Where Innovative Roots Grow from our Collective Power
White Center
Innovation Project
This Rooted in White Center docuseries is part of the White Center Community Development Association’s (WCCDA) White Center Innovation Project, created to resist the displacement of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) immigrant and refugee-owned business owners in our unincorporated King County neighborhood of White Center which continues to experience the pressures of displacement.
In 2024 the project intentionally partnered nine business innovators who are featured in the docuseries. Our business support work goes beyond these nine businesses, but it was important to focus and share their stories with you. We hope their stories will inspire you and future generations of BIPOC, refugee and immigrant community members to continue the legacy of thoughtful and inclusive innovation and entrepreneurship.
As White Center continues to experience various stages of gentrification threatening BIPOC, refugee and immigrant communities to stay rooted, more equitable and inclusive solutions and actions need to be developed and supported. We want this project to encourage you to reflect and share your thoughts on these questions:
-
How do you hold and grow the places and people we treasure within White Center’s business district and surrounding areas?
-
What community land ownership and cooperative models can we consider and apply?
-
How can we invest in and grow our community’s cultural, economic and political well-being?
We’re looking forward to seeing you at upcoming video screenings and community conversations that will begin in March 2025! Keep in touch with us by sharing your thoughts and questions here on this website. We will check the website weekly.
Thank you, White Center!
Happenings
Explore White Center
Our Innovators
Nepantla
The Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery is located on the border of West Seattle and the White Center neighborhood. We host monthly art exhibitions focused on marginalized communities and communities of color. We offer an ever growing gift shop with unique collection of apparel, jewelry, handmade gifts, and amazing works of art by local and national artists.
Address: 9414 Delridge Wy SW, Seattle, WA 98106
Website: nepantlaculturalarts.com
Socials: @nepantlaculturalarts
Highly Hated Foundation
At Highly Hated Foundation, our mission is to strengthen our community by inspiring and empowering our youth. We’re committed to fostering their personal growth and success through educational support and career development, making a positive impact on their lives and our community as a whole.
Address: Operated in and around White Center, usually at Log Cabin
Website: highlyhatedfoundation.org
Socials: @highlyhatedfoundation
Eazy Duz It
"Built Not Bought. Respect."
We are a brotherhood committed to building cars, particularly lowriders, and strengthening our bond as a club. As members, we build each other up whether it's teaching new skills or morally coaching each other through life's challenges and this is also extended to our communities.
Address: Eazy Duz It has history in White Center, though currently they are at a different space. They are often back in town for the Lowrider Block Party on 17th! The Eazy Duz It Car Club can be visited at 7031 S. 196th St. Ste. 1-2, Kent, WA 98032
Website: eazyduzitseacarclub.org
Socials: facebook.com/eazyduzitcc/
La Tipica Oaxaquena
Tienda especializada en productos oaxaqueños. Somos importadores de auténticos comestibles y mercancía oaxaqueña.
We are store that specializes in products from Oaxaca, Mexico. We import authentic foods and artisan products.
Address: 1601 SW Roxbury St, Seattle, WA, United States, WA
Website: Facebook: latipicaoaxaquena
Socials: latipicaoaxaquena
Huong Xua Deli
Huong Xua Deli is excited to announce a special upcoming menu item: fish patties available in five unique flavors. These will be offered for a limited time only under their new distribution brand, Khanh Hoa LLC. Each patty is crafted with high-quality ingredients to showcase a variety of flavors that cater to diverse tastes. Stay tuned for the launch and don't miss this exclusive opportunity to enjoy these delicious creations. Their reopening is aimed to be Spring 2025!
Address: 9629 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106
Facebook: facebook.com/huongxua.deli/
Patrick's Cafe
Fresh-baked pastries, cakes, Hawaiian-style bfast/lunch favorites.
Address: 10003 15th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98146
Website: patrickscafeandbakery.com
Pho-S
Welcome to Pho-S restaurant, a cozy and friendly place where you can enjoy delicious home-style dishes made with love and care. We are a family owned and operated restaurant that has been serving the Seattle community since 2017. Our menu features a variety of Vietnamese cuisines, with favorites from Hanoi to Saigon, all prepared with fresh and quality ingredients. Whether you are looking for a hot bowl of Pho, Banh Mi, or a fresh Spring Roll, we have something for everyone at Pho-S.
Address: 9646 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106
Website: pho-seattle.com
Mynt Salon
Since opening in 2009, we have become masters of our craft. Our commitment to quality products, exceptional services, keeps our community coming back again and again. We are a quaint and small shop and we take pride in providing a trusting and comfortable environment for our customers. We have 3 chairs and 3 highly skilled stylist with each over 10 years in the industry. Find which stylist suites your needs. Also learn how Mynt Salon & Barbershop made it on National Television and see If YOU belong to the Mynt tribe.
Address: 9636 16th Ave SW Seattle, WA 98106
Website: myraclestore.com
Socials: @myntsalon
Lake Defense Force
Jay O’Neal is the owner and CEO of Lake Defense Force and SeaScapes NW.
Jay served in the Marine Corps, driving tanks while enlisted and as an aviation supply officer in Iwakuni, Japan. Jay now works in the environmental services industry, focused on residential and commercial recycling. The Lake Defense Force is a Seattle-based company built over the past ten years to protect and restore private and public waterfronts with natural techniques – no chemicals.
Address: Jay worked out of his home in White Center previously and is in the process of relocating.
Website: https://lakedefenseforce.com/
Socials: Insta: @lakedefenseforce | Facebook: @LakeDefenseForce
Rooted in White Center is partially funded by the Unincorporated King County Economic Alliance Program through the King County' Department of Local Services.
