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FREE EST. 1974 —SEATTLE VOLUME 42, NUMBER 6 — MARCH 18, 2015 – MARCH 31, 2015
THE NEWSPAPER OF NORTHWEST ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN COMMUNITIES. FIND YOUR INSPIRASIAN.
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Black Blue Brown
TALKING ABOUT RACISM IN SEATTLE P8 CHINGLISH A WITTY PRODUCTION P11
ASIAN AMERICAN HOMELESS NEED VISIBILITY P10
2 — March 18, 2015 – March 31, 2015
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
IE OPINION
Asian Coalition for Equality: ACT within the community By David Vo
Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center. Our overarching themes this year are identity and unity. By cultivating a deep awareness and appreciation of Asian identities, participants will learn to be able to identify and comprehend the discrimination that our communities face. Unity encompasses the collaboration across ethnic and racial lines in the fight for equality.
Guest Columnist
The University of Washington is often viewed as an institution where Asian students rule the campus. People turn left and right and can see Asians everywhere. Asians are not seen as the minority at UW Seattle and the prevalence of Asians on this campus masks the struggles and oppressions of the people who make up this demographic. At this school, realizing the discrimination and hardships that the Asian community faces is difficult. Asian Coalition for Equality (ACE) is a unique organization on this campus that strives to dismantle the stigmas and preconceived notions that people at UW and Seattle have about Asians. ACE breaks down the barriers of ignorance and racism in order to increase awareness of marginalization within our communities, advocacy for equal representation and resources, and collaboration within the Asian community and across color lines. Asians and Asian Americans do have problems and are not the “model minority.”
ACE resides in a unique niche at the University of Washington and Seattle. We consist of a generation of youth that have a desire to learn and advocate for our communities. We want to form relationships with other students and community organizations to collaborate around issues of social justice. ACE is not just a social venue or a mere forum to express anger and frustration. ACE is focused on using action to resist oppression. ACE was one of the first organizations in Seattle that organized Asians to build solidarity with other races and fight for civil rights. In 1969, ACE demanded for the inclusion of Asian Americans into the University of Washington’s Special Education Program and the affirmative action recruiting. That same year, ACE protested for job equality and police repression. Individuals of ACE united with the community and other races to protect and secure civil rights.
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Established in 1974, the International Examiner is the only non-profit pan-Asian American media organization in the country. Named after the International District in Seattle, the “IE” strives to create awareness within and for our APA communities. 409 Maynard Ave. S. #203, Seattle, WA 98104. (206) 624-3925. iexaminer@iexaminer.org.
To facilitate the learning, discussion, and action, ACE has selected excellent individuals to host interactive workshops, panelists, and performances. Our keynote speakers consist of Judge Dean Lum and former Washington State Gov. Gary Locke.
Attendees at the first ACT Conference shared insights about their identities on signs on February 8, 2014 at the Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center. • Courtesy Photo
In 2015, the passion for Asian and Asian American advocacy is still present. ACE continues to work with other organizations at the University of Washington and community members. We have fought for the creation of a permanent Southeast Asian Recruiter position at the University of Washington, facilitated the remembrance and conversation regarding Vincent Chin, created space for the discussion of the sexualization of Asian women, and brought leaders, activists, and students together to connect. We serve as a bridge to bring the community onto the campus of UW and UW into the community. Through collaboration, ideas, and aspirations, the beginnings of change and movements can transpire. Our signature marquee event is the annual Asians Collaborating Together (ACT) Conference. The ACT Conference is an opportunity and space for students and community members to engage in and learn about their own identities and to use that knowledge to act and contribute to society. This conference is different than other events that are hosted at the University of Washington because
of the ACT Conference’s emphasis on leadership and power through education. ACT is more than a leadership conference and is greater than just a social gathering; it is a space wholly for our community.
The 2015 ACT Conference takes place on April 4 at the Samuel E.
The following is an open letter by activist Alan Sugiyama to Seattle Police Department Chief Kathleen O’Toole regarding her March 11 announcement of four new appointments to the SPD command staff: I had the pleasure to meet you on your first day on the job when you were meeting with small groups of community members. I was impressed when you said you believed in diversity from top to bottom. I pointed out that the last four police chiefs also said that but none had APIs on their command staff. You went on to say your staff would look like the people you serve. Based on the picture in the Seattle Times, no one on your new team looks like me. As far as I’m concerned when it comes to hiring APIs at the command or cabinet level, it’s business as usual. APIs represent the largest minority group in Seattle, so not to be included on your new team is not acceptable.
EDITOR IN CHIEF Travis Quezon
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ADVERTISING MANAGER Kathy Ho
HERITAGE EDITOR Jacqueline Wu
BUSINESS MANAGER Ellen Suzuki finance@iexaminer.org
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ryan Catabay ryan@RN2.co
Tickets for the conference can be purchased at: http://bit.ly/act-2015
SPD command doesn’t look like me
IE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ron Chew, President Steve Kipp, Vice President Gary Iwamoto, Secretary Maria Batayola, Treasurer Arlene Oki, At-Large
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With Locke, Lum, and a gamut of other community leaders, the Asians Collaborating Together Conference is a unique opportunity for everyone to congregate, build relationships, and take action. Come and learn about Black and Asian relations, historical collaborations, rights, and much more. Events like the ACT Conference do not come around often, so please attend.
editor@iexaminer.org
ARTS EDITOR Alan Chong Lau
OPERATIONS MANAGER Jacob Chin DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Third Andresen VIDEOGRAPHER Tuyen Kim Than
Alan Sugiyama
PROOFREADER Anna Carriveau CALENDAR EDITOR Nina Huang LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Keoke Silvano CONTRIBUTORS David Vo Alexa Rio Osaki Maureen Francisco Atia Musazay Ana Sofia Knauf Susan Kunimatsu Roxanne Ray
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INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
March 18, 2015 – March 31, 2015 — 3
IE OPINION
Boycott: Speak up for those who are forced to be silent By Alexa Rio Osaki
power as we once did during the New Deal era, but the power of community solidarity has never changed.
IE Columnist
Asian Pacific Islander labor has never been a recent phenomenon within United States history. Yet, within mainstream education, we are time and time again left out of American labor history. Since the “discovery” age and settlers, people of color have been the sole backbone to modern civilization. From chattel slavery, Chinese railroad workers, Japanese plantation workers, Mexican Braceros (just to name a few out of many), the United States has always been dependent on our incomparable work ethic. Yet, we are still continuously subjected as foreign commodities, despite our contributions. Instead, mainstream society defines the start of the U.S. American labor era as the boom of the 1930 auto and textile industry. Even as a student within the University of Washington’s Labor Studies department, the majority definition of American labor has always been defined by an era where white males of the Midwest mobilized in response to exploitative work environments. Coming together with common experiences of institutionalized oppression, these individuals ultimately created unions that held enough bargaining power to sway the course of major political campaigns. Yes, these moments in U.S. history are essential to the American identity, but why aren’t the rest of our histories allowed to be equally represented as well? As Asian Pacific Islander Americans, not only did we endure harsh working conditions and exploitation, but we have had to fight the consequences of repetitive Asian exclusion acts and racial discrimination. Our fights and revolutions have always been on multiple fronts, yet our experiences are only a little well known. As an individual of the “millennial era,” I urge my generation to continue learning about our histories. Not just as a series of events, but as lessons to study. Because despite all our advancements, history still repeats itself today. Since the beginning of January 2015, I have had the opportunity to serve as a student volunteer with UNITE HERE! Local 8, a labor union located in the historic Belltown Labor Temple. Although I was raised in the world of community organizing, labor and labor unions were waters unknown to me. It wasn’t until I met my supervisor, Eunice How, that I realized I had overlooked one of the most common, yet substantial communities of our city. Even as a service industry employee myself, I was amazed by how much I took the efforts of the labor community for granted. Ergo, thanks to Eunice and a large dose of humility, I quickly learned about the various disputes and injustices happening within Seattle.
Currently in Seattle, there has been an ongoing labor dispute by workers at the Grand Hyatt and at the Hyatt at Olive 8 hotels; both owned by developer Richard Hadreen. In July 2013, UNITE HERE! and the Hyatt Hotels reached a national agreement. Within this resolution, workers were allowed a fair
Workers and community supporters get behind Hyatt workers in a rally and picket line in front of the Grand Hyatt Seattle on February 13. Workers at the Grand Hyatt at the Hyatt at Olive 8 called for a boycott in August 2013 and are demanding better working conditions and the right to vote on unionization. • Photo by Isaac Liu
process to vote whether or not they want to be a union. This applied to all U.S. Hyatt hotels. However, in Seattle, this process has not yet been granted to its workers of both the Grand Hyatt and Olive 8. In response, workers of the hotels called for a boycott in August 2013—a movement that has since gained momentum and citywide support by state representatives, senators, community organizations, and non-profits. Initially, it was challenging to see how a student volunteer could make any impact in a fight against a multimilliondollar corporation. The union was David and Goliath had manifested himself into luxurious skyscrapers. They had power, money, and SPD on speed dial. And for many of the general public, it would seem like a lost cause. But I was swiftly proven wrong. Within seconds of my first day, myself and other students watched videos and stories of Hyatt workers. Many people of color, some first generation, but all with experiences commonly shared within our community. It was 2015 and workers still had to fight for the basic rights of dignity and respect. The thought of who would win was no longer relevant. Instead I was reminded that fighting for the sake of equality, wherever it be, is what mattered most. As a Japanese Filipina American, I had come from a line of workers that had to fight bigotry and adversity, just for the sake of fair and equal treatment of their and my generation. Thus we as union activists had an obligation to continue that fight. Tactically, we used weekly phone banking and leafleting as a way to call attention to the actions of the Hyatt hotels. Many national organizations hold annual conferences at the downtown Convention Center and in turn book rooms at the Hyatt hotels, which are in close proximity. Through each phone call and leaflet, our hope was to educate these organizations and the general public on the labor disputes within the hotels they were investing thousands of dollars in. Some were sincerely concerned, a number were annoyed by our committed persistence, but most were simply and disappointingly indifferent.
For the majority, it’s easy to disengage our feelings from situations that don’t directly affect our livelihood. It’s simple to look the other way, when we aren’t the victims. But as members of the APIA community, it is vital we continue to recognize our unique history that is heavily tied with our community today. Especially for my Generation Y/Millennial population. As youth, many of us have the privilege of greater economic and educational opportunity than our parents. But that is solely because of the fights against adversity, they have had to face. Without their efforts, we undoubtedly would not have the social power we currently hold. Labor unions may not have the same political bargaining
Currently, the workers of the Hyatt hotels are still on boycott demanding the basic rights of dignity and respect. This past February, UNITE HERE! successfully held their third picket line outside the entrance of the Grand Hyatt. Using bullhorns, gongs, and party noisemakers, we marched up and down the block chanting at the top of our lungs. People of different ethnic, class, gender, and age backgrounds showed their support and even attracted curious bystanders on the streets of downtown. I made it onto at least 20 different Snapchats. It was an event to be proud of. Regardless of what side you were on, you recognized there are still agencies that exist, dedicated to helping others obtain their basic rights. But despite its success, with every day that passes, the workers of the Hyatt hotels are still selflessly risking their livelihood for the sake of their families and others—sentiment reminiscent of every APIA generation before us. Therefore, as a form of solidarity, I ask those of the community to offer their support and help speak up for those that are forced to be silenced. Help continue this boycott of the Grand Hyatt and Hyatt at Olive 8 hotels until these workers are met with the respect and dignity they have always deserved. We must continue to learn about the history of the APIA labor movement, so moments like this aren’t shoved into the shadows of American history.
Letter to the Editor Honeyford’s remarks show need for education, discussion about race The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), Seattle Chapter is disheartened by the recent comments made by Washington State Senator Jim Honeyford of the 15th Legislative District, who said: “The poor are more likely to commit crimes and colored more likely to be poor. I didn’t say anything other than that. And I believe that’s an accepted fact.” Honeyford followed this by stating he was not only referring to “the Negro or the Hispanic.”
JACL Seattle is disappointed with Sen. Honeyford’s use of these outdated terms, particularly when they are used during formal legislative proceedings. Honeyford’s remarks show a true need for more education for many in our state, elected and not, on how to speak about race and communities of color.
Sen. Honeyford’s remarks, while offensive and outdated, give us all an opportunity to engage in a discussion about race in our state. This discussion can be furthered by passage of SB 5752, regarding the creation of Racial Impact Statements. SB 5752 will allow broadscale cooperation between agencies, experts, and communities of color to ensure our elected officials can engage in open, honest, and informed discussions on race in Washington. JACL Seattle commends Sen. Honeyford for making a public apology, and the organization commends him for committing to better understand communities of color in his district and our state. Washington is an increasingly diverse place, making it even more important that our public servants work to understand the issues and values of all communities of color. The Japanese American Citizens League, aware of our responsibilities as the nation’s oldest and largest Asian-American civil rights organization, is committed to facilitating a greater understanding of communities of color, and promoting a world that honors diversity by respecting values of fairness, equality, and social justice.
Paul Tashima JACL Seattle Chapter President
4 — March 18, 2015 – March 31, 2015
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
IE OPINION
Discrimination déjà vu at Delta Western, Inc. By Maria Batayola IE Columnist Alaska and Seattle have a longstanding complex relationship with many of Alaska’s workforce coming through and/or coming from Seattle, and representing labor unions and parent companies located here.
At Dutch Harbor Alaska, eight employees of Delta Western Incorporated, including Manolito “Mo” Reyes and Leo Dacio, filed a discrimination complaint with the federal Equal Employment Opportunities Commission. The complaint alleges 1) substandard working conditions for Filipinos and Asian Pacific Islander employees living and working locally, 2) the ban on the use of Tagalog at the work place, 3) harassment, 4) retaliation, and 5) the termination of Reyes. Delta Western Incorporated is an oil distribution company. Reyes and Dacio had previously filed with the National Labor Relations Board. The employees have been informed that Delta Western Incorporated will be prosecuted. This lends some credence to the discrimination complaint.
Four local civil rights organizations, the Filipino American Political Action Group of Washington, the Asian Pacific Islander Coalition of King County, the Japanese American Citizens League Seattle Chapter, and OCA—Asian Pacific Advocates Greater Seattle sent a joint letter to Delta Western Incorporated’s parent company Saltchuk Family of Companies’ president Timothy Engle. They are asking him to intervene to mitigate the harm and prevent further discrimination and retaliation during the course of the EEOC investigation. Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance’s Rick Polintan participated in an initial dialogue with Mr. Engle. “Didn’t we take care of this in the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s?” OCA president Jacqueline Wu wryly commented. Apparently not as American amnesia continues. It all does sound so very familiar.
For more information, contact Rich Guirtiza, IBU, at rich@ibu.org; Adam Dalton, ILWU Marine Division, at adamdaltonibu@ymail.com; and Jon Brier, ILWU, at jon.brier@ilwu.org.
Hing Hay Coworks to inject entrepreneurial spirit into ID By Maria Batayola IE Columnist
allow our members to make meaningful connections to people and resources.”
Standing on Maynard Street across Hing Hay Park, one only has to look across the street to appreciate the grand bay windows on the second floor of the Bush Hotel. Historically, the space has been the home of a fancy Korean highend restaurant and more recently, the site for fantastic art installations under the Storefront program. Soon, it will be the location of Hing Hay Coworks.
• Level I: 7 days per month at $165 per month
Hing Hay Coworks is an economic development project of the Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority (SCIDpda). Conceptualized as a shared productive workspace with amenities, the hope is that entrepreneurs would benefit from each other through collaboration, partnership(s) and spark creativity in bringing ideas to market.
Hing Hay Coworks has four main membership levels catering to freelancers, independents, boutique agencies, and startups:
• Level II: 3 days per week at $255 per month
• Level III: 5 days per week at $375 per month • Level IV: Full Time with fixed desk at $475/mo. Starting this April, Hing Hay Coworks will be accepting membership applications.
The interesting challenge for Hing Hay Coworks is how to both preserve and revitalize the unique cultural flavors of Chinatown-ID. “The key is to attract a diverse set of innovative entrepreneurs who have an affinity to the different Asia Pacific Island cultures of the neighborhood,” Nguyen said. “We’re looking for people who can honor the past while creatively reimagine it for the 21st century.”
Space manager, Quang Nguyen said, “There has been a lot of interest in what’s going in that space these past few months. Our aim is to foster a diverse, vibrant, and sustainable community of entrepreneurs. We’re For more information, contact Hing creating a supportive environment for Hay Coworks manager Quang Nguyen at dreamer-doers at our workspace by quangn@scidpda.org. Like on Facebook at programing events and workshops that facebook.com/hhcoworks.
Announcement Minority Supplier Development Council honors local businesses the development of MBEs. Lin has won • AT&T, Regional Corporation of the several awards in diversity and is the Year. On Friday, the Northwest Mountain Chair of the MSDC’s Board. • Microsoft, National Corporation of the Minority Supplier Development Council • Alexis Oliver, director of the Year. (MSDC) recognized several executives, companies, and leaders in the field of Washington State Office of Minority The evening’s program included a minority supplier development. The & Women’s Business Enterprises, silent auction that benefited the Northwest MSDC presented the awards at its annual won the Champion Award for being a Mountain MSDC’s Scholarship Fund, Business Conference & Opportunity Fair public employee who creates business which provides funding for MBEs to and advances the participate in educational programs and on March 12, and at its Awards Dinner & opportunities development of MBEs. Silent Auction on March 13. More than MSDC training opportunities. The auction 300 business leaders representing more The MSDC honored the following netted $13,000 last year. than 60 companies attended the two suppliers and leaders in supplier diversity Fernando Martinez, MSDC president events. for their overall performance in 2014: and CEO, said of the event, “This IE News Services
value through supplier diversity. It is the epitome of our region’s successes last year. I truly enjoy the passion that everyone in the room brings to this event as we recognize our regional leaders.”
For more than 37 years, the Northwest Mountain MSDC has been linking major corporations and public agencies to minority-owned businesses, a multibillion dollar sector representing and impacting today’s global economy. The MSDC serves the states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, and Washington. For more information, visit The MSDC honored the following • El Mundo Communications, Inc., evening’s event is the epitome of creating www.nwmtnmsdc.org. advocates for supplier diversity: Class I Supplier of the Year (annual sales • Frank Lemos, president of LDC, Inc. of up to $1M). civil engineering group, won the John • ELYON International, Inc., Class A. Gilmore Award for being a Minority II Supplier of the Year (annual sales of Business Enterprise (MBE) advocate for $1M-$10M). fellow MBEs. Lemos currently serves • Dynamic Language, Class III on the MSDC’s Minority Business Supplier of the Year (annual sales of Enterprise Input Committee. $10M-$50M).
YOUR OPINION COUNTS
• Diane Lin, director of global • Zones, Inc., Class IV Supplier of the sourcing at Starbucks Corporation, won Year (annual sales of more than $50M). the Robert L. Ryan Award for being • University of Washington, Public a corporate employee who creates business opportunities and advances Agency of the Year.
Please share your concerns, your solutions, and your voices. Send a letter to the editor to editor@iexaminer.org with the subject line “Letter to the Editor.”
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
March 18, 2015 – March 31, 2015 — 5
IE COMMUNITY
New Denise Louie director Susan Yang: We must invest in early ed By Daniele Meñez IE Contributor Last week, I had the opportunity to sit down with Susan Yang in a busy coffee shop at the University District. As college students chatted around us, Yang and I discussed a field that many don’t often think about: the early learning system.
Yang is the new Executive Director of the Denise Louie Education Center, which provides comprehensive support to children and families to ensure their readiness in entering the K-12 system. The Center offers numerous programs for family support, child development, and mental health services. Although Yang was appointed just a few months ago, she has extensive experience in the early learning education field and has been a community leader for many years. She and I talked about the central issues in API education, her new role, and how she’ll address the Center’s challenges.
direct service organization that worked with intermediaries. I like being much closer to the families in that I’m helping others help the families. Now I can just walk in to a classroom and see how they’re doing. I can really see the kids that I’ve been working with more directly, policyYang wise. Meñez: What challenges does the Center face?
Yang: Well, in terms of early childhood education, there are a few things that we face. First of all, there’s an increased focus on preschool—especially with Obama’s proposal for universal pre-school. The City of Seattle also added a preschool plan with more funding, and Washington State is also interested in increasing preschool spots for lower-income children. So because of all of that, we have to learn Daniele Meñez: What past experiences how to navigate through all the different or positions have prepared you for this opportunities, because there are so many role as the new executive director of the different structures within them. Denise Louie Education Center? We’re trying to offer the best quality Susan Yang: I was in the learning service to children and families, and field for 15 years. My first job in college quality costs money. We have a set was working for a Head Start program amount of money that we receive, and it’s in Boston. I learned a lot of aspects a struggle to retain teachers because we regarding organizations, non-profits, and can’t pay them a lot. And for 80 percent of foundations. So I wasn’t 100 percent sure the kids, English isn’t their first language. that this [working at the Center] was the So the teachers do a lot to ensure a right move for me. But reflecting on my multicultural environment with support of career, one thing I hadn’t done was a the home language. They do their best to
ensure they’re supporting the kids in the best possible way. Our biggest restriction is financial. Most of the teachers are almost full-time, and we want to pay them what we can for the hours that they’re working.
Meñez: What are your plans for your new role and how do you propose to address the previously mentioned challenges? Yang: The reality is that all children deserve an equal opportunity. We as an organization feel that it’s our responsibility to give the children the best possible education. With so much focus on preschool, we’re concerned that there’s not enough focus on children who are younger than that age group. So we’re trying to think more about how we can grow our Early Head Start program as a feeder to our Head Start and preschool programs.
We’re always on the lookout for facilities in Seattle—it’s very hard to find due to cost. A lot of research also suggests that children should be in full-day care, but we’re a largely half-day program, so we have to figure out how to meet the changing climate and desire to have fullday preschool slots. We also have to ensure that we’re able to meet our budget every year, so we’re thinking of creative ways to retain the teachers we have and pay them what they’re worth. Meñez: What are the main issues in education that affect API families today?
Yang: The minimum wage. If it goes up, then there’s concern about how you’re going to pay people across the board,
and whether the families will still be eligible for the services—because families who are being paid $15 an hour (for forty hours a week) could likely be considered “overqualified” for our services (according to the Federal Poverty Guidelines). There are also immigration policy challenges that we have to think about. There are families who aren’t trying to access the Center because they don’t want to be found. State money is also an issue because most of the money will be invested towards the K-12 system. So the Center’s challenge is that we have enough funding to do a good job, but not enough to do a great one. The difference between good and great is largely what funds we have to raise every year. Meñez: Do you have anything else that you would like to say?
Yang: Early learning is fundamentally one of the most important things in society today. We have to educate the public that it’s a good investment if invested in correctly. It’s cliché, but it really does take a village to raise a kid. We all have to ensure that children today are doing well because they’re the ones who will be doing our roles and helping us in the future. We have to do our job now so that we can prepare them to be those leaders. We can be really shortsighted in the decisions we make, but the kids are where it’s at. The younger we start, the better off we are as a community.
Announcements
Call to community: API Blood Helping Link Drive honors Edwin Wong seeks board IE News Services
lack of different proteins and antibodies, to specific racial and ethnic groups.
To date, over 1,000 pints of blood have In partnership with Kin On, the blood been collected through the The API Blood and bone marrow drive continued far Drive & Bone Marrow Registration Event, beyond the original five-year commitment. saving over 3,000 lives. The event was started by Edwin Wong, who passed away This upcoming blood drive will be last Spring. held in honor of founder Edwin Wong, The initial idea was started after the or “Uncle Ed.” The drive will be held at passing of Edwin’s son, Kirby Wong, in Chinese Baptist Church, 5801 Beacon Ave. 2001. Edwin and his wife Anna started the South, Seattle, 98118 on Saturday, March Kirby Wong Memorial Blood Drive (now 21, 2015 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. known as the API Blood Drive & Bone Marrow Registration Event) to encourage more people of Asian descent to contribute to the community blood supply. Most patients requiring more than one blood transfusion require what we call a “Perfect Match” or else the body will reject it. A “Perfect Match” goes beyond the ABO/RH blood typing. Certain blood types are unique, through the existence or
applicants
Helping Link is currently seeking applicants to be part of its board of directors who seek to make a difference in the lives of Vietnamese immigrants and refugees and in the community.
Serving on Helping Link’s board of directors allows board members the opportunity to network with other To schedule an appointment, you may community leaders and non-profit agencies, contact Bloodworks NW at (800) 398-7888 while developing and demonstrating your own leadership abilities. or visit www.bloodworksnw.org/drives. Applications are being accepted through Kin On together with Bloodworks Northwest (Puget Sound Blood Center), April with service to begin in May. The National Association of Asian American application form can be downloaded online Professionals (NAAAP) Seattle Chapter, at http://www.helpinglink.org/board-ofChinese Baptist Church, and Blaine directors. Memorial United Methodist Church coFor more information, email sponsor this event. mdnguyen@helpignlink.org.
The International Examiner office has moved to the heart of the International District in the Bush Hotel. Our new address is: International Examiner 409 Maynard Ave. S. #203 Seattle, WA 98104
6 — March 18, 2015 – March 31, 2015
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
IE COMMUNITY
From mailroom to boardroom, Jesse Tam serves as the longest running volunteer for Seattle University’s Albers Mentor Program By Maureen Francisco IE Contributor
corporate, and investment banking. With such a foundation, it led me to become a founder of three independent community With a career that spans more than three banks in the State of Washington with decades in the banking and business world, offices among the Western States. Jesse Tam is passing his knowledge to future With my passion and personal entrepreneurs. The International Examiner background of being a true international caught up with Tam to talk about his service individual, I also enjoy the establishment as a volunteer for Seattle University’s Albers of my international consulting firm Mentor Program. focusing in the Asia Pacific Region. Maureen Francisco: You started your Mega Pacific Investments was formed in career working in the mailroom of a bank 1991 providing a full range of financial back in 1975. What lessons did you learn strategic and investment guidance for companies and individuals in managing from that experience? their financial affairs and business across Jesse Tam: My first job was in the national boundaries. mailroom in the basement of First Security Francisco: On March 18, 2015, you Bank in Boise, Idaho. It was a lesson will be celebrating 25 years as a mentor of life from the ground up. The value with Seattle University’s Albers School of understanding the true meaning of communication and connection with real of Business. I understand you started people via the distribution of each individual’s with the mentorship program from the mail was priceless. It is no different than in very beginning. today’s world through social media. There is Tam: I am also very glad to [have a real person behind each piece of mail, with stayed] on the program for the past 25 each email address, and for each fact of life. years and become the longest remaining We are all connected in one form or another. mentor with the program. Since the beginFrancisco: Walk us through your career. ning of the program, hundreds of mentors have been named and participated in the Tam: It has been a great ride with almost program, and thousands of students have 35 years of banking career from all levels also enjoyed the experiences and wonderand jobs in branch banking to management ful relationship with their mentors. Internof commercial, international, private, ship and job opportunities were developed
from many of those mentor/ mentee relationships. Francisco: What do you gain from being a mentor?
Tam: [The Tam students] keep me young with fresh thinking and knowledge. They also remind me of many fundamental principles of life that have never change.
a relationship. I have learned that most young people are eager to receive honest guidance from people who have more experience than they do. Francisco: You’ve mentored a lot of people. Describe your ideal person to coach.
Tam: General characteristics are mentees who are committed to finding the answer. They are not afraid to ask questions and are not willing to accept the barrier of time when everyone is really busy. They just don’t give up easily.
Francisco: How do you find a Francisco: Why is having a mentor so mentor? critical? In the Pan Asian community, Tam: Mentors have little to do with do you find that students are seeking age and stature. They are individuals who mentors? are willing to share and to discuss the Tam: Mentors are important to all of meaning of life and experiences to those us individually. It helps us to find our path who seek knowledge that’s lacking in through conversation and meaningful their individual lives. Seattle University’s dialogue with others who have more Albers School of Business is another experiences and expertise in certain resource. (Also visit http://www.seattleu. areas of interest. Oftentimes, ideas are edu/albers/programs/mentor.) bounced around through open and honest An event entitled “25 Years of discussion on issues. It is the same for all cultures with no boundaries. Seattle Inspired Lives Albers Mentor Program University’s program is a great example Celebrating Jesse Tam’s Community in establishing a secure and trustworthy Service as a Mentor” happens March environment to establish the mentor- 18, 2015 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at mentee relationship, thereby eliminating Seattle University Campus—Casey Hall. the mismatch or misunderstanding in By invitation only.
Announcements Bainbridge Island commemorates 73rd Anniversary of forced removal of Japanese Americans
in concentration camps, at 11:00 a.m. work will pause for a brief, informal commemoration featuring a special presentation by U.S. Rep, Derek Kilmer and the unveiling of a sculpture designed just for the memorial.
Greet to learn more about community organizations’ health/equity goals and projects. PSCAA will also share how its work impacts the health of your community.
The goals of the event are to: Everyone is welcome to drop by anytime and, if you wish, pitch in and • Share how air quality affects the help (please wear appropriate work health of your community. clothing, gloves and bring your own • Learn about the tools PSCAA uses gardening tools) and/or enjoy guided to monitor air quality and set equity tours of the memorial site—some hosted IE News Services priorities. by actual incarceration survivors. • Explore how PSCAA might work Inspired by the unique legacy of a together in the future to improve air community that welcomed their Japanese quality for everyone. American friends and neighbors home after World War II, volunteers will gather on Networking and light refreshments March 30 for “Service and Community” at from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Presentations the Bainbridge Island Japanese American from community groups and PSCAA Exclusion Memorial, offering landscaping from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Networking maintenance and improvements to the and informal information sharing from National Historic Site, located at Pritchard The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Park, 4192 Eagle Harbor Drive, Bainbridge (PSCAA) works in King, Kitsap, Pierce, Island. and Snohomish counties to protect public The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency Bainbridge Island commemorates health, improve neighborhood air quality Community Meet and Greet happens the 73rd Anniversary of the first forced and reduce the region’s contribution to Thursday, March 26 from 6:00 p.m. removal of Japanese Americans in World climate change. For the exact location, contact Caleb War II on from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. PSCAA is inviting community Feldman at CalebF@pscleanair.org or Also marking the 73rd Anniversary members to its Community Meet and (206) 689-4086. of the first Japanese Americans placed
Puget Sound Clean Air Agency reaches out to community
Aspiring journalist? The International Examiner needs news interns to assist with editorial duties, production, and reporting. Here’s your chance to learn practical and hands-on skills in newswriting, editing, proofreading, web design, social media, layout, and breaking news reporting. We’re looking for dedicated people with their hearts set on learning and putting what they learn to practice. Flexible hours. Please send a letter of interest and your resume to editor@iexaminer. org with the subject “IE News Intern.”
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TALK WITH YOUR KIDS ABOUT MARIJUANA. IT’S A SERIOUS FAMILY ISSUE.
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
March 18, 2015 – March 31, 2015 — 7
Marijuana use is illegal for anyone under 21 and can affect brain development, memory, motivation, and learning. Kids who use marijuana have an increased risk of lower grades, dropping out of school, and addiction – which can result in future health problems.
TALK WITH YOUR KIDS TODAY BEFORE THEY HEAR FROM SOMEONE ELSE.
LearnAboutMarijuanaWA.org
8 — March 18, 2015 – March 31, 2015
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
IE NEWS
#BlackBlueBrown: Panel explores Seattle’s institutionalized racism By Atia Musazay IE Contributor
Religious-based prejudice emerges
Galarosa said that as a practicing Muslim, she was upset when she saw her friends on Facebook posting about the Je Suis Charlie events in France and unknowingly jumping on a bandwagon without educating themselves. She said she saw people relying strictly on emotional reactions and using stereotypes propagated by the U.S. media, and noticed this was connected to the larger theme of institutionalized racism in this country.
When people are first oriented to the city of Seattle, it’s often Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, maybe the University District, that are marketed to newcomers. Hardly are the central and southern districts of Seattle associated with the image of the city. For many, half of Seattle doesn’t even exist. This trend, for example, happens at Seattle University when administrators are advertising to new students, said Tyrone Brown, a panel member who spoke at #BlackBlueBrown on February 25 in observance of Black History Month. The symposium featured a discussion about structural racism and injustice.
Sponsored by the Filipino American National Historical Society and Seattle University’s United Filipino Club, the symposium panelists talked about the ways that racism takes on subtle forms that are often difficult to recognize. These subtle forms of racism, for example, take shape in the way that the Central District is often presented as “the bad part of town” and the International District as a “novelty.”
Though she was raised Catholic, Galarosa said she was inspired to convert to Islam after studying the life of Malcolm X, who converted to Islam after completing his pilgrimage to Mecca and seeing millions of Muslims from all over the world—of different colors, languages, and social strata— worshipping together in harmony. She said it helped him “let go of the anger Created by Ador Yano, the #BlackBlueBrown event’s logo shows three of the same “hands he had toward the racism he experienced up don’t shoot” overlap which is incomplete because of racism. The black and blue in his life and that really hit home with represents the battered and beaten and pain caused by racism and police brutality. One of me.” the goals of the event was to connect the black and Filipino community in their history of facing racism, represented by the brown color.
past decade due to exorbitant housing costs. As developers have constructed condominiums and townhouses to appeal to affluent white populations, real estate prices have skyrocketed, forcing what used to be an estimated 85 percent African American population into cities as far south as Tacoma.
“Institutionalized racism is being aware that although we have a lot of pride in freedoms and civil liberties that our country represents, it has also institutionalized a system of discrimination that is embedded in some legislation in history,” said Annie Ironically, in those same Galarosa, a retired Seattle Community neighborhoods where Black youth Colleges teacher. used be incarcerated for marijuana The panelists dived into topics ranging dealing, “white folks” are now lined up from police brutality to the exclusion of at legalized pot shops doing the same certain histories in the education system thing, Galarosa said. to prisons and discriminatory policies. While the complexion of the central Gentrification was also a major concern neighborhoods is gradually changing, presented. the image of the southern portions of Galarosa, who was raised in the Seattle as a dangerous part of town Central District but now lives in Skyway, persists, and this weighs heavily on the said she would like to see her children relationship the police department has and grandchildren return to the Central with those communities. District, a neighborhood that has seen its The cases of Trayvon Martin, demographics dramatically shift in the Michael Brown, and Eric Garner were
Galarosa emphasized how important it was to educate one’s self about history and understand that the Eurocentric also referred to at the symposium, raising perspective tends to dismiss at least 600 questions about police brutality and racial years of history in which the institution profiling on a national level. of Christianity was seen as terrorizing According to Tyrone Brown, the by many groups. “training” of officers starts even before “The pendulum has swung back and police academy, when it is implicit that forth and here we are seeing Muslims Black equates to darkness and evil. challenged by stereotyping, anger, and When it is implicit that anywhere “south hatred,” Galarosa said. of Jefferson” is a place you don’t go to, Both Galarosa and Cabanilla agreed Brown said, “how does an officer act in those places, especially if they’ve never that it is important to educate and share been there before? ... [The officers] multicultural histories. relationship with those Black and Brown “I do this because I don’t want people communities is skewed. Then we find to forget racism is still a problem,” ourselves in situations where we ask Cabanilla said. “Civil rights as a ourselves, ‘how did this happen?’” movement is incomplete and we’re Officer Kevin Stuckey, who has worked pushing forward in incomplete history.” for the Seattle Police Department for 20 years, also spoke on the panel about the relationship between police officers and the community and about the “Black Lives Matter” movement. “When I see ‘Black Lives Matter,’ I think ‘which Black lives?’” Stuckey said. “Is it [that] the sensationalized stories of a white cop shooting an unarmed black kid [are] taking up headlines over stories of intercity black kids shooting other black kids? ... We are police officers and a direct reflection of our community. When people ask me why the police are violent, I say, ‘have you forgotten we live in a violent society?’”
Dajeanne Washington (right) returns the microphone to Devin Cabanilla (left) after a thoughtful observation on gentrification in the Central District at the February 25 #BlackBlueBrown forum. • Photo by Isaac Liu
Sat. March 28th 7pm
at Kane Hall RM 120, UNIV. of WA Campus Admission and Parking Free pnhpwesternwashington.org
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INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
March 18, 2015 – March 31, 2015 — 9
10 — March 18, 2015 – March 31, 2015
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
IE NEWS
Seattle’s Asian American homeless need visibility By Ana Sofia Knauf IE Contributor According to the latest finding from the annual One Night Count, homelessness is up 21 percent in Seattle. The survey, released in late January, reported that there are were 3,772 people facing homelessness during the count, up 649 from the count in 2014. But are those numbers entirely accurate? Probably not, said Michael McKee, operations and health services director at the International Community Health Clinic (ICHS). The group’s International Districtbased clinic focuses on improving the livelihoods of people in the Asian Pacific Islander communities. According to McKee, many of the people using its services are part of the Seattle’s “hidden homeless” population in the city, many of whom are new immigrants, he said. McKee describes them as “hidden” because homelessness does not only apply to those out on the streets or sleeping in cars. In fact, many people slip through the cracks in surveys such as the One Night Count. Instead, McKee used the term “housing unstable,” which encompasses everything from couchsurfing to doubled-up housing to support newly-immigrated family members. “Refugees and immigrants have experienced significant disruption, political turmoil … and might have undiagnosed post-traumatic
Dorcia Duenas (second from right), her husband, and two daughters were homeless and lived at Nickelsville for many months. They stayed in a tent in the middle of winter and the children attended school. They have since moved into LIHI housing and are doing very well. Also pictured, LIHI executive director Sharon Lee (right). • Courtesy Photo
stress disorder, which can lead to challenges [with securing housing],” said McKee. Thus, struggling with mental health issues and housing instability becomes a stigma and people become less likely to seek help. It’s a matter of pride, he said, and it’s an attitude especially prevalent in Asian communities. “If you ask someone if they are homeless, 99 percent of those people will say ‘no.’” To help combat this, ICHS works with its clients and partners with community organizations to offer mental health services, renters rights clinics, and job workshops to help empower struggling clients.
Herman Kahaloa at Nickelsville tent city with Alfie Avarado-Ramos, director of the Washington State Department Of Veteran Affairs. Kahaloa is a veteran. He has since moved into LIHI housing and has a job. • Courtesy Photo
While services offer much needed support, homelessness is still on the rise. So, what other factors are contributing towards the greater problem? Sharon Lee, executive director at the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI), is blunt about the situation: There simply isn’t enough housing or shelter services available for Seattle’s homeless and city leaders aren’t doing enough to address the problem. “The irony with service agencies and 211 [a phone hotline] is that they shut down. There’s no one on weekends or on evenings. It’s convenient for people during the day, but not after work hours,” Lee said. “Even though the City Council said they don’t want
any homeless families sleeping outside, it still continues today.” To help needy families, LIHI, which is located in the International District, seeks to connect people with permanent housing and to shelters when there aren’t other available options. Lee said the group’s clientele also includes many women and children suffering domestic abuse. “[This year], there were so many families with children. ... It was shocking how many destitute and needy families would show up to sleep in a tent in the middle of winter,” said Lee, referring to Nickelsville, a tent city in the Central District, which LIHI sponsors. However, even when stable housing options open up, they’re not always ideal, said McKee of ICHS. “If your family is in Burien, but the housing you’re being offered is in Ballard, there’s a disconnect there, even if [you’re coming from] an unstable housing situation. You’re taking away what’s familiar: how to go grocery shopping ... how to get to work,” he said. As a result, homelessness, particularly in Asian and immigrant communities, can feel incredibly isolating. “People of color are being forced out of their neighborhoods ... [and] there’s unaffordable rent and a high cost of housing. If you can’t even afford a microunit, how can you afford two- or three-bedroom housing?” Lee said. “If the battleground [in Seattle] is affordable housing, that’s where you need to put city resources.”
Dorcia Duenas and her family were once homeless but have since moved into LIHI housing. Dorcia was a feature speaker at the LIHI Gala on October 24 at the Four Seasons Hotel. • Courtesy Photo
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
March 18, 2015 – March 31, 2015 — 11
IE ARTS
Paul Kikuchi connects music to rich familial history, heritage By Susan Kunimatsu IE Contributor
Chinglish, written by David Henry Hwang and directed by Annie Lareau is showing at ArtsWest through March 29, Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 3:00 p.m. • Photo by Michael Brunk
Chinglish a witty, energetic production not to miss By Jacqueline Wu IE Heritage Editor ArtsWest’s production of Chinglish is the Seattle premiere of David Henry Hwang’s most recent play. Hwang, most known for M. Butterfly, continues to tackle American and western perceptions of Asia through culture and politics. Chinglish, follows Daniel Cavanaugh, an American businessman, aiming to strike a deal with Minister Cai of Guiyang. However, as Daniel will find out, doing business in China is not as simple as signing a contract.
Hilarity ensues through Hwang’s wit and satire as Daniel attempts to navigate China’s social and cultural norms. In particular, Daniel’s immersion in the social etiquette of guanxi, or as many Chinese Americans will know as saving face, has the main character misinterpreting the signs. Guanxi describes the social relationship between peoples. Rather than an individual being a representative of oneself, the individual is a representative of a greater collective such as family and nation. In developing guanxi with the other characters, Daniel begins to change by seeing the connection between honesty and credibility. Through language, Hwang’s characters scramble to find the proper translations to communicate their needs and desires to one another. The multiple meanings of words in English and Mandarin has this bilingual cast blurting out all the wrong words. More particularly, Hwang’s Chinglish hits on an important note about U.S. and China relations. There is a huge misinterpretation between China and the U.S. that Hwang conveys through his characters, many of whom carry their own baggage and ideas of what it means to be Chinese or American. However, Daniel’s
attempt to strike a deal with minister Cai speaks larger to U.S. globalization entering China through big companies. Daniel symbolizes the white foreigner entering China, which is reminiscent of western colonization of Asia. Hwang is hitting at a contemporary issue about western neocolonialism through the control of markets and economies in Asia and around the world. Although China has undergone rapid modernization and emerged as an economic and political force in the past few years, Hwang comments that it still yields to the United States and the West. Although Evan Whitfield did an excellent job in portraying the naive Daniel Cavanaugh, Kathy Hsieh’s performance of Vice Minister Xi Yan stole the show. Hsieh captured the complexity of Xi Yan, a political official caught in a loveless marriage who still reminisces when love once existed. Hsieh’s Xi Yan plays multiple personas of friend, foe, and comrade that is difficult to disentangle her loyalties. Other notable cast members include Audrey Fan and Serin Ngai of Sex in Seattle. Also Hsieh, Ngai, and Moses Yim were all in the Book-It Repertory Theatre’s production of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet.
Overall, ArtsWest’s production of Chinglish is not one to miss. Not often are there productions with Asian American actors or a bilingual cast that can speak both English and Mandarin. The energy of the actors, director, and artistic staff was able to bring this production to life.
Chinglish. Written by David Henry Hwang. Directed by Annie Lareau. Duration: 2 hours with 10 minute intermission. Showing at ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave. S.W. March 5 to March 29, Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 3:00 p.m.
Zenkichi Kikuchi emigrated from Japan to the United States early in the 20th century. A job laying track for the Northern Pacific railroad took him to eastern Washington, where he settled near Wapato. A hard-working pioneer and ingenious agricultural scientist, he made it his mission to encourage other Issei (Japanese immigrants) to come and cultivate the Yakima valley. Paul Kikuchi He lived out his life there, farming and raising a family, until his death in 1965. through a walkie talkie, giving her voice Over 40 years later, composer the slightly scratchy quality of an old Paul Kikuchi went in search of the radio broadcast, imparting a sense of great grandfather he had never met. distance in space and time. Fortunately, Zenkichi left a map: a “There’s a level of mystery with this memoir, handwritten in English, of his project,” Kikuchi notes. “It’s me exploring life in America; and a handful of vinyl this person who I’m related to but I never records of Japanese popular music knew ... that’s one of the things I wanted to of his era. The memoir provided the try to translate was that sense of mystery.” inspirational seed, the recordings the The “Bat of No Bird Island” song root stock on which Kikuchi based his cycle was first performed in 2013. In late song cycle, “Bat of No Bird Island.” March, the recording will be released Four of the six songs are “re-imagined” in three formats: a CD of the entire from songs on Zenkichi’s records. In song cycle; a 10-inch vinyl disc, sort of the process of “re-imagining” a song, a created artifact, of two songs from Kikuchi begins by transcribing the Zenkichi’s 78 rpm vinyl records and two melody by ear from the recording, then of Paul Kikuchi’s compositions inspired builds on and around it. by those songs; and a website containing “Sections of the music that I really photographs and excerpts of the memoir, love, that I want to keep the integrity of connected by musical clips, that will offer completely, I just arranged that for my deeper insight into the history of Japanese ensemble ... for the instruments that I immigrants in Washington. have,” Kikuchi says. “But that will flow Kikuchi feels there is still more to learn into ... something [new] that I’ve written about his great grandfather. The next phase that’s inspired by ... one of the pieces.” of his research will take him to Japan, to For Kikuchi, re-imagining these com- Zenkichi’s birthplace and the sources of positions is intertwined with the process the music in his record collection. Those of getting to know his great grandfather. recordings from the 1930s and 40s are “I can read what he wrote, but I’ll in a style known as enka, a form of eastnever know him, I’ll never be in the west fusion that was popular in Japan and same room with him,” he says. “So in Japanese communities in the United musically, it’s… similar to reading his States. Kikuchi will seek out recordings memoir and [asking] ‘Who was this from this period for an installation that he is creating for the Panama Hotel. guy?’” Scheduled to open in November, “Songs Paul Kikuchi’s music spans of Nihonmachi” will revive the sounds of genres from chamber music to Seattle’s historic Japanese neighborhood jazz; combining formally scored prior to World War II in an interactive melodies, improvisation, and sounds listening station equipped with vinyl discs captured from the environment. His and a record player. Kikuchi will also work occupies a border zone where compose new music based on the historic composers of conventional music and recordings. artists working with “found” sound “It feels great to take something that’s seldom meet. He writes for eastern and western instruments, as well as a few so personal and so connected to my new ones of his own invention. He likes familial history and heritage ... and then to play with sound quality, performing have it branch out to connect with more in unusual acoustical environments people in the broader community,” says such as abandoned train tunnels and a Kikuchi. “It’s such a rich time in history: these Japanese coming over and living nuclear reactor cooling tower. these crazy pioneer lives.” In “Bat of No Bird Island,” he blends contemporary western instrumentation There will be a free event celebrating with traditional Japanese performance the album release on March 28 from technique, incorporating excerpts from noon to 3:00 p.m. at the Jack Straw the records. For “Ko Ni Mayou (Lost in Cultural Center, 4261 Roosevelt Way NE the Fragrance),” the original recording in Seattle. Visit www.BatofNoBirdIsland. of singer/composer Ichimaru is played com for more information.
12 — March 18, 2015 – March 31, 2015
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
IE ARTS
DONATE to NAFCON’S Typhoon Relief Program For info on how to donate, visit nafconusa.org.
Keiko Green (center), Cheyenne Casebier, and Linda Gehringer in Seattle Repertory Theatre’s The Comparables. Green says the role is a dream come true. • Photo by Alabastro Photography
Actor Keiko Green: Seattle theatres need to grow, engage in more multi-ethnic casting By Roxanne Ray IE Contributor
Women are at the forefront at Seattle Repertory Theatre in March, and actor Keiko Green reports that her role in the Rep’s current show The Comparables continues to be part of a long process of artistic and personal growth for her. “Any chance to work at Seattle Repertory Theatre is of course a dream come true,” Green said, “and it was my first audition for them, so it was already exciting for me.”
Green plays the role of Iris in this threewoman play about the tough business climate for real estate agents. “As soon as I read the script, I knew I really wanted to play Iris,” Green said. Green appreciates the commonalities between her character and herself. “Iris is ambitious, and she has no sympathy for self-victimizing women,” Green said. “Of course there are exceptions in the world (when it comes to victimized women), but as a woman of color, I have encountered different obstacles than many of my peers, and my tenacity and drive refuse to give up.” Green has had numerous chances to practice her tenacity throughout her career. “Being a half-Japanese actor, I often get called in for Asian roles—but I’m 5’9,” and I have freckles,” Green said. “I just don’t have the right look most of the time. Too white or too Asian.” Following training in the nurturing environment of NYU’s Experimental Theatre Wing, Seattle has been a challenging place for Green to launch her career. “Many companies and directors assume a character is white unless specifically marked otherwise,”
Green said. “That’s something that needs full. “I’m finally working as an actor now, to change.” but I can’t stop writing,” she said. Although she feels that Seattle theatres have work to do in terms of engaging in more multi-ethnic casting, Green appreciates some recent opportunities she’s had. “My favorite roles are both from last year: Frannie in Chaos Theory at Annex Theatre, and Viola in Twelfth Night at Island Stage Left on San Juan Island,” she said. “I played racially unspecified humans.”
Next up, Green has an original musical, Bunnies, with music by Jesse Smith, premiering at Annex Theatre, and numerous writing projects in the works. “I’m working on four plays right now, all prompted by other groups, and I plan to move more into screenplays this year.”
Watching the example of her peers helped Green pursue a solution. “Right before I left New York, I saw Jesse Eisenberg’s original play Asuncion, which he had written in between big projects when he wasn’t getting the roles he wanted,” she said. “I thought, if Jesse Eisenberg is writing plays because he’s not getting the work he wants, why wouldn’t I at least try?”
hers to have and to own, and I thought they were something to be ashamed of. I’ll never forget it.”
Green’s ultimate career would combine the best of both performing and writing. But It was in the latter show that Green felt for now, she’s enjoying the lessons that have the enchantment of theatre come alive. “In arisen from her role in The Comparables. Twelfth Night, my character’s twin brother One of those lessons: “Stop apologizing.” was played by a blonde-haired, blue-eyed Green found herself doing just that after a man, and the magic of theatre made the grueling week of rehearsals, script changes, audiences forget,” she said. “It was one of and preview performances—all of which the most hopeful and inspiring experiences brought her to tears on two occasions. I’ve had in a long time.” As Green recounts, “Our playwright Green believes that theatres need to trust was in Chicago for most of the process, their audiences and their actors more. “I find and came back into town just as we were it offensive if a company only calls me in starting previews,” she said. “At 12:00 for their roles written as Asian or Asian- p.m., we would come in and get new American,” she said. “I think theatres pages, rehearse various things for five don’t give their audiences enough credit hours, and perform (with our new lines) sometimes.” that night at 7:30. It was a lot to deal Because of these challenges in being with.” cast by theatres, Green has taken it upon But when Green apologized to her herself to develop more direct relationships fellow actor Cheyenne Casebier for with her potential audiences, by embarking feeling overwhelmed, Casebier advised upon playwriting. “When I first moved to her to accept her feelings rather than Seattle, I was having a hard time getting regret them. “I realized that’s one thing cast in anything, but I strongly believe in that made her different from me,” Green creating your own opportunity.” said. “She knew that her feelings were
With that realization, Green has embraced the essence of her character Iris. “I love playing a woman who creates the world she wants for herself.”
The Comparables runs from March 6 After self-producing two original plays, to 29 at the Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Green is finding that her plate is suddenly Mercer Street, Seattle.
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
March 18, 2015 – March 31, 2015 — 13
IE COMMUNITY
2015 Community Voice Awards 23rd Annual Community Voice Awards International Examiner 41st Anniversary Benefit Gala & Auction Thursday, May 21, 2015 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tickets: $100 New Hong Kong Restaurant, 900 S Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98104 We, at the International Examiner, invite you our exciting 2015 Community Voice Awards celebrating the exceptional achievements of our Asian Pacific American leaders. The annual benefit dinner and fundraiser will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2015 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the New Hong Kong Restaurant in the Seattle Chinatown International District. Each year, as the only nonprofit pan-Asian Pacific American newspaper in the U.S., we publicly honor exceptional leaders who have inspired and greatly impacted our communities at the local and/or global level. We are proud to present our 2015 Community Voice Awardees for: • Posthumous Lifetime Achievement: Ticiang Diangson. For 31-years with the City, she focused on addressing environmental and racial and social justice issues. In her early years with City Light, she served as a home energy auditor and took notice of service disparities in different parts of the city. She became the first outreach staff member and a major force behind the City’s recycling program with Seattle Public Utilities. Ms. Diangson served as editor of the Utilities’ awardwinning newsletter and a leader of the City’s Race and Social Justice Initiative. She served as the inaugural director of the Utilities Environmental Justice and Service Equity Division. She was the first person in the nation to hold such a position. • Organization: Vulcan Incorporated. Vulcan consistently demonstrated leadership as a corporate citizen. Their strong and consistent track record of supporting the non-profit, community-based organizations and small businesses in the ID has positive lasting impacts. Vulcan has been a caring and thoughtful partner in the International District/ Chinatown neighborhood. • Tatsuo Nakata Youth: Tony Vo. Tony Vo is an incredible emerging leader. He has given voice to Asian Pacific Islander students as Director of the UW Asian Student Commission. He helped unite students and the API community to successfully reinstate the UW Southeast Asian Recruiter position and as a community builder, he started the White Center Super Hero 5K Walk and Run to engage the White Center residents and donate the proceeds to the White Center Food Bank, the White Center CDA and YES Foundation of White Center.
• Arts: Kathy Hsieh. As the City of Seattle Office of Arts & Culture Community Partners Manager, she continues to increase access to City funding for underrepresented communities. In particular, her leadership in convening the dialogue on the Mikado production enlightened mainstream theatre communities and our broader community to be an active partner in creating solutions. • Community Service: Connie So. As faculty at the University of Washington American Ethnic studies, Dr. So touched a multitude of lives, helping shape young people in learning and understanding themselves, their Asian Pacific American history, and their role and responsibility in undoing the racism and sexism that is our American society. • Entrepreneur of the Year: Debadutta Dash. He is a shining example of a successful businessman who continuously leads and serves in APIA community as former President of the India Association of Western Association, President of Asian and Counseling Referral Services, founder of South Asian Music and Performing Art Center and member of the Washington State Commission on Asian and Pacific American Affairs.
For questions or more information, contact event coordinator Third Andresen at cva@iexaminer.org or visit iexaminer.org/cva2015.
Section 8 waitlist lottery opens March 23 Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) will open a lottery for 2,500 places on a new waitlist for the Housing Choice Voucher Section 8 Program, rental assistance for people with low incomes to rent from landlords in the private market. Registration for the lottery will be available online only, from 8 a.m. on March 23 to 5 p.m. April 10, 2015. Registration is free. To register or learn more, please visit seattlehousing.org/waitlist or call (206) 239-1674.
14 — March 18, 2015 – March 31, 2015
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
IE COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY Arts & Culture
Professional & Leadership Development
Horizon House
Asia Pacific Cultural Center 4851 So. Tacoma Way Tacoma, WA 98409 Ph: 253-383-3900 Fx: 253-292-1551 faalua@comcast.net www.asiapacificculturalcenter.org Bridging communities and generations through arts, culture, education and business.
1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 Ph: 206-654-3209 Fx: 206-654-3135 SAM connects art to life through special exhibitions, educational programs and installations drawn from its collection of approximately 25,000 objects. Through its three sites, SAM presents global perspectives, making the arts a part of everyday life for people of all ages, interests, backgrounds and cultures.
Education 3327 Beacon Ave S. Seattle, WA 98144 ph: 206-725-9740
900 University St Seattle, WA 98101 ph: 206-382-3100 fx: 206-382-3213 marketinginfo@horizonhouse.org www.horizonhouse.org A welcoming community in downtown Seattle, offering seniors vibrant activities, independent or assisted living, and memory care.
Executive Development Institute 310 – 120th Ave NE. Suite A102 Bellevue, WA Ph. 425-467-9365 • Fax: 425-467-1244 Email: edi@ediorg.org • Website: www.ediorg.org EDI offers culturally relevant leadership development programs.
WE MAKE LEADERS Queen Anne Station, P.O. Box 19888, Seattle, WA 98109 info@naaapseattle.org, www.naaapseattle.org Fostering future leaders through education, networking and community services for Asian American professionals and entrepreneurs. Facebook: NAAAP-Seattle Twitter: twitter.com/naaapseattle
Senior Services
info@deniselouie.org www.deniselouie.org Multicultural preschool ages 3-5 years old. Now enrolling Private Pay full-day ($900/mo) and part-day classes ($500/mo) with locations at ID, Beacon Hill, and Rainier Beach. P.O. Box 16016 Seattle, WA 98116 info@vnsf.org www.vnsf.org VNSF enables underprivileged students in Viet Nam to achieve success and happiness through education. We are looking for volunteers and board members to join the team and make a difference in the lives of kids in Vietnam.
Housing & Neighborhood Planning HomeSight 5117 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118 ph: 206-723-4355 fx: 206-760-4210 www.homesightwa.org HomeSight creates homeownership opportunities through real estate development, home buyer education and counseling, and lending.
Senior Services
Community Care Network of Kin On
815 S Weller St, Suite 212, Seattle, WA 98104 ph: 206-652-2330 fx: 206-652-2344 contact@kinon.org www.kinon.org Provides home care, Alzheimer’s and caregiver support, community education and chronic care management; coordinates medical supply delivery for Asian/Chinese seniors and families in King County.
Kin On Health Care Center
4416 S Brandon St, Seattle, WA 98118 ph: 206-721-3630 fx: 206-721-3626 contact@kinon.org www.kinon.org A 100-bed, Medicare and Medicaid certified, not-for-profit skilled nursing facility offering long-term skilled nursing and short-term rehab care for Asian/Chinese seniors.
Social & Health Services Asian Counseling & Referral Service
3639 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S, Seattle, WA 98144 ph: 206-695-7600 fx: 206-695-7606 events@acrs.org www.acrs.org ACRS offers multilingual, behavioral health and social services to Asian Pacific Americans and other lowincome people in King County.
Address tobacco control and other health justice issues in the Asian American/Pacific Islander communities.
PO Box 14047, Seattle WA 98114 (206) 325.0325 (Helpline) info@apichaya.org www. apichaya.org API Chaya is dedicated to serving survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence and human trafficking in the Asian, South Asian and Pacific Islander communities. We offer multi-lingual services that are free and confidential.
National Asian Pacific Center on Aging Kawabe Memorial House 221 18th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144 ph: 206-322-4550 fx: 206-329-3330 connie.devaney@gmail.com We provide affordable, safe, culturally sensitive housing and support services to people aged 62 and older. Seattle Chinatown/International District Preservation and Development Authority ph: 206-624-8929 fx: 206-467-6376 info@scidpda.org Housing, property management and community development.
Senior Community Service Employment Program ph: 206-322-5272 fx: 206-322-5387 www.napca.org Part-time training program for low income Asian Pacific Islanders age 55+ in Seattle/ King & Pierce Counties.
1501 N 45th St, Seattle, WA 98103 ph: 206-694-6700 fx: 206-694-6777 info@solid-ground.org www.solid-ground.org
Our programs help people meet their immediate needs and gain the skills and resources needed to reach solid ground and achieve their dreams.
www.merchants-parking-transia. org
Merchants Parking provides convenient & affordable community parking. Transia provides community transportation: para-transit van services, shuttle services and field trips in & out of Chinatown/ International District & South King County.
Agape Senior Group Activity Center 36405 Cedar St, Suite U Tacoma, WA 98409 ph: 253-212-3957 info@agapeseniorgroup.com www.agapeseniorgroup.com
Chinese Information & Service Center 611 S Lane St, Seattle, WA 98104 ph: 206-624-5633 fax: 206-624-5634 info@cisc-seattle.org www.cisc-seattle.org Creating opportunities for Asian immigrants and their families to succeed by helping them make the transition to a new life while keeping later generations in touch with their rich heritage.
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803 South Lane Street Seattle, WA 98104 ph: 206-292-5184 fx: 206-838-3057 info@legacyhouse.org www.scidpda.org/programs/legacyhouse.aspx Description of organization/services offered: Assisted Living, Adult Day Services, meal programs for low-income seniors. Medicaid accepted.
Seattle Rotary Club Meets every Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. New Hong Kong Restaurant 900 S Jackson St. seattleidrotary.org Shannon Woodman Swoodman@washingtonalarm.com Improve the local community by engaging activities such as community improvement projects, scholarship opportunities, and undertakings that promote education.
ph: 206-624-3426 601 S King St. Seattle, WA 98104 ph: 206-682-1668 website www.apicat.org
Legacy House InterIm Community Development Association 310 Maynard Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104 Ph: 206.624-1802 Services: 601 S King St, Ph: 206. 623-5132 Interimicda.org Multilingual community building: housing & parking, housing/ asset counseling, projects, teen leadership and gardening programs.
Social & Health Services
International District Medical & Dental Clinic 720 8th Avenue S, Seattle, WA 98114 ph: 206-788-3700 email: info@ichs.com website: www.ichs.com Bellevue Medical & Dental Clinic 1050 140th Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA 98005 ph: 425-373-3000
Please mail a check for $35 to the International Examiner or donate to: 409 Maynard Ave. S. #203, Seattle, WA 98104.Thank you for your contribution.
Shoreline Medical & Dental Clinic 16549 Aurora Avenue N, Shoreline, WA 98133 ph: 206-533-2600 Holly Park Medical & Dental Clinic 3815 S Othello St, Seattle, WA 98118 ph: 206-788-3500
1601 E Yesler Way, Seattle, WA 98122 ph: 206-323-7100 fx: 206-325-1502 www.nikkeiconcerns.org Rehabilitation & care center; assisted living community; senior activity program; continuing education.
ICHS is a non-profit medical and dental center that provides health care to low income Asian, Pacific Islanders, immigrants and refugees in Washington State.
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The Washington State Convention Center is accepting applications for Information Services Director. The Director will serve as a hands-on manager and leader for IT infrastructure and applications, aligning IT’s vision, roadmap and execution with strategic business objectives. Required Qualifications: BA degree and six years increasingly responsible Information Technology management and contract administration experience, including three years supervising technology professionals and project management. Visit www.wscc.com for further info or to download an application. Applications are also available at the WSCC Service Entrance, 9th and Pike, Mon-Fri, 8:00am – 5:00pm. Jobline: (206) 694-5039. EOE.
Onlookers watch the festivities on 7th Avenue during the Lunar New Year celebrations on February 21, 2015 in the International District. The sunny Saturday, which had a high of 55 degrees featured cultural performances like taiko drumming, lion dancing and martial art demonstrations. • Photo by Keoke Silvano
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