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Justice Night: A Beacon of Hope and Legal Aid

By Akil Washington, Published September 23, 2024

Seattle, WA — On a beautiful September afternoon, Jackson’s Catfish Corner, a beloved local eatery known for its authentic Southern cuisine, transformed into a hub of legal aid and community support. The event, aptly named “Justice Night,” was organized by The Way to Justice, a non-profit legal aid organization dedicated to empowering individuals impacted by the justice system.

A Night of Legal Empowerment

Justice Night offered a free legal clinic focusing on critical issues such as driver’s relicensing, legal financial obligation (LFO) reduction, and record vacating. These services are vital for individuals seeking to rebuild their lives after encounters with the criminal justice system. The event aimed to provide attendees with the legal support necessary to navigate these complex processes.

“We are thrilled to partner with Jackson’s Catfish Corner for this important event,” said Virla Spencer, CEO of The Way to Justice. “Our goal is to support individuals who have been disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs and to help them navigate their legal challenges.”

“Freeway” Rick Ross
VRLA SPENCE CEO of The Way to Rick Ross

A Special Guest: “Freeway” Rick Ross

Adding a touch of star power to the evening, LikaVibe conducted an exclusive interview with “Freeway” Rick Ross, the former drug kingpin turned activist. Ross, who has become a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform, shared his insights on the importance of events like Justice Night.

In the interview, Ross emphasized the need for community-based solutions to address systemic issues. “It’s about giving people a second chance,” Ross said. “Events like this show that there are resources and people who care about helping others get back on their feet.”

Community and Cuisine

Participants not only received legal advice but also enjoyed a complimentary dinner, courtesy of Jackson’s Catfish Corner. The restaurant’s commitment to community service was evident as attendees savored dishes that have made Jackson’s a local favorite.

A Path Forward

The Way to Justice, founded in 2020 by Virla Spencer and Camerina Zorrozua, focuses on addressing systemic racism and removing barriers to justice. Their programs, including driver’s relicensing and post-conviction relief, are designed to empower the most vulnerable and amplify the voices of those impacted by the justice system.

Justice Night at Jackson’s Catfish Corner was more than just an event; it was a testament to the power of community and the importance of accessible legal aid. As the evening drew to a close, the sense of hope and empowerment was palpable, a reminder that justice is not just a concept but a tangible goal worth striving for.

For more information about The Way to Justice and their upcoming events, visit www.thewaytojustice.com

For more information about “Freeway” Rick Rick visit https://freewayrickyross.com

For more information about Jackson’s Catfish Corner visit https://jacksonscatfishcorner.com

Seattle’s Jefferson Park Golf Course Renamed to Honor Bill Wright

By Akil Washington, Published on July 17, 2024

Seattle, WA — In a historic move, Seattle Parks and Recreation has renamed the Jefferson Golf Course to the Bill Wright Golf Complex. The decision honors the legacy of Bill Wright, a trailblazing African American who broke the color barrier in golf by becoming the first African American to win a United States Golf Association event.

A Champion’s Journey

Bill Wright’s story is one of resilience, determination, and triumph. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, a Franklin High School graduate and a Western Washington College alum. His victory in the 1959 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship marked a pivotal moment in golf history. Wright went on to win the NAIA Men’s Golf Championship individual title in 1960.

The Struggle for Inclusion

Wright faced discrimination and exclusion throughout his career. Golf courses were segregated, and opportunities for Black golfers were severely limited. He fought against the PGA’s “Caucasian-only” clause, which barred non-white players from participating in PGA-sanctioned events. 

Wright became the first Jr. golfer of the Fir State Golf Club, Seattle’s first African American golf club. The club was founded in 1947 and was pivotal in giving minorities a means to participate in local tournaments. With the support of Fir State Golf Club, Wright’s talent and determination propelled him to victory. Berdell Knowles Jr. (Pres. Fir State Golf Club) was very aware of the temporality of the occasion, “We live in a country that has trouble with honesty…this is important to me because by memorializing the story of Bill Wright and what he had to face here at Jefferson helps make sure that story continues to be told.”

Beacon Hill Council, Fir State Golf Club and Seattle Parks and Recreation celebrate Bill Wright’s 1959 USGA Public Links Championship.

Community Efforts Lead to Renaming

The renaming of Jefferson Golf Course to the Bill Wright Golf Complex is the culmination of years of community advocacy. The Beacon Hill Council, Fir State Golf Club, and Friends of Bill Wright collaborated to honor his legacy. Kathy Colombo (Beacon Hill Council) stated, “When this idea came to the Beacon Hill Council it was really apparent to me that this was an injustice that needed to be served.” Their actions demonstrate the community’s commitment to recognizing past injustices and advancing equity and inclusion. 

The attendees were keenly aware of the significance of community involvement in initiating and approving the renaming process.  As Bob Woodard (Fir State Golf Club) stated, ‘This is an example of inclusion. The community came together to do this project.” Mr. Woodard is the former president of Fir State Golf Club and had a unique viewpoint on the impact the renaming process can have on the community and the country. “It becomes a portrait to other communities or the rest of the country to see what can be accomplished together.”

A Monument to Progress

Seattle Parks and Recreation Assistant Superintendent Christoper Williams stated, “Renaming this park is important because we can sit down and talk to young people and tell them a story about Bill Wright and the challenges and obstacles that he overcame.” The renaming stands as a testament to the progress made since 1947, while also serving as a reminder of the ongoing fight against racial discrimination.

Bill Wright’s story is important to Beacon Hill and the South Seattle community’s history. Beacon Hill is a diverse neighborhood of more than 40,000 people – 70% people of color, 40% immigrant and refugee with 29% of the population living below the poverty line. Mark Solomon (Beacon Hill Council) a long-time Beacon Hill resident was celebratory and acknowledged the delayed recognition of many impactful community leaders. “The significance of this day is that it’s been a long time coming. There’s a lot of unsung heroes in South Seattle that people don’t know about, and Bill Wright is one of them.”

Golf is a beautiful game but like many institutions in the United States, it has a past of excluding “non-white” participants. The renaming of Jefferson Park Golf Course to Bill Wright Golf Complex is a reminder of the past while celebrating a community effort to acknowledge and include “non-white” heroes in the history of golf.  Derek Liddell (Pres. AP National Golf Club) captured this sentiment, “This stands as a beacon for inclusive golf for all of Washington and the United States!”

Celebrating Bill Wright

On July 13th, the community gathered at the Bill Wright Clubhouse to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Wright’s U.S. Public Links win. The renaming ceremony on October 10th, 2024, will further honor his legacy.

As the fairways of golf open to all, the Bill Wright Golf Complex serves as a powerful reminder that progress continues, and inclusion remains the goal.

Terrell Elmore and Evan Nelson contributed reporting

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Justice Night: A Beacon of Hope and Legal Aid

By Akil Washington, Published September 23, 2024 Seattle, WA — On a beautiful September afternoon, Jackson’s Catfish Corner, a beloved local eatery known for its authentic Southern cuisine, transformed into a hub of legal aid and community support. The event, aptly named “Justice Night,” was organized by The Way to Justice, a non-profit legal aid organization […]

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Seattle’s Jefferson Park Golf Course Renamed to Honor Bill Wright

By Akil Washington, Published on July 17, 2024 Seattle, WA — In a historic move, Seattle Parks and Recreation has renamed the Jefferson Golf Course to the Bill Wright Golf Complex. The decision honors the legacy of Bill Wright, a trailblazing African American who broke the color barrier in golf by becoming the first African […]

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