Powell S. Barnett facts for kids

Powell S. Barnett was an amazing person from Seattle. He was a talented musician, a strong leader for civil rights, and a true community hero. He worked hard to make things better for everyone.

His Early Life and Music

Powell S. Barnett was born in 1883 in Brazil, Indiana. When he was six, his family moved to Roslyn, Washington. His father, who had been enslaved, came to work in the coal mines. Many Black miners were recruited for this work. As a teenager, Powell also worked in the mines. He played in a local band there.

In 1906, Powell married Katherine Conna. They moved to Seattle and made it their home. Powell was a talented musician who played the sousaphone. He made history by becoming the first Black member of the Seattle Musicians Union, Local 76. This union used to be only for white musicians. He also helped bring together the Black and white musicians' unions. This created the Musician's Association of Seattle 76-493.

A Leader for Change

Powell Barnett was a true leader in his community. He worked hard to improve how different races got along. He helped start the Leschi Improvement Council in 1967. He was its first president. He also helped create the East Madison YMCA. He was the chairman there.

Powell also led the committee that updated the Seattle Urban League. This group works to help African Americans. For all his hard work, he was named Seattle-King County's Senior Citizen of the Year in 1967. He showed everyone how important it is to serve your community.

What Else He Did

Powell Barnett was involved in many important groups and causes:

• He was a lifetime member of the NAACP, a group that fights for civil rights.
• He was a founder and manager of the Royal Colored Giants baseball team.
• He served on the board of the Lee House for Senior Citizens.
• He was the president of the Seattle Urban League from 1948 to 1950.
• He helped welcome Japanese American citizens back home after World War II.
• He was named "Man of the Year" by the Jackson Street Community Council in 1964.

Powell Barnett Park

There is a park in Seattle named after Powell Barnett. It is in the Leschi neighborhood. This 4.4-acre park used to be a track for Garfield High School. In 1969, it was named Powell Barnett Park to honor him.

Over time, the park started to look old. Community members, including Powell's granddaughter, Maisha Barnett, worked hard to fix it up. They got grants and support from the public. Even Starbucks helped by giving money through their Parks Fund. Thanks to these efforts, the park is now a wonderful place for everyone to enjoy.

His Inspiring Words

Powell Barnett once said: "I have always felt that my community is no better or worse than what I help make it, likewise, my country. I can't delegate my own responsibility. I can't assume anyone else's."

This quote shows how much he believed in personal responsibility. He felt that everyone should work to make their community and country better.