** SHORT STORY **

- Seafair has removed The Dolls & Gents Team from the 2024 Torchlight Parade, Citing Safety Concerns.

- Seafair has said that The Dolls and Gents are a "Gang Related" organization.

- The Dolls and Gents were not included in any discussions regarding this decision and did not have a seat at the table. They were "Notified" on Thursday, July 25th of the "Decision"

- The Dolls and Gents is a Foundational Community Organization that has served Positive Black Youth in the Seattle Area Community for Many Years, and we REBUKE this characterization.

- We are petitioning Seafair to reinstate the Dolls and Gents and asking for SPD and the City of Seattle to provide safe environments for our children to perform and thrive in.

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The undersigned parents, guardians, and community supporters of the Dolls & Gents Drill Team members are writing to express our profound disappointment and concern regarding the recent decision not to allow The Dolls and Gents to perform in Torchlight 2024. We know that your decision was partially informed by a news story that falsely associated our children’s drill team with gang affiliations and violence. This report has not only caused significant emotional distress to our children but also tarnished the reputation of the drill team, which has always been a beacon of community spirit, discipline, and positive youth engagement.

The unfounded allegations have led to irreversible harm, including unwarranted scrutiny and potential loss of support and opportunities for our children and the team as a whole.

To KIRO 7

We demand a formal and public apology for the inaccurate and damaging portrayal of The Dolls & Gents Drill Team. This correction must be given the same prominence as the original story to mitigate the damage caused. Our children and their peers dedicate countless hours to practice, community service, and positive representation of our community through the drill team. To associate them with gang activity is not only baseless but an egregious misrepresentation of their character and efforts. We expect responsible journalism that seeks to uplift and accurately represent the truth rather than sensationalize and harm the reputations of innocent young people.

To Seafair

We are asking to be returned to the Seafair Torchlight Parade roster. Our youth have been working very hard for this opportunity, and they should not be made to suffer for the actions of others. We would like to see Seafair be the inclusive and fair organization we know it can be. This includes making decisions with your stakeholders and community at the table to work towards solutions for everyone.

To SPD

We ask you to support Black Parents and Black Youth by helping to create Safe Spaces for them to thrive.  Please work with Seafair to create a shared sense Safety Plan where Black Parents, Families, and Youth can participate in this year's event.

We urge you to rectify this situation promptly. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Other Parents’ Names and Signatures]