Recognizing Black History Month: African Americans and Labor
Crossposted from Metro Matters
By Tamar Zere, Metro Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Manager
As we near the end of Black History Month, I want to take a moment to reflect on and honor the profound impact, influence and achievements of African Americans whose contributions have shaped the course of American history and continue to drive the ongoing fight for justice and equity.
Each year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), founded by historian Carter G. Woodson, selects the Black History Month theme to spotlight essential aspects of Black history and culture.
The 2025 theme, “African Americans and Labor,” highlights the pivotal role of Black labor in shaping our nation. This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids, the first Black union to receive a charter in the American Federation of Labor, a significant milestone in the labor movement and Civil Rights Movement. Read more.
Share this:
Harborview Maleng Building project built with equity achievements
Crossposted from the DES Express
The newly renovated floors at Harborview Medical Center’s Maleng Building, featured at a Jan. 15 ribbon-cutting, exceeded expectations for equity during construction. The two floors provide 40 new single patient rooms, including 20 intensive care rooms.
The Finance and Business Operations Division’s (FBOD) Business Development and Contract Compliance (BDCC) set a goal of 25% minority- and women-owned business (M/WBE) participation. The project exceeded expectations with 29% M/WBE spend. Workforce goals were also surpassed, with 22% of labor hours performed by state-registered apprentices and 38% by priority hire apprentices. Priority hire journey workers accounted for 32% of all journey worker hours. These equity achievements not only benefited underserved communities but also prepared diverse workers and businesses for future Harborview Bond projects.
“The increased participation rate is a result of a forward-thinking Executive Order issued by the King County Executive in 2021, aimed at enhancing opportunities for M/WBE businesses,” said Sandy Hanks, Manager, Business Development and Contract Compliance in FBOD. “Each step we take brings us closer to a more inclusive and equitable environment where all businesses can thrive.” Read more.
Share this:
Available discounts for employees
Employee discounts through TicketsatWork. King County employees can find discounted tickets through TicketsatWork for the Universal Epic Universe theme park, opening May 22, 2025, at Universal Orlando Resort. Select multi-day tickets are on sale now. TicketsatWork is updated daily with seasonal offers and exclusive savings on everything from home entertainment to your everyday needs. Visit ticketsatwork.com/tickets and use the company code KingCounty to begin receiving discounts and extra special offers on your go-to brands and most-loved experiences, including brand new offers on cruises, just in time for spring travel.
See all available employee discounts on the Employee Discount webpage.
Share this:
Looking for an in-network dentist near you?
Oral health is an important part of your overall health. Choosing a dentist you trust and who is conveniently located is essential for maintaining your oral health through preventive health visits. Furthermore, by choosing a dentist and visiting them this year, you may save money on dental care next year!
King County offers two dental plans to most employees. Visit this page for important details about how the plans work. And read below to learn how to find a dentist that meets your needs. Read more.
Share this:
King County Metromance: Coffee, two trolleys, and true love
Crossposted from Metro Matters
Their story begins in back in 2003, when Darryl and Cheryl Estes were both King County Metro operators working out of Atlantic Base in Seattle.
“We were both new trolley operators at the time, and both of us were also new fulltime operators,” recalled Darryl. “We were in the (same) room at the base and had to wait there a long time. At one point as we chatted, I thought ‘maybe she likes me.’ I asked if I could buy her some coffee.”
Cheryl wasn’t too sure at first: He looked, well, a little counter-culture for her tastes.
“It took me a while to say ‘maybe,’” Cheryl said, but she finally agreeing to go grab a coffee with him.
But then, oh no! She canceled that first get-together due to work that came up. But the pair finally rescheduled, and after coffee, decided to go out for real. Read more.
Share this:
Emergency Management regains Crystal Cup
Crossposted from the DES Express
Congratulations to Emergency Management, winner of the year’s coveted Crystal Cup for the 2024 King County Employee Giving Program (EGP). The Crystal Cup is awarded to the division with the highest EGP participation rate in the Department of Executive Services each year.
Emergency Management recaptured the cup from Fleet Services with a 50 percent participation rate.
“Earning the Crystal Cup takes dedication,” said Lorraine Patterson-Harris, Director of DES. “Winning divisions emphasize engagement over the size of individual contributions, connecting employees with organizations that align with their values. I’m incredibly proud of the many DES employees who have so generously stepped forward to participate.” Read more.
Pictured: Lorraine Patterson-Harris, DES Director, presents the Crystal Cup to Brendan McCluskey, Emergency Management Director, for the highest Employee Giving Campaign participation rate in the department for 2024.
Share this:
Experienced dog lovers needed as foster parents
Crossposted from the DES Express
Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) needs more dog foster parents, especially people who are skilled at handling dogs with behavior issues.
One of the most valuable ways to volunteer with RASKC is to open your heart and home on a temporary basis to an animal that is waiting to be adopted. Your home might be the perfect place for these animals to receive the one-on-one comfort and attention they need. Fostering is a great way to involve the whole family or household in volunteering. RASKC provides food, supplies, and veterinary care while the animals are being fostered.
If you’re interested in volunteering, get more information and complete the online new volunteer orientation. Go to “Getting started” on RASKC’s Volunteer Program page.
Share this:
Where to go when you need health care quickly
When you need health care quickly, it can be difficult to know where to go. Life-threatening illnesses and emergencies necessitate a trip to the emergency room. However, emergency rooms may not be necessary in other medical situations. With the long waits and expensive costs at the ER, it’s important to know there are other ways to get care that can save you time and money. Read more.
Share this:
Deputy and MHP recruiting event at Seattle University
Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office newsletter
Last Tuesday, the King County Sheriff’s Office was proud to be invited to participate in the Annual Criminal Justice Career Fair at Seattle University.
This event provided a valuable opportunity for networking, collaboration, and career exploration for those interested in law enforcement and public service.
With 22 agencies from local and federal law enforcement, social service providers, and co-responders, there was a very strong turnout of both students and Seattle U alumni. Read more.
Share this:
King County Metromance: Love, buses and college
Crossposted from Metro Matters
Ten years ago, Taniya Lake had little time for dating, thank you very much. She was a high school senior, enrolled in the Running Start program at Green River Community College, busy with homework for her courses there and at Auburn Mountain View High School. Not to mention all her volunteering and senior year activities.
Even so, it was a bummer she seldom got to talk to that cute guy she met the first day of class at her King County Metro bus stop at the college, because he was usually getting on the bus as she got off. Read more.
Employee News 