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About BAWA
ABOUT BAWA
Restoring Recognition. Rewriting the Narrative
Every legacy deserves a platform. BAWA was born to build it.
The seeds of Black Achievement Washington (BAWA) were planted with a single realization: that the stories, triumphs, and legacies of Black people in Washington were being under-documented — or worse, erased.
The founders saw a state filled with leaders, innovators, and pioneers whose contributions had quietly shaped communities, policies, and futures — yet there was no singular space dedicated to honoring those achievements. The stories weren’t being told. The youth weren’t seeing their own reflection in history. And the public wasn't fully aware of the impact. That silence ends here.
Why BAWA Matters
Washington has been home to Black excellence since before it was even a state — dating back to George Washington Bush in 1845. Yet in most history books, awards shows, and public records, Black contributions are often sidelined or folded into the majority narrative. BAWA exists to change that.
Who We Are
We’re a growing collective of community leaders, educators, activists, artists, entrepreneurs, and everyday people who believe that recognition leads to representation — and representation leads to change. Our leadership is committed to building BAWA not as a moment, but as a sustainable movement.
You’re Part of This
Whether you're here to nominate a local legend, volunteer for the gala, or support youth scholarships — you’re helping rewrite the record. Because we’re not just documenting the past. We’re building a future where every child can see themselves in greatness.
Why Now?
We’re living through a cultural shift — one where identity, history, and truth are being re-examined. But unless we create our own structures of visibility and value, the contributions of Black people will continue to be under-credited or lost. This is not just about recognition — it's about reclamation.
The Power Behind The Name
We chose this name intentionally — as a reflection of our mission to carry forward the stories, sacrifices, and success of Black individuals across the state.
This isn’t just about celebration — it’s about documentation, education, and elevation. We spotlight Black stories not for vanity, but for validation — for the youth who need role models, for the public who need truth, and for the ancestors who deserve remembrance.
Ready to Join Us?
Explore our nomination categories, meet the visionaries we honor, and discover how you can be part of a movement that’s reshaping Washington’s legacy — one Black achievement at a time.
