The Struggle to Stay in the Central District
Seattle’s Central District was shaped by racist real estate and financial practices, but kept vibrant and loved by its Black residents. The neighborhood is now a shadow of its former self. Many of the former residents have been priced out of living there. Houses in this neighborhood are selling for at least a million dollars today, with property taxes shooting up each year. (more…)
Black Families Navigating the School System
Emijah Smith assists Black families in the region navigating the school systems. Smith shares her own experiences in advocating for her loved ones and what led her on this path. (more…)
Juan Hood – Westlake Station
How do you bring humanity to your workday? Juan Hood, a 26 year King County Metro employee brought this spirit into his job when he worked as shop 2 custodian assigned to downtown Seattle’s Westlake Station at the time of this interview in 2020. He describes the connection he makes with the commuters at the station.
Racialized Trauma
Racial and inter-generational trauma can be destructive to the body, mind, and spirit. A person of color may wonder why they’re triggered when they watch racially-based, television stories, see a police car in the rearview mirror or a Confederate flag on the back of a truck. KBCS’s Kevin P. Henry interviews Estilla Lightfoot, who teaches courses on this topic at Tulane University in New Orleans.
Black Coffee Northwest
Empowerment and racial pride are paramount for the Black community. Despite centuries of oppression, many African Americans strive to start and maintain their own businesses to create personal and generational wealth. Black businesses such as barbershops and eateries, along with churches, have historically been safe social harbors for community members.
Executive Director Beth Takekawa Retires From Wing Luke Museum
Beth Takekawa, the Executive Director of the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience is retiring after 24 years of leadership.
Takekawa reflects on the importance of a museum where stories are gathered and shared from the Asian Pacific American community’s perspective.
Thank you to the South Seattle Emerald for partnership on a print version of this story.
Producer: Yuko Kodama
Photo: Courtesy of Sharon Maeda
Not Yo’ Butterfly – Nobuko Miyamoto
Nobuko Miyamoto is an activist, music and dance artist, who found her political and artistic voice in the Asian American movement. As a child, she and her parents were incarcerated in the internment camps. Later, she performed on Broadway and has since produced many creative works. Over the past few decades, Miyamoto has been facilitating workshops to encourage her community to tell their personal stories. Listen to Miyamoto’s reflection of the past year and the importance of expressing your story. (more…)
Advocating Against Domestic Violence
When Mariners fan, Mike Clark heard about a 5k fundraiser that winds through each level at T-Mobiile Park and ends with a lap on the ball field, he signed up. The fundraiser was for the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WSCADV). Ten years later, he’s still a staunch advocate against domestic violence.
The Refuse to Abuse 5K is Saturday, July 17th starting 8:30 am.
Juneteenth
After much discussion, Congress passed legislation to establish Juneteenth as a national holiday. President Joe Biden signed the bill on June 17, 2021.
This series features perspectives on Juneteenth. It covers some details behind the historical event on June 19, 1865. You’ll also listen to local people speak on what Juneteenth means to them.
- Kwami Abdul- Bey is a Co-convener of the Arkansas Peace and Justice Memorial Movement and a Trustee of the Arkansas Historical Association. He talks about the details of June 19, 1965. He also addresses how the way we discuss Juneteenth is related to how we talk about the white mob attack on Black Wall Street and the current discussion on critical race theory.
- Fred Sims Jr. of Shoreline Organized Against Racism speaks about what Juneteenth means to him.
- Artist, Myron Curry has worked on a Juneteenth mural in Shoreline. Learning Black history has changed his life perspective.
- Local resident, Leslie shares her experience learning about Juneteenth in San Jose, CA
Resources for things to do for Juneteenth:
South Seattle Emerald’s list of events
Photo: courtesy of City of Shoreline
Producers: Kevin Henry, Gol Holghooghi, Yuko Kodama
Black Wall Street and the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre
For Black Business Month, you’ll listen to a story on the riots which ended Black Wall Street, a community in Tulsa Oklahoma, which was home to a thriving black economy and vibrant neighborhood. In 1921, this area was raized to the ground by an armed white mob. 103 year old Dr. Olivia Hooker was hiding under a table in her home, when strangers came into her home to destroy her family’s belongings. 91.3’s David Joseph called her where she lives in New York to have her share her experience from the days of Black Wall Street, and the day the neighborhood was destroyed. (originally posted, August 13, 2017)