Wa Na Wari

Wa Na Wari was co-founded by visual artist Inye Wokoma alongside Elisheba Johnson, Rachel Kessler, and Jill Freidberg inside Wokoma’s multi-generational family home built in 1962. Meaning ‘Our Home’ in the Kalabari language of Nigeria, Wa Na Wari operates as a transformative space using art to combat the displacement of Black homeowners.

Nestled in the Central District on 24th Avenue, Wa Na Wari embodies the values of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.’s international directive, “Building Our Economic Wealth,” by pioneering community land retention frameworks and cultural preservation models that empower Black artists, scholars, and longtime neighborhood families.

Hosting contemporary visual art exhibitions, oral history listening stations, documentary film screenings, and porch concerts, Wa Na Wari is a cornerstone venue for Seattle’s June Black Dollar Days and Juneteenth tours. Community members can explore current installations or contribute to the residency fund via their official site.