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Central District

Image by Thom Milkovic

Seattle's Central District

History

Central District has had a long and diverse history. Throughout history, the area was home to Europeans, Japanese, Jews, and more predominantly now, African-Americans. During the years spanning from 1890 to around 1918, the Central District was mainly inhabited by Jewish people. The Japanese population began growing in the years after 1920s, spreading out of the International district. In the years following the second world war, the Central District became predominantly African American due to discriminatory housing practices. With it's large African American population, the Central District became a hotspot for Civil Rights, with support to desegregate the Seattle Public Schools, marches, protests, and calls for black power. The Black Panther Party's Seattle Chapter was heavily involved as well. Currently, the Central District is going through the process of Gentrification, as African American residents move.

Central District 1961, Seattle Municipal Archives

Demographics

Total Population (2010): 29,868 people

  • 59.6% White or Caucasian

  • 21.4% African-American

  • 9.1% Asian

  • 0.6% Native American

  • 0.3% Pacific Islanders

  • 3.2% Other Races

  • 6.1% 2 or More Races

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