Seattle has dismantled a community garden established in Cal Anderson Park during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, citing concerns over safety and park usage.
A Symbol of the BLM Movement
The garden, which held symbolic significance for many, faced criticism from city authorities due to issues such as vandalism, drug use, and unauthorized camping. Despite opposition, the city plans to explore the creation of a new commemorative garden elsewhere in the park.
Origins of the Black Lives Memorial Garden
The Black Lives Memorial Garden was initially created spontaneously during the 2020 protests. It aimed to honor Black and Indigenous people who lost their lives to police violence while providing a space for connection, knowledge-sharing, and mutual aid within the community.
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City’s Decision to Remove the Garden
Seattle Parks initially intended to remove the garden in October but faced resistance from activists and community members who viewed it as a symbol of remembrance and healing, especially for those with limited access to green spaces. The garden featured a variety of plants and circular beds with crops like amaranth, corn, strawberries, currants, calendula, and nettles.
Safety Concerns and Alternative Uses
City authorities argued that the garden’s location in the park’s “Sun Bowl” area was essential for gatherings and large events due to its proximity to electrical and water hookups. However, they emphasized that the garden’s removal was necessary to facilitate other park uses and address public health and safety concerns.
Community Reaction to the Removal
Supporters of the Black Lives Memorial Garden expressed grief over its removal, emphasizing its role as a place of collaboration, plant-based connection, and community empowerment. Volunteers and those experiencing homelessness also participated in maintaining the garden.
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Debate Over Public Safety and Homelessness
Critics of the removal argued that the garden wasn’t responsible for issues like homelessness and drug problems but rather represented a response to systemic injustices. Some residents believed that removing the garden was a part of a broader effort to erase symbols of grievance and protest.
Future Plans for a New Commemorative Garden
Seattle authorities intend to collaborate with Black community leaders and the Black Farmers Collective to envision a new commemorative garden at Cal Anderson Park. However, the Black Farmers Collective has expressed opposition to the removal and has no plans to work with the city on a replacement.
Supporters of the City’s Approach
Several Black leaders, including relatives of individuals killed by Seattle police, expressed support for Mayor Bruce Harrell’s stance on the garden. They criticized the way the garden was managed and emphasized the importance of maintaining sanitary conditions in public spaces.
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A Neighborhood’s Perspective
City Councilmember-elect Joy Hollingsworth, who represents Capitol Hill, referred to Cal Anderson Park as the neighborhood’s “living room” and advocated for prioritizing cleanliness and safety in shared public spaces.
Balancing Memorial and Safety
Community organization King County Equity Now proposed dedicating a park section to the Black Lives Matter movement but stressed the importance of ensuring that the area remains safe and free from illicit activities.
Criticism from Victim Families
Relatives of Charleena Lyles and Che Taylor, two Black individuals killed by Seattle police, voiced disappointment that the garden did not adequately reflect their stories and calls for police reform. They felt their pain had been co-opted by garden stewards.
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NAACP’s Stance
Darrell Powell, president of the Seattle-King County NAACP, supported the Harrell administration’s efforts to establish a more meaningful memorial, emphasizing that the garden did not sufficiently represent the countless Black lives affected by police violence.
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