Join us for a powerful evening of theatre featuring BLACK TO MY ROOTS: African American Tales from the Head and the Heart. This full-length performance explores the cultural significance of African American and African heritage through stories that center on the personal, social, and political meaning of Black women’s hair. In collaboration with and sponsored by the Central District Forum for Arts & Ideas (CD Forum) and returning from an award-winning run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (Black Peformer's Award 2025 and Fringe First Award 2002), we are excited to bring this meaninful work by Kathya Alexander and Renescia Brown back to Seattle.

Notes:

• Event parking first come first serve/ street parking

• Strict NO GUNS policy

• Accessible elevators

• Masking Recommended

Black D*ck Matters is a powerful and timely theatre production presented and directed by Nxt Thrsdy, written by award-winning playwright Kathya Alexander co-writer of Black to My Roots: African American Tales from Head and the Heart. Despite its provocative title, the piece is a serious exploration of Black manhood through a series of monologues. It delves into themes such as the significance of Black male identity, historical and contemporary oppression, intimacy, relationships in the era of #BlackLivesMatter, and the impacts of systemic racism and police brutality.

Kathya Alexander, a respected playwright and storyteller, brings deep experience and accolades to the work, including awards from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and residencies at prestigious institutions. She is also a published author and active member of various writing and storytelling organizations. This production aims to challenge audiences while highlighting urgent social issues through the lens of Black male experiences in America.

Sponsored by Central District Forum for Arts & Ideas, this production will be a staged reading, scripts in hand.

Notes:

• Event parking first come first serve/ street parking

• Strict NO GUNS policy

• Accessible elevators

• Masking Recommended

Join us for a powerful evening of theatre featuring BLACK TO MY ROOTS: African American Tales from the Head and the Heart. This full-length performance explores the cultural significance of African American and African heritage through stories that center on the personal, social, and political meaning of Black women’s hair. In collaboration with and sponsored by the Central District Forum for Arts & Ideas (CD Forum) and returning from an award-winning run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (Black Peformer's Award 2025 and Fringe First Award 2002), we are excited to bring this meaninful work by Kathya Alexander and Renescia Brown back to Seattle.

Notes:

• Event parking first come first serve/ street parking

• Strict NO GUNS policy

• Accessible elevators

• Masking Recommended

Hold That Pose for Me is BACK‼️

Brought to you by @swace.seattle and @cdforum

Come engage with community, practice your category, or access community resources from 6PM-9PM at Langston Hughes Performing Art Institute on 10.8.25

This Sunday at 1pm! Bring the whole family! Hair cuts, hot meals, hygiene products and information on resources on site…ALL FREE!!
DJ Lake Freeman will be spinning and the 206 Double Dutch Divas will be in the building.
Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute
17th and Yesler!

Join us for a powerful evening of theatre featuring BLACK TO MY ROOTS: African American Tales from the Head and the Heart. This full-length performance explores the cultural significance of African American and African heritage through stories that center on the personal, social, and political meaning of Black women’s hair. In collaboration with and sponsored by the Central District Forum for Arts & Ideas (CD Forum) and returning from an award-winning run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (Black Peformer's Award 2025 and Fringe First Award 2002), we are excited to bring this meaninful work by Kathya Alexander and Renescia Brown back to Seattle.

Notes:

• Event parking first come first serve/ street parking

• Strict NO GUNS policy

• Accessible elevators

• Masking Recommended

Black D*ck Matters is a powerful and timely theatre production presented and directed by Nxt Thrsdy, written by award-winning playwright Kathya Alexander co-writer of Black to My Roots: African American Tales from Head and the Heart. Despite its provocative title, the piece is a serious exploration of Black manhood through a series of monologues. It delves into themes such as the significance of Black male identity, historical and contemporary oppression, intimacy, relationships in the era of #BlackLivesMatter, and the impacts of systemic racism and police brutality.

Kathya Alexander, a respected playwright and storyteller, brings deep experience and accolades to the work, including awards from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and residencies at prestigious institutions. She is also a published author and active member of various writing and storytelling organizations. This production aims to challenge audiences while highlighting urgent social issues through the lens of Black male experiences in America.

Sponsored by Central District Forum for Arts & Ideas, this production will be a staged reading, scripts in hand.

Notes:

• Event parking first come first serve/ street parking

• Strict NO GUNS policy

• Accessible elevators

• Masking Recommended

Join us for a powerful evening of theatre featuring BLACK TO MY ROOTS: African American Tales from the Head and the Heart. This full-length performance explores the cultural significance of African American and African heritage through stories that center on the personal, social, and political meaning of Black women’s hair. In collaboration with and sponsored by the Central District Forum for Arts & Ideas (CD Forum) and returning from an award-winning run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (Black Peformer's Award 2025 and Fringe First Award 2002), we are excited to bring this meaninful work by Kathya Alexander and Renescia Brown back to Seattle.

Notes:

• Event parking first come first serve/ street parking

• Strict NO GUNS policy

• Accessible elevators

• Masking Recommended

Central District Forum for Arts & Ideas is coming back with Soul Sunday! July 20th 2025, 12pm-4pm we are kicking off our season with our signature networking event where community can come and relax, shake, nibble, and have fun in front of the camera!

This is a space to network, soothe your soul with great food, music, and a chance to particpate in a 10-minute portrait shoot by Original Studios. Meet the CD Forum team and hear what we have cooking for our 2025-2026 season.

Portraits by Original Studios.

• Guests can sign up for sessions with two photographers from Original Studios and will be sent one portrait from each photographer.

We are pleased to support creatives with updated headshots provided by Original Studios. There will be two photographers on site to capture your images. Please take a moment to sign-up for a time slot below.

SIGN UP FOR YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION HERE

Each session will last 5 minutes, please arrive 5 minutes before your time slot, photo-ready and, check in with a CD Forum staff member.

Late/ missed time slots will only be honored if there is time permitted.

This event is free and open to the public. RSVP’S ARE ENCOURAGED!

Hold That Pose For Me is a monthly drop-in session for community members to practice their ballroom categories and receive free community resources.

Hold That Pose For Me is a monthly drop-in session for community members to practice their ballroom categories and receive free community resources.

Come join us at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute for a fun-filled afternoon of networking, collaboration, and celebration! This event is a unique opportunity to connect with the vibrant Black community in Seattle while enjoying a happy hour atmosphere. Meet new friends, learn about exciting projects, and explore the rich cultural heritage of the Central District. Don't miss out on this special event!

From our guest host: Hey, Black Seattle!

If you are a bit new to the Seattle area, you've probably noticed that it takes some intentionality to connect with other Black people. We got you. Hey, Black Seattle exists to connect us to Black community and cultural experiences. Leave the house for a moment and meet some other Black folks.

And...even if you have been here for a while, come out and be Black with us while we continue to take up space, preserve our stories, and support each other here in the Emerald City.

Our October 2024 session will happen in the heart of the Central District, the city of Seattle's historic Black neighborhood.

Weather permitting, we'll head out for a guided tour of the area and learn about the Black roots of the CD.

In the meantime, visit heyblackseattle.com to find resources for your Black life.

Hold That Pose For Me is a monthly drop-in session for community members to practice their ballroom categories and receive free community resources.

Our weekly 90-minute West African dance class, led by Papa Kawusi, is a vibrant journey through movement, rhythm, and cultural connection to the West African diaspora rooted in Mali, Guinea, Ghana, and Ivory Coast.

Warm-Up: Our session begins with a spirited warm-up, blending traditional West African stretching techniques with modern dynamic movements. Led by our experienced instructor, the warm-up prepares both body and mind for the rich dance forms ahead, fostering a sense of community and anticipation.

Main Dance Session: Embrace the essence of the West African Diaspora as we delve into various traditional dance styles. From the energetic Djembe rhythms of Guinea to the graceful movements of Senegalese Sabar, each step and beat tells a story of resilience, joy, and cultural heritage. Through precise footwork, expressive gestures, and synchronized rhythms, participants embody the spirit of West African traditions, connecting deeply with the diverse cultures of the diaspora.

Cool Down: As the class draws to a close, we transition into a gentle cool-down session, incorporating calming stretches and reflective movements. This phase not only aids in muscle recovery but also allows for a moment of introspection and gratitude for the cultural journey we've collectively experienced.

Cultural Connection: Throughout the class, our Papa Kwesi shares insights into the historical and cultural contexts of the dances, offering participants a deeper understanding of their significance within the West African diaspora. Our classes feature 2-5 experienced drummers who guide all participants to the call of the drum. 

By exploring the meanings behind each movement and rhythm, attendees gain a profound appreciation for the traditions that have traveled across continents and shaped global cultural landscapes.

The Community Feeds Program is a cornerstone of our year-round community initiatives. Led by Anthony Tibbs, our curator and program lead, this program brings together local chefs, restaurants, and food trucks on the first Sunday of every month to provide free meals to members of our CD Forum community.

Our mission is to nourish and support all members of our community, including multi-generational families, houseless individuals, LGBTQIA+ individuals, those with low incomes, and individuals recovering from drug addiction. Beyond addressing immediate hunger, our program creates a supportive environment where attendees can access essential services such as free haircuts, hygiene products, and connections to partner non-profits in the greater Seattle area.

Each first Sunday, we enhance the event with music, dancing, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. While the free meals attract people initially, it's the community engagement and connections that keep them coming back.

The Community Feeds Program aims to uplift our community by providing not just meals, but also a sense of belonging and support. By fostering a joyful and inclusive environment, we strive to strengthen community bonds and empower individuals to thrive.

Join Us: We invite all community members to join us on the first Sunday of each month to enjoy a meal, connect with others, and access the resources that support our shared community well-being. Together, we can make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve.

Hold That Pose For Me is a monthly drop-in session for community members to practice their ballroom categories and receive free community resources.

Join our CD Forum team as we celebrate 25 years of Black arts, artists and community leaders for a day party that kicks off our 2024 - 2025 season. This is a space to network, soothe your soul with great food and sea moss libations all the while getting sweaty with a 30 minute West African Dance Class or striking a pose with SWACE.