Hillman City residents are reclaiming their streets from crime and violence with a special kind of force. They have enlisted an army -- of rainbow-haired jesters, children sporting latex swords and a band of world singers, all under the command of one woman, Denise Gloster.
"We just want to keep it simple," said Gloster, who is the Night Out organizer and president of Hillman City Business Association. "Everyone says that I am so smart, but I don't think that's true because anyone can do this [block party]. It is really just that easy."
The second annual Night Out in Hillman City Block Party closed off Rainier Avenue South to 46th Avenue South last Wednesday afternoon. More than 300 neighbors, business owners, city council members and friends assembled at Rudy's Auto Service to affirm that neighborly love still exists within the city.
"We want to get to know the people that we live with, and Night Out is a way to do that," said Gloster, who is a native of Hillman City.
Hillman City's Night Out was masterminded by Gloster, but became a success because of the support of Hillman City business owners and community members, she said. In addition to the grant money from the city's Department of Neighborhoods, funding came from the community through an outreach effort that had fliers in more than 750 mailboxes announcing Night Out's festivities. Other support came from businesses such as Curves, Lola's South City Bakery and POCAAN (People of Color Against AIDS Network).
"The businesses are helping in the cleaning and beautifying of the neighborhood," said Toni Takeshita-Skinner, 55, Night Out volunteer.
The activities took place on the fence-enclosed site of the former gas station once owned by the late Hillman City businessman Rudy Hanson. The jingles from the steel drums of Ganga and Kalass unleashed a light-hearted, energetic atmosphere among party-goers. Neighbors mingled while sipping on sno-cones and indulging in hot dogs and popcorn.
"I'm just happy to be a part of this [block party]," said Sen. Adam Kline of the 37th Legislative District. "There's hot dogs, music and friends, what else do you need? It's a good way to learn about the community by just coming and being able to talk to the people."
A tribute to Rudy Hanson
To begin the event, Gloster and her husband, Dan Fink, paid tribute to Hanson, who died in his sleep May 26. After a moment of silence, a thunderous drum roll of steel guitars signaled Seattle City Councilmember Sally Clark to the stage.
"It is so great to see the community come out," said Clark, 42. "It makes for a healthier, smarter and tighter community."
As the evening continued, party-goers donned hats and brandished swords constructed from brightly colored balloons by Caring Clowns International. Lee's Martial Arts offered demonstrations by local residents.
The Hillman City Business Association supplied light bulbs and reusable grocery bags to those who enrolled in a mailing list that would provide information about happenings within the city.
Hillman City's Night Out was one of many block parties that served as a national crime-prevention event designed to heighten crime prevention awareness, increase neighborhood support and unite communities. According to the National Night Out Web site, more than 10,000 communities across the nation participate through various activities ranging from block parties and vigils to cookouts and parades.
"Events like this are raising more awareness and involvement from the community, and it will continue to help build the community," said Nature Carter-Gooding, 39, of Tukwila.
"Night Out is a good platform to get people out and aware," Gloster said.
Hillman City: We are here
Nestled between the growing Columbia City and Rainier Valley, Hillman City is a phenomenon all its own, depicted through the spirit, camaraderie and diversity of its residents. The community members assembled at Rudy's Auto Service sought to dispel the stigma that their streets are unsafe and that violence lurks around each corner.
"We are not trying to be another Columbia City, but we still want to get our sidewalks fixed, too," Gloster said.
"Crime went down compared to last year, but it doesn't mean that we are going to stop what we're doing here with the block party," said Jorge Mampuya, 38, owner of A&F Confection in Hillman City.
"We [the community] want to promote and show that it [Hillman City] has a positive atmosphere," Carter-Gooding said.
"We want people to know we are not for crime. We are as one, and all our failures and successes as a community we share together," Mampuya added.
As the sun began to set over Rudy's, the rhythmic sounds of the drums drew a small crowd around the stage. Laughter and chatter bubbled up into the evening and some revelers danced, celebrating the growth and future of the Hillman City community.
"It's a lot of work for me, but it's really rewarding to make that time for our neighbors to come together," Gloster said. "They don't always have to say thank you because you can see it in their smiles."
Freelance writer Alyssa Diep may be reached via editor@sdistrictjournal.com.[[In-content Ad]]