The Africatown Community is seeking to gain back control of  “Liberty Bank”.

The origins of the first black owned bank in the central district dates back to 1968, when the property was built at 2320 East Union Street Seattle 98122, the former home of Key Bank.

The Africatown Community are working to have the property declared an Historic,and Cultural
Preservation site.

Over this past weekend May 19(Malcolm X Birthday), two signs were placed at the bank: “Liberty Bank” and “Africatown/CD”.

On the morning of  Tuesday May 21, a worker presumed to have been sent over by key bank, was there taking down the two signs. Omari Tahir-Garrett, who’s father was a founder of Liberty Bank was across the street and saw the worker. Omari walked over and requested that the worker leave the signs in place, and that they not be removed. The worker was also informed of Omari’s association with the bank and Africatown’s current plans for the property.

The worker informed Omari that he would call his boss, and the police. At the same time, there happen to be two SPD cars and an ambulance 1 block west of the bank. A female officer approached the worker, then the officer approached Omari. The officer was informed by Omari of the  Africatown Community’s involvement and plans. Omari also stated that the signs, if taken down, must be placed back into his possession. The officer informed the worker, that this is a ‘civil’ matter.

There are two brief video clips of what happened:

Video of May 21, 2013 encounter with Key Bank(?) worker removing “Liberty Bank” and “Africatown/CD” signs.

http://www.youtube.com/user/AfricatownChinatown2

ORIGINAL LAWSUIT REGARDING THE LIBERTY BANK OF SEATTLE:

940 F.2d 465: Federal Deposit Insurance corporation, As Receiverfor Liberty Bank of Seattle, Plaintiff, v. Sim Henderson, et al., Defendants.j. Thomas Wood; Barbara Wood, Husband and Wife, Defendants-counter-claimants-plaintiffs-appellants, v. Thomas Oldfield, Counter-defendant-appellee.

The Full Lawsuit can be read below:

http://africatownchinatownnewsdigest.wordpress.com/2013/04/04/illegal-theft-of-liberty-bank-key-bank-branch-24th-and-union/

Also see:

Liberty Bank – FDIC Certificate #: 27268
http://www2.fdic.gov/idasp/confirmation_outside.asp?inCert1=27268

The Africatown Community

Not my dog, but I noticed this posted around the neighborhood and thought I’d post it here to spread the word. Buddy was last seen at the Shell station on Rainier. Hope these pictures of the flyer are clear enough. Thanks!

I was scammed this week by someone who arrived on my front porch at dusk. My first clue should have been that he pounded on the door (without using the clearly marked doorbell), creating a false sense of urgency. Second clue was the too many details story (technique used by liars) name, employer, partner’s employer etc. He gave his name as Patrick and the problem he need cash help with was to “pay the locksmith”, as he was locked out of his house. Third clue: He asked for sympathy, to gain my trust -have you ever been locked out? 4th Clue: Couldn’t give the name of the locksmith and last  clue: he knew something about a car I had owned before (creepy).

He asked for a small amount and promised to return it “as soon as he paid the locksmith and got back into his house”. And did he return? Not yet.

This is all easy to write down afterwards; I usually get rid of people like this right away, but maybe the moon was full!  Should I call in a description to the police?

Hope you enjoy the photo tour, updated daily and searchable, if you know of an exceptional property that would be interesting to feature,  please let me know:

http://thearchobserver.com/2013/05/14/on-the-street-central-district-seattle-wa/

Jimi Hendrix Park is part of your community.  GiveBIG and help make it an experience for all to enjoy!

http://www.change.org/petitions/seattle-school-board-delay-the-re-occupation-of-horace-mann-school

Dozens of people (including yours truly) gathered at 22nd and Union Saturday morning before embarking on a 48-mile bike ride to raise money for Alleycat Acres, the urban farming collective that operates farms at 22nd/Union and MLK/Columbia.

The ride raises most of the organization’s annual budget.

There was an earlier forum in Georgetown sponsored by the 37th, but I  here in the CD, we belong at both.  If central should include the Central Area.  As voters we belong at both  forums.

• Hamilton International Middle School, 1610 N 41st St, Seattle, WA 98103

• You are cordially invited to attend a Seattle mayoral candidates’ forum sponsored and hosted by the 46th, 43rd, 36th, and 32nd District Democrats. This is free and everyone is welcome to attend. All Seattle mayoral candidates are confirmed to participate. Enrique Cerna will be the moderator for the forum. 6:30 pm – Meet & greet with candidates (food and refreshments provided) 7:00 pm – Program Starts 9:00 pm – Program Ends

The HRS Learning Center is excited to offer this research based training program.

Cogmed Working Memory Training is designed to improve working memory in students who struggle with remembering things such as multi-step directions, information from text they have read, and sequences of patterns and images. The program combines insights from cognitive neuroscience research with an innovative computer game design and close professional support.

The program is facilitated by David Kipnis, Learning Center Director, with oversight from Dr. Wayne Duncan, child clinical psychologist at ABCD, Inc. a Cogmed Qualified Practitioner since 2009. The Cogmed training method consists of 25 computerized training sessions, each 30-45 minutes long. Each session utilizes eight tasks that target auditory and visual-spatial working memory. The training program is designed to improve working memory over a five week period of training.

An information session with David Kipnis and Wayne Duncan will be held on May 9th. They will provide a brief overview of working memory and demonstrate the Cogmed training program. Additional information on Cogmed can be found at www.cogmed.com.

Cogmed Info Session
Thursday, May 9th
8:30-10:00 AM
HRS Learning Center
1700 E Union St Seattle WA 98122

Questions?
Contact David Kipnis
206-763-1167 x 101
dkipnis@hamlinrobinson.org