Seattle's biggest landowners. His house at 1733 24th Avenue is still standing.
Located between 30th and 31st Avenues East between East Howell and East
Denny Streets, William Grose Park is a quiet and reflective place. The small park features
grassy sloping banks, graceful cedar trees and a winding pathway with benches.
- Powell Barnett (1883-1971). Growing up in nearby Roslyn,
Washington, he mined coal and played in a local band. Powell Barnett moved to Seattle in
1906, working first in road and hotel construction, later as a clerk to a state
senator, and eventually as an employee for what is today's King County Department of
Construction and Facilities Management. As a musician Mr. Barnett broke
the color bar at the then all white Musician's Union, and went on to become
a potent force in the community for integration and racial harmony.
Located between East Jefferson and East Alder on Martin Luther King
Jr. Way, the more than 4 acres of Powell Barnett Park features recreation facilities, a
well-shaded picnic area, a circling pathway and a hilltop corner with benches and a
view.
- Henrietta Mathews (1915-1983). Tutoring minority students,
counseling single mothers, speaking out for senior citizens — all were the focus of
Henrietta Mathews 25 years of service in Seattle. For a time, like Randolph
Cater, she was a probation officer for King County Youth Services. After 1959 she
worked as a family services caseworker and as a coordinator for the Seattle Public
School District. Throughout her long career she devoted her energy to helping the
disadvantaged.
Given her distinguished service in social welfare, it's fitting that
the public place named for her is the Gideon-Mathews Gardens, a landscaped 45 unit-housing
complex for low-income seniors and the disabled. Located at 24th Ave South and South Jackson
Street, the facility opened in 1986. It is jointly named for Russell S. Gideon, a
Seattle African American pioneer in senior housing.
- Dr. Blanche Sellers Lavizzo (1925-1984). A friend and
schoolmate of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Dr. Lavizzo began practicing pediatrics in Seattle
in 1956. She was a pioneer in children's healthcare, giving her gifts of time, medical
talent and compassion to serve the Central Area community. Dr. Lavizzo served as the
first Medical Director of Odessa Brown when the clinic opened in 1970.
Two public places honor Dr. Lavizzo. Dr. Blanche Lavizzo Park
is a pleasant secluded pathway between South Jackson Street and East Yesler Way at 22nd
Avenue South with shade trees, a picnic area with grills, and a site for concerts
and community events. The Dr. Blanche Lavizzo Water Play Area at the Edwin T.
Pratt Park is an imaginative sculpture fountain featuring African motifs created by
local African American artists.
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