Seattle Community Police Commission

08/30/2026

Today, the Community Police Commission joined CPC Commissioner Rick Williams (TouthliRt Williams) and the family of John T. Williams, members of the Indigenous community, community members, City departments, and partners to honor the life and legacy of John T. Williams, whose life was wrongfully taken by a Seattle police officer on August 30, 2010.

The gathering was a space for remembrance, reflection, community, and connection. Through singing and drumming led by Chief Seattle Club, we were reminded of the strength, resilience, and cultural traditions that help communities carry memory and honor those who have been lost.

We heard from people who knew John and shared memories of his life, his artistry, and the impact he had on those around him. We also heard from people who shared memories of loved ones they lost to police violence. Their stories reminded us that behind every statistic, every investigation, and every policy discussion are people, families, and communities carrying profound loss.

John’s life and the circumstances of his death remain an important part of Seattle’s history and of the work to strengthen police accountability, transparency, and trust between communities and law enforcement. The Community Police Commission was created in the wake of calls for meaningful change following incidents including John’s killing, and his legacy continues to inform the work we do today.

We are grateful to everyone who gathered to remember John, to those who shared their stories and memories, to Chief Seattle Club for bringing song and drum, and to the community members who continue to call for accountability, healing, and change.

We remember John. We honor his life and legacy. And we continue the work.

08/28/2026

Thank you, Oceania Northwest, People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond, and all of our partners in government and community for an energizing experience. Looking forward to continuing to organize together!

08/25/2026

John T. Williams was a woodcarver. He was of the Nitinaht First Nation, born into a family that has carved in Seattle for nearly a century. He was holding a piece of wood and a carving knife when a Seattle police officer wrongfully shot and killed him on August 30, 2010.

Sixteen years later, his brother Rick Williams will speak about him at the Mural Amphitheater at Seattle Center, a short walk from the honor pole the Williams family raised in 2012.

Sunday, August 30 | 12:00 to 2:00 PM
Mural Amphitheater, Seattle Center

Come for a few minutes or stay the whole time. There will be space to speak, space to listen, and space to be in community with each other.

07/30/2026

On Wednesday evening, the CPC became aware of an impending decision regarding the removal of Chief Shon Barnes from his post as Seattle Police Chief.

Upon hearing this update, the CPC directed its staff to reach out to the Mayor’s Office to confirm the rumor of the imminent removal and share community feedback opposing any such decision. As of the time of this post, the CPC has still not received a response from the Mayor’s Office.

Making a public safety decision of this magnitude without the consultation — or even a courtesy notification — to the City’s own police accountability partner charged with uplifting the voice of communities most impacted by policing is disheartening. Making a decision without including those community members themselves is unconscionable. It highlights a lack of engagement and responsiveness to the community at a time that Seattle should be listening, collaborating, and coming together.

This is unacceptable and falls short of the partnership between communities, police, and government that was promised to the people of Seattle.

07/30/2026

On Wednesday evening, the CPC became aware of an impending decision regarding the removal of Chief Shon Barnes from his post as Seattle Police Chief.

Upon hearing this update, the CPC directed its staff to reach out to the Mayor’s Office to confirm the rumor of the imminent removal and share community feedback opposing any such decision. As of the time of this post, the CPC has still not received a response from the Mayor’s Office.

Making a public safety decision of this magnitude without the consultation — or even a courtesy notification — to the City’s own police accountability partner charged with uplifting the voice of communities most impacted by policing is disheartening. Making a decision without including those community members themselves is unconscionable. It highlights a lack of engagement and responsiveness to the community at a time that Seattle should be listening, collaborating, and coming together. It’s a hasty decision that focuses on blame rather than solutions and throws Seattle’s public safety system into chaos during a time of crisis.

This decision and its process are unacceptable and fall far short of the partnership between communities, police, and government that was promised to the people of Seattle.

Seattle NAACP, Urban League, and community groups plan July 30 rally supporting Police Chief Shon Barnes.

06/27/2026

Happy Pride 🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Pride traces its roots to the Stonewall Uprising and the courage of 2SLGBTQIA+ people, including Black and brown q***r and trans activists, whose leadership helped shape the movement for equality and collective liberation.

This weekend, we celebrate that legacy: the joy, the resilience, and the communities who keep showing us the way forward.

06/19/2026

Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, but it’s also a reminder that justice delayed is justice denied. It’s a somber day when we recognize the government’s role in unimaginable cruelty to Black people.

Today, we honor the strength, resilience, and courage of Black communities. We pay respect by renewing our commitment to uplifting those most impacted by policing, reflecting on the ongoing journey to freedom, and ensuring that government is accountable to the people that it serves.

06/19/2026

Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, but it’s also a reminder that justice delayed is justice denied. It’s a somber day when we recognize the government’s role in unimaginable cruelty to Black people.

Today, we honor the strength, resilience, and courage of Black communities. We pay respect by renewing our commitment to uplifting those most impacted by policing, reflecting on the ongoing journey to freedom, and ensuring that government is accountable to the people that it serves.

06/02/2026

Pride Month is here, and the CPC team was proud to be at the City of Seattle’s Pride Flag raising 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️
For us, showing up isn’t a one-day thing. Accountability that’s truly community-centered means being present for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities year-round: celebrating openly, listening closely, and carrying those voices into the work we do every day. Built by community, accountable to community. We’ll always show up.

05/13/2026

Yesterday, CPC Executive Director Eci Ameh brought our story to the Seattle City Council Public Safety Committee. From the 2010 organizing that demanded federal review, to the 2017 ordinance that made us permanent, our mandate has always come from community. That’s still where the work begins, and where it returns.

Community at the heart. Built by community, accountable to community. 🫱🏾‍🫲🏿