You’re invited to attend Wa Na Wari’s fall arts festival, Walk the Block, on Saturday, September 28. This family-friendly, free, outdoor visual and performing arts festival transforms Central District homes, businesses, parks, porches, and other common spaces into art installations and performance sites.

UUC’s Art Committee and Acting for Racial Justice Team have been supporting the work of Wa Na Wari for the past few years, and the congregation has dedicated a Second Sunday Plate to further the work of the organization twice.

Walk the Block participants will enjoy visual 2d and sculptural art, video installations, live music, dance parties, community stories, and more as they stroll the neighborhood with family and friends. Walk the Block is a chance to experience a slice of African American culture that defined the Central District as the hub for Black life in Washington State for over 70 years. Walk the Block brings visibility to a community that continues to adapt and grow in place, while creating a bridge to new residents who have recently arrived.

Walk the Block is also an important player in the revitalization of Seattle’s cultural community and economy at large. Development led to the displacement of working class people across the city, artists in particular. For a city whose international renown is partly anchored in the contributions of its artists, this continues to be a local challenge. Re-seeding the cultural landscape with opportunities for artists to live, work, and present is increasingly a public policy priority. Walk the Block is a draw for art lovers at large, and for public officials looking to support this vital sector and keep Seattle accessible and diverse all while helping to raise funds and build community with Wa Na Wari.

While Walk the Block is free this year, they are encouraging everyone to register, so they can provide you with your digital Walk the Block map ahead of time. 

They are also offering VIP tickets this year which include: food prepared by Chef Donna Moodie of Marjorie Restaurant, an Aura photo, drink tickets, and a headlining performance by Aliah Sheffield.