Washington West African Center

Washington West African Center WAWAC connects West Africans in Washington with local resources
To donate please visit our website https://wawac.org/donations/donate/

The mission of WAWAC is to connect West Africans in Washington with local resources and bridge the gap between us and the wider community, share West African cultural values and establish links that enable our community members to explore art, build skills and gain access to spaces that would overall improve their health and livelihoods.

LEGAL AID FOR FORMERLY INCARCERATED INDIVIDUALS You Are Not Alone.Many in our community have a conviction for something ...
06/16/2026

LEGAL AID FOR FORMERLY INCARCERATED INDIVIDUALS

You Are Not Alone.
Many in our community have a conviction for something small, a traffic ticket, a misunderstanding, a mistake. That one record should not close every door for the rest of your life.

A New Start Is Possible.

Clear Your Record. Restore Your License. Remove Old Court Fines & Fees.

Get free, confidential legal help from people who understand your story and speak your language.

We help you remove barriers to:
- Housing (Apartment applications denied due to old record)
- Jobs & Promotions (Background check holding you back)
- Driver's License (Suspended due to a ticket or old court d
- Family (Immigration or family law issues affected by a conviction)

Call or Text:425 758 3269
Email:[email protected] or visit www.wawac.org

We remove the hard parts. We provide:

- Free Transportation: We will give you a bus card or a ride to court or to your lawyer.
- Help in Your Language: We provide free language interpretation in most African languages.
- A Trusted Guide: Our staff has lived the same experience. We are here to support you, not judge you.

What type of legal help can I get?

To Vacate (Clear) a Criminal Record: Remove an old conviction from your record so it doesn't show up on job or housing applications.
LFO (Legal Financial Obligation) Relief: Ask the court to reduce or eliminate old court fines and fees you cannot pay.
Driver's License Reinstatement: Get your driver's license back if it was suspended for a non-safety reason (e.g., unpaid ticket).
Other Civil Legal Help: With housing discrimination, small business issues, or family law related to an old record. Deletion/Expungement of Nonconviction Data with WA State Patrol RCW 10.97.06; Professional License Reinstatements; Referrals to WA St. Employment Security (EcSA), Worksource/Workforce, Other CRP Programs.

Call us today. Let’s talk about your situation. It’s free and private.

WAWAC PARTICIPATES IN MOUNTLAKE TERRACE JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONOn Sunday, June 14, the Washington West African Center (WA...
06/16/2026

WAWAC PARTICIPATES IN MOUNTLAKE TERRACE JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

On Sunday, June 14, the Washington West African Center (WAWAC) was honored to participate in the City of Mountlake Terrace’s annual Juneteenth: More Than A Day celebration, hosted in partnership with Sno-Isle Libraries at the Civic Campus and Jerry Smith Town Center Plaza.

The event brought together families, community members, local leaders, and organizations to celebrate Juneteenth and reflect on its meaning as a powerful reminder of freedom, history, and continued progress toward justice and equality.

Keynote speakers included Wally Webster, Dr. Steve Woodard, and Eric Howard, who shared powerful reflections on leadership, history, education, and community impact.

The event also featured a panel discussion titled “More than a Game: The Black Athlete Experience,” facilitated by Alicia Crank, with panelists Mike Thomas, Ivan McLeannan, Valerie Bell, and KD Hall. The discussion highlighted Black excellence, representation, and lived experiences in sports and leadership.

Additional activities included storytime with library staff, youth and family activities, a photo booth, and access to community resources throughout the event.

Our team provided outreach and shared information about WAWAC programs and services, including MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) awareness, hate crime prevention and reporting resources, and legal aid support for formerly incarcerated individuals.

We are grateful to the City of Mountlake Terrace, Sno-Isle Libraries, event organizers, volunteers, and all community partners for the opportunity to be part of this meaningful celebration.

Thank you to everyone who visited our table and engaged with our team. Together, we continue building stronger communities through culture, education, and connection.

Stay connected — remember our 4th Annual Sounds of Africa Festival is coming up on August 15th, 2026, at Garfield Park in Everett from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM. More details will be shared soon.

WAWAC CONTINUES MMR VACCINE OUTREACH THROUGH COMMUNITY EDUCATION PODCASTAs part of our ongoing MMR (Measles, Mumps, and ...
06/16/2026

WAWAC CONTINUES MMR VACCINE OUTREACH THROUGH COMMUNITY EDUCATION PODCAST

As part of our ongoing MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine outreach initiative in partnership with the Snohomish County Health Department, the Washington West African Center (WAWAC) recently hosted an educational podcast aimed at informing and empowering the West African and broader immigrant communities about the importance of vaccination.

It may be recalled that the Snohomish County Health Department declared a measles outbreak in January 2026. While the outbreak officially ended in April, WAWAC has continued working closely with public health partners to ensure community members have access to accurate, culturally relevant, and language-accessible information about measles prevention and vaccination.

As part of this outreach project, WAWAC has developed a community education campaign that includes a pull-up banner, translated vaccine information and uniform messaging in four languages, and now a community-focused podcast designed to address questions, concerns, and misconceptions surrounding the MMR vaccine.

The podcast featured WAWAC Executive Director Pa Ousman Joof, who spoke about common concerns and vaccine hesitancy within immigrant communities and shared practical strategies for building trust and increasing vaccine confidence.

Also participating was Genessa a Community Health Nurse, who provided medical and public health information about measles and the benefits of vaccination.

The discussion also included Carrie who highlighted ongoing efforts to protect community health through education and prevention.

The program was skillfully hosted by WAWAC volunteer Sahara, who guided the conversation with thoughtful and relevant questions that helped make the information accessible and engaging for listeners.

Stay tuned for the full podcast, which will be released soon on the Washington West African Center's Facebook and YouTube platforms.

Together, through education, partnership, and community engagement, we can continue protecting our families and strengthening public health for all.

# # Snohomish County Health Department @

WHEN DO PEOPLE GET THE MEASLES, MUMPS, RUBELLA (MMR) VACCINE? Measles is real MMR is the protection Measles - Mumps - Ru...
06/15/2026

WHEN DO PEOPLE GET THE MEASLES, MUMPS, RUBELLA (MMR) VACCINE?
Measles is real MMR is the protection Measles - Mumps - Rubella

Children should receive 2 doses of MMR vaccine.
 The first dose is given between 12 to 15 months of age.
 The second dose is given between 4 to 6 years of age.
Adults who have never been vaccinated should get at least one dose of the MMR
vaccine.

Any person aged 6 months or older travelling internationally should be protected against
measles. Talk to your doctor if this situation applies to you or your family.

Why is MMR vaccine important?
 Getting two doses of the MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles
and rubella, and 88% effective against mumps.
 Getting vaccinated protects yourself, your family, and others in the community.
This protects people who can’t get vaccinated, such as those with weakened
immune systems, infants, and pregnant people.

Where Can I Get Vaccine Records?
 If you or your child were vaccinated in the state of Washington and your provider
uploaded your record, you can access vaccine records online at
https://myirmobile.com/ and register for an account.
 If you are unable to access this site, or unable to verify your identity, please call
the Snohomish County Health Department Public Health Clinic at 425-339-5234
for more assistance.
 You may also come to the Snohomish County Health Department building and fill
out a Release of Information form, and get a paper copy from the Immunization
Team in Suite 108 during business hours.

Where Can I Get Vaccinated?
 Talk to your primary care provider or local pharmacy about getting vaccinated.
 You can also call the Snohomish County Health Department Public Health Clinic
at 425-339-5234 for more assistance.
 You can also call the Washington West African Center at 425-758-3269
 If you haven’t received any MMR vaccine and you’re traveling to an area with a
measles outbreak, get the MMR vaccine at least 2 weeks before trave.

06/13/2026

WHY JOIN THE WAWAC BIDEWW SUMMER PROGRAM

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SOUNDS OF AFRICA FESTIVAL 4.0 –VENDOR REGISTRATION NOW OPENThe Washington West African Center (WAWAC) is pleased to ann...
06/12/2026

SOUNDS OF AFRICA FESTIVAL 4.0 –
VENDOR REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

The Washington West African Center (WAWAC) is pleased to announce that vendor registration is now open for all individuals, businesses, and organizations interested in showcasing their products or services at our annual Sounds of Africa Festival 4.0 scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 15th, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Garfield Park in Everett.

We welcome entrepreneurs, community partners, nonprofits, government agencies and service providers to be part of this dynamic and growing cultural event.

Now in its fourth year, the Sounds of Africa Festival is a vibrant celebration of African culture, bringing together the community through music, food, fashion, art, kids activities and shared experiences. The event creates space for cultural expression while supporting local businesses and strengthening community connections.

What to Expect

Live music and cultural performances

Authentic African and international food vendors

Clothing, crafts, and artisan marketplace

Cultural displays and community engagement

Fun and interactive activities for children and families

Resource booths from community organizations and agencies

The festival is expected to welcome over 1,000 attendees, offering vendors strong visibility and engagement opportunities.

Register as a Vendor Here!
https://40ftav.share-na2.hsforms.com/2r0-u1u6FT-GVBFd-tfaqog?fbclid=IwY2xjawSZNQVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEwRjV3NHV2UkgzOFBSMmtvc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHs1Y2l3FqrLlbLP93xNQTRJSbYVdxfL050mTtjjynjIk-I9W6wN31vo8wtha_aem_2Dtu6eAnpoBnBNXowFTomA

Early Bird Registration (through June 30, 2026)

Food Vendors:
• $75 through June 30, 2026
• $125 after June 30, 2026

Non-Food Vendors (selling products or services):
• $50 through June 30, 2026
• $75 after June 30, 2026

Service Provider Vendors (not selling products or services):
• $25 through June 30, 2026
• $50 after June 30, 2026

Payment Options

Cash App:
https://cash.app/$wawestafricancenter

Venmo:
https://venmo.com/u/WAWAC

PayPal:
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/wawestafricancenter

WAWAC Website:
https://www.wawac.org/donate

WAWAC ED RECEIVES MR. IMRAN SIDDIQIOn Wednesday, June 10, 2026, the Washington West African Center (WAWAC) was pleased t...
06/12/2026

WAWAC ED RECEIVES MR. IMRAN SIDDIQI

On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, the Washington West African Center (WAWAC) was pleased to welcome Imraan Siddiqi, Executive Director of CAIR Washington and candidate for State Representative in Washington's 32nd Legislative District, for an office tour and community engagement meeting.

Although ou organizations (WAWAC and CAIR) have worked alongside one another through various coalitions and community initiatives over the years, including the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) whixh we are both steering committee memebers of, this visit provided an opportunity to connect more deeply and share updates on the work being done to support communities across Washington State.

During the visit, Executive Director Pa Ousman Joof and Program Manager Momodou Job provided an overview of WAWAC's programs and services, highlighting the organization's efforts to support immigrant, refugee, and underserved communities through housing assistance, food and health care access, youth development, language access, workforce support, community engagement initiatives etc.

The discussion also included WAWAC's newest initiative, the SOUGOU Market ( Thrift Store), which will celebrate its Grand Opening on July 10th, as well as the organization's long-term vision for the Futuristic West African Village Project.

The conversation explored the challenges facing immigrant and marginalized communities, the importance of civic engagement, and the need for diverse voices and lived experiences to be represented at decision-making tables.

We also discussed opportunities for collaboration and partnership between our organizations to strengthen support systems and expand opportunities for the communities we serve.

We appreciate Imraan's visit and the thoughtful exchange of ideas. WAWAC remains committed to working with community partners across sectors to advance equity, opportunity, and community well-being throughout Washington State.

WAWAC SUTURA HOUSING PROJECTAre you struggling financially and need help to pay your rent, your bills or take care of yo...
06/11/2026

WAWAC SUTURA HOUSING PROJECT
Are you struggling financially and need help to pay your rent, your bills or take care of your other basic needs such as food , diapers for your kids, fix your broken car etc?
The WAWAC Sutura Project is here to help the community members who are genuinely struggling to stay housed, pay their bills or have other unique needs.
We are with you during your trying time and we know how important confidentiality is to you. Whether you are documented or not, be assured that any information you provide to us will not be voluntarily shared with anyone, including immigration or other community members.
With the Sutura Housing Project, WAWAC will work with you to find solutions to your problem in the most confidential and dignified manner. That is why it is called Sutura.
For more information or to get help,
come to our office on 19203 36th Ave W, Suite 210, Lynnwood WA 98036 or contact WAWAC on 425-758-3269 or 253-235-2132 or email [email protected] or visit Www.wawac.org.

06/10/2026

WE NEED MODEL VOLUNTEERS FOR THE SOUNDS OF AFRICA FESTIVAL 4.0

CALL FOR MODELS FOR THE SOUNDS OF AFRICA FESTIVAL 4.0 FASHION SHOW

Registration is now open to anyone interested to serve as a model for the Sounds of Africa Festival 4.0
Happening at the Garfield Park in Everett
Saturday, August 15th, 2026 from 1pm to 7pm

Come show off your culture, your country or other cultures from Africa.
Be part of the Biggest Highlight of the Festival

NOW ACCEPTING:
• Men • Women
• Children •Ages 5–60

Walk the runway
Showcase African fashion & tradition
Perform before a large live audience
Be part of a vibrant cultural experience in Snohomish County.

REGISTER NOW
• Scan the QR Code on the screen
• Click the link in the comments
https://40ftav.share-na2.hsforms.com/2FGDNK3kjS0W50BzjAqA...
• Contact us at 425-758-3269 or [email protected] or visit www.wawac.org

REMEMBER SPACES ARE LIMITED
JOIN THE MOVEMENT AND
BRING THE CULTURE TO LIFE

CITY OF LYNNWOOD'S JUNETEENTH PROCLAMATIONOn Tuesday evening, Washington West African Center (WAWAC) Executive Director ...
06/09/2026

CITY OF LYNNWOOD'S JUNETEENTH PROCLAMATION

On Tuesday evening, Washington West African Center (WAWAC) Executive Director Pa Ousman Joof had the honor of attending the reading of the Juneteenth Proclamation at the City of Lynnwood, joining community leaders, advocates, and residents in recognizing this important moment in American history.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved African Americans in Texas learned of their freedom, marking a significant milestone in our nation's long journey toward justice and equality. More than a historical date, Juneteenth embodies both celebration and remembrance—joy and sorrow, freedom gained and suffering endured. It calls upon us to celebrate the triumph of the human spirit while never forgetting the painful history that made such a celebration necessary.

Pa Ousman Joof was honored to stand alongside fellow community leaders, including Dr. Steve Woodard, Mayor of Mountlake Terrace; Wally Webster, Executive Director of The ACCESS Project; Kresha Green of the YWCA; and many others as they received the proclamation and reflected on its significance.

During his remarks, Pa Ousman thanked the Mayor, City Council, and community members for recognizing Juneteenth and for their commitment to honoring this important chapter of our nation's history. He shared how the proclamation reminded him of standing at the Door of No Return on Gorée Island, Senegal—a solemn place where countless African men, women, and children took their final steps on African soil before being forced into the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade.

Reflecting on that historic site, he spoke about the profound duality that Juneteenth represents. While the Door of No Return symbolizes loss, separation, suffering, and one of humanity's darkest chapters, Juneteenth represents resilience, survival, liberation, and the extraordinary ability of people to rise above unimaginable hardship. The descendants of those who passed through that door did not merely survive; they helped build nations, shape cultures, advance civil rights, and contribute immeasurably to the social, economic, and political fabric of the United States.

Address

19203 36th Avenue W, Building 4, Suite 210
Lynnwood, WA
98036

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 7pm

Telephone

+12532352132

Website

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