IN LOVING MEMORY
Leslie J. Stallworth
June 19, 1921 - August 31, 2013
A Champion for Education
"Time brings about a change"
- Leslie J. Stallworth
WHO HE WAS
A Man Who Opened Doors
Leslie J. Stallworth a calm, steadfast man who never gave up no matter the obstacles he faced. He was a helper, an encourager, a lover of jazz, a lover of sweets, a counselor, a teacher, and a friend. A shoulder to lean on. He worked tirelessly in Seattle's Black community, opening doors, building institutions, and inspiring generations to believe in their potential. He encouraged every young person he met to get an education. He saw it as a passport that would open the world to all scholars — and he never stopped saying it
"Get an education, get a degree, and prepare yourself for a good job."
Leslie J. Stallworth · His lifelong message
JUNETEENTH
Leslie J. Stallworth was born on June 19, 1921 - Juneteenth - the holiday celebrating the end of slavery in America. His life embodied its promise: freedom through knowledge, dignity through education, and a community uplifted by both.
His Legacy
A Life of Service
Ambitious and community oriented, Leslie worked for the Seattle King County Economic Opportunity Board and Model Cities, was instrumental in bringing Head Start and other empowerment programs to Seattle, and purchased the JLN Center on Capitol Hill — a multi-purpose facility used by many for meetings, family, and community events.
He was active with the Central Area Business Association, working with other Black entrepreneurs to spur economic development, and was a strong supporter of the Black community's Mardi Gras Parade — the centerpiece of Seattle's Black Seafair Festival. He was also a life member of the Seattle Central Area Senior Center and the NAACP.
SKCEOB
KAPPA FOUNDER
EL CENTRO DE LA RAZA
Jack & Jill
Caya
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
FIRST AME
MODEL CITIES
Jack & Jill
ymca
BLACK ARTS WEST
Real estate
Mardi gras
Headstart
CAMP
Seafair
syep
ezells
Black Front coop
Black panthers
Phyilly's best
jln center
family Fitness
African american Accountant
Kappa Gamma Ro
Indian Guides
Navy Brass Band
CUb Scouts
Friendly Town Parent
Little League Sports
Friendly Neighborhood Transportation
Stallworth & Associates Accounting Firm
Seattle Black Community Festival
Free Little Library & Food Pantry
Annual Juneteenth Book Giveaway
Books
Donated & given to children each Juneteenth — growing every year.
June 19 · Seattle, WA
24th South & South Wadsworth Place
"Never stop learning!"
- Leslie J. Stallworth
His legacy, carried by the next generation
The Leslie J. Stallworth Free Little Library stands in the Madison Park neighborhood he called home for over 40 years — sharing books, knowledge, and hope with everyone who passes by. Lovingly built by his grandson Rohnell and great-grandson Jeremiah, it is a living symbol of his belief that books open doors.
Rohnell Sims
His Grandson - Library Builder
Jeremiah Sims
His Great Grandson - Assistant Builder
The Soundtrack of His Life
His Music
From playing tenor saxophone in the Navy band during World War II, to titillating the ears of Seattle's savvy jazz club patrons, to passing his love of jazz down to his children and grandchildren — music was in Leslie's blood from the very beginning.
His Family
Family, Pictures, etc.
Leslie J. Stallworth a calm, steadfast man who never gave up no matter the obstacles he faced. He was a helper, an encourager, a lover of jazz, a lover of sweets, a counselor, a teacher, and a friend. A shoulder to lean on. He worked tirelessly in Seattle's Black community, opening doors, building institutions, and inspiring generations to believe in their potential. He encouraged every young person he met to get an education. He saw it as a passport that would open the world to all scholars — and he never stopped saying it
His Legacy