KeAnna Pickett and D’Vonne Pickett, Jr. at the 2018 opening of The Postman (Image: CHS)

The Seattle City Council is scheduled for a Valentine’s Day vote to honorarily designate E Union between 21st and 22nd Avenues as D’Vonne Pickett Jr. Way.

UPDATE: The resolution passed in an unanimous 9-0 vote.

“D’Vonne embodied and internalized the belief of being ‘HEAVY’ over airy in all of his endeavors, particularly in his role as a family patriarch, as a mentor and a friend to almost everyone he encountered throughout life, a sentiment he often uniquely expressed in the form of his favorite catchphrase, ‘Stop Playin!,'” the resolution being introduced by Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda reads.

Pickett was gunned down in October outside The Postman, the mailing services shop he opened with his wife KeAnna Pickett in 2018 at MLK and Union. The father, business owner, and youth football coach was 31.

The man charged in Pickett’s murder amid a “psychotic” string of shootings leading up to the MLK and Union killing remains in custody. CHS also reported on a mistake made in the dispatch process for Seattle Fire that cost valuable minutes in the efforts to save Pickett’s life.

After its expected approval in Tuesday afternoon’s full council meeting, the resolution will pave the way for installation of new street signs joining the existing E Union signage on this hilled portion of the street connecting MLK Way and the busy area around 23rd and Union, the Liberty Bank Building, and Midtown Square.

The stretch will join other blocks in the area honoring important and loved figures including Rev. Dr. Samuel B. McKinney Ave added in 2014 near Mount Zion Baptist Church and E Barbara Bailey Way designated in 2019 between Cal Anderson and Capitol Hill Station.

The full text of the resolution is below:

title

A RESOLUTION providing an honorary designation of Union St between 21st and 22nd Streets as “D’Vonne Pickett Jr. Way.”

body

WHEREAS, D’Vonne Pickett Jr.’s personal philosophy of life inspired his vision and commitment which was a driving force in empowering the Central District and surrounding neighborhoods, as well as other cities in the United States and around the world touched by his presence and inspiration; and

WHEREAS, one of D’Vonne’s biggest accomplishments to date was the opening of The Postman back in August 2018, named in commemoration of his great grandfather, Jacques Chappell, retired from the US Postal Service after 37+ years, a business D’Vonne had made into an essential center of community within the Central District and the entire Seattle community; and

WHEREAS, D’Vonne started playing football for the Central District Panthers at an early age and continued investing much time, love, and energy to the Panther family and community as assistant coach, promoted to head coach in 2022; D’Vonne’s beloved children, D’Vonne III and Khloe, also embodied Panther pride – D’Vonne III as a member of the team coached by his father and Khloe as an enthusiastic member of the Panthers cheerleading squad; and

WHERAS, D’Vonne embodied and internalized the belief of being “HEAVY” over airy in all of his endeavors, particularly in his role as a family patriarch, as a mentor and a friend to almost everyone he encountered throughout life, a sentiment he often uniquely expressed in the form of his favorite catchphrase, “Stop Playin!”; and

WHEREAS, D’Vonne’s efforts have allowed his community and residents of other Seattle neighborhoods to view life in a significant and meaningful way that is aligned with all of our life’s divine purpose; “My value to everyone I reach is sacred. My people follow my lead in so many ways. It’s enlightening to be such a magnetic soul,” as D’Vonne Pickett Jr. embraced this role and the responsibilities that come with it; and

WHEREAS, the relationships and connections D’Vonne cultivated throughout his journey have created numerous opportunities for him, his life, and legacy. D’Vonne aspired to keep communities connected in as many forms as possible; he was devoted to making sure his time spent on earth was spent usefully; and

WHEREAS, The City of Seattle recognizes the leadership and significance of D’Vonne Pickett Jr.’s selfless service and sacrifice to the entire Emerald City that expresses its appreciation for his contributions to the Central District and Seattle community at large; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEATTLE, THE MAYOR CONCURRING, THAT:

Section 1. E Union St. between 21st and 22nd Avenues shall have an honorary designation as “D’Vonne Pickett Jr. Way.”

Section 2. The Council requests that the Seattle Department of Transportation manufacture, install, and maintain honorary signs along E Union St between 21st and 22nd Avenues, which shall reflect the “D’Vonne Pickett Jr. Way” honorary designation.

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