Race And Equity

Education

Playing 'the floor is lava' for a more equitable PTA in South Seattle

Families are holding a 'move-a-thon' in South Seattle all week to work on a big gap in public schools: Parent Teacher Association funding.

Government

Washington lawmakers of color announce departures, one calls the work environment ‘toxic’

In recent years, Washington’s Legislature has grown more diverse. And majority Democrats have emphasized diversity and equity as core values. But now three members of color, out of nearly 30, are stepping down from the Legislature after serving just one full term. One of them describes the legislative work environment as toxic.

Arts & Life

Poet reflects on the intersection of Black art and a new generation of racial trauma

‘If black children belong to us, and we need not be mothers or fathers or even black for black children to belong to us, a part of us is always vigilant, and always exhausted.’

Politics

Stop saying 'marijuana'? Lawmakers say it's racist

Washington State Governor Jay Inslee (D) recently signed a bill striking the word “marijuana” from the text of all state law. The measure says to use the word “cannabis” instead. The effort in Washington is part of a national movement to retire the word.

Seattle officials say they're fighting crime in this district. The community is fighting for their 'legacy'

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell says he has a plan to stop crime in “hotspots,” like Little Saigon in the Chinatown-International District. But is that the right approach?

Arts & Life

From prison chain gang to art world notoriety, the life and work of Winfred Rembert

‘We had been married over five years before he decided that he would even mention to me what had happened. I just knew he was having trouble sleeping. And this is the kind of torture that followed him until he died.’

Education

'The future just shifted.' How an educator made space for youth of color during the pandemic

Elementary teacher Fernell Miller noticed the lack of mental health support for students of color during the pandemic and decided to do something about it. The Root of Our Youth, an organization Miller started 30 years ago, offers students a space of healing, joy, and connection.

Race & Identity

Black runners find a path in Seattle

Running is an easy way to get exercise, with great health benefits. But it’s far from simple for Black runners as they head out the door. NY Times columnist Kurt Streeter talks about running while Black in his Seattle neighborhood. And Johnny Fikru, captain of Black Men Run Seattle, shares how running with a group of Black men builds community and creates a safe space

Arts & Life

Defining disability justice and celebrating ‘crip-centric liberated zones’

‘Crip Kinship: The Disability Justice & Art Activism of Sins Invalid’

Government

Latino voters sue over Yakima Valley's new legislative maps

‘…in reality, Latinos are having their votes diluted in the district, because they're being grouped in with rural white voters that have voting patterns that are opposite Latino voters.’