(Images: Jeremy Hurd-McKenney for CHS)
With major elements like a Public Development Authority or a land trust still on the drawing board, community members met with Africatown Seattle and the Union Street Business Association Saturday to talk about the future of 23rd and Union and landowner Tom Bangasser’s still-for-sale Midtown Center block. There was one solid announcement about the future of the property, however.
Bangasser introduced longtime community members Helen Coleman and her daughter, Jesdarnel “Squirt” Henton. The ladies were there to provide lunch and context for the changes at 23rd and Union and to announce that a lease for Ms. Helen’s Soul Food Bistro had been finalized with Bangasser.
Ms. Helen said the legacy of the Central District is “all about community and how you define home. I’m glad to have this privilege to come out of retirement to get what we need back in this community.” Ms. Helen and Henton spoke of the four generations of family the business would be representing. “Not only does it benefit my family, but it benefits my family,” Henton said, gesturing to the audience. “Ya’ll understand me, right?” Continue reading
