Black History Today, an annual series created by Marcus Harden in honor of Black History Month, pays tribute to the living legacy of Black history in our community and beyond. Check back every day in February as we recognize the people actively shaping the future.

By Amanda Williams

When you’re a parent to Black children, finding a place for them to run free is about more than just a place where they can get their wiggles out. It is about finding a space where they are free to be young. To be loud, messy, silly and energetic, safe from judgment and bias. Melanie Granger of We Free Hearts has provided an environment for just that.

We Free Hearts is an open play environment for children ages 0-6 located in the South Park neighborhood of Seattle. A bounce house, art supplies, play kitchen, and ball pit are among some of the toys that rotate out monthly. For the grown-ups, there are comfy chairs, couches, and complimentary coffee.

When I visit We Free Hearts, I know that the first thing I’ll see is Melanie with her warm, inviting smile. More importantly, it’s the first thing my daughter sees: a Black woman business owner, welcoming families into an environment organized for play, creativity, and connection. That’s what brought us in — word-of-mouth from moms who jumped to Facebook groups like Seattle Black Mom’s Network to ring the alarm that a Black-owned business was open for our kids to play.

Melanie has made it clear that We Free Hearts is a space for the community. Earlier this winter you could hear bilingual story time echoing through the large room as children followed along to picture books and songs in Spanish. In December, Melanie shared her space to bring awareness to Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave with an event hosted by MomsRising, Families of Color Seattle (FOCS), and Westside Baby. FOCS also partnered with Melanie to conduct one of their unique parent groups, designed for discussions concerning identity and race.

In an interview for ParentMap last April, Melanie shared her own journey as a parent, which began when she became a foster parent at 23 years old. She went on to foster around 30 children and to adopt a son. We Free Hearts is a continuation of Melanie’s mission to be a positive influence to young children.

There is power in building community. When Melanie opened the doors to We Free Hearts, community is exactly what she invited in. A place for parents and children to play and interact. A place for children to be free. Giving us this space is how Melanie Granger is making Black history today.

Amanda Williams is a teacher, a mom, and the author of the Hey Black Teacher blog, offering inspiration, support and resources for Black educators.