In recognition of Black History Month, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) has been showcasing employees through a series of "Roadside Chats." Among those featured is Cheyenne Montgomery, who holds the vital position of Administrative Business Partner within SDOT's Director’s Office. Montgomery shared insights on her role, her family's journey, and the cultural significance of Black History Month, according to the Seattle Department of Transportation.
Dispensing with formalities in her profession, Montgomery characterizes herself as a jack of all trades within SDOT. Whether tackling administrative duties or navigating city-wide networks, she’s often the go-to solution finder. "I enjoy connecting with people the most. I get to meet people from every department in and out of SDOT and the City of Seattle," Montgomery told the Seattle Department of Transportation. Balancing these responsibilities while proudly being a "boy mom" and a local sports enthusiast, Montgomery continues to weave her tapestry of life in Seattle, entrenched in community values.
The celebration of Black History Month isn't just a calendar event for Montgomery, but a lived experience. Having been raised in a socially conscious household, her youth was punctuated by education on Black history and activism against apartheid. Montgomery's mother, Judith Hightower, instilled in her a pride and knowledge that extended far beyond the scope of traditional classroom learning. Reflecting on the impact of her upbringing, Montgomery says, "It's important to me to instill teachings about Black History and family history that were taught to me and pass them down to my boys", as per the Seattle Department of Transportation.
Within her familial narratives lie threads of resilience and triumph, from her grandmother’s wartime work as Rosies at Boeing to her mother's groundbreaking role as one of Seattle's first Black female judges. These personal histories knit together a broader narrative of Black achievement and influence in America—a narrative Montgomery is determined to perpetuate and celebrate. She recounts the story of her stepdad and his peers, part of the UW Husky football team, who were inducted into the UW Hall of Fame not just for their athletic prowess, but for the stand they took against unfair practices in 1969. "For me and my family, Black History is all year round," Montgomery explained to the Seattle Department of Transportation, citing these historical milestones within her own family as part of the larger tapestry of Black contributions to the nation.
