The White Center Community Development Association (WCCDA) is proud to announce the premiere screening of "Rooted in White Center," a docuseries directed by Moses Olsen. 

This series of short films captures the soul of a community, its diversity, and enduring spirit. It tells the stories of our immigrant and refugee neighbors and businesses and the investments they have made over the years.  These individuals have given their dreams, passions, beauty and strength to this place they call home.

The films will be presented in their entirety during a special community event at 6:45 pm at the White Center HUB, 10829 8th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98146.

Beyond celebrating the area’s "vibrant" energy, the docuseries address the urgent challenges facing the neighborhood today.

Through a collection of reflections from community leaders and nine personal narratives, the series explores the evolution of White Center from its mid-century roots to its present. The films highlight the stories of BIPOC entrepreneurs, immigrant families, and past and present community leaders who have shaped the area’s unique identity.  

The series showcases local third spaces (places that anchor the community) and success stories, such as the Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery, which provides a gallery focused on marginalized communities, a gift shop highlighting Latinx artists and a space for community events.  Beyond celebrating the area’s history of collective care and advocacy, the docuseries explore the urgent challenges facing the neighborhood today. 

A central theme of the project is the fight against gentrification and the rising costs that make it difficult for long-time immigrant and refugee businesses and residents to remain in the community they love.

As one interviewee notes, “The hardest part of being in White Center is staying in White Center”. The film hopes to inspire individuals who have a stake in White Center a question about the future:

What can you do today to support these third spaces and community members here in White Center?

How will organizations support innovation within refugee and immigrant communities, value existing cultural roots and maintain the areas affordability?
 

The WCCDA produced this series to amplify voices that are often overlooked and to advocate for a future where families can thrive; children have the resources to succeed, and the neighborhood's "family spirit" continues to grow. 
 

By documenting these stories, the series serves as both a legacy for the community and a call to action for equitable investment and support.
 

Members of the public and the press are invited to attend this special screening to experience the stories of the individual heroes and resilient families who define White Center.

The community and press will be invited to learn and engage in Project 76, a White Center 50-year neighborhood strategy initiative launching this year.

Event Details:
• What: "Rooted in White Center" Docuseries Screening
• When: 6:45 pm• Where: White Center Hub, 10829 8th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98146
• Directed by: Moses Olsen
• Produced by: White Center Community Development Association (WCCDA)

About the White Center Community Development Association: 

The WCCDA is a 501©(3) nonprofit organization in unincorporated King County working to eradicate poverty and build a vibrant economically diverse community. The association works to ensure the neighborhood remains a place where immigrant and refugee families can build their lives and see their dreams blossom.