By Emily Fitzgerald / emily@thurstonchronicle.com
The Thurston County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday proclaimed February as African American Heritage Month.
The proclamation acknowledged the history of Black people in America and the impacts of slavery, saying that the month is an opportunity to “honor the rich history, culture and enduring contributions of African Americans, whose resilience, leadership and creativity have helped shape the social, cultural and economic factor of our nation.”
Despite facing historic oppression, Black and African American entrepreneurs have built businesses that play a vital role in strengthening local economies, preserving heritage and fostering growth, the proclamation reads.
“While commemorating the outstanding legacy and strength of African American and Black people is important, we must also meaningfully engage in the present and invest intentionally in a more equitable and prosperous future,” Wayne Fournier read aloud from the proclamation on Tuesday, calling for Thurston County residents to engage in Black and African American History Month events throughout the county.
“As we know, African American Heritage Month here in Thurston County is an honor, and we’re honored that you’re proclaiming it today for us,” said Kyeshia Likely, executive director of community engagement for the South Sound YMCA.
As the daughter of a teen mom who has graduated college, is on track to receive a master’s degree, is the single mother of a daughter of her own and became an executive director at just 28 years old, Likely said that her story reflects what is possible now for Black Americans.
“Black history is resilience. Black history is innovation, and you’re honoring that. And Black leadership looks like me,” Likely said.
South Sound YMCA Senior Director Michelle Gibson echoed Likely’s gratitude to Thurston County for affirming the history, humanity and dignity of Black communities.
“This proclamation is more than symbolic. It communicates that our county recognizes the worth, the brilliance and the lived experiences of Black residents across generations. It says to our young people the ones in our classrooms, the ones in our programs in our neighborhoods, that they belong, that their dreams matter, that their voices have a place here. And it reinforces a message that we strive to embed in every space we serve, you are part of a legacy of resilience, creativity, leadership and hope,” Gibson said.
“It’s disheartening that we have to keep having these conversations and trying to justify our existence. But here we are and we matter,” she added.
Shawna Hawk, executive director of Media Island International and founder of the Women of Color in Leadership Movement, acknowledged Gibson’s disappointment.
“Yeah, we are still having these conversations,” Hawk said. “But it’s necessary because people are trying to say we have no culture or other folks built the country. We built the country. Foundational Black Americans did.”
Noting that she can trace her heritage back to before the United States of America was officially a country, she encouraged Thurston County residents to use the rest of February to continue learning about Black history and Black contributions to the nation.
“Of course Black History Month isn’t just the month, it’s year round, but it’s definitely a time to be able to do that,” she said.
Reflecting on the contributions Black-owned businesses bring to the community, Whetstone Fitness owner Donnie Whetstone thought back to the grandfather he got his surname from.
Whetstone Fitness has served Thurston County for the last 30 years. The business’ clientele is predominantly white, and while he’s received praise and accolades from his clients, he said “Sometimes I have to sit back and I think, ‘Hey look — they’re the kids and grandkids of individuals who would not have given my grandfather the time of day.’ But, here we are.”
Whetstone added, “Black-owned businesses aren’t here for just Black people. Black-owned businesses are here for everyone. Everyone benefits. I know this for sure. I know it firsthand. I just need that to sink in, because I’m not alone. There are lots of businesses out there to where everyone is benefitting. No one loses if one group is being recognized. No one loses.”
Community members are invited to attend a Black History Month event organized by the Hawk Foundation, in partnership with the Olympia School District and the City of Olympia, at the Washington Center for Performing Arts on Friday, Feb. 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This year’s free, family-friendly event features keynote speaker Dr. Joy DeGruy and will focus on dismantling systemic racism in education, according to the event website.
Black-owned businesses and organizations are also encouraged to sign up as vendors for Olympia’s 2026 Juneteenth Celebration, scheduled for June 20 at Rebecca Howard Park.
Interested vendors and anyone interested in supporting, volunteering or sponsoring the event are asked to contact Hawk at shawna@mediaislandinternational.org or 360-352-8526.
Both the Feb. 20 Black History Month event and the June 20 Juneteenth event are free and open to the public.
