Bus stop mural celebrates Federal Way pioneer

John Conna became the first African-American political appointee in state history.

By Keelin Everly-Lang • October 19, 2023 4:30 pm

In 1885, John N. and Mary L. Conna settled on 157 acres near Panther lake, near what is now the Weyerhaeuser Aquatic Center in Federal Way.

On Oct. 13, a King County Metro bus stop mural celebrating their life and contributions was unveiled in a ceremony.

The Connas are believed to be the first Black family to settle in the Federal Way and Tacoma area and were actively involved in local and statewide politics. As previously reported in The Mirror, John Conna became the first African-American political appointee in state history when selected as Sergeant at Arms for the first Washington State Legislature in 1889. While there, he was instrumental in the framing and passage of the Public Accommodations Act of 1890, which gave all citizens access to public establishments such as inns, theaters, restaurants and public conveyances.

At the unveiling of the bus stop mural at South 320th Street and 11th Place South (in front of the Safeway gas station), 17 of their descendants were there to celebrate the moment. Great-granddaughter of the celebrated couple Maisha Barnett and great-great-grandaughter Ghanya C. Thomas hosted the event.

A local Grandmaster Mason speaks about John Conna’s legacy. Conna was part of the first African American Masonic lodge in Washington State. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / The Mirror

The design team for the mural included Barnett and Thomas as well as artist Juan G. Aguilera.

Diana Noble-Gulliford, past President of Historical Society of Federal Way, spoke at the event.

“Conna has been on my mind and on my checklist for 14 years,” she said. “His significance is incredible and we all benefit from the work he did in Olympia.”

Noble-Gulliford emphasized the importance of the community’s participation, adding: “I’m asking each and every one of you to do your research and document the Black history of Federal Way.”

“A lot of us don’t know our history. The more you can backtrack and celebrate, the better.”

Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / The Mirror Tirzah Idahosa of Federal Way presents an eagle award to Maisha Barnett for her work to commemorate local history.

Governor candidate EL’ona Kearney told the Mirror after admiring the mural: “Their win is my win.”

Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell attended and said that “John Conna’s story is truly remarkable.”

In conversations with family members at the event and again at the Federal Way City Council meeting on Oct. 17, Mayor Ferrell also affirmed his intention to celebrate the Conna family through place naming in Federal Way.

Federal Way community member Trenise Rogers mentioned the mural dedication at the council meeting as well and the impact it had on her: “I’m just overjoyed as an African-American young woman, seeing my children seeing that, that is a representation. I know it’s very small, but it’s huge in the eyes of people that really can appreciate and really find themselves in that effort.”

Ghanya C. Thomas and Beverly Kelly are two of the descendants of John and Mary Conna who spoke at the event. Beverly Kelly shared a letter written by John Conna. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / The Mirror

Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / The Mirror Pete Von Reichenbaur stood with Beverly Kelly as she was overwhelmed by emotion during the unveiling of the mural.