PROCLAMATION
OF THE PORT OF SEATTLE COMMISSION
HONORING MR. LARRY GOSSETT
WHEREAS, Mr. Larry Gossett, whose 50-year legacy of advocating for the personal and
political wellbeing of marginalized communities across Seattle and King
County; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Gossett, who was instrumental, both as a student and an employee, in
transforming the University of Washington’s campus culture into one that was
inclusive of student and faculty of color needs and interests; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Gossett was integral in chartering and founding multiple successful Black
led organizations and movements in Seattle, was a fierce ally with cross-cultural
and multicultural coalitions, and served in leadership capacities for community-
based organizations and committees; and
WHEREAS, in order to disrupt any remaining association King County had with its former
namesake and to solidify its commitment to equity and social justice, Mr.
Gossett led successful efforts to change King County’s symbol from that of an
imperial crown to the silhouette of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and
WHEREAS, for the last 25 years, Mr. Gossett has served humbly on the King County
Council, striving towards the enactment of policies that would radically
transform Seattle’s justice and housing system; and
WHEREAS, the Port of Seattle is hosting a celebration to honor the life and work of Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr., and the impact it has made on our nation; and
NOW, THEREFORE, the Port of Seattle Commission hereby honors Mr. Larry Gossett for
his decade’s-long work and the impact it has made on King County.
Proclaimed by the Port of Seattle Commission this 28th Day of January, 2020.
Commission President Peter Steinbrueck
Item Number: 7b
Meeting Date: January 28, 2020
