Category: Events

The FIFA World Cup Round of 32 on July 1 at Seattle Stadium (Lumen Field) was a showstopper – not just for the exciting matchup between Belgium and Senegal but also for the colorful pre-match ceremonial show put on by the flag bearers from Seattle’s youth community.

 

Six scholars from Seattle CARES Mentoring Movement and the 4-C Coalition were selected, representing five different middle and high schools.  The students were:

Aamira M., 11^th grade, Garfield High School
George (Lucas) S., 8^th grade, Dimmitt Middle School
Isaiah G., 11^th grade, Chief Sealth International High School
Keita H-S., Seattle Academy
Mai Lan F., 8^th grade, Dimmitt Middle School
Sbhat G-M., 9^th grade, Franklin High School

Under partly sunny skies and mild temperatures, the FIFA flag bearers from Seattle CARES and other youth organizations stepped onto the pitch that afternoon, carrying the official FIFA flag, tournament sponsor banners and the national flags of Belgium and Senegal.

The Seattle CARES and 4-C students were selected based on their school records and community participation.

And it wasn’t just a one-day commitment. Each scholar had to participate in several training sessions to learn the moves and move in unison. In return, they received bright-red backpacks, t-shirts, socks, and other gear.

Best of all, they got a seat in the stadium with family members where they watched Belgium defeat Senegal 3-2 in a dramatic comeback win.

Congratulations to all six Seattle CARES and 4-C Coalition scholars on a job well done.

Soccer fever has taken over King County this summer – and the excitement around the FIFA World Cup games does not stop there.

Six Seattle students participating in The Rising, a Seattle CARES Mentoring Movement signature program offered in partnership with the 4C Coalition, were selected to be flag bearers for the Round of 32 Match 82. The game begins on Wed., July 1 at 1 p.m. in Seattle Stadium (Lumen Field).

The six students are:

Aamira M., 11^th grade, Garfield High School
George (Lucas) S., 8th grade, Dimmitt Middle School
Isaiah G., 11th grade, Chief Sealth International High School
Keita H-S., age 12, Seattle Academy
Mai Lan F., 8th grade, Dimmitt Middle School
Sbhat G-M., 9th grade, Franklin High School

FIFA flag bearers step onto the pitch during pre-match opening ceremonies, carrying the official FIFA flag, tournament sponsor banners or the participating countries’ national flags before kickoff. They are selected based on being good students and helpful community members.

“We support our scholars in many ways,” said Don Cameron, executive director, Seattle CARES, “including leadership, academic, social and emotional support. Our Rising tagline says it best: Elevating education expectations & self-esteem.” The Rising is supported with funding by City of Seattle, King County Best Starts for Kids, and United Way.

To be considered for FIFA flag bearer, some of the students submitted a personal essay outlining why they should be chosen. They wrote about their future goals and leadership qualities, and whether they could commit to a series of training classes required to perform as a flag bearer.

Balancing an active school schedule with volunteering is one way that Isaiah, in the photo with his mother and sister, shows commitment. “Since my first Rising class, I have focused on personal growth and community involvement, from advocating for local issues to participating in neighborhood cleanups,” said the 11th grader ata Chief Sealth International High School. “These experiences have taught me the essence of leadership and fueled my ambitions to become an aeronautical engineer.”

Sbhat, seen in the photo with his father, is proud graduate of Mercer International Middle School and will enter Franklin High School in the fall. He hopes to become a lawyer and a pilot, is an avid soccer player and fan, and sees himself as accountable and responsible. “I get stuff done when I need to and if I put my mind to something I can accomplish it. I also see myself as a leader in the Rising program. I really enjoy the program and it is an honor to be in it.”

Thrilled to participate as a FIFA flag bearer, 8th grader Mai Lan pledged to “represent my school and community by being respectful, responsible and showing good sportsmanship. I want people to see that my community has taught me to work hard, be grateful for opportunities, and always treat others with kindness. I hope to make everyone who has supported me proud by being a positive role model at the World Cup.”

Aamira, a Garfield High student shown in the photo with her mother and her mentor, felt that her cheerleading experience helped her “bring energy and school spirit and encourage others to feel confident and included…Being a flag bearer would mean a lot to me because I would be representing my school, my community and young Black girls like me. I would show up with pride, confidence and a positive attitude.”

Let’s cheer on these — and other — outstanding Seattle CARES and 4C Coalition scholars!

Join us on Monday, May 19 from 6-8 p.m. for the second in our series of conversations about youth gun violence in Seattle and King County.

“A Future Without Gun Violence: The Dialogue Continues” follows last month’s event when a capacity crowd gathered April 28 at the Northwest African American Museum.

To accommodate a wider audience, the May 19 event has shifted to a virtual format. The series is organized by the 4-C Coalition and Seattle CARES Mentoring Movement.

Participants at “A Future Without Gun Violence: The Dialogue Continues” include:

• Veronica Alicea Galván, Judge, King County Superior Court
• Kristian Jones, Assistant Professor, UW School of Social Work
• Mawiayah Fields, Vice Principal, Nelson Middle School, Renton Wash.

At the April kick-off, attendees were asked to complete a survey sharing their concerns and priorities about gun violence in the community. More than one-fourth (28%) of the audience that night said they had been a victim of gun violence; nearly half (44%) had witnessed a gun violence episode.

When asked what gave them hope, the top answer was community (cited by 46% of respondents), followed by faith (27%) and family (19%).  Respondents believed that “mentorship” would make the biggest difference for young people impacted by gun violence, followed by “opportunities.” When asked what the community must provide to protect the next generation, more than two-thirds said education (36%), followed by freedom (20%) and family (16%).

Register here for the May 19 “A Future Without Gun Violence: The Dialogue Continues:

This event is part of the Voices for Change series, designed to help our community better navigate the challenges and changes in our lives.  Sponsors for the series include: King County, City of Seattle and University of Washington American Ethnic Studies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Save The Date!

Monday, May 19 | 6 pm – 8 pm | Zoom

We’re just getting started!

Shifting to a virtual format will help us continue the dialogue. The more voices represented, the more we can understand what’s at stake. Our goal: To build momentum that leads to lasting change.

An all-new slate of speakers in May will include educators, faith leaders, social service experts, government officials, and community members just like you.

Expect candid discussions and powerful conversations.

Register Online to attend the Zoom Call

Download the PDF Flyer

Guns are the leading cause of death among Black children nationwide, taking a toll physically and emotionally on our youth and their families. It’s a troubling issue that continues to impact many neighborhoods in Seattle and King County.

On Monday, April 28, a free community event that looks at youth gun violence in our community will be held from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Northwest African American Museum, 2300 S. Massachusetts St., Seattle. The program begins at 6 p.m.

“A Future Without Gun Violence: Community Dialogue” was created to enable the community to come together to discuss this critical issue. Speakers will include a youth panel, families and parents whose lives have been altered by youth violence, members of the legal and social service community, and mentors. The evening is organized by Seattle CARES Mentoring Movement and the 4-C Coalition.

In King County, youth gun violence remains high and the trend is continuing upwards. Last year, shooting victims under the age of 18 comprised 15% of the total number of shooting victims, compared to 9% in 2023.

There were 61 youth shooting victims in King County in 2024. That’s an increase of 45% over 2023 and double the number of victims in 2019. Nearly half (48%) of these incidents occurred in the city of Seattle.

At the April 28 community dialogue, attendees will hear from individuals affected by this rising crime trend. We expect their powerful conversations and candid discussions will help uncover what’s at stake and how to make a difference.

“We need to build momentum in the community to spark change,” said Don Cameron, executive director, Seattle CARES. “Why are we having so many problems? Why are guns so easily accessible to our teens? We hope this community event will be a step in the right direction.”

Registration is requested for this event; there is no cost In-person registration is full. Please register by April 25 to attend online.

Take our survey about gun violence.

“A Future Without Gun Violence” is part of the Voices for Change series, designed to help our community better navigate the challenges and changes in our lives.  Sponsors for the series include: King County, City of Seattle and University of Washington American Ethnic Studies.