DR. JAMES W. WASHINGTON JR. & MRS. JANIE ROGELLA WASHINGTON FOUNDATION
NEWS & INFORMATION FROM THE FOUNDATION BOARD
From March/April Newsletter
Volume 2 P PP P Issue No. 2 P PP P March/April 2019
Thoughts from Rev. Dr. LaVerne C. Hall, Executive Director . . This month, the Washington Foundation recognizes and expressly thanks James and Janie Washington for their hindsight, insight, and foresight in establishing in 1997, the Dr. James W. Washington Jr & Mrs. Janie Rogella Washington Foundation. The express purpose of their creativity and thoughtfulness is extracted in part from their Last Will and Testament and delineated here:
The mandated purpose is To preserve the art, writing, and lifetime works of Dr. James W. Washington Jr. and share their vision through the preservation, interpretation and showing of his works and studio, and the family’s gardens and home. Also, to encourage others by providing a setting where they can grow beyond the book, spiritually and artistically and to share their talents with a larger audience. It is to be a site where community and creativity come together and support each other.
The Board is charged in part, with the responsibility of being ever mindful of and inclusive of these (their) Imperatives in what was entrusted to them by James and Janie; the caring for of their life and legacy.
- We leave you a thirst for education and scholarship
- We leave you a mandate to encourage others to explore their creativity
- We leave you an obligation to engage young people in activities that will inspire and influence them to use their creativity in positive and productive ways.
- We leave you a commitment for documentation, critical analysis, and preservation.
- We leave you a responsibility to collaborate with other community and church organizations.
- We leave you a respect for cultural and ethnic diversity, especially for outreach and inclusion.
- We leave you a faith in church and family.
- We leave you confidence in leadership and concern for the business of this Foundation.
- We leave you the authority to maintain the Dr. James W. Washington, Jr. and Janie Rogella Washington Foundation and the African American Museum & Cultural Center.
Thank you James & Janie . . . . We Love you!
2019 Washington Young Laureates
2019 Presentation of Young Laureates at Our Annual Garden Party



Finding Yourself
Finding yourself in this life is your greatest task to perform, until you begin to start the search, you are left alone. When you decide to start, be it now or then, close your eyes to the outside world and begin your search within.
Some folks search for themselves among their relatives and friends, but each time they miss themselves and have to start all over again.
Try reflecting on this, again, again, and again: You will never know yourself until you search within!
Written by James W. Washington, Jr. and Dedicated to Janie Rogella Washington, my wife, with love!
Published 1993 in Treasured Poems of America
Participants are recommended to the Washington Foundation by NAACP-ACT-SO. However, The Washington Foundation reserves the right to recruit, nominate and select participants other than NAACP ACT-SO participants.
The Foundation will issue a formal letter of invitation to those selected. While there will be no financial compensation, recognition will be posted on all social media and other collateral materials the Foundation may wish to publish. Recognition will be in written, electronic and social media.
The recipients agree to serve for a year and to allow their photographs/presentations to be published in written and electronic formats and from time-to-time personal appearances for the Foundation without financial compensation.
- Notable community service
- Educational excellence
- Evidence of excellence in their area
- Junior & Senior High School Age
- Submission of a one-page essay
- A past or present participant in the NAACP ACT-SO Program
2018 Washington Young Laureates

. . . Art is the holy land wherein initiates seek to reveal the spirituality of matter. As such, art can be counted as one of the supreme sources of the triumph of the spirit . . .”
James W. Washington, Jr., Passing the Torch of Enlightenment (unpublished manuscript)
JAYDEN T. BELEFORD Operatic Soloist Hazen High School, Renton Church, Children’s & School Choirs. Studying Italian, Spanish, and French; interest in opera and acting. Plans to attend Julliard and earn a Bachelor of Science in Music
ZOSER DUNBAR Musical Composition Senior at West Seattle high School Interest includes singing and song writing. His first release is forthcoming this year. He is optimistic, caring and curious.
PRAISES ORJI Spoken Word Scholar, National Honor Society Leadership Speech & Debate Black Student Union
COLEJOHN TONNES Musical Composition and Photographer Junior at Aim High School in Snohomish Piano, writing music Photography
Participants are recommended to the Washington Foundation by NAACP-ACT-SO. However, The Washington Foundation reserves the right to recruit, nominate and select participants other than NAACP ACT-SO participants.
The Foundation will issue a formal letter of invitation to those selected. While there will be no financial compensation, recognition will be posted on all social media and other collateral materials the Foundation may wish to publish. Recognition will be in written, electronic and social media.
The recipients agree to serve for a year and to allow their photographs/presentations to be published in written and electronic formats and from time-to-time personal appearances for the Foundation without financial compensation.
- Notable community service
- Educational excellence
- Evidence of excellence in their area
- Junior & Senior High School Age
- Submission of a one-page essay
- A past or present participant in the NAACP ACT-SO Program
2018 Presentation of Young Laureates presentation at the Annual Garden Party
Historic Preservation Celebration
Please join us May 27th at 3pm for this momentous celebration!
James Washington Studio Painting Party
Come help and make new friends! Get your painting clothes and join the party at the James W. Washington studio
April 21 and 22
10:30 to 3:30
1816 26th Avenue, Seattle 98122
Snacks provided!
Emaill ms.monicastreet@gmail.com to volunteer!
Sit and Sip – May 17 6pm to 8pm, 2018
Dr. James and Janie Washington Cultural Center is pleased to host Mr. West May 17th from 6 to 8pm for a conversation about his work managing the historical artwork of Sasarine “Dixie” LaCroix, the Doll Lady. The collection of dolls and dioramas was created by the gifted craftswoman Sasarine “Dixie” LaCroix in Seattle beginning as early as the 1940’s. Ms. Sasarine came to be known as the “Doll Lady” for her dedication to educating youth about prominent, talented and accomplished African Americans.
Mr. Calvin West, a lifelong neighbor of Ms. Lacroix, manages more than two dozen displays that require special handling and care for storage and transport.
Arts in Nature Festival Produced by DNDA August 26-27, 2017— James W and Janie Washington Foundation – Cabin 4
Arts in Nature Festival
Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association (DNDA) welcome you to the 2017 Arts in Nature Festival! We’re thrilled to once again gather neighbors, family, friends, artists, performers and musicians together in the intimate yet spectacular setting of Camp Log in West Seattle! Dive in! Make noise! Make art and make friends! Read more
We had an incredible two days as exhibitors at this event. Thanks to everyone that stopped by our cabin,,,,,
Saturday: August 26th (11am – 9pm) Sunday: August 27th (11am – 6pm)
Camp Long: 5200 35th Ave SW Seattle WA 98126 — Directions: Southbound: From I-5N, take exit 163A onto the West Seattle Bridge. Northbound: From I-5S, take exit 163 onto the West Seattle Bridge. Proceed straight to the end of the bridge and make a left turn on 35th Ave SW. Head south for about 0.5 mi, and Camp Long would be on your left on SW Dawson St.
Admission:
$10/day Adult includes: one-day admission to festival and beer garden
$5/day kids (5-12) includes: one day admission to festival
*two day adult pass available for $16
Back Porch Talk Series Conversations with Women * by Women * for Women with . . Rev. Tiji Murphy
You are invited to greet, meet, discuss with Rev. Tiji, her book
“There is No Hurt Like Church Hurt”
SUNDAY AFTERNOON – AUGUST 27, 2017
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
THE WASHINGTON HOUSE
1816 26th Ave – Seattle Washington
Desserts – Drinks (non alcoholic) – Gifts
This gathering is complimentary
Please RSVP * halllcmbh@aol.com
Rev Tiji Murphy’s book will be available for purchase and autograph
Tiji Murphy is a licensed ordained minister. She is a graduate of Morgan State University, Coppin State University and Howard University School of Divinity. She is a former Military Chaplain and has also served in full-time Church Ministry. She currently serves as a Chaplain and a Certified Thanatologist working with HIV/AIDs patients, end of life patients and patients with life threatening diseases.
Thanks for joining us at the James&Janie Washington Foundation Annual Garden Party – July 23rd
“Preserving the Legacy – Remembering the Past & Honoring the Future”
We enjoyed good food, beverages and entertainment at our annual garden party to support the James Washington Foundation
WHEN: July 23rd 2017 @ 1-4 PM
WHERE: The Washington’s House
1816 26th Ave Seattle, Washington
Music Performance by: Seattle JazzED All-Star Combo