Limitless, Stories from the Neighborhood that Shaped Seattle, is the culmination of a multi-year oral history project in Seattle’s historically redlined Central District neighborhood. Stories of innovation, interdependence, self-determination, creativity, and resistance are illustrated by seven artists with roots in the CD.

The people of Seattle’s Central District, forced together by discriminatory housing practices, built a thriving community that felt limitless to those who grew up there. Racist and restrictive policies meant to keep Central District residents in their place instead fueled creativity and resistance. These oral histories recorded by the Shelf Life Community Story Project, and illustrated by Central District artists, reveal how one neighborhood’s innovation, art, and action shaped Seattle in ways that still resonate today.

Published by Chin Music Press. Edited by Jill Freidberg. Illustrated by Inye Wokoma, Romson Bustillo, Jite Agbro, Damon Brown, Bonnie Hopper, Erini Shigaki, and Chi Moscou-Jackson. Assistant Story Editor, Ariel Paine. Interviews conducted by Mayowa Aina, Domonique Meeks, Jill Freidberg, Rachel Kessler, Luvetra Miles, Chieko Phillips, Leilani Lewis, Henry Luke, and Sara Post. This project was supported, in part, by grants from King County 4Culture and the City of Seattle Office of Arts and Culture.

Jas Keimig’s glowing review in the South Seattle Emerald

Purchase the book at Elliott Bay Books, Chin Music Press, or Third Place Books

Book Release Events:

November 19, 2025: Wa Na Wari, 911 24th Ave, 7-9pm

Artists Inye Wokoma and Romson Bustillo, as well as assistant story editor, Ariel Paine, will be there to talk about their work in the book.

December 4, 2025 Third Place Books Seward Park,
7-8:30pm More Info

Artists Damon Brown and Erin Shigaki will join community members Phyllis Beatty Yasutake and Cecil Beatty to discuss the book, their stories, and their art.