Seattle proclaims June 16 as Conner Dassa‑Holland Day; family urges action on gun violence

The Seattle City Council on June 16 suspended its rules to present a proclamation naming June 16 "Conner Dassa‑Holland Day," honoring a Rainier Beach native described by councilmembers as a student‑athlete, mentor and community leader. Councilmembers affixed their signatures and presented the proclamation to Conner’s family in chambers.

Council remarks highlighted Conner’s leadership roles at Rainier Beach High School, his attendance at the University of Washington and a commitment the presenter summarized in Conner’s own words: "Change the world. Our systems are wrong." The presenter asked colleagues to support the proclamation as a way to preserve Conner’s legacy.

Conner’s mother, Alicia Dassa, spoke at the meeting and described the family’s ongoing grief. She said her son’s killing on May 10, 2020, remains unsolved and appealed directly to the city to do more to curb gun violence in Rainier Beach. "We still live in Rainier Beach — he was Rainier Beach — how can we leave our home?" Dassa said, urging the council to remember South Seattle neighborhoods when voting on policy and budget matters.

Family remarks repeatedly returned to community impact: Dassa said dozens of young people connected to her household have since been victims of gun violence, and she pressed the council to translate proclamations into action. "When all these kids are being killed, the south end matters as much as the rest of the city," she said.

Council members and other speakers in the chamber applauded as the family accepted the proclamation. The city president noted the presentation would be followed by the council’s public comment period and the remainder of the scheduled meeting.

What’s next: The proclamation is a symbolic recognition and will be added to the council’s record; family leaders used the occasion to ask for policy attention and community resources to reduce gun violence in Rainier Beach and other affected neighborhoods.