Seattle\u2019s Black Housing history is our collective history. Team Diva celebrates and honors Black History Month every year. Black folxs are our friends, family members, neighbors, clients, and a big part of our life. Not honoring Black History is not holding space for our collective community. <\/p>\n
Black History and legacy are best seen in Seattle\u2019s Black housing history. The resilience of Black homeowners in the face of systemic barriers by government entities, banks, and gentrification. In this blog, we are honoring the historic land purchases to modern-day initiatives, how Black homeownership has shaped Seattle\u2019s neighborhoods, the push to create more Black homeowners, and how housing is a crucial issue in the fight for equity and justice.<\/p>\n
\n
Key Moments in Seattle\u2019s Black Housing History<\/h2>\n![\"Celebrating](\"https:\/\/teamdivarealestate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Seattles-Black-Housing-History-1024x576.png\"\/)
![\"Celebrating](\"https:\/\/teamdivarealestate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Seattles-Black-Housing-History-1024x576.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nIt was fascinating trying to research critical items for this blog. The history of Black homeownership in Seattle is scattered across multiple websites and archives. I believe that Seattle is STILL hiding the good and the bad history that has shaped Seattle\u2019s Black Housing History. <\/p>\n
Let\u2019s start at the beginning <\/p>\n
1882 \u2013 William Grose: A Pioneer in Black Land Ownership<\/h3>\n
In 1882, William Grose, a successful Black businessman, purchased 12 acres of land in what is now Madison Valley and the Central District. His investment and leadership helped establish the Central District as a thriving African American community. Grose\u2019s contributions laid the foundation for Black homeownership in Seattle, creating a space where Black families could live and build generational wealth.<\/p>\n
Learn more about William Grose here ><\/a><\/p>\n1947 \u2013 The Fight for Equal Real Estate Opportunities<\/h3>\n
The National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Inc. (NAREB) was founded in Tampa, Florida, in 1947 as a civil rights advocacy organization for African American real estate professionals. NAREB has played a crucial role in fighting discriminatory housing practices. They have and continue to advocate for fair housing policies nationwide. This includes Seattle!<\/p>\n
Learn More About NAREB here ><\/a><\/p>\n1951 \u2013 The Legacy of Black Housing and Homeownership Through Wa Na Wari<\/h3>\n
In 1951, Frank and Goldyn Green purchased a home in the Central District, which today serves as Wa Na Wari. From the early 1960s to 2013, this home housed multiple generations of the extended Green family and their friends. Wa Na Wari was created in 2019 to continue that Black ownership legacy and to create a space of belonging. This organization is a community-driven art space is dedicated to reclaiming Black cultural spaces and emphasizes the importance of Black land ownership in gentrified neighborhoods. Wa Na Wari stands as a testament to the power of preserving Black heritage in Seattle.<\/p>\n
Learn More About WA Na Wari here ><\/a><\/p>\n1959 \u2013 The O\u2019Mearas Refused to Sell Their Home To A Black Family In Seattle<\/h3>\n
Back in the day, MOST real estate agents would not show houses in all-white neighborhoods to people of color. <\/p>\n
In 1959, Robert L. Jones and his wife attempted to buy a house outside the Central Area. The owners refused to sell to the Jones family because of their color. What followed was a long fight for Fair Housing in Seattle and the state. The Jones family fought all the way to the Supreme Court on this issue. This case galvanized many people to advocate for Fair Housing which was eventually passed in 1968.<\/p>\n
Learn More About The Fight For Black Housing Here ><\/a><\/p>\n1968 \u2013 Fair Housing Ordinance: A Step Toward Equality in Seattle\u2019s Black Housing History<\/h3>\n
On April 19, 1968, just three weeks after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Seattle\u2019s City Council passed an ordinance defining and prohibiting unfair housing practices. This was a landmark moment in the fight against housing discrimination, helping to dismantle policies that had long excluded Black families from homeownership opportunities.<\/p>\n
Learn More About the Long History to Pass Fair Housing In Seattle Here ><\/a><\/p>\nThe 1970s \u2013 Redlining and Discriminatory Lending<\/h3>\n
The 1970s saw continued discrimination against Black homeowners. A homebuyer buying in historically Black neighborhoods was often denied traditional loans. This practice was called redlining. The banks refused to provide loans to historically Black neighborhoods in the Central District and Rainier Valley. This forced many Black families to seek high-cost loans from predatory mortgage companies, creating financial hardships and limiting homeownership opportunities.<\/p>\n
Learn More About Redlining in Seattle Here ><\/a><\/p>\n1990s \u2013 Operation Weed and Seed: Displacement Under the Guise of Crime Reduction<\/h3>\n
In 1991, \u201cOperation Weed and Seed\u201d was introduced in Seattle. It was a strategy to \u201cweed out\u201d undesirable elements in our local community. In practice, this initiative disproportionately targeted Black families, leading to a decline in property values, an increase in gentrification, and the widespread displacement of Black homeowners. This program contributed to the ongoing erasure of Black cultural and economic presence in Seattle\u2019s historic neighborhoods.<\/p>\n
Learn More About the Impact of the Weed and Seed Program Here ><\/a><\/p>\n2023 \u2013 Addressing Historic Housing Discrimination<\/h3>\n
In May 2023, Governor Jay Inslee signed the Covenant Homeownership Act into law, launching a research study to document the complicity of government institutions in racial housing discrimination. This study aims to recognize the long-lasting effects of such discrimination and develop policies to increase homeownership opportunities for historically marginalized communities.<\/p>\n
Learn More About the Covenant Homeownership Act Here ><\/a><\/p>\n2024 \u2013 The Covenant Homeownership Program: A Path to Equity<\/h3>\n
The Covenant Homeownership Program was launched in July 2024. The program seeks to promote homeownership among marginalized communities in Washington State. These communities include those impacted by government policies from the 1960s and onward. This program represents a critical step toward rectifying past injustices and creating pathways for Black families to build and retain wealth through homeownership.<\/p>\n
Learn More About the Covenant Homeownership Program Here ><\/a><\/p>\nLearn About the Impact of Seattle\u2019s Housing Practices Has Had On Our Clients<\/h3>\n
An incredible article was written in the Seattle Times that featured a couple of our Diva Dwellers aka clients. <\/a><\/p>\n\nMarlene Smick remembers sitting in the back seat of her parents\u2019 car in 1958 as the family spotted an open house sign in Seward Park. Smick\u2019s father, a second-generation Japanese-American who had been incarcerated during World War II, rolled down the window to ask about the property.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe guy, a builder, said, \u2018You\u2019re welcome to come look, but I\u2019m sorry I can\u2019t sell to you,\u2019\u201d Smick said. \u201cIt was whites only.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
The discrimination that our client Marlene and other families endured in Seattle has had a lasting impact. Many of Seattle\u2019s zoning laws follow the former redlining of the 1960s and 1970s. This impacts housing values, equity, and the ability of many families to build generational wealth. Seattle is forever formed by its housing policies and the history of Black housing and homeownership. <\/p>\n
\nTeam Diva Stands in Solidarity To Increase Homeownership In The Black Community<\/h2>\n
At Team Diva, we recognize that Seattle\u2019s Black housing history is an essential part of our city\u2019s legacy. We remain committed to advocating for fair housing, preserving Black cultural spaces, and supporting policies that promote racial equity in real estate.<\/p>\n
Preserve Black Homeownership: Take Action Today<\/h3>\n
Black homeownership in Seattle has faced numerous challenges. The fight for equity continues. One way to support this cause is by donating to organizations like Black Legacy Homeowners<\/a>, which work to preserve Black homeownership and combat displacement.<\/p>\n
![\"Celebrating](\"https:\/\/teamdivarealestate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Seattles-Black-Housing-History.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nIt was fascinating trying to research critical items for this blog. The history of Black homeownership in Seattle is scattered across multiple websites and archives. I believe that Seattle is STILL hiding the good and the bad history that has shaped Seattle\u2019s Black Housing History. <\/p>\n
Let\u2019s start at the beginning <\/p>\n
1882 \u2013 William Grose: A Pioneer in Black Land Ownership<\/h3>\n
In 1882, William Grose, a successful Black businessman, purchased 12 acres of land in what is now Madison Valley and the Central District. His investment and leadership helped establish the Central District as a thriving African American community. Grose\u2019s contributions laid the foundation for Black homeownership in Seattle, creating a space where Black families could live and build generational wealth.<\/p>\n
Learn more about William Grose here ><\/a><\/p>\n The National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Inc. (NAREB) was founded in Tampa, Florida, in 1947 as a civil rights advocacy organization for African American real estate professionals. NAREB has played a crucial role in fighting discriminatory housing practices. They have and continue to advocate for fair housing policies nationwide. This includes Seattle!<\/p>\n Learn More About NAREB here ><\/a><\/p>\n In 1951, Frank and Goldyn Green purchased a home in the Central District, which today serves as Wa Na Wari. From the early 1960s to 2013, this home housed multiple generations of the extended Green family and their friends. Wa Na Wari was created in 2019 to continue that Black ownership legacy and to create a space of belonging. This organization is a community-driven art space is dedicated to reclaiming Black cultural spaces and emphasizes the importance of Black land ownership in gentrified neighborhoods. Wa Na Wari stands as a testament to the power of preserving Black heritage in Seattle.<\/p>\n Learn More About WA Na Wari here ><\/a><\/p>\n Back in the day, MOST real estate agents would not show houses in all-white neighborhoods to people of color. <\/p>\n In 1959, Robert L. Jones and his wife attempted to buy a house outside the Central Area. The owners refused to sell to the Jones family because of their color. What followed was a long fight for Fair Housing in Seattle and the state. The Jones family fought all the way to the Supreme Court on this issue. This case galvanized many people to advocate for Fair Housing which was eventually passed in 1968.<\/p>\n Learn More About The Fight For Black Housing Here ><\/a><\/p>\n On April 19, 1968, just three weeks after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Seattle\u2019s City Council passed an ordinance defining and prohibiting unfair housing practices. This was a landmark moment in the fight against housing discrimination, helping to dismantle policies that had long excluded Black families from homeownership opportunities.<\/p>\n Learn More About the Long History to Pass Fair Housing In Seattle Here ><\/a><\/p>\n The 1970s saw continued discrimination against Black homeowners. A homebuyer buying in historically Black neighborhoods was often denied traditional loans. This practice was called redlining. The banks refused to provide loans to historically Black neighborhoods in the Central District and Rainier Valley. This forced many Black families to seek high-cost loans from predatory mortgage companies, creating financial hardships and limiting homeownership opportunities.<\/p>\n Learn More About Redlining in Seattle Here ><\/a><\/p>\n In 1991, \u201cOperation Weed and Seed\u201d was introduced in Seattle. It was a strategy to \u201cweed out\u201d undesirable elements in our local community. In practice, this initiative disproportionately targeted Black families, leading to a decline in property values, an increase in gentrification, and the widespread displacement of Black homeowners. This program contributed to the ongoing erasure of Black cultural and economic presence in Seattle\u2019s historic neighborhoods.<\/p>\n Learn More About the Impact of the Weed and Seed Program Here ><\/a><\/p>\n In May 2023, Governor Jay Inslee signed the Covenant Homeownership Act into law, launching a research study to document the complicity of government institutions in racial housing discrimination. This study aims to recognize the long-lasting effects of such discrimination and develop policies to increase homeownership opportunities for historically marginalized communities.<\/p>\n Learn More About the Covenant Homeownership Act Here ><\/a><\/p>\n The Covenant Homeownership Program was launched in July 2024. The program seeks to promote homeownership among marginalized communities in Washington State. These communities include those impacted by government policies from the 1960s and onward. This program represents a critical step toward rectifying past injustices and creating pathways for Black families to build and retain wealth through homeownership.<\/p>\n Learn More About the Covenant Homeownership Program Here ><\/a><\/p>\n An incredible article was written in the Seattle Times that featured a couple of our Diva Dwellers aka clients. <\/a><\/p>\n Marlene Smick remembers sitting in the back seat of her parents\u2019 car in 1958 as the family spotted an open house sign in Seward Park. Smick\u2019s father, a second-generation Japanese-American who had been incarcerated during World War II, rolled down the window to ask about the property.<\/p>\n \u201cThe guy, a builder, said, \u2018You\u2019re welcome to come look, but I\u2019m sorry I can\u2019t sell to you,\u2019\u201d Smick said. \u201cIt was whites only.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The discrimination that our client Marlene and other families endured in Seattle has had a lasting impact. Many of Seattle\u2019s zoning laws follow the former redlining of the 1960s and 1970s. This impacts housing values, equity, and the ability of many families to build generational wealth. Seattle is forever formed by its housing policies and the history of Black housing and homeownership. <\/p>\n At Team Diva, we recognize that Seattle\u2019s Black housing history is an essential part of our city\u2019s legacy. We remain committed to advocating for fair housing, preserving Black cultural spaces, and supporting policies that promote racial equity in real estate.<\/p>\n Black homeownership in Seattle has faced numerous challenges. The fight for equity continues. One way to support this cause is by donating to organizations like Black Legacy Homeowners<\/a>, which work to preserve Black homeownership and combat displacement.<\/p>\n1947 \u2013 The Fight for Equal Real Estate Opportunities<\/h3>\n
1951 \u2013 The Legacy of Black Housing and Homeownership Through Wa Na Wari<\/h3>\n
1959 \u2013 The O\u2019Mearas Refused to Sell Their Home To A Black Family In Seattle<\/h3>\n
1968 \u2013 Fair Housing Ordinance: A Step Toward Equality in Seattle\u2019s Black Housing History<\/h3>\n
The 1970s \u2013 Redlining and Discriminatory Lending<\/h3>\n
1990s \u2013 Operation Weed and Seed: Displacement Under the Guise of Crime Reduction<\/h3>\n
2023 \u2013 Addressing Historic Housing Discrimination<\/h3>\n
2024 \u2013 The Covenant Homeownership Program: A Path to Equity<\/h3>\n
Learn About the Impact of Seattle\u2019s Housing Practices Has Had On Our Clients<\/h3>\n
\n
\nTeam Diva Stands in Solidarity To Increase Homeownership In The Black Community<\/h2>\n
Preserve Black Homeownership: Take Action Today<\/h3>\n