This Week in Renton: Black History Month in Renton

Published on February 06, 2025

This Week in Renton Honoring Black History Month in Renton

Honoring Black History Month in Renton

February is Black History Month, and this year’s theme, as designated by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, is ‘African Americans and Labor.’ This theme highlights how the work of Black people— from agricultural labor to entrepreneurship and more—has shaped communities throughout history.  

During Monday’s Renton City Council meeting, Mayor Armondo Pavone designated February 2025 as Black History Month in the City of Renton. The proclamation was accepted by Doris Martinez, Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Renton Technical College (RTC) and member of the Mayor’s Inclusion Task Force. Martinez encouraged the community to "indulge and understand the sacrifices but also the contributions that Black people have made to this country".  

Martinez also invited the community to the Annual Black History Community Forum on Saturday, February 8, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event, hosted by Renton Technical College, Renton King County Justice Alliance, and Elevate PR Management. Event highlights include a keynote from Dr. Carl Mack, interactive panel with RTC student government, activities for all ages, complimentary food, and more. Learn more here.  

Another way to engage with Black History Month is by attending the 3rd Annual Black Makers & Creatives Event on Sunday, February 16, at 2 p.m. at The Grand Ballroom at Hyatt Regency Lake Washington. The afternoon will showcase “some of Western Washington’s most talented Black artists and creatives.” Attendees can enjoy various mediums of art including fashion and poetry under the celestial theme of “Nebula.” This event is hosted by Hyatt Regency Lake Washington and Elevate PR Management. Tickets can be purchased at HyattExperiences.com. 

The Annual Black History Community Forum and 3rd Annual Black Makers & Creatives events are both funded in part by the City of Renton’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. 

In addition to spotlighting community events, the city is also highlighting examples of Black labor from the past and present on social media (@cityofrenton).

 

Rentonwa.gov has a new look and feel 

The newly redesigned city website officially launched on January 28! This project began last spring with city departments reviewing and updating over 900 pages to create a more user-friendly and accessible experience. Here are a few things you should know about: 

  • User-focused design: Data-driven improvements make our most-visited pages easier to find. The new website aims to make important information accessible in three clicks or less!
  • Accessibility tools: The site-wide search bar and language translation options help make information readily available and more accessible to all.
  • Ongoing updates: The website will continue to evolve as we fine-tune content and add more functions. Thank you for your patience as we refine the site. 

Check out the new site today! If you cannot find what you are looking for, please contact communications@rentonwa.gov. 

 

Renton Parks & Recreation’s Moonlight Masquerade has been postponed

The Moonlight Masquerade Winter Family Dance, originally scheduled for February 7, has been rescheduled to Friday, February 21. This week's inclement weather affected preparations, and with more forecasted for Friday, the decision was made to postpone. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility. 

Bring the whole family for an enchanting evening of music, dancing, and memories Friday, February 21, from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Renton Community Center. Enjoy your favorite tunes, a photo booth, light refreshments, and a special keepsake to take home. This event is open to ages three and up, and pre-registration is required. Space is limited. Residents: $15, Non-residents: $18.  

Reserve your spot at rentonwa.gov/register. Course ID: 23721 

 

Renton Parks & Recreation’s Teen Bingo Night has been postponed 

The Teen Bingo Night originally scheduled for February 7, has been rescheduled to Friday, March 28 due to recent and forecasted inclement weather.  

Teens ages 14–17 are invited for a night exclusively for teens next Friday, March 28, from 6:30 – 9 p.m. at the Renton Highlands Neighborhood Center. There will be bingo and other games, with a chance to win a prize, like a Stanley Cup or Polaroid camera. Other activities include hanging out at the photo station, enjoying open gym, and eating delicious food with friends. Space is limited. Teens ages 14-17: $5.  

Reserve your spot at rentonwa.gov/register. Course ID #23588 

 

Arts grant deadline is Friday, February 7 

Have a creative idea for Renton? The Renton Municipal Arts Commission gives grants to people, organizations, and community groups to make our city's culture more vibrant. These grants support different arts and culture projects and events that everyone in Renton can enjoy. 

The deadline to apply for round two of Renton Municipal Arts Commission’s Art Grant is tomorrow —Friday, February 7. Priority for round two will be given to projects scheduled between April and June. 

Grants are typically between $500 and $10,000 and are for projects happening in 2025. There are three remaining grant deadlines in 2025: 

  • Round 2 Deadline: February 7, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. 
  • Round 3 Deadline: April 18, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. 
  • Round 4 Deadline: July 18, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to bring your creative vision to life in Renton! View the grant guidelines and apply today at rentonwa.gov/RMAC.  

 

Around Renton 

  • Winter Lights occurs nightly until February 28. Enjoy soft illuminations from 5 to 10 p.m. downtown around Piazza Park, 233 Burnett Ave. S., and from 5 to 9 p.m. at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, 1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N. Free.
  • February 8 –  Annual Black History Month Educational Forum, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Renton Technical College, 3000 NE Forth St. Hosted by Renton Technical College and the Renton King County Alliance for Justice. 
  • February 13 – Be My Valentine Disco Dance, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave. N. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Register now. Ages 50 & Up. 
  • February 16 – 3rd Annual Black Makers & Creatives, 2 – 7 p.m. Hyatt Regency Lake Washington, 1053 Lake Washington Blvd. N. Hosted by Hyatt Regency Lake Washington. Register now.
  • February 21 – Moonlight Masquerade Winter Family Dance, 6 – 8 p.m. Renton Community Center, 1715 Maple Valley Hwy. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Register now.
  • February 31 – Startup 425, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Renton Library, 100 Mill Ave. S. Hosted by Startup 425. Register now. Free.
  • March 1 – Online Middle Housing Open House, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Virtual on ZOOM. Register now. Free.
  • March 28  – Teen Bingo Night, 6:30 – 9 p.m. Renton Highlands Neighborhood Center, 800 Edmonds Ave. NE. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Register now. Ages 14-17. 

In other news this week 

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