THE HAWK FOUNDATION FOR RESEARCH AND EDUCATION IN AFRICAN CULTURE AND THE CITY OF OLYMPIA PRESENT: UNFULFILLED PROMISES: A CONVERSATION ABOUT REPARATIONS

February 23, 2025
The Hawk Foundation for Research and Education in African Culture, The WCLM, and the City of Olympia present:
Unfulfilled Promises: A Conversation About Reparations
2:00pm Doors & 3pm Film
Discussion to Follow Screening
Free Admission
This Black History Month we will discuss the unfulfilled promise of reparations, and equity for the descendants of freedmen, Blacks who are descendants of US based slavery. We will discuss the identity of Foundational Black Americans, as opposed to other black culture groups in the US and the specific responsibility that our governments have to Foundational Black American (Freedmen) in this country that goes beyond DEI, or programmatic solutions to solve racism. 

Prior to the discussion, we’ll be screening Reparations, a 2021 film directed by Jon Osaki. Reparations explores the four-century struggle to seek repair and atonement for slavery in the United States. Black and Asian Americans reflect on the legacy of slavery, the inequities that persists, and the critical role that solidarity between communities has in acknowledging and addressing systemic racism in America.

The Hawk Foundation for Research and Education in African Culture is a Washington-based drum and education organization that utilizes West African and African American music to promote education, team bonding, organizational development, and research-based
therapy.

A Panel Discussion Featuring:

Mayor Dontae Payne

Mayor Dontae Payne was elected mayor in November 2023 and was elected to the Olympia City Council in November 2021. Professionally, he has served as a Regional Representative and Senior Policy Advisor for Civil Rights & Racial Justice in the Washington State Office of the Governor, as Deputy District Director in the U.S. House of Representatives, and he currently serves as the Equity & Community Partnership Manager for the Washington State Department of Revenue. He’s also a former board member on the Olympia Hands On Children’s Museum’s Board of Directors. Payne is the first Black American and openly gay person elected or appointed to the office of mayor in Olympia’s 164-year history at the time of the election.

Payne was born and raised in Philadelphia, and his family later relocated to Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he attended high school and joined the U.S. Army. He moved to Olympia in 2014 after being stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. He and his husband Jason are raising their 8-year-old daughter, Priscilla, along with their cat “Minnie” in Olympia’s westside.

Payne earned a Master of Public Administration degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Evergreen State College in Olympia following his service in the U.S. Army. He served on active duty in the United States Army for six years, with two tours to Logar Province, Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. He re-enlisted to serve for two additional years in the U.S. Army following his initial enlistment and separated from the Army in 2016.

K. Wyking Garrett, Africatown Community Land Trust President and CEO

Recognized by Seattle Times as one of the thirteen most influential people of the decade shaping the region, K. Wyking Garrett is a third generation community builder, social entrepreneur and current President and CEO of Africatown Community Land Trust in Seattle, WA. Wyking has successfully designed programs and initiatives that inspire, mobilize and activate communities for sustainable social impact. He has been a co-catalyst for numerous ventures including the Africatown Seattle community development initiative, Liberty Bank Building, Umoja PEACE Center, Hack the CD, Black Dot, Umoja Fest, Africatown Center for Education Innovation, the William Grose Center, and King County Equity Now.

Wyking was an inaugural member of the Seattle Music Commission and a past fellow with national advocacy organization, Green For All. He has been honored with the Center for Ethical Leadership Legacy Leadership Award, Tabor 100 Crystal Eagle Award and recognized as Seattle Magazine’s most influential people of 2019.

Sacheen Winston, Global Equity Leader, Author and Speaker

Sacheen Winston is a transformative leader and advocate at the forefront of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging (DEIJB) initiatives. Currently making strides as a DEI Integration Consultant for one of the United States’ largest credit unions, Sacheen has amassed extensive expertise in Inclusive Talent Acquisition Strategies and DEI through bold and innovative initiatives she has led while serving in pivotal roles throughout her career. Her commitment to social justice and racial equity extends beyond corporate settings, as evidenced by her instrumental involvement in grassroots movements and collaborations with civil rights groups, LGBTQ+ advocates, legislative bodies, and law enforcement to champion police accountability and reform in Washington State. This initiative reflects her unwavering dedication to combating racism, promoting racial equality, and fostering inclusive communities.

Javoen Byrd, Ethnomusicologist, Owner of Awodi Drumming Inc., and Creator of The Hawk Foundation for Research and Education in African/African American Culture

Javoen Byrd is an Olympia based Ethnomusicologist. He received his BA at The Evergreen State College and Masters at The University of Washington. He is dedicated to providing multicultural education and drum facilitation through the Pacific Northwest and beyond. He is a serial entrepreneur who created the nonprofit “The Hawk Foundation for Research and Education in African/African American Culture” and also owner of Awodi Drumming Inc.