It’s been a year since my friend Scott Morrow passed away, and I still think of him often. In fact, my daughter and I talk about “my work friend who died” often. Scott’s passing was the first experience my kid has had with the concept of death. She brought him up just last week, and while internally navigating how much to talk with my kid about death at her ripe young age of 4, these discussions are also an opportunity to reflect on life with, and without, Scott in it.
For those who don’t know, Scott Morrow started the first Seattle self-managed encampment in the city of Seattle in 1990 and was the organizer of Nickelsville. He had a grand vision of what society can and should be, he practiced radical love and was unabashed in his advocacy that those who are unhoused should be able to organize their living conditions themselves. In this year without Scott, we’ve seen Nickelsville appoint Jarvis Capucion as its organizer. Scott’s widow, Peggy Hotes, continues organizing with SHARE and Nickelsville.
The ideas that Scott helped cultivate, and advocate for, live on.
Over this past year I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with Scott’s mother, Shirley Morrow, on a few occasions, and I always leave these conversations feeling inspired to carry on his memory.
Scott's legacy is a heavy mantle for those of us who wish to carry it forward. Our efforts will look different than those he would have embarked on: We are different people, but motivated by the same fire of justice that kept Scott going until the end.
Rest in peace, my friend.
Read more of the Apr. 19-25, 2023 issue.