CENTRAL DISTRICT LEGACY: BLACK. POWER. BLACK PANTHERS.

May 6, 2026 - August 2, 2026 Presented by ARTE NOIR

Seattle, WA (May 6, 2026) –  ARTE NOIR presents Central District Legacy: Black. Power. Black Panthers., an exhibition honoring the enduring legacy of the Seattle Chapter of the Black Panther Party. 

As the first Black Panther Party chapter established outside California, the Seattle Chapter—founded in spring 1968—worked to protect, preserve, activate, and sustain revolutionary resolve in the pursuit of resources, dignity, and self-determination for Black people. The chapter endured until 1978, leaving an imprint that continues to shape civic life, cultural memory, and community care in Seattle and beyond.

Created by a coalition of Seattle activists, the Seattle Black Panther Party advanced community justice and built models of mutual aid that raised political consciousness throughout the Central District. This exhibition centers that legacy through the visions of its artists—inviting viewers to see, imagine, and embody Blackness, Power, and the history of the Black Panthers. Individually and collectively, the works created by Charles Conner, Toni Toney, Thadeus Hunnicutt, Tasanee Durrett, Ed-Lamarr Petion, and others offer a visual narrative of youth solidarity; activism by any means necessary; the vibrancy of color; the enduring charge of the raised Black Power fist; and the panther itself—an emblem of protection, prowess, and uncompromising Blackness.

While the legacy of the Black Panther Party is wide and far-reaching, Seattle’s Chapter served as a model for establishing community-centered care practices like the Country Doctor.  The Seattle Chapter established the Carolyn Downs Medical Clinic and continues to provide necessary care in the heart of the Central District.  

Together, the works in this exhibition hold the histories of revolutionary resilience with reverence while activating them in the present—affirming Central District Legacy: Black. Power. Black Panthers, as both remembrance and living resolve.

“There’s so many myths, truths, lies, and demonizing that have gone on about who we were, and who we are today. We’re going to right that wrong, and we’re also going to make sure that we inspire the young people and people of all ages to stand up for freedom and fight a good fight.” - Elmer Dixon, Co-Founder of the Seattle Chapter of the Black Panther Party

The Artists 

Achille “AJ” Barbel

Jonathan Brickous

Charles Connor

Tasannee Durrett

Serron Green

Thaddeus Hunnicutt

Tafy LaPlanche

Crystal Noir

Ed-Lamarr Petion

Dates + Times 

May 6, 2026 - August 2, 2026 | Exhibit Run

Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 2 PM to 4 PM | Opening Reception 

Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 2 PM to 4 PM | August Closing Celebration 

Exhibit Workshops + Events:

Our website will be updated regularly with exhibit-related event announcements. 

Central District Legacy: Black. Power. Black Panthers is now open for viewing during ARTE NOIR’s regular business hours: 

Wednesday - Saturday from 11 AM to 7 PM

Sunday from 12 PM to 6 PM

Monday + Tuesday - Closed

About ARTE NOIR

ARTE NOIR celebrates and sustains Black art, artists, and culture by cultivating inclusive spaces, fostering opportunities, and honoring community alongside the diversity and vitality of Black creativity. ARTE NOIR encompasses an online publication (Black Canvas), a fine art gallery, a museum-style gift shop, the Barbara Earl Thomas Maker Space, and the Source of Labor Recording Studio. Located in the heart of the historic Central District, ARTE NOIR carries products and items in the gift shop made by Black creatives who receive 100% of net product sales proceeds. ARTE NOIR programs additional community-focused events and activities throughout the year in the Midtown Public Square adjacent to the gallery.