Over the weekend we celebrated my father life. My dad was a leader, minister, and vocalist who also served our country in the army. Over the years my father did many things including being the Executive Director of Seattle Office of Social Human Services. He is best known as the owner of the first black owned radio station in Seattle, KYAC, “Soul of the Pacific Northwest”. When he secured the station he became one of only seven black radio station owners out of 8,000 in the US and was the first independently run Black owned station on the whole west coast. KYAC broadcasted from 1965 to 1981 with a focus on playing music by African American artists and having talk shows that were focused on the black experience in America and our rights. My fathers station had a large impact in Seattle and because of that he was invited and testified before Congress on the importance of Black ownership in the communication industry to provide African Americans the work experience needed for employment at major networks such as ABC, NBC and CBS. It was so beautiful to see so many people who came to show their respect and speak on my fathers impact in their lives. I want to say a special thank you to my older sister Michele who put everything together, the NAACP, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Josephine Howell, Vivian Phillips, Eddie Rye Jr and Rev. Dr Laverne Hall. I also want to thank the Mayor of Seattle Bruce Harrell who took the time to come on one of the busiest days of his year to speak on my fathers impact in his life and really looking forward to how you are going on honor my fathers Legacy. The last few weeks have been the hardest and darkest time in my life. I am so grateful for all the people who sent their love, flowers, and showed up to my apartment when I wouldn't answer calls and couldn't get out of bed. Growing up “I can't”, “its too hard” or “its impossible” was never a word my dad would accept. He would always say “why not you, why not us”. I love you so so so much Daddy, I am so proud to have had the great privilege to be your daughter. I promise you I will always go the extra mile in your honor.