Washington, D.C. — During Black History Month, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (D-WA) will host a conversation with Olympia-based author, community leader, and distinguished public servant, Merritt Long, on Thursday, February 18th, 2021 at 6:00 PM PT via Facebook Live. They will discuss the experiences he shared in his memoir, “My View From the Back of the Bus” as well the most pressing issues facing the Black community in Washington and across our nation. The memoir chronicles Long’s experiences growing up in the segregated South amid Jim Crow laws, attending Morehouse College in Atlanta, and moving to the Pacific Northwest where he became the head of several state agencies.
|
DETAILS: |
|
|
WHO: |
Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland and Merritt Long |
|
WHAT: |
Black History Month Conversation with Merritt Long |
|
WHEN: |
Thursday, February 18th, 2021 at 6:00 PM PT |
|
WHERE: |
Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/RepStricklandWA/ |
Background:
Merritt D. Long grew up in the segregated South in the 1950’s and 60’s. He experienced the Jim Crow laws, the “colored” drinking fountains, the segregated schools with hand-me-down books for the Black schools, riding in the back of the bus.
After graduating from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, Merritt moved to Seattle where he started a 37-year career with the State of Washington, which culminated in serving as the Executive Director or chairman of four state agencies: Washington State Liquor Control Board, Washington State Lottery, Washington State Human Rights Commission, and the Washington State Board for Vocational Education.
Merritt’s private sector experience includes serving on the boards of two banks: As Founding Director for Thurston First Bank in Olympia, and as Vice-Chair of the UniBank Board of Directors, based in Lynnwood. He also worked as a consultant for Pfizer and two other companies.
Merritt moved to Olympia in 1974 with his wife, Marsha Tadano Long. Their daughter, Merisa, was born at St. Peter Hospital, she attended McLane Elementary, Jefferson Middle School and Capital High School.
Merritt and Marsha started the Learning Seed Foundation in 2001 which is a component fund of The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound, and has awarded $447,750 in new and renewable scholarships to 109 students from Thurston and Pierce counties.
Merritt’s experiences are chronicled in his recently published inspirational memoir, “My View From the Back of the Bus.”
Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland serves as a Member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
###