Beatrice Butler

I was born in Yakima, Washington in the early 1960s, and was part of the first integrated school bussing system as a young kindergartner. I still recall the NAACP representatives visiting our home to speak with my parents about how my involvement would be beneficial for “Our People”. However, that experience often included facing hostility, being called hurtful names, and feeling unwelcome at school.

I remember surprising my teacher by demonstrating that I could write my name and address. I even created a map outlining how to get home in case the bus didn’t take us. I proudly graduated from A.C. Davis High School, where I served as Senior Class President in 1982. This early experience laid the foundation for my passion and commitment to RARE and its mission.

Currently, I work as an educator within Seattle Public Schools. I serve with the Department of Racial Equity Advancement (DREA), supporting 22 North Region schools’ Racial Equity Teams providing coaching, professional development and implementing action plans.

When I discovered RARE, I felt a strong urge to contribute to the initiative focused on achieving true equity and diversity. This aligns directly with the Racial Equity work I am currently engaged with in the North End schools of Seattle.