The beatific array of vibrant colors on display among the women in attendance during the Biden inauguration is a visual feast, and signals an escape from the gray doldrums of 2020. Did they coordinate with one-another, or were they all sympathetic to the idea that they needed to gather together to form a dazzling rainbow of sorts? With one arresting image, we can see a shift towards excitement and hope.
Thank you, Ladies, for helping us look forward to 2021!
Photo taken on jobsite prior to COVID-19 pandemic
2020 has been challenging, at times heartbreaking. As it comes to a close, we want to thank our trusting clients and creative collaborators for allowing us to forge forward, together. We are here to support each other and our community, in hopes of more tranquil times ahead. The SZ Team wishes you all good health and well being, a festive holiday season and moments of stillness and sanctuary along the way.
With gratitude, Suzanne, Lara, Shannon, Shakiba & the extended SZ Team.
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Every election is determined by the people who show up.
Election Day, November 3rd, is fast approaching. Visit informative websites such as rockthevote.org and vote.org for knowledge of key dates and deadlines and review your voter registration status.
Washington is a vote-by-mail state with early voting beginning October 14th. If you prefer to cast your vote at a voting center, there will be local facilities 18 days prior to Election Day.
Planning to vote is key to voting successfully! Make sure you know if you can vote early and/or by mail and don’t miss the deadlines! If you’re voting on election day, be sure to think about your schedule for the day. Will you need to vote in the morning? After class? In the evening after work? Will you need a ride to the polls? Does your neighbor? Plan to research your candidates and make a list of who you want to vote for ahead of time. Plan to encourage everyone—your partner, co-workers, newly 18-year-old nieces and nephews—to get registered to vote. Plan to make your voice heard!
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In this time of crisis, we want to direct your attention to charities that are doing great work supporting black artists, thinkers, and change-makers. Please take a moment to learn about the following organizations:
LANGSTON is a non-profit arts organization, established in 2016 to lead programming within the historic Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute. LANGSTON guides generative programs and community partnerships that center Black art, artists and audiences and honor the ongoing legacy of Seattle’s Black Central Area. We support a variety of enriching programs, across multiple disciplines, rooted in our mission and values.
BLACK ARTISTS + DESIGN GUILD is building a more equitable and inclusive creative culture by advancing a community of independent Black artists, makers and designers in creative industries. We are committed to honoring our ancestral legacy in design, by taking ownership of our narrative, and by creating spaces to celebrate Black excellence and culture in design.
BLACK ARTS FUTURES FUND aims to:
1. Grow emerging philanthropists by providing a structured community to understand the importance of generous contributions to community-centered artists and arts & culture organizations
2. Provide impactful general operating grants to those organizations in an effort to stabilize, validate, introduce to future philanthropists, and support the future of their work.
Photo Credit: Rick Barry, all rights reserved.