“Deaunte Damper is a powerful voice for racial equity, LGBTQ+ equality and public health in our community,” said Nova Newcomer, CEO of Mariners Care Foundation. “This year, he was named Grand Marshal of the 2026 Seattle Pride Parade, and he persists in uplifting and advocating for Black communities across King County. Deaunte continues to inspire us through his work to ensure that everyone feels seen, valued and included, and the Mariners and the Steelheads Community Roundtable were honored to recognize him at T-Mobile Park on Juneteenth.”
On Juneteenth at T-Mobile Park, the Seattle Mariners and the Steelheads Community Roundtable honored Deaunte Damper for his tireless work in the Black, queer, and greater Seattle community.
From the suite to the fireworks on the field, Deaunte turned a ballpark moment into legacy — standing as a Black queer activist and 2026 Seattle Pride Parade Grand Marshal on a day that holds so much meaning for so many of us. The Mariners didn’t wait for Pride weekend; they chose Juneteenth to say: this work, this voice, this love for community matters.
Even if the team didn’t get the W on the scoreboard, our community won:
- The legacy of the Steelheads was lifted up
- A community leader was centered and celebrated
- Juneteenth, Pride, and community joy came together in one powerful night
Salute to you, Deaunte — your leadership, your advocacy, and your joy stay shining for the city.
@Xfinity your internet barely works no matter the speed, but you have a monopoly, so 🤷🏾♀️, but today the cable doesn't work??
My son is trying to watch Messi 😵💫
I got a personal phone again and I'm trying to be better with this one friends. No more hundreds of unread texts and emails 🫡
Fyi, my daughter has my old number, so don't mistakenly send your nudes for peer review to the wrong line!
Kameirah Johnson, a Lakeside School student and winner of the Doodle for Google contest, will give the $50,000 technology package she won to Rainier Beach High School instead. https://t.co/vMgetuOkZe
President Trump named Bill Pulte, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as acting director of national intelligence.
Pulte, a loyal Trump ally who has frequently targeted the president's opponents, has no background in national intelligence. The appointment drew criticism from Democrats, while the Senate's top Republican also raised concerns.
@ElizLanders has more.
#OnThisDay in 1921, one of the deadliest racial massacres in U.S. history began in the thriving Greenwood African American community of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Black Wall Street in Tulsa, OK, was destroyed by a mob. Explore: https://t.co/1urx2dCDTY. #APeoplesJourney#ANationsStory
As part of the settlement agreement, the U.S. is "forever barred and precluded" from examining or prosecuting Trump, his sons and the Trump organization's current tax issues, according to a one-page document posted to the Justice Department's website on Tuesday. https://t.co/cUjWdTp6vQ
The U.S. government has agreed to drop any tax claims and audits of President Trump, his sons and the Trump organization, according to a letter signed by acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
It comes a day after the government announced a nearly $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” to compensate some of the president’s allies.
@AliRogin has the latest.