It All Begins Here

Last week, Colman Commons officially opened its doors, and the room was full of Black brilliance, big feelings, and community love.

From the first welcome to the last applause, this grand opening was a homecoming for artists, healers, and culture keepers who’ve been building space for us long before these walls existed.

On the panel, we heard truth and testimony from:

• Barbara Earl Thomas – our master of light, legacy, and storytelling

• Jazmyn Scott – guardian of our rhythm and cultural memory

• Stephanie Morales – space-maker and founder of Made Space

• Sierra Jones – healer, rest advocate, and wellness director

• Takiyah “T-Dub” Ward** – visual griot, muralist, and creative director

Guided by executive director Ashleigh McCurdy, they shared the first rooms where they felt seen, what it means to build our own tables, and why they keep showing up for Seattle’s Black arts community.

We also celebrated the launch of the WOW Wellness Center, honoring Veronica Very and her work creating spaces where Black people can rest, restore, and remember our worth.

This is what “a space for us, by us, where we commune with us” looks like in real time.

Hit play on this recap and tap into the vision, the vulnerability, and the joy that made opening night so special. Then let us know in the comments:

How do YOU show up for community?

Visit: www.ColmanCommons.com for more info.

Before stepping onto the set of The Pop-Up!, we had the absolute pleasure of welcoming Monika C. Mathews, the brilliant founder of QueenCare, into the space. She sat down with Ashleigh McCurdy for a beautiful, heart-to-heart session centered around healing, community, and the vital importance of self-care—especially for Black women.

In this special Common Comfort at Colman Commons moment, Monika broke down four incredibly powerful self-care practices that cost absolutely nothing ($0!) but make a massive, tangible difference in your daily wellness routine.

We are still riding the wave from when the community came together to celebrate the one and only Deaunte Damper’s 41st birthday in May 2026.

It was a night full of pure joy, but it also marked a major milestone for Pioneer Square. We had the absolute honor of holding the very first official event at the breathtaking new Colman Commons.

If you haven’t seen this space yet, you need to get it on your radar immediately. Under the visionary leadership of Executive Director Ashleigh McCurdy, Colman Commons is set to be a premier cultural hub for art, connection, and community gathering. The beautiful ambiance, the stunning gallery walls, and the welcoming energy proved that this venue is exactly what the neighborhood has been waiting for.

It was only fitting to christen this incredible new space by uplifting Deaunte. Fresh off his announcement as a Seattle Pride 2026 Grand Marshal and the brilliant force behind We Live In Color, Deaunte is a true pillar of our city. Seeing the room packed with love, laughter, and deep gratitude was a beautiful reminder of the impact he has on all of us.

How You Can Support:

Explore the Space: See what’s coming up next, book a tour, and support this amazing new venue by visiting www.ColmanCommons.com


Huge congratulations to Ashleigh and the entire Colman Commons team on a spectacular launch. Here is to the first of many unforgettable nights in the space!

Sneakers tell stories, and today, we celebrated the culture behind every pair.

The recent SOLE Story event at Colman Commons brought together a panel of community powerhouses, influencers, collectors, creatives, and lifelong sneaker enthusiasts for a conversation about the impact of sneaker culture.

From iconic releases and personal collections to the ways sneakers intersect with identity, fashion, community, and self-expression, the discussion was rich with history, perspective, and passion. Every panelist shared not only their love for the culture but also how it has shaped their personal and professional journeys.

A special thank you to our Art Director and today’s conversation moderator, Takiyah Ward as well as her guests and panelists Holiday Black, Rex Prasaa, Jordan Knox, and Brandie Henry for bringing your voices, experiences, and authentic love for sneaker culture to the conversation. And thank you to everyone who joined us, asked thoughtful questions, and helped create such an incredible afternoon.

Colman Commons is committed to creating spaces where culture is celebrated, stories are shared, and community comes together.

Missed it? Stay connected. More inspiring conversations and cultural experiences are on the way.

Learn more about Colman Commons at colmancommons.com

What a powerful, room-packing night at Colman Commons!

Last Friday, Inside officially returned with their BIPOC-centered open mic residency, and the energy in Pioneer Square was unmatched. From line-around-the-block crowds to raw, unfiltered poetry, comedy, and music—this was community in its purest form.

Huge gratitude to the entire inside team for creating such an intentional, safe space where artists can speak their truth, feel loved, and simply be themselves. As one performer shared last night: "Having spaces like this saves lives."

Colman Commons is proud to be the physical home for moments like this.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: The next inside Open Mic Night is coming up on Friday, August 28th!

Colman Commons | 811 1st Ave, Pioneer Square

Learn more about upcoming events & space bookings: www.colmancommons.com

Colman Commons recently hosted the SOLE Swap, an event that gathered artists and fashion lovers that seamlessly combined a clothing swap, a live styling session, and an engaging panel discussion into a single experience.

The event successfully brought together community members who actively participated in both swapping clothes and learning about fashion. People walked away with new clothes as well as practical styling tips. 

Missed it? Stay connected. More inspiring conversations and cultural experiences are on the way.

Learn more about Colman Commons at colmancommons.com