As we all celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day I wanted to point out Powell Barnett, one of Seattle’s great African American civic leaders. He first came to Seattle in 1906, over time working for the Barary Asphalt Paving Company, General Engineering Construction Company (who built many Seattle landmarks), and eventually serving as a clerk for State Senator Frank Connor. As a community leader, Barnett put together the Leschi Improvement Council and was its first president in 1967. As chairman of the East Madison YMCA he was known for integrating black and white communities. In 1969, the Leschi Improvement Council moved to name the park on Martin Luther King Jr Way after Barnett. This 1970 photograph depicts Powell Barnett being shown development plans by Seattle Parks and Recreation officials. Click on the image for higher resolution.

Mr. Powell Barnett Being Shown Development Plans by John O. Andrew, chr. Board of Parks Commissioners (left), Hans A. Thompson, Supt. Dept. of Parks and Recreation, Roy Lehner, Designer, David Jensen Assoc. (Right) Oct 1970. Photograph courtesy Seattle Municipal Archives.