Perhaps someday people will learn that, sooner or later, they need to draw a line in the sand and say no to Woke insanity. If they fail, things like this will multiply:

Dear PhinneyWood Community,

We have a few updates to share with you about our on-going commitment to anti-racism and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) at the PNA.

You are probably familiar with the neighborhood tradition of the winter holiday monkeys. For the last five years, these LED-lit metal monkeys hung in the windows of businesses and organizations along the Phinney-Greenwood corridor. The monkey project was initially spearheaded by the PNA Business Group with the intent to bring a spirit and tradition unique to the PhinneyWood neighborhood. They chose monkeys as a complement to Woodland Park Zoo WildLights, perhaps as “escaped” animals from that display.

However, the PNA did not properly take into account the extended history of monkeys being used as a racist symbol, with Black people being derogatorily referred to as monkeys symbolically and in language. We do not want to cause any hurt or harm to our Black community members or visitors nor reinforce this symbolism, so the Board of Directors voted on July 21 to permanently retire the monkey project. This is just one step in our work of dismantling systemic racism.

We recognize that losing this winter tradition could be disappointing, but we hope you will stand with us in our efforts to become an anti-racist organization. We are committed to working with the Business Advisory Group to research, develop, and implement an alternative PhinneyWood tradition to unite business and community. We will engage local businesses and the community with ideas and feedback in the planning process. To pass on ideas to the Business Advisory Committee, please email Chris at chrism@phinneycenter.org.

In addition to the monkey symbolism, it came to our attention that a water fountain in the Phinney Center presented to some community members as a legacy or symbol of segregation and caused discomfort and pain.

As background, our Blue Building was built in 1904 as a Seattle Public School and remained in operation as a school until 1981. The small water fountain in the lobby was the only fountain on that level until 2012, when PNA installed a modern ADA accessible water fountain and bottle filler as part of a larger accessibility and conservation project that included an elevator and other building improvements.

When the new fountain was installed, PNA decided to keep the old fountain as part of the building’s historic character, and for easier use by smaller children. We did not realize at the time that the presence of the two separate fountains could bring up imagery of racial segregation.

Facilities staff first heard about the second water fountain making some community members uncomfortable on July 8, 2020. After brief consultation with PNA leadership, maintenance staff removed the fountain on July 10, 2020. We have a little cosmetic work to finish, but are glad to have addressed the concern as soon as we became aware of it.

Last, but not least, at the July 21 meeting, the Board passed a resolution to formalize the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee. This will make sure this work permanently remains part of the fabric of the organization.