Meet Ms. Sherrell Young!
When I sit down with her, it’s immediately clear that Tacoma isn’t just where she lives, it’s who she is and how it is more than just home to her. Born and raised here, she carries a deep pride for her city and the people who make it what it is. Her roots run especially deep; her grandmother was one of the first African American female pastors in the Northwest, a woman who instilled in her the value of loving your community and giving back. It is more than the saying; “There’s no place like home,” as she expresses with a smile. “All four seasons are a beauty at its best, the greenery is unmatched, and the people they’re what keep me here.”
Evidently Tacoma has shaped more than just her address, it has shaped her worldview and created a life. She speaks openly about the challenges she’s faced growing up here, how she’s overcome them, and how those experiences now drive her to help others reach for something greater. Often people compare between Tacoma and Seattle, with a beautiful smile and admit there’s some truth to it, “Seattle is a big city, but Tacoma feels homey. Through her eyes the people are deeply connected to our local businesses and our community. It’s a different kind of energy here.
When I ask about hidden gems, her eyes light up. She mentions the city’s stunning murals and public art, but also points to the downtown corridor a walkable collection of small bars and restaurants, each with its own flavor and charm. “The food and drinks are amazing,” she says, “and the atmosphere is pure Tacoma.” I have to admit, I myself drive down town Tacoma and the view at night is as stunning as when the people lit it up in the day.
But she doesn’t shy away from talking about the harder side of the city’s story. Covid and rising homelessness have taken their toll, yet she speaks with hope, seeing the work being done at the RISE Center, where she’s been part of the team since nearly the beginning. She helps connect people to resources that change lives. Whether there is funding or not, we show up with smiles, ready to serve. That’s the heart of this city.
She sees Tacoma’s diversity in art, culture, and local business as essential to its future. “It brings people together. It’s what makes us who we are.” To her, community here is family, the kind that steps in when you’re in need, whether it’s through organized programs or something as simple as lending a neighbor a cup of milk. Our conversation inevitably turns to the city’s most pressing challenge: homelessness. She speaks in depth about the need for more resources and stronger organizations to help people find stability. “The work we do at the RISE Center is part of the solution. But it takes the whole community to work together, all of us.”
Before our time ends, I ask her what she’d recommend to someone visiting Tacoma for the first time. Without hesitation, she says, “Start with downtown nightlife and then walk Ruston Way Waterfront. You’ll see exactly why I love it here.” And, of course, she insists no trip is complete without a clear view of Mt. Rainier. That is a plus for me. I am with her on this one, “It’s not just a backdrop, it’s an inspiring muse. How can you look at it and not see God’s beauty?” She says!
Looking ahead, she sees herself right here in ten years still giving, still loving, still serving. “God put it in my heart to be here, to care for people as if she were serving Him directly,” she tells me. And as I leave, I realize that her story is more than a love letter to Tacoma; it’s a reminder that the soul of a city lives in the people who call it home.
