Lyle Quasim: Show Up, Suit Up, and Engage!

This film spotlights the monumental civil rights victories of Lyle Quasim. Born in Chicago but claiming Tacoma as his home and cause, Mr. Lyle transformed the city through relentless activism—from a confirmed socialist to the presidency of Bates Technical College to founding co-director of Safe Streets to becoming the first Black director of Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services. His guiding mantra, “Get up, show up, and engage!” (which might even become the film’s title), pulses through every scene. Through spirited interviews with prominent Tacomans, Kwabi Amoah‑Forson (Peace Bus), uncovers Mr. Lyle’s legacy, delighting in every story and revelation as he listens, learns, and celebrates a life of service.

Co-directed by Joanne Lisosky and Derek Nunn, this film is the latest in a series titled Our Communities, Our Neighbors, produced by the Chinese Reconciliation Project Foundation with funding from Tacoma Creates.