Local Hero: Christian Paige Christian Paige is a local educator, a national speaker and an Emmy-nominated spoken word poet. Christian’s work has allowed him to engage with a variety of organizations promoting social and educational equity to eliminate educational barriers for students. Christian inspires learners to fearlessly pursue their passions and reach their fullest potential. The […]
Hidden Heroes: Week 5
Local Hero: Dorien Simon Dorien Simon is a Lakes High School alum and current senior at Stanford University. He is also a former member of the Lakewood Youth Council. Dorien is a NCAA Division I track athlete, pursuing a degree in computer science and is a freelance web developer for small businesses and start-ups. Dorien spent […]
2023 Hidden Heroes: Week 4
Local Heroes: The Parable Team Le’Ecia Farmer, Deatria Williams and LaKecia Farmer (left to right), comprise the Parable Team. As proud owners of Parable, their business is a Black/LGBTQIA/family/woman-owned local small business that promotes community building, education, mentorship and advocacy. Parable sells books, plants, records, artisan products and art from local, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, women and transgender […]
Hidden Heroes: Week 3
Local Hero: Zach Banner Zach is a Clover Park School District alum, University of Southern California All-Pac 12 graduate, NFL player and community leader. Zach is currently running his own non-profit, the B3 Foundation, to support underserved students in Tacoma, Seattle, Los Angeles and Guam. Born in Tacoma and raised by a close-knit family, Zach learned […]
2023 Hidden Heroes: Week 2
Local Hero: Rachel Askew Rachel is a local community leader, small business owner and justice advocate with Cities United, a national non-profit charged with reducing violence against young men and boys of color. Rachel is also the founder and managing partner with NEXT Consulting Firm. In her role as founder, Rachel works alongside leaders in education, economic […]
2023 Hidden Heroes: Week 1
Local Hero: Brandon Elliot Brandon is a senior at Harrison Preparatory School in Clover Park School District. He has built a long resume of achievements with CPSD, now serving as the Harrison Prep student body president where he advocates for a strong school community that is equitable, unified and kind. Brandon serves as part of […]
Lakewood Heroes: Video Series
Every year, the city of Lakewood remembers the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to advocate for justice and equality. This year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is Monday, Jan. 16, 2023. As we celebrate the holiday this year, we honor the theme: Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve. Through a […]
Hidden Heroes 2023 kick off
Beginning Jan. 17, 2023 the city of Lakewood will kick off its 2023 Hidden Heroes campaign as part of its Martin Luther King Jr. recognition and celebration of February as Black History Month. Each week the city will email a newsletter that highlights local, national and international Black and African American leaders and their accomplishments. […]
Hidden Heroes: John Simpson
John Simpson is a Tacoma native and senior at Harrison Preparatory School. As a member of the Superintendent’s Youth Advisory Coalition and the Harrison Prep Black Student Union, John uses his powerful voice and lived experience to shape the culture of schools across the district. He is proud to collaborate with current and past members […]