Black History Today, created by Marcus Harden in honor of Black History Month, pays tribute to the living legacy of Black history in our community and beyond and recognizes the people among us who are boldly shaping the future.

By Marcus Harden

Some words that I once cherished—words I held tightly, believing in their weight and meaning—have begun to take on a different meaning for me. I have found that as I grow, I gently unravel them from my vernacular. Not because they are “bad,” but because they are rooted in a culture of dominance rather than a culture of service.

One such word is legacy. Webster defines it as “the long-lasting impact of particular events, actions, etc., that took place in the past, or of a person’s life.” It is, without question, a powerful word.

But I have come to believe that legacy is not something that exists solely in the past—it is not a word of reflection but of action. Legacy is the light someone brings into a room through their spirit, as well as the light that remains when they leave it. It is the energy they pour into the world through their words. It is the faith, the hope, and the love they leave behind in the wake of their deeds.

And when I think of someone who embodies a Living Legacy, no name shines brighter than Robert Delgardo.

For nearly three decades, Coach Delgardo and his extraordinary wife, Tracey, have been pillars of service—both seen and unseen—in Southeast Seattle. Coach Delgardo, as I have always called him, is more than just a coach. He has given his heart, time, and wisdom to generations of young men at the storied Rainier Beach High School, shaping not just athletes but leaders, scholars, and men of character.

Of course, his impact does not stop at the sidelines. He has opened his home, wallet, and soul to the community, standing in the gap for those in need while raising his incredible children—never once missing a beat.

But what makes his living legacy so profound is not just the heart work—it is also the mind work. Coach Delgardo has been a driving force behind community empowerment, tirelessly fighting against gentrification, advocating for equitable development, and leading organizations such as M.A.R.S. (Math, Art, Reading, and Science) Early Learning Academy, The Black Pioneers, and the Rainier Beach Resource Center. He serves without seeking recognition, continually shifting the spotlight toward the causes and people he loves.

Perhaps the most profound testament to his character came in 2004 when he was stabbed by a young man he had tried to mentor and guide. As he lay in the hospital, surrounded by worried family and friends, Coach Delgardo did something remarkable—he prayed for the young man who had harmed him. He prayed for his healing, for his redemption, and his family. In that moment, he lived out the words of Bryant H. McGill, who said, “There is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love.”

This is who Coach Delgardo is. A man of unwavering faith, boundless love, and relentless service. His ripples of impact stretch far beyond this city, and the lives he has touched will carry his light forward for generations to come.

Too often, we wait too long to give our pioneers their flowers. Coach Delgardo deserves not just a bouquet, but entire gardens in full bloom.

He is a community beacon.
He is a legacy in motion.
And beyond a shadow of a doubt—he is Black History Today.