John and Mary Conna were African-American pioneers in the early history of Washington State. 

Today, the Conna family partnered with King County Metro to celebrate the Conna Family NW Black Pioneers project at 1157 S. 320th Street in Federal Way. The family organizers said the bus shelter photo mural pays homage to their lives and celebrates their contributions to national and local civic causes, political activism, and land ownership in our state.

"John Conna's story is truly remarkable," Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell said. “He was a businessperson and owned 157 acres at the southeast side of Panther Lake here in Federal Way before his passing in 1921. 

"Born into slavery in Texas in 1843, Mr. Conna faced numerous challenges before gaining his freedom and fighting in Civil War battles, including the Siege of Port Hudson, Louisiana. He was appointed assistant sergeant-at-arms of the 1889 Washington Territorial House of Representatives."

As the Conna legacy inspires everyone to overcome adversity and strive for greatness, John’s great-granddaughter, Maisha Barnett, hopes her great-grandfather will become the first African-American to have a landmark in Federal Way.