AS THE FALL RAIN SPREADS across Western Washington and begins to give way to cooler temperatures throughout the Pacific Northwest, many folks across the Kitsap Peninsula will surely be reflecting fondly upon 2023’s Epic Summer of Extremes.
Specifically, in reference to the record-breaking high temperatures felt across much of the world. Even though it was unseasonably warm in Kitsap County during parts of the summer, local temperatures remained relatively moderate. That is with the exception of one specific area, a small spot located in Bremerton, the site of the Downtown Marina Square Park, home to several annual Kitsap-centric hot ticket events, such as Taste of Kitsap, Bridge Blast and Blackberry Festival. All of which demonstrate the city’s pride in its populace and have a track record of stimulating the local economy through its tourism.
But for those who attended this year’s summer gatherings, many will recall one name bringing the heat to Bremerton: that of Doc Julias Blackwell.
Blackwell was a hot commodity among this year’s events, providing top talent through his Bremerton-based record label, LionsDen360, and showcasing alternative/hip-hop musical acts including: LADYDICE, Veezy, Lowfall and Hot Stepmom.
And though that might seem remarkable in and of itself, it honestly reflects but a spark of the series of accomplishments and service attributed to this enigmatic individual over the past year. Namely, two of Blackwell’s latest accolades: the Washington State Annual African American Achievement Award (presented February 25 by Surviving Change) and the NAACP Community Service Award (presented September 16 by NAACP UNIT1134 Bremerton).
Incredibly, he also received his own unique annual holiday.
‘DocLuvTheKids Day,’ was personally dedicated to Doc Blackwell by Bremerton Mayor Gregory Wheeler on August 24, in gratitude for Doc’s endless commitment to the youth and underprivileged populations of our beleaguered county.
When asked about his decision to honor ‘DocLuvTheKids’ with its own public holiday Mayor Wheeler had this to say: “DocLuvTheKids Day is an initiative that fills a critical need, bringing people together and providing free back-to-school supplies for students and families. This special day represents the spirit of giving and shows compassion for others. We honor Doc Blackwell for his commitment and dedication and for helping so many people in need in our community.”
The Smokestack sat down with Doc Blackwell to understand a little more about the upcoming DocLuvTheKids Gala Event, the annual DocLuvTheKids back-to-school event, and the mysterious man who leads the Lions Den.
ASH BLACK: The Mayor’s proclamation highlights your involvement in various events and community service. What drives your commitment to making a positive impact on Kitsap County?
DOC BLACKWELL: I think what really drives me is the youth, quite honestly. It’s the youth that’s important to me, that and building a stronger community.
ASH: You’ve represented artists like LADYDICE (Bend, OR) and Veezy (San Antonio, TX). Both of these artists in their own right have large followings in their perspective markets, Could you tell us more about your experiences working with these artists and your goals for LionsDen360?
DOC: Working with both artists has been amazing. I have to admit that working with two very different people from two very different backgrounds has been a lot of fun. Though we all think differently, we are all focused on one thing, which is being at the top. That’s a good thing! And truly, I see us becoming the biggest independent music recording label in the U.S.
ASH: Your involvement in community service is commendable, and you’ve received several awards for your contributions. How does it feel to be recognized for your work on that level, and what motivates you to continue making a difference?
DOC: I mean it feels really good, especially the awards that I received this year. Those were very special, The African American Achievement Award, and the NAACP Community Service Award, these were very special to me, and I appreciate my city for appreciating me.
ASH: The upcoming Doc Luv The Kids Gala is on November 10th. What can attendees expect and how does this tie into your broader mission of community engagement?
DOC: With this event, I wanted to do a thank you. I wanted to do a thank you because I don’t do too many thank you’s, and I mean it. I wanted to show mainly our volunteers and everybody how much we appreciate them, and to just do a night of fun. I want to do it my way, and still have some of the traditional things, but I want to do it my way. I really hope and want everyone to come and check it out because, if you have been wondering about us, this is your chance to see what you have been missing while raising the funds necessary for us to continue broadening the horizons for those that we can help and those that we hope to take care of in the future. So we are trying to really push it!
ASH: Mayor Gregory Wheeler personally dedicated a holiday in your honor. How did this recognition come about, and what does it mean to you?
DOC: It means a lot! You know, I used to joke around with my brothers that one day I would have a key to the city or a day of my own, and to see it actually happening was really cool. I don’t know, I really think it was just being consistent that made it happen. And G. Wheeler let me know, and my mom was here, and he told me that it was happening. That’s when I knew it was something special, and I really appreciate it.
ASH: How do you see the intersection of music, community, and impact, and how has it evolved over time?
DOC: I mean, anything I do, I’m mixing it all together, even when I eat my food, that’s what I do. That’s just what it is, man. Even when it comes to the artists I deal with, that’s just what they do. They all volunteer as part of our community outreach and all the community things that we do, so it all just goes back together. They get to know and be around people in the community doing the work, and they themselves are doing the work. So, you know, when we get together, it’s just a big family of people helping people. By the way, those artists are LADYDICE and Veezy, so go out there and check them out.
ASH: In what ways do you envision continuing to make a positive impact on Kitsap County in the future?
DOC: I’m looking for sponsors and funds because I want to raise enough money so that the kids in and across Kitsap County who play Pee-wee sports never have to pay to play sports in Kitsap County. That’s what I’m trying to do. In five years, I want to make it so no kid in Kitsap County will have to pay to play Pee-wee sports ever again. That’s one of my goals. But other than that, we just want to do more and be more consistent and more regular. // ASH BLACK
THE INAUGURAL ‘DOCLUVTHEKIDS’ GALA 6-9 p.m. Nov. 10, all ages, tickets are $75, hosted by Victor C. Henley Jr., at the Marvin Williams Center in Downtown Bremerton. Also check out ‘Feed The Streets Holiday Feast’ free meals for families and individuals in need Nov. 20. More on the socials @docluvthekids
