Local Book Review: ‘Blacks in Thurston County, Washington’
Published July 9, 2026
It is undeniable that racism has always been present in American society, but its presence in news headlines over the last decade has been increasing at a significant rate. The more I study this topic, the more I wonder if the lived experiences of racism are increasing, or if we are only becoming more aware of what has been going on for ages? I think it’s both.
If we want to see change in our lifetimes, we must continue to use our voices to speak the truth, listen to the stories of our neighbors, and invest in our black community through supporting black artists and business owners, and remaining engaged in black history and culture through education and attending events. These are just some ideas to get us started — the possibilities are endless.
Reading Blacks in Thurston County, Washington: 1950 to 1975: A Community Album edited by Dr. Thelma Jackson is a great step in that direction. With over 50 stories and individuals celebrated, this book is a community centric treasure.
The book begins with this dedication: “for those who paved the way, and for those whose stories are yet untold.” While this book contains a time stamp, I think the spirit of it is meant to be everlasting.
Activism aside, this book is also just a really great read, full of fascinating stories of real people who have lived in our little corner of the world.
The love poured into this book is evident, and the bravery and courage of each participant who shared their story is beautiful.
May all the remarkable individuals involved in this book inspire us to remain present in community, stand together in one another’s truths, and celebrate each other each day.
Do not wait to purchase this book until you have finished reading my review. Click here to purchase now or find a copy at Browsers Bookshop!
The Review
There is a timeless African Proverb that says “it takes a village to raise a child,” and much of the same could be said about creating this book. Both the forward and introduction describe the process and intentionality that took place in putting this book together over multiple decades by numerous individuals. I implore you, take your time and absolutely do not skip over this section when you pick up your copy of the book.
Studying history in college myself, I thoroughly believe that “primary documents” like these are not only invaluable, but are incredibly rich and fascinating…not just for historians, but for everyone! This book proves exactly that!
Each story is filled with layers of historical context, varying social dynamics, and splashes of that irresistible personal touch. Filled with a variety of flavors and artistic nuances, this book also captures the moments that made local life fun and beautiful. Many places featured in the book remain open and present today, making me appreciate the memories those spaces have witnessed overtime. If the walls could speak, I wonder what they would say.
Racial profiling, segregation and discrimination are reflected in each of these stories in big and small ways that we each need to be cognizant of. When we reflect on these, we need to remember that the 50’s was less than a hundred years ago, not that distant from our current time. We must not separate ourselves from the past.
As someone who is white, I acknowledge that there are nuances to these lived experiences shared in this book that I will never fully grasp. Empathy is invaluable, but at the same time the most effective ally does not shift the focus to make things about them [like a '“white savior”]. As you read this book, I encourage you to step into that space of laying yourself down to lift others up.
Throughout reading, I laughed, felt tears well up in me, and felt an urgency to tell everyone I know to purchase this book AND read it. I also kept saying to myself “why didn’t I learn about this person in my history classes? They are incredible!” Local history teachers, I encourage you to read this book and encourage your students to do the same!
Many local programs we cherish today exist because of the contributions of our black community. Each deserve to be celebrated. I’m not going to tell you what the programs are or who contributed to them. I want you to read this book and find out for yourself!
Much of the wisdom portrayed in this book will be forever relevant. Enjoy the selection of my personal favorite quotes below:
A few favorite quotes
From Ethel Terry: “My advice to the younger generations is to get involved in community activities because we need to be seen, and people need to know we are here and that we have good qualities and we have good things we can give to the community.”
“Throughout his life, Bob [Robert Neal] saw creating and maintaining personal connections as the key to a better society […] ‘if people do not look at you for who you are inside, for who you are as a person, you have to push on. Look past that, find what will help you and use it to reach your dreams. Show people respect along the way and you too shall receive respect. Look hard for what you want, even if it is fading, because there is a path for everybody you just need to find it.’”
From Freddie [Williams] Neal when she spoke publicly in the aftermath of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King: “Violators of the law must be punished, but it would be a cruel paradox if, after years of failing to reward patience or redress injustice, we were to use such violations by a few as an excuse for continued inaction on the problems that affect so many and involve us all. If ever there was a time for compassionate understanding of the disaffected, it is now. If ever there was a period in our history when the dedicated commitment of citizens and organizations to work toward healing the growing breach in our society is urgent, it is today.”
From Tina Roberts-Crary: “If we fail to educate ourselves and our children, historical illiterates will continue to perpetuate racist myths and that is unacceptable.”
From Saul Arrington: “It’s so important that you participate in opportunities. Don’t give up on the system. Make it your business to try to make change in the system so that people that come behind you persevere. Make sure that the people who come behind you don’t have to cover the same ground that you had to go over. The opportunities that you have here — having traveled around most of the world — it’s still the best place to live. It’s not perfect and probably never will be, but you need to approach every day as long as you live with the idea that it can and will be a better day.”
From Barbara “Barb” O’Neill: “Do the right thing. Always treat people the way you want to be treated. Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
From Dr. Thelma Jackson: “So, to sum up, I had to decide that, yes, I’m just an individual, but I’m a mighty individual. And I’m going to go for it. And if I don’t speak up now, there’s no one here that will. If I don’t rattle some cages, the cages won’t get rattled. And you feel a little success here and say, ‘Huh, I spoke up and made that happen, let me make sure I’m speaking up and making this happen.’ Until that’s the only thing you know how to do.”
I look forward to hearing what inspires you! Click here to purchase the book now or find a copy at Browsers Bookshop!
Oh and PS: Not only do I hope more editions with more generations are published, but I hope these future adventures are recorded in an audiobook format because I think that special audiobook quality could be really powerful for readers.