Seattle actor, businessman, and political activist Keve Bray (1925-1972) played an essential role in the local civil rights movement and is especially notable for his role in the Black power movement in the Central District. As early as 1964, he spoke out against the integrationist stance of many civil rights leaders, and by 1968, Bray had become a leader of the “Black nationalist” faction of the African American community in Seattle.

This image of Keve Bray was taken during a panel discussion on minorities and the arts held at Seattle University. In addition to his involvement in political activism, Mr. Bray headed the Black Cultural Center, which promoted Black community education and served as a place for young African Americans to display arts and crafts. The Center also housed the Banneker School, an alternative private school for African American youth in the Central District.

Caption information source: http://www.blackpast.org/aaw/bray-keve
Caption information source: The Seattle Times, December 4, 1967, p. 17.