September 20, 2017

INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER

September 20, 2017 – October 3, 2017 — 1

2 — September 20, 2017 – October 3, 2017

INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER

IE OPINION

Established leaders need to honor the strengths young leaders bring

By James Hong Special to the IE

● Help young leaders build relationships The issues we face today have evolved by connecting them to funders, mentors, from the time of “Uncle” Bob Santos, and other established leaders.

Kip Tokuda, Al Sugiyama, Ruth Woo ● Teach young leaders about the and others. While it’s important for history of activism in our community, youth to understand the history of civic but be honest and transparent about engagement in the Asian American any unfortunate toxic history in the community, it is also important for more community. It’s important young leaders established leaders to honor the strengths know what they are walking into without young leaders bring to our community.

This won’t be easy and will require us to feeling forced to choose sides. transition some of our powers, privileges ● Listen to young leaders because you and positions. I encourage all established sincerely want to learn from them, not leaders and executive directors to join me. because you’re waiting to speak. Ask *** “How can I support you?”

This column represents the personal ● Stop devaluing or discrediting young views of the author, James Hong, informed leaders because you think they are “naive” ● Eunice How, a powerful Chinese- or “ignorant.” Accept they have different, by his perspective and experience as an Malaysian-American woman and equally-valuable leadership styles that is executive director. This column is not an official statement of the Vietnamese respected labor organizer for hospitality grounded in their lived experiences.

Friendship Association or other parties. workers.

grown more complex and urgent. I believe a strong, healthy leadership pipeline must be cross-generational and intersectional.

A couple years ago, I attended a Gang We must do more to celebrate the talent of Four book tour that celebrated the lives and wisdom that young leaders bring to and friendship of Bernie Whitebear, our community. Leaders like: Bob Santos, Roberto Maestas, and Larry ● Sonny Nguyen, who has been Gossett. I was inspired and humbled by organizing young, progressive Asian & stories of their activism and leadership in Pacific Islander (API) American activists the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. The four leaders in addition to serving trans communities brought their communities togethers to and people of color. shape development and civil rights in Seattle. ● Christina Shimizu, an amazingly Near the end of the event, an older perceptive fundraiser who is Japanese gentleman stood up and reminded American and bi-racial, has been a everyone that the fight for civil rights isn’t champion for civic engagement in the API over. His words ring true even now. Our community.

Asian American community continues to fight for culturally historic neighborhoods like Little Saigon, the rights and dignity of refugees and immigrants, equitable access to health, and more. “We need the Sonny, Christina and Eunice are just the youth to get involved!” the gentleman tip of the iceberg. There are many more continued. “Where are all the young like them and we should start figuring out people?” how to support the success of every young As a relatively young executive director, leader out there. This can look a number I have had the unique opportunity to of different ways, such as: work closely with established leaders as ● Create succession plans within well as young activists. I am humbled, organizations to move young leaders into and sometimes overwhelmed, by the senior management and executive level incredible power and privilege this positions. position has afforded me. At the same ● Understand that it is not enough to be time, I recognize that some of our most a “social justice” organization. We must influential and effective social movements be multicultural and anti-racist. Executive have been led by young people. leadership should either create or support Lately, I have been wondering if spaces within their organizations that established leaders, like myself, have push conversations about equity further, done enough to support current youth- especially when they are difficult or led movements while also creating space uncomfortable. for new, often times younger, leaders to ● Pay interns and young people real step up. How can we better support this wages, not stipends. generation of the 20- and 30-something leaders? What can we do to amplify ● Fund existing youth-led initiatives diverse voices within the Asian American rather than co-opting their work and community, such as women, LGTBQ, energy for our own agendas. mixed-race, etc? Are established leaders ● Mentorship! One young leader told willing to take a step back to welcome me, “Mentorship is life changing! Elder new perspectives and styles of leadership? advice and wisdom is truly priceless!!”

These questions are critical for the But please be aware that even if your Asian American community to reflect on advice is solicited, it does not have to be because our work for social justice has accepted.

IE STAFF

Established in 1974, the International Examiner is the only non-profit pan-Asian and Pacific Islander 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.

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Announcement

Acclaimed artist Ron Ho passes away “He also received many honors as an educator, including as one of 100 OutRenown artist, jewelry maker, and standing Alumni and the Distinguished educator Ron Ho passed away at the age Alumnus of the Year from his alma mater, of 80 on September 7 at his home in Se- as well as Educator of the Year from both attle. the National Art Education Association and the Washington State Art Education According to AmerAssociation.” ican Craft Council: “Ho was frequently A 30-minute biographical video on Ron recognized for his Ho’s life and work is being produced by artistic achievement.

Northwest Designer Craftsmen as part of Ho He was named Asian their series called The Living Treasures Artist of the Year by the Wing Luke Project.

Asian Art Museum, and earned the OutAccording to Ho’s Seattle Times obitustanding Achievement in the Arts award ary, a memorial service is pending. In lieu from the Bellevue Arts Commission, of flowers, the family suggests donations and Lifetime Achievement awards from the Northwest Designer Craftsmen and to the Northwest Designer Craftsmen Livthe Seattle Metals Guild. He was named ing Treasures Fund. NWDC is producing a to the American Craft Council’s College film about Ron Ho. The link to the NWDC website is:www.nwdesignercraftsmen. of Fellows in 2010. org/donate-living-treasures.

EDITOR IN CHIEF Travis Quezon editor@iexaminer.org

ASSISTANT EDITOR Chetanya Robinson news@iexaminer.org

ARTS EDITOR Alan Chong Lau arts@iexaminer.org

CONTRIBUTORS James Hong Bob Shimabukuro Aziaz Ross Julia-Grace Sanders Kamna Shastri Roxanne Ray Elvis Irizarry Maisy Chan

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INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER

OPINION

September 20, 2017 – October 3, 2017 — 3

Fo’ Real: Sunrise at Haleakala

By Bob Shimabukuro IE Columnist The following is republished from the October 5, 1994 issue of the International Examiner.

I was standing close to the summit of Haleakala crater on Maui, 45 minutes before sunrise. The fiery red streaks of predawn light radiated off the clouds at the crater’s edge, turning them into a river of molten lava blanketed by the clear, dark sky.

A few stars twinkled high overhead, while a hundred flashbulbs blinded from cameras of other sunrise watchers.

Twelve years ago, about a dozen tourists had joined me at the mountain top. This morning they had multiplied to over a hundred. Most of them, like Alice and I, had woken up about 3:00 a.m. in order to see the sunrise from Haleakala, 10,000 feet above sea level.

I stared off in the distance, talking story with myself. My uncle had shuffled off purposefully into the dark. Since this was his third time here in the past few months, I figured he had found his ideal spot to watch the day break. Or maybe he just wanted to leave us lovebirds alone.

I Honolulu, Alice and I had added on a quick two days in Maui to visit my relatives.

“We don’t be travelling very much after this,” I had told her. “We may as well go to Maui too.”

She didn’t need much convincing. She had never been to Maui, and in the 90-degree, 48 percent humidity weather in Honolulu,

she didn’t need to be reminded that she was almost due. Her hands and feet had swollen more in Honolulu and Keaau on the big island. We had also talked about all the infants on the crowded flight to Hawai‘i who had been crying and screaming at takeoff and landing. The thought of changing diapers on an airplane made me groan.

As the sun crept higher, the sky began to glow. The silhouetted crater and blazing red clouds reminded me of a poster in my room.

“Railroad sunset,” by Edwards Hopper.

Same colors. Same streaks across the sky.

Day’s end. Daybreak. Sleep, awakening.

Death, birth. So much time spent worrying about the ends, not enough about the middle.

Alice flashed me a smile. “Here, Bob,” she said handing me her camera. I snapped a photo of her against the backdrop of the sunrise. The chilly morning had revived her after the heat of the past few days. Now, as I tried to get my arms around her enlarged tummy, I thought of visits to my aunties’ * * * I sit up on the futon Sam and I wen’ put next to the sofa fo’ sleep. I slowly roll over to the sofa, put my arm on the seat, lay my head on my arm. Slowly, I wen’ breathe in, breathe out.

“You okay?” Sam asked, waking up.

Thought about asking him fo’ turn on the light so I could read. Decided not to.

When I have asthma attack, lotta times I sit crosslegged on the floor, jus’like all the ol’ folks, ‘cept I go rest my head on the low table or sofa, and read till I fall asleep.

But no can read now, and get 3-4 hours before sunrise. Mo’bettah I get some sleep right away. But hard. Third time already I get asthma attack this school year and only November. Going miss another math quiz.

Teacher already wen’ ask how come I get sick on quiz day. Geez. J’like I getting sick on purpose. No fair. Nothing fo’ do but wait.

I wonder how long goin’ take fo’ get over this time.

“You okay?” Sam ask again.

“Some more asthma. Go back sleep.

Wake you if need help.”

“Sure?”

“Yeah,” I tell him. Really not sure, but no like bother him. Think about school for little while, then wen’ fall asleep. When I wake up, all sweaty. Was really hot. I like go shiko but hardly can move, was so hard breathe.

“Eh, Sam, wake up,” I say, just loud enough so he hear me. Talk soft because otherwise use up too much air fo’ talk.

Better save air.

“Gotta go shiko,” I tell him when he wake up.

“Okay,” he said, got up and grabbed my arm. He always so cheery and willing fo’ help. Me, always so grumpy, especially when no can breathe.

He pull me up. I lean on his shoulder. We go down the hall to the toilet. He broad.

Lots of shoulder fo’ lean on. Strong back.

He walk slowly fo’ me. We walk like this: Wheeze, gasp. Take one step. Wheeze, gasp. Take another. All the way to the toilet.

When asthma not so bad, lean over, rest my hand on the toilet tank, go shiko. When real bad, gotta sit down on the toilet seat, leave the toilet door open and lean my head on the door knob. Real shame when you gotta shiko j’like one girl. This time was real bad.

Sam wen’ sit down on the stairs and wait.

Funny kind house. Get three steps to one store room. Some room because nobody like one bedroom you gotta go through the toilet to get to.

“You going to school tomorrow?” Sam asked, a little sleepy.

“Don’t know. See how I feel in the morning. Pass already. Help me back.”

And we go back: Wheeze, gasp. Take one step. Wheeze, gasp, take another. * * * “It’s in the genes, you know,” cousin Machan said. My aunts, uncle, and cousin were talking about my childhood asthma.

“Grandma had bad asthma too.”

“My sister had asthma,” Alice answered.

“My Bachan also.”

I was thinking about what could be in store for this child and us, when the sun cleared the sloud bank. Clear, bright, refreshing. Like waking up after a week’s illness able to breathe fine. Breathtaking.

Good kind of breathtaking. Optimistic.

As we turned to leave our vantage point, my uncle came up, “Nice, yeah?”

“Real nice,” I answered.

DACA: We are a nation of immigrants, we need to support each another

By Azias Ross F.I.G.H.T.

The difference now from then, was of our communities, and our country? We that the colonies had the benefit of formal do it by taking personal responsibility for education, which greatly contributed to our own thoughts, beliefs, and actions.

Today is September 5, 2017 and the day their success.

Our country is as divided as it is that the United States attorney general because we each are a part of the collective Today, most immigrants arrive without declared the rescinding of The Deferred consciousness that makes up its life force, the benefit of formal education and find Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), an and through our active participation or lack themselves surrounded by a very educated American immigration policy that allowed thereof, we either help toward bringing society, which you would think would be some individuals who entered the country balance and liberation to ourselves and illegally as minors to receive a renewable supportive and accepting. two-year period of deferred action from After all, our founding fathers are our communities, or continue to repeat the deportation and to be eligible for a work technically immigrants. And it’s absurd that cycle of social discrimination, and racial permit. DACA allowed children brought our political leaders would not extend the inequality. to this country by parents seeking refuge same grace to immigrants today.

I, myself, used to be very ignorant from war torn and oppressive countries to and unaware of not only my actions and I was born in this country, in Tacoma, have an opportunity at a better life, through WA, and so were my parents. My mother potential, but also the major issues that effect education and employement. and father were born to my immigrant and face not only our immigrant brothers But what does today really signify? It grandparents in Camden, NJ, who came to and sisters, but our fellow Americans as signifies the stagnant state of discrimination this country from China, Italy, Africa, the well. I have realized through the lessons that we thought we have transcended, the West Indies, and South America to name a of my life thus far, including my time spent incarcerated, that the only true way ignorance of the “superior” few dictating to few. to change our circumstances is to change the “inferior” many through misapplication I am a proud descendant of immigrants, ourselves, and that by transforming the way and abuse of authority. Year after year, and whether people choose to accept it or generation after generation, it’s the same not, chances are, unless you are a direct we think and the way we view each other game with a different name, the same genre descendant of the native people who and our future, we can change the course with a different title, the same agenda with already inhabited this continent, you are a of this beloved country and our experience within and through evolution. different players, thus, the same results. descendant of immigrants as well.

For what good do we do, if we identify When will our political leaders realize When will we as a people (human race) and become aware of the problems, but that America never was a “white” country. see each other as equal?, whether we come There were already indigenous tribes from the east or west, the north or south, don’t seek to find a solution or contribution to the same. peacefully inhabiting this land. we are all endowed with the spirit of our The power is in the people, and the The truth is, this country was established creator, regardless of color or creed, gender government only maintains power through through the same desire and necessity to be or ethnic background, we all have the free from an oppressive dictator, which was responsibility to live in harmony with one the consent of the governed. If we don’t like then, the king of Great Britain. Through another, and to aid our fellow inhabitants in what we see, and what has always been, we have to change our government and the force this land was conquered, and through the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. people we place therein, until we can come the intelligence and unity of the 13 colonies How do we take personal responsibility for together as a common people. I hope that was the constitution ratified. the condition of our lives, and the condition in these words you may find inspiration,

courage, and support to become more involved in the push for equality, balance, and peace. You are not alone, even those of us who have transformed and awoken to our higher purpose, who are yet still incarcerated. We walk with you toward a better experience for this country and our world. *** Formerly Incarcerated Group Healing Together (F.I.G.H.T.) was started by a group of Asian & Pacific Islander (API) men who were at one time incarcerated in the Washington state prison system.

F.I.G.H.T. is a direct outgrowth of the organizing that many of us did through different API groups in different prisons.

This organizing built deep bonds of unity among us. Together we learned about our own diverse cultures and political histories, life experiences, and perspectives. We also created cultural celebrations featuring various forms of traditional arts, like language, music, and dance.

Upon being released, we stayed committed to continuing to support each other, whether inside or outside of the prison system. We support both current and formerly incarcerated APIs through mentoring, advocacy, outreach, and political education. We encourage each other to embrace positivity, compassion, strength, hope, confidence, and building healthy lives and healthy communities, while breaking the cycle of mass incarceration. For more information, visit www.fightwa.org.

4 — September 20, 2017 – October 3, 2017

INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER

NEWS COMMENTARY

Watching Cambodia’s free press and democracy fade away

By Julia-Grace Sanders IE Contributor Phnom Penh, Cambodia—Even after four years of studying and practicing journalism at the University of Washington, I don’t believe I truly understood the value of press freedom until I watched it disappear in Cambodia.

Three months ago, I left the United States to report for The Cambodia Daily in Phnom Penh with romantic expectations of being a journalist in a country where a true democracy had yet to become reality, and the press could fulfill its watchdog role of holding the government accountable For two months, I was part of a newsroom that prided itself on reporting “without fear or favor,” denouncing abuses of power by high-ranking officials and giving a voice to those who lost homes and livelihoods due to corruption. But after 24 years of fulfilling that role, The Cambodia Daily printed its last edition on September 4 in a widespread government crackdown on independent media and political opposition.

This came in the wake of the local commune elections—similar to U.S. county elections—on June 4. During this time the leading Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) was shocked to receive only 60 percent of the popular vote. With an eye on next year’s national elections, Prime Minister Hun Sen, a CPP leader, said in a speech on June 21 that he would not hesitate to kill hundreds to remain in power.

Hun Sen began a sudden and widespread effort to silence dissent, cracking down on the free press, opposition leaders and U.S.aligned civil society.

The Daily’s sentence came in the form of an exorbitant $6.3 million tax bill, which The Daily and critics insist was politically motivated; the tax office set the amount without even looking at the paper’s accounts.

About two dozen FM radio stations, which aired the Cambodian radio broadcaster Voice of Democracy and the U.S.-funded Radio Free Asia and Voice of America, were also ordered to either shut down or comply with government demands for coverage. The week before, the prime minister expelled foreign staff of the U.S.-affiliated National Democratic Institute, allowing them a week to leave the country.

Within 12 hours of The Daily’s final print deadline, opposition leader Kem Sokha was arrested on charges of treason and accused of colluding with the United States to topple the government. This effectively muzzled the only party with a chance of putting an end to Mr. Hun Sen’s 30-year rule in next year’s election.

Within the span of three weeks, the mirage of pluralism, democracy, and freedom of press in Cambodia had been shattered.

The Daily’s last day of operation was spent feverishly covering Mr. Sokha’s arrest. It showcased the reporters’ scrappy dedication to recording the Cambodian government’s political gymnastics. The arrest took place at 12:35 a.m., and a team of Daily journalists reported throughout the night, tracking down Mr. Sokha’s whereabouts and filing Chhorn Chansy, the Daily’s former news editor reporting on the Daily’s last day of operation • Photo by Julia-Grace Sanders developments in a live blog. Nearly every The loss of The Daily’s tenacious reporting trafficked a 16-year-old girl to Saudi Arabia, Daily staff member played a role in the coverage of Mr. Sokha’s arrest and, later on, in will be felt sorely by the Cambodian people. the coverage got him fired. the authorities’ attempt to arrest the opposiThe impact of The Daily extended far “The people won’t see objective jourtion party’s youth leader. nalism anymore,” said senior editor Van beyond those featured in its pages. Read by As reporters typed away furiously in Roeun, a Cambodian who joined The Dai- the country’s university students and government officials from Mr. Hun Sen down, the newsroom, gathering information ly in early 1997. “The truth will be lost.” and trying to piece together a whirlwind While one independent daily newspaper, it has chronicled the country’s history of events, a Cambodian colleague and I The Phnom Penh Post, remains, many fear since its first issue on August 20, 1993. headed out at the tail end of a particu- it’s the next to be targeted by the governThe sudden timing of The Daily’s delarly heavy rainy-season downpour to ment. mise has an easily identifiable culprit: seek more information at Mr. Sokha’s In rural areas, the crackdown on radio increased support from China. “If the uphome, where his arrest had taken place. coming election has provided the catalyst We took to the flooded streets on a mo- stations has left tens of thousands without for the current crackdown, Chinese suptorbike, with an audience of bewildered access to independent media. “With the in- port has provided the means,” said SebasCambodians standing on the sidelines dependent media gone, all you can know tian Strangio, a journalist and the author of waiting for the murky river to subside. is the basics that you can get from govern- the book Hun Sen’s Cambodia.

Sloshing through thigh-high water and ment media,” Mr Roeun said. “People will “Before, Hun Sen’s government was too weaving through flood-induced traffic see the surface of the water, but they will reliant on Western aid to go too far in supjams, we reached the opposition leader’s not be able to see the depth of the river.” house. Soaked from the hips down, we Almost as distressing as the intensity of pressing its opponents; crackdowns were interviewed Mr. Sokha’s bodyguards and the government’s attack on independent me- always followed by periods of relaxation pieced together the sequence of events. dia is the speed at which it took place, Mr. geared towards managing outside opinion.

Now, with strong Chinese support, there is In one last parting shot at the repres- Roeun said. In the span of three weeks, Cam- less need to take heed of what Western desive government, The Daily’s front page bodia’s United Nations-sponsored attempt at mocracies think,” he said. labelled the crackdown on opposition a democracy had all but vanished, he said.

The bleak future of free press in Cammarker of the country’s “descent into outChhorn Chansy, The Daily’s former news right dictatorship.” Within hours of hitting editor reporting on The Daily’s last day of bodia has left me reflecting on the whiplash that took place during my short stay the streets, the last issue of the paper had operation here. When I arrived, Cambodia was one sold out across Phnom Penh.

In 1991, the UN oversaw an agreement of the last countries in Southeast Asia with Since The Daily’s closure, the govern- between Cambodian factions, which had an independent media. When I return, I’ll ment crackdown has only intensified, with been at war since 1979. That year, the be leaving “a country moving backward, Hun Sen calling on the United States to Vietnamese army, along with a Cambo- in a world that is moving backward,” as withdraw Peace Corps volunteers and dian contingent—which included Mr. Hun Jodie DeJong, The Daily’s former editorcreating a joint think-tank with China to Sen—had toppled the Khmer Rouge re- in-chief, described it. investigate the “colour revolution” in Cam- gime. The signing of the 1991 Paris Peace “We are not the judge,” said Chhorn Chanbodia, a term which the prime minister has Agreement led to the 1993 national demosy, The Daily’s former news editor, speaking used to justify his crackdown. cratic election overseen by the UN, which of the role of journalists. “But we can be the has since been followed by national elecvoice of the people to the government, to the tions every five years. “The democracy world.” made more than 20 years ago is lost,” Mr. Roeun said. “It disappeared in just a moWith The Daily gone, he added, “How will ment.” [the Cambodian] people decide about their Daily reporter Aun Pheap was a child lives if they do not even know what is hapduring Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge regime, pening in their own country?” which in the mid-1970s claimed the lives of 2 million people in less than four years.

For him, the recent government crackdown is reminiscent of tactics used during that regime. “Under the Khmer Rouge, people did not have the right to do what they wanted,” he said. “Even though they changed the approach away from killing and torturing, it still is another way of oppressing.”

Staff reporters putting together the last issue of The Cambodia Daily • Photo by Julia-Grace Sanders

Though my time at The Daily has been short, I’ve seen our reporting have tangible impact. When two of my colleagues wrote a story about a government official who had

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INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER

September 20, 2017 – October 3, 2017 — 5

6 — September 20, 2017 – October 3, 2017

INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER

NEWS/ARTS

New KVRU station manager Sharon Maeda shares her vision for Rainier Valley Radio hopefully create a better society,” said ter and how policy changes might affect 5, KVRU will officially begin its monthMaeda.

Dreamers (recipients of DACA). long launch celebration. The first day KVRU is funded by SEED Seattle, “Once we get programming under will be dedicated to programming about KVRU 105.7 FM just finished and by First People’s. Each day after testing its signal on September 16. The a local nonprofit that is involved in control I want to have the station become that in October will be dedicated to a affordable housing, arts education and a place where youth can talk through community radio station off of Rainier specific theme.

Ave is all set to start providing diverse economic development for Southeast those issues, and get to understand each Maeda says that programming will play programming by and for Rainier Valley Seattle. Maeda sees the organizational other,” she said. “You know why Black support behind the station as a way Lives Matter or who is a Dreamer and in six-hour cycles and during October this residents. Sharon Maeda is the station manager and has a rich vision for to incorporate various facets of who is not a Dreamer and what’s it like will help to understand what the station’s KVRU; a station with multicultural the community into the station’s to be a Dreamer and never know from prime time might be. music programming, airwaves filled programming. Maeda points out the day to day whether your family is going “That also gives us an opportunity with the languages heard around the station’s physical location beneath an to be scooped up and deported.” for listeners to let us know If they are valley and a forum for youth to talk affordable housing complex with many Because radio only requires a voice, hearing the program and we can kind about and understand important topics elderly residents who will have plenty of the airwaves can be a space to retain of figure out which day parts are more stories to reflect on from their lives. like immigration and identity. some anonymity while still tackling popular because we know that in this “They [SEED] already have ongoing challenging topics like the ones posed by neighborhood people are not necessarily Maeda has spent more than 40 years relationships with different segments of Maeda, thereby becoming a “vehicle for going to work nine to five and come working in community radio. She was home after that,” she said. compelled to contribute to the media and the population and my vision is that all safe sharing.” the different voices in other languages, radio industry after noting what a strong Maeda also hopes for the station to Along with programming, KVRU reach the media had on school children across youth, LGBTQ communities, broadcast poetry and spoken word and already has events planned for the next she taught as an elementary school women, men, elders, people who are other literary arts programing. She couple months. On September 26, the teacher. She went back to school, gaining scholars, and experts on subjects, but has what she calls a “crazy idea” for station will be registering voters on site a Masters in Filmmaking, hoping to make also everyday people who just have a an on-air book club: “We read ... some in honor of Voter Registration Day. On an impact in bringing important voices to personal story to tell [get involved],” passages from a book and we try and October 7, the station will host an open the media and telling stories that might said Maeda. get other people to read the book and we host, with performances and speeches

By Kamna Shastri IE Contributor

otherwise be pushed under the rug.

“Right now, given what is going on in the country and the rise of the openness of hate groups and all of that it’s all the more important that people in a diverse community like the Rainier Valley need a place to share their culture, to share their stories, to learn from each other and

Apart from a storytelling and community engagement platform, Maeda would also like to see the station become a safe space for important and often challenging questions faced by the young people of Rainier Valley.

She points out issues like ethnic identity, movements like Black Lives Mat-

have a book club discussion except it’s played live on air. On October 18, KVRU in the studio and on the air.” will cosponsor a Mayoral Candidate KVRU will be streaming sample forum with candidates Jenny Durkin and programming starting September 17 Carrie Moon at the Rainier Arts Center. through October 5, featuring inter- The event is in the hopes that Southeast views, music, public affairs program- Seattle residents can bring concerns and ming, and interviews with local com- questions to candidates before November munity organizations. Starting October elections.

Dragon Lady makes its return, drawing on life experience, family history

By Roxanne Ray IE Contributor

intersectional feminist,” Porkalob said. in the evolution, Terri Weagant and “They wanted to curate a season around Keira McDonald,” she said. “They are those two things.” both amazing solo performers and they The Dragon Lady is back.

Porkalob agreed to take on this behind- really helped me explore and expand my Musical theatre performer Sara the-scenes artistic and administrative imagination-what type of world can I Porkalob has developed new material role. “Initially, I wanted my biggest create with only lights and a chair.” for her Dragon Lady persona, and this contribution to the season to be the Her explorations with composer month, Intiman Theatre will present curation and program development of Pete Irving have also provoked much the new version under the direction of the Emerging Artist Program,” she said. thinking. “My grandma was a singer Intiman Producing Artistic Director And so she got to work on that. in the Philippines and everyone in my Andrew Russell, with an expanded set Meanwhile, Porkalob was giving family is musically talented. Music is a and new original music by Pete Irving. the Dragon Lady a bit of a hiatus. huge part of our family,” Porkalob said.

This latest version builds on the “[Russell and Zeyl] had originally said “So in that way, it makes sense that a feedback that Porkalob received two that, because I was doing so much with play about my family has music, but I’m years ago, after she presented a shorter Dragon Lady around town, to slot it in not sure if other people would call it a version of Dragon Lady at Bumbershoot. at Intiman might be overkill, which I musical.”

“Solo shows get a bad rap,” Porkalob completely understood,” she said. “I Now her partnership with Russell said. “A lot of them are people only didn’t have any intention of trying to get has taken her into new territory. “In monologuing, without much action or Dragon Lady on the stage.” this process with Andrew, he has really dialogue.”

Then serendipity stepped in. “As we pushed me to think as a playwright and But Porkalob wanted to present were planning Intiman’s season, the editor,” she said. “He really trusts my something different. “In the Bumbershoot second September-October slot was ability as an actor and as a self-directed iteration, I played twelve characters with still empty,” Porkalob said. “But then, performer, and that means that we can zero costume changes, often playing three [Russell and Zeyl] came to see Dragon both focus more on the character nuances or more characters in one scene,” she said. Lady at Cafe Nordo in its immersive and overall narrative structure.”

“People were astonished and amazed.” dinner theatre iteration and Andrew That involves some risks for a This was enough impetus for Porkalob Russell, who had never seen any version, performer who is drawing from her own to develop a version that she presented was convinced that it needed to be in the life and family experience. “It’s scary material,” she said. “It delves further at Café Nordo. “I’ve never had much second slot.” of a set before,” she said. “The version Porkalob was ready to create another into the sacrifices my grandmother at Cafe Nordo had dining tables, gold version. “When they approached me made to come to this country.” lamé, and a bandstand.” about it, it was a total surprise but it felt There’s also the risk of burnout. right,” she said.

“So I said yes.”

“The new material I’ve included is very But that has all changed with this new, challenging, reliving trauma and being and largely unexpected, opportunity.

With this new production, Porkalob “Last year, Jen Zeyl and Andrew Russell emphasizes the gratitude she feels toward so vulnerable for hours of rehearsal on approached me about being the Co- her past and current collaborators. “I end can be exhausting,” she said. “I’m Curator for Intiman’s 2017 season because had had two other directors involved tired.” of my work as an artist activist and

But with these risks come definite rewards. “Dragon Lady is really the only artistic place or thing I can be or have where I am 100% me,” Porkalob said. “It’s an attempt to encapsulate the totality of my family’s history, which is my history, which makes up my identity, which influences how I interact with the world, which influences the type of art I make, which I want to use for social change to deconstruct and destroy white supremacy.”

What does this look like for Porkalob?

“Most of all, seeing little brown girls in the audience, knowing that they get to see someone on stage or on screen that looks like them,” she said.

As if that wasn’t enough, Porkalob reports even bigger ambitions for Dragon Lady in the future. “Andrew has also been a champion for this work and myself to expand beyond Seattle,” she said. “The plans for Dragon Lady include film, television, a book deal, two more shows to make a Dragon trilogy, and more.”

How will this all come about? “He’s into it, I’m into it, he has connections, and I have the material,” she said. “It’s just a matter of time.”

Dragon Lady will run from September 5 to October 1 at the Jones Playhouse, University of Washington, at 4045 University Way NE, Seattle. For more information, visit www.intiman.org/ dragon-lady/

ARTS

INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER

September 20, 2017 – October 3, 2017 — 7

You’ve never seen a science fiction exhibit like Emissaries

By Elvis Irizarry IE Contributor n. pl. em·is·sar·ies An agent sent on a mission to represent or advance the interests of another.

The science fiction writer Philip K. Dick, whose seminal work, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? was a primary basis of the 1980s cult classic Blade Runner, once said: “each of us assumes everyone else knows what he is doing.

They all assume we know what we are doing. We don’t.” That the notion of ever-powerful, external entities creating an illusion of what we would normally perceive as true and real to us and have that very “being” overtake us in everything we say, think or do, is quite extraordinary. Within the current wave of global activities that are taking place before our eyes and the manner that we as humans are registering all it all in (through means of technology), plus the recent events that are taking shape in the United States, it is quite possible that a dystopian realm is not too far fetch at all. Or so they used to say in those 1950s issues of Galaxy magazine.

A first for New York-based artist Ian Cheng, this exhibition consists of a series of live simulations generated by a video game engine. The series, which the artist refers to as “alive and growing live,” is presented with an elaborate array of images which directs its attention not of the complexities of narratives but of interrelationships as well. Cheng creates his art to expand and elaborate on these very themes—or as he would say: “to find a format that is much longer than a movie of a novel … there is no ending; it keeps (forever) changing and I don’t know the ending, I only know the properties that I first started with.”

The first episode of the trilogy is Emissary in the Squat of Gods (2015)—an active simulation of an ancient tribal-like community about to experience a volcanic eruption. The left screen, quite elaborate in its presentation: a Shaman leader wrapped from head to waist in a white garment and moving in calm yet wild, trance-like state.

It overshadows the others, much smaller in size yet active in their presence: a little girl tries to jump rope but can’t seem to get her arms to move up; two people dance in place with only their legs moving in small, sharp steps and wearing glowing-green Indonesian ceremonial masks; a naked Emissaries, currently on view at Geisha (maybe in mourning?) holding MoMA PS1 in New York City, a unique, what appears to be a very large pot—a eye-catching installation that honestly prayer for the dying or the yet still living. conveys meaning into the ideas of The right screen: close-ups elements evolution, human consciousness and from the previous screen—volcanic the experience of being in a virtually craters, jagged edges, dull, flickering complex and chaotic world. lights—all shown in a bleak, cold, and

stark manner. Quite indicative of a possible the canines further in a quest for survival.

All the while, the voice of a child speaks upcoming Apocalypse, perhaps?

Desolation and despair permeates in tongues, violent snowstorms shrill throughout these two screens: muted through, footsteps gather pace and the decay and desert abandonment, dry weeds explosion of bombs roams ahead. and branches, gaspipe fires, wooden poles with hanging corpses and ever-present florescent symbols. All happening within an encircling movement of constant change, while the soundtrack of hissing steam, metal pipes, ancient bells and water faucet drops—concentrating the viewer to engage and look closer to what is front of them.

The second episode, entitled Emissary Forks At Perfection (2015-16) continues from the previous episode and a few thousand years later; what once was a destitute, volcanic mass is now a “a fertile Darwinian playground managed by Artificial Intelli-gence.” In these scenes, we see orange-white canines roaming around barren, wintery grounds tracking down possible human existence. The humans, once found, start to change as the landscape changes—becoming skeletal in appearance (though their sun-glasses do remain intact), their bodies become a jumble of barren scrap—all the while the canines are actively moving forward as their environment interchanges in color, temperature, attitude and existence.

The third and final episode, Emissary Sunsets the Self (2017) incorporates a large, vast and still snow-capped valley, revolving around a snow-covered bush or tree. Blazing with fire, the tree seems to light up the sky and surrounding areas, revolving as a sphere and it gets brighter and brighter.

Once it reaches its apex, the change begins: the smoke from the flames becomes thicker and darker, which equals that of the sky. What it was once a burning tree now becomes a burning funeral pyre, the snow slowly becomes yellow then grey— indicators that the AI is on its last days and searching for a new beginning in another form, “a sentient substance searching for a radical evolutionary successor.”

To say that it would be too much to take in when viewing this exhibition is an understatement. Its exact, real-time essence within the three spaces is what makes this unique show most intriguing—it’s a “Thinking-Man’s” type of exhibition, one that takes the viewer far beyond the norm of the common “walk in-walk out and by the way, let’s get some lunch” routine most visitors usually take. This is certainly an All the elements continue to ever change: experience not to be taken lightly. the flow of water streams disappears; The exhibition will be on view in New pineapples, bananas and flowers appear York at MoMA PS1 (22-25 Jackson Avenue out of nowhere, the snow becoming barren at 46th Ave in Long Island City, Queens) debris and a kind of landfill challenges till September 25.

Filipino generational conflict takes center stage in Mabuhay Majesty

By Roxanne Ray IE Contributor

Directing Mabuhay Majesty seems a Tiffany, and Linda Divina,” he said. “They provided several stories I used to develop the natural next step for Cardona. “Since I’d dicharacters of Reina and Marietta, the girls.” rected a staged reading of one of Flor’s plays The male characters also reflect local Fili- for ACT Theatre’s ActLab series,” she said, pino role models. “Valeriano, the father, was “and a one-act for Eclectic Theater’s one-act based on Pinoy men who arrived in Seattle play festival, Flor just said, in effect, ‘you’re post-World War II,” Flor said. “They’d served it.’”

play a character of Filipino heritage, so to be able to get to channel that onstage has been something I’ve been looking forward to for quite sometime. I can’t wait to bring this character to life!”

Flor explains why he is so receptive to this feedback. “Since I’m America-born, I don’t have the same cultural instincts as someone born in the Philippines,” he said.

“In rehearsals, Laurie would add colloquial phrases to lines. I’d done some of that, drawing on translations, but couldn’t to the extent that provided the timing and contextual use that a native speaker would. They added the touch of realism to the characters.”

Despite all of the enthusiasm and generosity from the community, Flor reports that serving as his own producer has not been without its challenges. “It’s difficult when you’re not a theater where you might have access to stage managers, set and lighting designers, costumers, and other technicians,” Flor said.

Generational conflict is a common topic of Asian American cultural expression, and a new play by writer Bob Flor, entitled Mabuhay Majesty, explores aspects of this culture that are specific to the local Filipino commuwith the American military fighting in the nity.

Philippines.”

Mabuhay Majesty focuses on the Seattle He even sees a bit of himself in the play.

Filipino Community Queen Contest in the “Rickie, the teen boy, was like many of the 1960s, and imagines the journey of two teenguys I grew up with in the Central District age girls who reject the tradition, despite its and Rainier Valley,” he said. “I probably was focus on fundraising for the community, as mentally revisiting my teen years.” humiliating.

After the initial writing was complete, Flor Flor’s interest in these competitions of decades past stemmed from personal experi- began workshopping the play and soliciting ence. “I read Pamana, a book about the his- the feedback of other theatre artists. “Readtory of Seattle’s Filipino community,” Flor ings were particularly helpful,” he said. “At said. “It contained photos of women who had one, [local director] David Hsieh suggested run in the contests over the years. I knew a the character of Marietta needed additional few and had even dated one or two when I development. This led me to expand her actions in the Jefferson scene to show her vulwas younger.” nerability and reliance on Reina.”

All this contest information piqued Flor’s Most recently, the current cast and director curiosity. “I didn’t understand their function, purpose or how they were operated,” he said. of the show have helped develop the work.

“Eloisa Cardona, Roger Rigor, Manny Golez “It took a bit of research.” and Laurie Rocello-Torres rounded out the He then refined his understanding by writ- ‘Filipinoness’ of the play,” Flor said. “I reing a play originally entitled The Princessa vised the original ending to better reflect the Contest in 2015. “The title changed when I cultural norms of Filipinos after a discussion was showing the photos to my wife, and ex- with Eloisa Cardona, the director.” plaining the play,” he said. “A photo of one Although Cardona has primarily worked of the Queens, seated with a banner on her chair, read ‘Mabuhay Majesty.’ Catalina said, as an actor and is fairly new to directing, she’s enthusiastic about the opportunity.

‘That’s a better title.’”

“I’ve found myself walking out of plays and At its heart, Flor shares how Mabuhay discussing them with my husband, daughter, Majesty is a collaborative work with the lo- whoever had been my theater date for that cal community. “I interviewed a few women evening, about what I saw and what I thought who had run in the contests when they were would have worked better in the directing teens including Dorothy Cordova, Jeanette or storytelling,” she said. “A friend of mine kept encouraging me to ‘take the plunge.’”

Cardona describes the rehearsal process as a team endeavor. “Our process is very much a collaborative effort,” she said. “The director and the actors can have input, we discuss, then we either rewrite a line or a word on the spot, or Bob goes away and thinks about it, and comes back with a rewrite. After I’ve finished working on a scene with the actors, I usually ask for Bob’s input, or he offers a suggestion or observation.”

Cardona concurs. “I’m blessed with a wonderfully talented group of Filipino American actors,” she said. “We all understand and ‘get’ the nuances of our culture, and, most importantly, the humor!”

The actors chime in on this sentiment.

“I’ve worked with Uncle Bob on a couple of his projects and wanted to be apart of this specific project because it puts a light on a story that is rarely, if ever told, about the 1960s experience of Filipinos in the Seattle area,” said Matt Dela Cruz, who plays Mr. Cajumco, the Union Leader. “I rarely get to

Actor Manny Golez echoes Cruz’s opinion. “I find it exciting and rewarding to tell our story, most especially the story about our pioneers who have shaped the Filipino community into what it is now,” said Golez, who plays the role of Valeriano Buyco, father of Reina, one of the pageant candidates for the box dance. “Valeriano is a man full of hopes and dreams, not just for his daughter, but also for the Filipinos in our community. He yearns for a time when Filipinos can stand toe to toe with the Americans and be considered as their equal.”

Yet Flor says that his long list of acknowledgments for others’ contributions demonstrates that there is a cultural hunger for such work. “I learned there’s a strong theater and community in Seattle who are interested in supporting projects that tell their stories,” he said. “They are willing to step forward to help give these projects life.”

Mabuhay Majesty will be presented on September 29 and 30 at Rainier Arts Center, 3515 S. Alaska Street, Seattle. For more information, visit www.rainierartscenter.org/ event/mabuhay-majesty.

8 — September 20, 2017 – October 3, 2017

INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER

ARTS

The Who and The What explores American Muslim female identity

By Roxanne Ray IE Contributor

recognize that we do not have the lenses Actor Monika Jolly, who plays the role to see all that must be seen to make this of Zarina, agrees. “To see such a strong play authentic, real, and representative of American woman, who just happens to be Pratidhwani has been serving the South the characters and this story.”

Muslim and Pakistani, was a huge draw Asian American community since 2003, The two companies have shared for me in terms of auditioning for this and has now teamed up with local theatre the workload according to their role,” said Jolly, who previously portrayed company ArtsWest to bring another play Zarina in a prior production of The Who

by Pulitzer Prize winner Ayad Akhtar to resources. “Pratidhwani has infused this and The What in San Diego. “I think production with a wealth of experience the Seattle stage. and information, from subtle nuances the most interesting thing about her is The two companies will co-produce on the type of spice box that may be her strength and vulnerability that exists Akhtar’s The Who and the What at found in a Pakistani kitchen, to the together at the same time throughout her ArtsWest’s location in West Seattle. The correct pronunciation of language, to journey.” play centers on the character of Zarina, a the understanding of the importance The complexities of family are a large young Muslim woman, who must balance of the marriage certificate in a Muslim focus of the play’s narrative. “I loved her views on the role of women in Islam wedding,” Lee said. “Their presence is that this play is about a family that loves with the conservative traditions of her found throughout the actual bringing- each other so much,” Raval said, “and family and her faith. to-life of the story and ArtsWest has yet still has an entire world of learning to ArtsWest’s managing director Laura provided the funding to produce the work, undergo before truly understanding each Lee says her company has been interested and has incorporated it into our offerings other.” in Akhtar’s work for quite a while. “Our for our season subscribers and our single Actor Abhijeet Rane shares this Artistic Director, Mathew Wright, has ticket buyers.” interest. “While I am not a Muslim, the been a fan of Ayad Akhtar’s work for a This partnership presented a great challenges of being an immigrant with long time,” she said, “and this particular opportunity for local director Samip two daughters is very real for me,” said play has been on his radar for the last Raval. “I was very interested in this Rane, who plays Afzal, the father of couple of years.” family’s dynamic and a story of an Zarina. “I saw a lot of my kids when It was just a question of timing. “At immigrant father in constant search understanding the personalities of the ArtsWest, we choose a narrative, a to connect with his daughters,” Raval characters, and I often think about how I question, a thread for our seasons and said. “So much of this play speaks would react if the situation were to occur so we have been waiting for the right to immigrants and first generation for real in my life.” moment to produce this play, with the Americans, but I also believe so much of To explore these challenges, the cast right people,” Lee said. “This year we are the relationship between these characters had to build strong connections with looking at the question of Identity and this can illuminate in a family the motives each other. “With Samip’s guidance,” behind our battles to understand each Jolly said, “based in a positive style of then becomes a perfect fit.” other.” direction instead of a fear-based one that Lee describes the Pratidhwani-ArtsWest Raval brings to this project extensive some directors rely on, I was really able to partnership as a natural one. “When we chose to put this play in our season, we prior experience with Akhtar’s work, explore and play and connect deeply with knew that we needed and wanted Agastya having performed in three productions of the other actors.”

Kohli and Pratidhwani to be part of Akhtar’s play Disgraced. “For me, idea of Raval elaborates on this teamwork bringing this story to life,” she said. “The working on another one of his plays felt goal. “So much of our job is about playing leadership of ArtsWest is white, and we very refreshing, and especially one that together,” he said. “Each character, no centers on a female character,” Raval said.

matter how intelligent or justified, is desperate for something that is very human, very primal. Much of this play lives in the intellectual powers between the characters.”

Rane asserts that this family conflict is not exclusive to Muslims alone. “In the final scene, in the epilogue, Afzal confronts the reality of choosing between his faith and his daughter,” Rane said.

“His struggle to overcome the obstacle that is his faith is one felt by millions of people around the world of all religions.

Blind faith blinds us to all. But change gives hope, and the ability and willingness to change can be a force for good.”

The artists believe this is an important part of the current national conversation.

“I think it is important, especially right now with what is going on all around us, for audiences to see a Muslim American family that is just like them, wanting the same things—love, happiness, a great life for their children,” Jolly said.

“I think it is the way that we will be able to heal as a community, as a nation— to see our similarities, instead of our differences.”

ArtsWest’s Lee concurs that this community-building is the real goal.

“Theater is an art form of collaboration,” she said, “and it is there that we all become so much more than the sum of the individual parts.”

The Who and The What will be presented from September 7 to October 1 at ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave SW, Seattle. For more information, visit www. artswest.org/theatre-plays/the-who-thewhat/

A deftly-plotted South Asian detective novel set in Seattle

By Nalini Iyer IE Contributor Bharti Kirchner’s seventh novel Season of Sacrifice: A Maya Mallick Mystery, is an engaging mystery that launches a series with an Indian-American detective, Maya Mallick. A former nutritionist turned detective, Maya is just beginning her career as a PI, working for a boutique all-woman Kolkatta based detective agency. Her boss in India notes that with the Indian American community growing in the United States, there is now a market for detective work that is transnational that can help Indo-Americans take care of their headaches including pre- and post- matrimonial investigations.

However, Maya’s first major case occurs because she is in the wrong place at the wrong time. She witnesses the self-immolation of two women whose brutal act is presented as a political protest of China’s occupation of Tibet. Maya is horrified when she realizes that one of the victims is Sylvie, her close friend, who is a biomedical scientist of Tibetan origin.

Maya’s investigations take her into the world of malaria vaccines, Russian industrial espionage, ancient Bengali healing practices with a sinister history, and the life of an Indian meditation teacher and guru in

Seattle. She must also deal with her complex feelings for her former lover, Justin, a cop, and delve into the family politics of her best friend, Veen, who is also Sylvie’s adopted sister. Along the way, Maya is helped by an assortment of colorful and eccentric characters.

Her mother, Uma, who is her confidant and collaborator; Hank, her assistant; Cal Chodron, a volunteer at a vaccine trial agency; Atticus Biswas, an accountant and her client.

Like J.A. Jance’s J.P. Beaumont novels that make Seattle and its history a central feature, so does this novel. Kirchner captures everyday life in Seattle as well as its cultural geography.

What is also refreshing about this novel featuring a South Asian American detective is that it is not locked into the typical narrative of immigrant fiction where characters

are caught between two competing worlds following; Maya Mallick will be of interest and struggle to balance the two. Maya is a to that audience. cosmopolitan who easily navigates multiKirchner’s novel is deftly plotted; the ethnic Seattle and is comfortable in her skin. reader is intrigued by Maya Mallick. Since Detective fiction this novel launches a series, there are hints is popular amongst in the background narrative of potential fuSouth Asian read- ture directions for Maya and her sleuthing. ers many of whom The novel will definitely find a following grew up reading amongst those interested in detective and Agatha Christie ethnic fictions. and Arthur Conan Doyle. There are also popular South Asian detective novels by Satyajit Ray and Vikram Chandra and novels with South Asian detectives written by Tarquin Hall and H.R.F. Keating.

Kirchner whose Tulip Season was her first foray into the genre joins Sujata Massey and her Rei Shimura series with an ethnic woman as investigator. Detective novels by Sara Paretsky and Sue Grafton among others that feature strong woman PIs have a popular

COMMUNITY

INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER

September 20, 2017 – October 3, 2017 — 9

Soufend Art Show and Block Party a statement on gentrification

By Bunthay Cheam IE Contributor On August 20, local art collective Paradice Avenue Souf (the ‘th” in “south” is replaced with an ‘f” for an artistic edge) held it’s second annual Soufend Art Show and Block Party, a family friendly event held in Rainier Valley on the intersection of Rainier Ave. S and S. Holly St. in Seattle. The event was open to the public free of charge.

Equal parts performance and visual arts, the audience was treated to shows by local greats such as legendary beat maker Derek Brown aka Vitamin D, who is credited with composing the title track to the hit show Power, songstress Moni Tep aka JusMoni (IG: @saffroniaa), and a dance by the Washington Diamonds Drill Team.

Visual artists and vendors also lined South Holly Street including artist and designer Reynalin Ignacio’s Made by Reynalin line (IG: @madebyreynalin) of customized women’s accessories and home goods and urban clothing designer Water.Official (IG: @water.official) who curated a pop-up shop from within the trailer of a UHaul.

Facade Facepainting, Seward Park Clay, and Paint and Smoothies by Tomi Teav were also on deck to give kids an interactive art experience.

Highlighting the culinary diversity of the neighborhood, an array of food was also available with vendors such as Seattle’s Best BBQ Skewers serving Khmer-style beef sticks, Filipino inspired pastries by Hood Famous Bakeshop (IG: @ hoodfamousbakeshop), and Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream.

The event was the brainchild of multidisciplinary artist Harry Clean, aka Harry Baluran (IG: @harry_clean), who is also the co-founder of Paradice Avenue Souf, a multimedia artist studio located in Rainier Valley.

“The Soufend Art Show started from an idea my friend Jordan Nicholson and I had about having a little art show at King Donuts (R.I.P.) about three years ago. This art show would feature artists from the Soufend (we like replacing the ‘th’ with an ‘f’).”

Baluran and Nicholson initially had plans to hold the inaugural event at the iconic King’s Donut in the Rainier Beach neighborhood, “A year later I decided to proceed with this idea but unfortunately King’s Donut got sold to new owner so I felt that it just wouldn’t be right doing it there anymore.”

That led Baluran to reach out to the friend and owner of Cafe Avole, Solomon Dubie, about holding the event in the vicinity of his shop on Rainier Avenue South and South Holly Street. “The concept of the Soufend Art Show and block party is that three South Seattle visual artists get featured in an art exhibition inside Cafe Avole while a small scale festival is held outside with vendors, live performances, and art workshops,” he said.

This year’s event featured multimedia artists Zue Lian Cooper (IG: @zookoopa), Anand Alder (IG: @nandaethekid), and Yassa (IG: @yasmincreative).

Baluran’s purpose for this annual event is tied to a more grand vision he has for the community he grew up in where he stresses those in privileged positions to help others succeed.

“I grew up in low income immigrant household so these values and morals have been embedded in my since a kid. Stick together, survive, and help your people succeed. I made sure that this value system

Artist Royce The Choice performs at the Soufend Art Show and Block Party on August 20, 2017. • Photo by Eric Hermosada

was part of the event by featuring well-known artists and also up-and-coming artists.”

An even bigger issue on Baluran’s mind is the change he’s experienced in his neighborhood and what’s he sees as an assault on the culture that has made Rainier Valley one of most culturally diverse in the United States.

“My neighborhood is not what is used to be. Culture is dying. People of color (POC) are being forced to move south to cities like Kent and Tukwila. We created this beautiful diverse neighborhood and now it is being taken away from us.”

In a May 2017 article, The Stranger, citing a July 2016 estimate from the U.S. Census Bureau, stated that over 1,000 people move into Seattle each week, making it the ninthfastest growing metro area.

Enticed by a booming local economy spurred by growth in some of the biggest companies on the Fortune 500 list including Amazon, Starbucks, Nordstrom, and Boeing; Seattle has become a beacon for transplants and this has had a collateral effect

money to buy the ingredients plus your kids are hungry.” Balarun said.

Despite what seems to be an inevitable change along the Rainier Avenue corridor, Baluran remains optimistic he has the resources and leadership to blunt the adverse effects of gentrification by unifying those that have lived there for generations and teaching newcomers about the area’s history so as to keep its culture thriving. The art show and block party is part and parcel to that strategy.

“The Soufend Art Show and Block Party is us saying, ‘Yeah we’re still here. And we’re not going anywhere. This is our land, this is our raggedy #7 bus. This is our food, you can have a taste but don’t forget who it belongs to,” he said.

Show headliner Moni Tep, stressing the benefits of these types of community gatherings, added: “I think the Soufend Art Show and Block Party was unique in the way that it brought our communities together, like how it would’ve looked, even 10–15 years prior. Gentrification has taken its course through parts of the city that us people of color, call home—but when we party, it’s like a testament that we’re always going to be here. You can move bodies, but it’s harder to move spirit.”

Baluran has his sights set on a bigger event for 2018, “next year will have the same vibes but will bigger. More vendors and more activities. And also a car show,” he said.

Musician Davey Tsunami (IG: @ daveyvision24k), who was a performer on the lineup, agreed, stating that the event was “unification at its highest form, we all sang, danced, laughed and enjoyed the food especially being Khmer to represent our culture in our own community was amazing.

I enjoyed every second of it and I can’t wait til next year.”

True to his multidisciplinary nature, Baluran also plans to not only host the event but to participate in a different way.

on the city, especially in neighborhoods historically populated by communities of color. Cranes have become a common fixture in Downtown Seattle, and to a degree in neighborhoods where new zoning changes made by city officials look to supplement the high housing demand brought on by the rapid pace of people moving to the city. This housing shortage has also caused people to look southward into traditional POC communities where Seattle’s housing discrimination history has red-lined and confined the city’s people of color.

As gentrification changes these neighborhoods, rising property values have driven many families, especially those with fixed income, further out into South King County in places such Renton, Kent, and Auburn where housing is more affordable.

“We created this beautiful diverse neighborhood and now it is being taken away from us. It’s like if you cooked a bomb ass breakfast then someone breaks into your house and eats it. Yeah you can “Currently, I’m working on music so I can make another meal but you have to start all over and what if you used the last of your bless the stage next year,” he said.

10 — September 20, 2017 – October 3, 2017

INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER

COMMUNITY

Announcements Navigation Center public meeting on Tuesday, September 26

Local businesses to hold International Peace Day fundraiser for API Chaya

The city is hosting a follow-up meeting for the community to discuss the Navigation Center, a new, low-barrier, 24-hour shelter for the homeless at the Pearl Warren Building at 606 12th Ave S, near the Little Saigon neighborhood.

The public meeting happens Tuesday, September 26 at 6:00 p.m. at the Summit Sierra School (1025 S. King St).

Updates and information can be found at the Friends of Little Saigon website at friendsoflittlesaigon.org.

In honor of International Peace Day (September 23), CG Sculpture and Jewelry, World Pizza, and Kobo are having a fundraising event for API Chaya from September 21 to September 23 during regular store hours.

at Kobo). Up to 10 people who buy jewelry daca#top. Complete your DACA renewal at Kobo will win free slices of pizza to be application (with help from a legal clinic) if your DACA expires on or before March picked up at World Pizza.

API Chaya is a non-profit organization 5 to be eligible for a renewal. If you are that supports survivors of domestic eligible, apply for a free DACA renewal violence, sexual assault, and human scholarship at LC4DACA.ORG. Send your application to USCIS before October trafficking.

5 according to your state here: https:// www.uscis.gov/i-821d-addresses Free DACA renewal

10% of whole pie sales at World Pizza scholarships available and 20% of CG Jewelry sold at Kobo will Mission Asset Fund (MAF) is offering be donated to API Chaya. As an added free DACA renewal scholarships. Due to bonus, the five people who find a giant the urgent DACA deadline, Mission Asset chocolate pearl on their pizza will win Funds has received enough funding to silver and pearl earrings (to be picked up cover every DACA renewal in the United States for free.

To apply for a scholarship, visit LC4DACA.org and MAF will send a check already written out to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for payment of DACA renewal.

Those interested should apply for the scholarship as soon as possible since the deadline to renew DACA is October 5 for eligible participants. It is important to note that this is not a loan and no one will be asked to pay the money back.

MAF is committing to sending the scholarship through priority mail within 48 hours of receiving your DACA renewal scholarship application, if eligible.

Scholarship applications must be fully completed; MAF asks that every question be answered.

If you have any concerns about your DACA renewal, legal clinics are available to help you with your application. You can find a list for Washington state here: https://www.nwirp.org/options-afterdaca-community-forums/ and http:// www.seattle.gov/iandraffairs/programs/

WASHINGTON: If you have any questions about this process or problems during your application, please email 21 Progress at daca@21progress.org. If you are outside of Washington state, contact MAF directly: (888) 274-4808.

Seattle Goodwill to host fundraisers for its job training and education programs Seattle Goodwill will be hosting its Glitter Gala on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at 6:00 pm at the Hangar 30 event space in Magnuson Park. The Glitter Gala is a fundraiser intended to benefit Goodwill’s free job training and education programs at nine sites from Bellingham to Burien.

Seattle Goodwill’s 34th Annual Glitter Sale will take place the weekend after the Glitter Gala on November 11 and 12, 2017.

The Glitter Sale is a sale of evening wear, purses, jewelry, and accessories to raise funds for Goodwill’s free job training and education programs. The pre-sale will be held on November 7, 2017. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the Glitter Gala, please visit www.seattlegoodwill. org/glittergala. For more information on the Glitter Gala, visit http://www. seattlegoodwill.org/glittergala.

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September 20, 2017 – October 3, 2017 — 11

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Diem Ly honored with Tatsuo Nakata Leadership Award

By Christine Smet IE Contributor As part of this year’s Community Voice Awards, the International Examiner will recognize Diem Ly for the Tatsuo Nakata Leadership Award.

Diem Ly is the Director of Community Investment for Comcast NBCUniversal, focusing on corporate philanthropy, diversity, and inclusion, and public relations across Washington State. Ly has 10 years of experience working in community relations, journalism and media, and social justice issues. She serves on the board of directors for the Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS), the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle (ULMS), and Seattle Goodwill.

Prior to her current role, she worked as first an Assistant Editor then Editor in Chief of the International Examiner from 2007 to 2012; as a Morning News Writer for Northwest Cable News; and a PTSD researcher for the Veterans Affairs of Puget Sound. Ly graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelors of Science degree, studying neuroscience and psychology.

The International Examiner caught up with Ly to discuss leadership and her involvement in the community.

International Examiner: As a former editor of the IE, what do you think is most important for ethnic newspapers like the IE in their efforts to cover their communities today?

Diem Ly: In a word, collaboration!

Community newspapers are built on being a unique voice for an underrepresented group and while there are collaborations within a group, there are far-reaching benefits to partnering broadly and experimentally.

I’m not talking about a one-off opportunity for a grant-funded project, but seeing collaboration as a thread woven into an organization’s way of thinking and acting.

Imagine the resource-and-knowledge-rich benefits of a public-private partnership. Or the policy impact of a civic partnership to

Diem Ly. • Courtesy Photo

engage a community and political leaders. Or from a nuts and bolts perspective—imagine the cost-savings on sharing office space with other organizations [where] you can share resources, talent, and industry best practices with.

Building on our collective talents, expertise, and resources, community media can stretch past the shores of a “survivor” or insular model towards being the critical voice and beacon of knowledge we need today.

The belief that there are barriers to collaborate due to time, capacity, funding or trust, will result in the worst possible thing to become in community media today— irrelevant.

IE: You graduated from UW with degrees in psychology and neuroscience: what drew you to a career in journalism and community relations?

Ly: People and storytelling fascinate me.

So, once I was introduced to the International Examiner as a wannabe radical student at the University of Washington, a trajectory toward journalism was inevitable. Growing up, I loved storytelling and writing. [When I was eight years old], I wrote a full length novel. In 8-year-old terms, that’s like, 10 pages. In middle school, I worked with my

best friend, Stephanie, on an overcomplicated storyline with the aim to submit the draft to a popular writer for teens at the time, R.L. Stine. The author wrote back, essentially saying, “Thanks. And nice try, girls.” At the UW, I co-wrote a script with my Vietnamese best friend, Tammy, reinterpreting the popular play, The Vagina Monologues, from an API woman’s perspective. Following college, I had a stint as a PTSD researcher at the Veteran’s Administration. But while the science of people and behavior fascinated me, ultimately a life of data and analysis didn’t.

So, I dusted off the old notebooks and started writing again. I contacted the International Examiner Editor in Chief at the time who was—astonishingly to me—a Vietnamese woman just a few years older than myself. As a girl growing up in the ‘burbs of Snohomish County, wishing to be blond and blue-eyed, and who experienced a delayed sense of pride and understanding in my API identify, this was … cool. She mentored me until the torch was eventually passed to lead the IE. Community relations and philanthropy wasn’t a far cry from my responsibilities as an executive director of a nonprofit media organization.

After years of pitching the merits of the Examiner and opportunities for sponsorship and partnership—I wanted to be on the other

side of the table. I believed there needed to be not only more APIs visible in corporate philanthropic roles in a region bustling with API communities, but ones who understood our local history and the people who shaped it. Someone who knew current issues at stake and how they can help shape funding priorities and redefine public-private partnerships to make an impact. And, one who knew what it was like to work at a nonprofit. I’ll admit, the transition from a nonprofit, community worker in the Chinatown ID to a corporate employee wasn’t easy—but it redefined to me what an advocate can be and from where they can lead change from. You can also be an advocate and ally in the corporate halls of a Fortune 50 company. And indeed, having launched or supported six employee resource groups at Comcast NBCUniversal for Women, Black, APAs, LGBTQ, Veterans, and Hispanic employees, funding over $3.5M to over 50 nonprofits across the State in 2017 alone, building collaboration spaces in Seattle for people to use for free, and now serving as a co-chair of our Diversity & Inclusion Council to encourage conversation that leads to action—I’m finding another way to be an advocate. I hope that’s an example for others.

IE: You’re quite involved as a board member for ACRS, Goodwill, and ULMS: why are these organizations important to you and how do you support these organizations as a board member?

Ly: In my role in community relations and philanthropy, I’ve never been one to just sign a check once a year. I like to be involved in organizations and help identify and pave the way for their success and those they serve.

That said, to serve on three boards is pretty daunting. Participating in board meetings, committee meetings, board retreats, and fundraising events are just the tip of the iceberg.

I’ve been an informal ambassador for ACRS, Seattle Goodwill, and the Urban League for years before I joined the boards. I believe in the mission and the people pounding the pavement each day in service to others.

Most striking to me is the impact and efficiency in all three organizations. They hold themselves to a high standard, define their success metrics and plan accordingly to reach it, evaluate and re-evaluate to ensure maximum impact, and hold themselves accountable if it is not.

In fact, they’ve gifted me more than what I could gift them. I’ve learned to work with intention and values, and be dedicated to improvement and impact because of them.

Plus, they’re fun people!

IE: What does “leadership” mean to you? How would you describe a successful leader?

Ly: Leadership has been a journey for me, honestly. I’ve been thrust into multiple leadership roles without the experience or training I would’ve preferred and have always learned the hard way.

Through example and having had the privilege to work with legacy-building leaders—I’m talking about the leaders that make the most hardened professional cry at their departure—this is what I’ve learned.

Leaders ask lots of questions. Because the best leaders know what they don’t know.

Leaders know how to empower and engage each individual on a team regardless of where the employee is in the pecking order.

In fact, sincere leaders are known to ask for everyone’s opinion and raise the voice of the quietest. That said, a leader doesn’t care about your current title either—rather they care about where you want to go. And they care— really care—about helping get you there.

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September 20, 2017 – October 3, 2017 — 13

Rita Meher recognized with Excellence in Arts Award

By Christine Smet IE Contributor The International Examiner continues to recognize the outstanding achievements of Asian Pacific American leaders through the Community Voice Awards. Rita Meher will be honored with the Excellence in Arts Award for her work in filmmaking and leading the Tasveer South Asian Film Festival.

As a filmmaker for more than 15 years and one of the founders of Tasveer, Rita Meher works to strengthen communities and dispel negative perceptions of South Asians by curating thought-provoking events in a post9/11 world. Through Tasveer, she brings greater understanding on commonly misunderstood issues in South Asian countries, creates a strong platform for marginalized voices, and sparks dialogue on taboo issues among local South Asian communities. Tasveer’s mission is to inspire social change through thought-provoking South Asian films, art, and storytelling.

Before diving full-time into Tasveer in 2012, she worked as a freelance video producer and editor in various local TV stations.

Meher edited the award-winning Bangladeshi documentary Threads and made her first short film, Citizenship 101, based on her own immigrant experience. She was named Seattle Globalist of the Year in 2015, and a Rising Star by Northwest Asian Weekly.

Meher was born and raised in India, and lived in Japan for four years. She is fluent in Hindi, Odiya, and Japanese.

The International Examiner sat down with Meher to discuss her involvement in filmmaking and the South Asian community.

International Examiner: The South Asian community is so diverse, how do you keep up with what’s going on in these communities?

Rita Meher: Yes, it is very diverse and we work hard to find information and what’s going on in the community. So one way we do that, for example, in our festival is to focus on a different South Asian country every year. For example, this year we’re focusing on Nepal and working with Nepali organiza-

tions. There are about seven Nepali organizations we’re aware of and we go out and meet with them and find out their interests and ask them to get involved. Another way we keep up is we regularly do outreach to different organizations in different communities.

IE: You have plenty of experience in filmmaking now but what originally drew you to the arts and filmmaking specifically?

Meher: My background is in literature and I worked as a Japanese translator and interpreter in Japan.

When I came here in 1998, I couldn’t find any Japanese-related Meher work and it created a career crisis for me.

I started to explore other options and I thought about going into computers or website building or something else or go back to school, meanwhile I was working at United Airlines and traveling and doing translations for customer service.

But in 2001 when 9/11 happened, there was something personal that happened I really wanted to dig into with that incident, and my good friend said “why don’t you make a film” about my experience with that incident.

I thought that was a brilliant idea and picked up my camera and put together a crew and put together a film on my incident. It wasn’t a grand incident, it was very small and monumental—I was yelled at on the street to go back to my country and that moment shook me and made me question my sense of belonging—should I go back or stay here? I made a film and that process set me on the path to get me more involved in film; editing became my career. I went back to Bellevue College to learn editing and filmmaking professionally. Filmmaking and doing something creative was always in the back of my head.

IE: Tasveer’s website mentions that you founded Tasveer because of negative depictions of South Asians in the media. How do you think those depictions were affect-

ing South Asian communities and how did you hope Tasveer would challenge them?

Meher: What we set out to do was create awareness of our identity and who we are as an immigrant population and South Asian community. We started making films on all subject matters so we can create engagement on that subject matter.

We brought a film on Muslim women’s perspectives. We made a film from a Muslim woman’s perspective: what a Muslim woman is going through living here; wearing the veil or not. We want to create engagement around that and try to chip at the ignorance and things like getting yelled at.

We just want to create an awareness of our culture and our identity and Islamophobia and show films on Islamic culture and films on what the Sikh community was going through because nothing like that was available until we started doing it. There were no such screenings held anywhere and we can’t wait around for someone else. We create the space and people come, people ask questions and have a dialogue around perceptions of South Asians and South Asian identity.

IE: You founded Tasveer in 2002—what has changed since then in regards to filmmaking and the sociopolitical climate?

Meher: If you consider filmmaking and production value, it has gone from 0 to 10— now really good quality films are being produced. It’s also easier to get films from overseas and even having access to filmmakers and their contact information has been so much easier and through social media. That’s been great for us.

Sociopolitical climate—we do feel we have made some kind of impact in the community and bringing awareness to matters that aren’t seen through other films besides Bollywood. We advocate for the South Asian LGTBTQ community. No films were shown and there was no platform for the LGBTQ community to showcase their films and it wasn’t showing up anywhere. We kicked off our organization during Pride Month and curated LGBTQ shorts—it was a challenge for our own community to be

accepting and come to see these films and have a dialogue. In 2008, when our festival was dedicated to LGBTQ subject matter, people got upset and community volunteers dropped out from our organizing team and only a few members would come to showings. From 2008 to now, the community is so accepting. Just next week we’re doing a program on LGBTQ subject matter and it’s so much more acceptable and I think we have a hand in that and making it a more open subject matter and not taboo. I think subjects related to domestic violence and women we started showing and bringing and sharing stories and people would say, “I didn’t tell my husband I’m coming to this film,” or, “I’m not telling my family I came,” secretly back in 2005, 2006, and 2007; now it’s a big thing—we’ll have a dialogue and it’ll be sold out in a few days.

We have seen good changes; however, with the new administration and new government it feels like 9/11 all over again. There are so many cases of hate crimes and just talking about the South Asian community, they’re being targeted because of the way we look and racial profiling and there was the Kansas City shooting so there’s still a lot of work to do.

IE: What advice would you give to young people who want to create social change and use the arts to do so?

Meher: What we would like to say to young people is to be bold and not be scared to voice their opinions. That’s what the new generation is all about and they’re doing that but to keep doing that and come out and participate and see a film that’s different that you don’t see on Netflix and to create your films, too. I like it how more young people are picking up cameras and creating their own work.

IE: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Meher: One thought: even though we say we’re focusing on South Asian community here, it’s a welcoming space and it’s all of our stories and things we talk about transcend to other communities so we look forward to others to come in and use this space to engage with the community.

Amerigroup Washington to receive Community Business Award

By Christine Smet IE Contributor As part of this year’s Community Voice Awards, the International Examiner will recognize Amerigroup Washington for the Community Business Award.

Amerigroup Washington is a local healthcare provider. They take a “whole person care” approach to healthcare, meaning they aim to build meaningful relationships in the community and create extra services to improve health care for their members. Over the past five years, they have served over 150,000 members receiving Washington Apple Health Medicaid benefits.

Amerigroup believes healthcare only starts with the best doctors, but to really improve health outcomes healthcare must invest in addressing social determinants of health. Amerigroup works closely with local organizations to address housing and homelessness, education, supportive employment, behavioral and emotional health, food insecurity, social justice, and more.

Amerigroup plans to continue to invest in diverse communities and do their best

to make Washington happy and healthy for everyone.

The International Examiner caught up with Associate Vice President of Amerigroup Washington David Escame to talk about Amerigroup’s work in the community and plans for the future.

International Examiner: What is “whole person care” and how does that set Amerigroup apart? How does Amerigroup work to address social determinants of health?

Escame: We believe healthcare only starts with the best doctors and health systems. But to truly advance healthcare we have to address social determinants. This includes housing and homelessness, education, supportive employment, and social justice issues. It was through our work with the Seattle Jobs Initiative we became the only health plan to pay for GED testing.

Through our work with the Seattle Indian Health Board, we are the only health plan to offer traditional healing benefits including smudging, circle share, storytelling, and sweat lodge. Through our work with International Community Health Services,

we are the only health plan to pay for acupuncture.

Whole person care also means investing in the communities we serve: from launching “Muckleshoot First Food—A Breastfeeding Campaign”—a culturally appropriate peer lactation program that incorporates tradiEscame tional practices into a WIC program—to investing in the Downtown Emergency Service Center to turn the old smoking room into “Nurse Mary’s Clinic.” The old smoking room is now a place for healing and health. These are just two examples of several we are working on.

IE: What is Amerigroup most proud of in terms of its work in the past year?

Escame: As we pursue Fully Integrated Managed Care in Washington State, which includes both physical health and mental health, I was overwhelmed to have over 100 well-respected nonprofit organizations recognize us with letters of support. One specific program would be our partnership with the Union Gospel Mission and

the More Love Project to launch the first shower van in Seattle. The shower van has already been able to offer hundreds of showers to people suffering homelessness in the encampments.

IE: What are some of Amerigroup’s goals for the future when it comes to work in the community?

Escame: We will continue to work with our friends and neighbors and find out the best way to drive healthcare forward. Nothing about us without us is the lens we use to respond to the needs of our members.

You will see us doing even more in areas including housing and homelessness, supportive employment, and jail diversion and jail transition programs.

IE: Given the changes that may be coming to the U.S. healthcare system, how should people be thinking and planning in terms of their healthcare coverage?

Escame: Stay informed and get involved.

Be active in preserving programs like Medicaid and CHIP. If you have coverage, educate yourself on the benefits you are eligible for. Get the most out of your health plan.

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September 20, 2017 – October 3, 2017 — 15

Sameth Mell honored for excellence in social justice

By Christine Smet IE Contributor For the 2017 Community Voice Awards, the International Examiner will recognize Sameth Mell for the Excellence in Social Justice award.

Sameth Mell is a Cambodian American cultural strategist, activist, and a practitioner of social justice. Mell was born in a refugee camp on the borders between Cambodia and Thailand. His family escaped the Khmer Rouge regime and was sponsored to Seattle in the mid 1980s. Growing up in a single-parent household, impacted by war and struggling with PTSD and secondary trauma, he sought to reconcile his identity by marrying the passion he has for community and organizational development and arts with policy impact through his work.

Mell currently works full-time at Mt. Baker Housing Association; advocates on legislative issues with Coalition of Immigrants, Refugees, and Communities of Color (CIRCC); and leads RAJANA Society, an arts and civics project focusing on civic engagement and bridging cultural divides with the Cambodian Diaspora. He serves on the board for Seattle Sihanoukville Sister City Association, is a CoChair of the Financial Education Partners Network of Seattle and King County, and is the youngest of 13 members appointed to serve on the newly-formed King County Immigrant and Refugee Taskforce. Mell is also a steering member of the HDC Recruiting Diversity Taskforce, working to increase diversity in the housing industry.

The International Examiner sat down with Sameth Mell to discuss Southeast Asian communities, activism, and advocacy.

International Examiner: What is the most important issue right now for Southeast Asian communities?

Sameth Mell: Immigration is very important. We are facing a divided nation and the anti-immigrant & refugee rhetoric that is being discoursed is very damaging to our hyper

marginal communities of color, especially to the Southeast Asian communities. It hurts the Southeast Asian communities when we are hearing of how the current administration is holding 800K DACA Dreamers politically hostage. The impact of how fear redesigns itself into our communities is a challenge for us to address. The policies that are affecting the Cambodian American communities are continuing to become more prominent.

Most recently, the Cambodian government has decided to no longer accept any more Cambodian deportees, and in response to this statement, the Federal government is imposMell ing visa sanctions on Cambodia. Not accepting deportees is a step in making sure we do not tear families apart. This change required years of organizing and advocacy work from Southeast Asian Freedom Network, 1LoveMovement (nationally & in Cambodia) and Southeast Asian Resource & Action Center, in order to get Cambodia to finally stall the process. Cambodia’s PM just issued a statement for the U.S. to pull the Peace Corps out of Cambodia, and now there are people who are searching for “American spies” in Cambodia.

Cambodia also just shut down more than 16 media platforms, two of which are Voice of America Cambodia and the Radio Free Asia. The ramifications of the United States policies are felt worldwide. What comes out of the White House has the ability to impact various regions around the world. We can no longer say that Southeast Asian communities are somehow not impacted geo-politically as much as it is locally by the rhetoric that is perpetuated.

We have to understand that Southeast Asian communities have all been impacted by war and U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia.

That’s why we comprise of the largest refugee resettlement in the history of the U.S. from the 1970–80s. It’s important to acknowledge that as we think of the patterns of migration and poverty, we also need to recognize the

role U.S. policies have in perpetuating these cycles. Clearly, the current administration is not making it easier for communities to progress, thrive, and propel positive inroads for immigrant success. We feel this sentiment in Seattle and King County as we have been hearing more bias related crimes reported and more folks are feeling unsafe in their interactions with the police, and predominantly in white occupied spaces.

IE: How did you get involved in activism and advocacy?

Mell: I was sort of thrust into this space as I have always been enormously pulled into issues that I felt were unjust and unfair, and naturally the organizing came along with the action. In high school I participated in the Asian Pacific Islanders Rising Above Program (APIRA) from ACRS. I volunteered as a mentor to the middle school students at Denny Middle School. APIRA peer leaders discussed identity politics, our history, strengths and leadership building activities. This program planted a seed in which I continued to interrogate and delve deeper into what it means to be a refugee-born Cambodian American queer man living in a hegemonic society that is predominantly facilitated by white culture.

It was challenging to learn to create authentic engagement between my community and who I was with the limited direction we had. Cambodian communities were still picking ourselves up from a decade of war and genocide. And throughout college I felt the community imperative to connect deeper with my roots by being more involved in arts and social justice. We’ve done work in bringing together awareness of the Khmer Rouge Genocide and went beyond that to display the talented artists and members of our community who are doing great work around social justice, trauma and healing. While organizing with CIRCC, I became more interested in advocating for education policy, funding and housing. CIRCC has been a crucial growing point for me where I can be solution-oriented and have the creative control on how my ideas can evolve. Now, I am very interested to see

how we can support the linking up of ideas, people, and priorities to create leverage and increase decision making opportunities by providing participatory design programs and projects. Policy is an important modality to help us design tools for more community focused solutions.

IE: What issues are important to you and what motivates you to keep working on those issues?

Mell: Housing & Environment is very important. I work at Mt. Baker Housing Association, where we work to develop affordable housing. There is a huge shortage of housing stock in our region and its becoming apparent that communities of color are being pushed outside of Seattle. Seattle’s boom, if not carefully crafted, can mean that many of our communities will no longer be able to afford to stay in Seattle. Most currently, we are working on a first of its kind project in utilizing MTCA funds to clean up contaminated property sites so that housing can be built. Many developers may not want to touch contaminated properties because they will have to source the cleanup funds. Mt. Baker sees this challenge as an opportunity to build more affordable housing to help ease some of the pressure of housing needs in our region. ...

IE: What advice do you have for young people who want to become activists and advocates?

Mell: The best way to learn is to delve into what ignites your passion. If there is an area of interest that continues to bother you and you want to make a difference, then find out about who is doing what, where, and how. Link up with coalitions, the broader community, and meet folks who are doing things that you are interested in. Volunteer to be part of a work group, coalition work, or just doing more organizing with your peers. I believe that naturally, you will find what feels right, at the right time.

This is a lifestyle. ... It’s not just work, it’s something that you’ll have to refine and craft as you go along. But there will always be people and situations along the way who somehow manage to inspire you to do and to give more.

Joan Yoshitomi honored with lifetime achievement award

By Christine Smet IE Contributor The International Examiner continues to recognize the outstanding achievements of Asian Pacific American leaders through the Community Voice Awards.

This year, Joan Yoshitomi will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her work in the public sector and her dedication to advocating for civic engagement and representation.

Joan Yoshitomi retired in 2006 after working in the public sector for more than 24 years. She has served in the education field for the Renton and Seattle School districts, and the Washington State Department of Education. Before retiring, Yoshitomi was Director of Operations of policy and fiscal analysts for education reform and legislative liaison for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). During this time, she managed $13 million in After School Program Federal Grants, as well as a $650,000 WA State grant to fund comprehensive cultural competence and anti-bias education programs for educators and students.

Yoshitomi has been a passionate advocate for civic engagement and representation

throughout her career, helping numerous candidates prepare to run for office. She was first involved with electing former State Senator Jim McDermott because of his progressive stance on education and health care issues. Yoshitomi later served as Chief of Staff for former King County Executive Gary Locke. Currently, Yoshitomi is active in the community as the Co-Chair of the National Board of The Center for Asian and Pacific American Women.

The International Examiner caught up with Yoshitomi to talk about her current work and longtime involvement in education and politics.

International Examiner: Could you please tell us about what you have you been up to lately?

Joan Yoshitomi: Since I’ve retired I have mainly done volunteer work and spent time with my family. I serve on two boards: Chinese Information and Service Center and am Co-Chair of the national organization The Center for APIA Women. I have most recently been advisor for several local political campaigns and organize “meet and greets” for Asian Pacific Islanders (API) new to the greater Seattle area.

IE: You were heavily involved in education—what drew you to the field?

What did you find most rewarding about working in education?

Yoshitomi: I found that I could be passionate about the issues relating to educating children. Whether it was lobbying in Olympia for bilingual education, training teachers, principals, or working with school districts around the issues of changing demographics. The most rewarding was working with teachers who are committed

to understanding the dynamics operating in children’s lives. These teachers are concerned about teaching, but also what the barriers are to learning for each child. They were a pleasure to work with because they looked at the whole child and are always open to learning new strategies.

IE: Even though you’re retired, you’re still very involved with political campaigns: What motivates you to keep working on campaigns?

Yoshitomi: I was mentored by a woman who taught me that if you want to make change you first need to be involved at the grassroots level. So I got involved in local campaigns. Today I am encouraged by all the young APIs who are considering running for office in this political environment. There are so many things to learn about campaigns from the rules to the new strategies of operation. I hope to learn and do whatever I can to help candidates have successful campaigns.

IE: What advice would you give your younger self?

Yoshitomi: Ask more questions. I always felt I had to know the answers, but with maturity I’ve learned it’s okay to ask questions and have others help you.

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Lynette Finau recognized with Excellence in Education Award

By Christine Smet IE Contributor This year at the Community Voice Awards, the International Examiner will recognize Lynette Finau with the Excellence in Education Award.

Lynette Suliana Sikahema Finau was raised in Mesa, Arizona after her family’s immigration from the Island Kingdom of Tonga as a young child. She started college at Brigham Young University but graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies on Culture, Literature, and the Arts from UW. She has a dual Master’s Degree in Education and in Education Leadership and Change.

She is currently a PhD Candidate at Antioch University’s Graduate School of Leadership and Change Program. With teaching endorsements in English Composition, Literature, and History, Finau is one of very few certificated Pacific Islander teachers in WA State. She’s taught in the Marysville and Tukwila school districts and is currently an English teacher at Spanaway Lake High School in the Bethel School District.

Recognizing the expansion of globalism and ethnic diversity of students in the classroom, and the persistent discrepancies in the racial and ethnic composition of the student body and the teaching force, Finau is conducting Grounded Theory research on Reflective Leadership; the mirroring effectiveness (role model) of teachers reflecting the culture of the students and the power dynamics of student identity and academics as her dissertation. It is designed with the intention to help increase the number of teachers of color as an essential component toward closing the achievement gap. Appointed by Governor Jay Inslee

in 2013, Finau is currently serving a second term as a Board Commissioner for Washington State’s Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA) to assist in creating a culture Finau where full participation and social equality of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are achievable.

The International Examiner sat down with Finau to discuss diversity in education.

International Examiner: What do you think is the most important issue for Pacific Islanders today?

Lynette Finau: The most important issue, to me, is the education of Pacific Islander students in a constant evolving process of living in a multicultural, multiethnic society, yet still limited with skills and tools needed to be successful in school.

IE: Why did you decide to become a teacher? Why are you drawn to working in education?

Finau: I chose teaching as a profession because it is the only career that would keep me close to my children and be well-informed on resources available to help them. Little did I know that what started as a target toward helping my own children extended to all Pacific Islander students. I’m drawn to education, especially middle school and high school, because somewhere along this difficult stage will and should be the turning point for them to recognize what is in store for them in the future, their place in it, and what skill sets they need

to excel. Leadership is extremely important to them at this stage.

IE: Tell us a little bit about your thesis.

How does the lack of diversity in the teaching force affect teachers and students of color? How will increasing teachers of color help close the opportunity gap?

Finau: Since entering the teaching profession, I have been astounded by the lack of teachers of color represented in the education system, given how global classrooms are today. Students of color are the demographic majority in the United States. In contrast, minority teachers make up less than 20% of the teaching force. The number of teachers of color, nationwide, is in no way in parity with the number of students of color. Add to this mismatch are the disparities in achievement gap between race and ethnicity.

This lack of Reflective Leadership (as I call it) for students of color, stirs my interest to examine major existing statistics, explore arguments, and critique analyses on the state of diversity in the teaching force. I am examining and analyzing the literature on research and scholarly work on students and teachers’ perceptions on identity and using Grounded Theory methodology on my experiences as a PI teacher and the effect it has on PI students.

There is limited research and scholarly work to indicate that lack of Reflective Leadership in the classroom contributes to the achievement gap for students of color, and in particular Pacific Islander students. My goal is to add my own scholarship and research to this under researched area of inquiry as a tool towards narrowing the achievement gap.

PI teachers are a rarity in the education system, yet PI student enrollment has increased

nationwide in the past 30 years and unfortunately, a high percentage of the PI student population exists within the achievement gap.

With this continued underservicing and underrepresentation in the teaching force, how can we ensure that students of color succeed in the classroom? Increasing the number of teachers of color as mirrors or role models is one of many factors that can contribute to narrowing the achievement gap and the vision gap. This is the gap that can arise in how students of color view themselves as future professionals.

After all, it is difficult for students to be what they cannot see. Students need mirrors.

They need to see themselves reflected in the curriculum and see teachers who reflect back to them their language, their culture, their ethnicity, their religion, and their experiences. In the teaching profession, there are not enough mirrors for students of color, especially when there is a clear relationship between teacher quality, diversity and student success.

IE: What would you say to young people of color who think they might be interested in teaching or working in education?

Finau: The old adage of being the change you want to see never diminishes. I tell my students everyday that what they see and experience in school that they believe needs to change in order for them to excel will not happen if they just talk and complain about it.

Don’t be intimidated by the process.

In essence, once students of color are charged by the confidence and recognition that there are power dynamics in their identity and academics—that will be the driving force for them to go into education and be that leader and change they want to see.

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On Monday, September 18, 2017 the King County Council honored the late community leader Ruth Woo’s legacy through an Emerging Leaders Program named after her. At a young age, Woo witnessed the impacts of policymaking when she and her family were unjustly incarcerated during World War II. This life event motivated her to pursue a life of public service to increase diversity in government institutions to ensure they reflect the communities they serve. Woo dedicated her life to making her community better, through both activism and mentoring people who would become civic leaders. The Metropolitan King County Council unanimously approving the creation of a fellowship program to help groom future leaders for the region Woo devoted her life to. Each year, the Program would award one full-time position with the recipient being assigned to work in various County agencies for periods of three to four months. • Courtesy Photo

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Arts & Culture 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.

Friends of Asian Art Association (FA3) P.O. Box 15404 Seattle, WA 98115 206-522-5438 friendsofasianart2@gmail.com www.friendsofasianart.org To advance understanding, appreciation and support for Asian arts and cultures, the Friends of Asian Art Association provides and supports programs, activities and materials that reflect the arts and cultures of countries that make up the broad and diverse spectrum of Asia.

Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington 1414 S Weller Street Seattle, WA 98144 Ph: 206-568-7114 admin@jcccw.org www.jcccw.org JCCCW is committed to preserving, promoting, and sharing Japanese and Japanese American culture and heritage.

Programs: Japanese Language School | Cultural Events | Library | Resale Store | Internship & Volunteer Opportunities | Historical Exhibitions | Rental Space

RAJANA Society Seattle, WA 206-979-3206 sameth@rajanasociety.org

RAJANA Society is an Arts & Civics project focusing on civic engagement and bridging cultural divides with the Cambodian Diaspora.

Civil Rights & Advocacy Organization of Chinese Americans Asian Pacific American Advocates Greater Seattle Chapter P.O. Box 14141 Seattle, WA 98114

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Homelessness Services

Professional & Leadership Development

YouthCare 2500 NE 54th Street Seattle, WA 98105 206-694-4500 info@youthcare.org www.youthcare.org

Working to prevent and end youth homelessness with services including meals, shelter, housing, job training, education, and more.

Homeownership Services HomeSight 5117 Rainier Ave S Seattle, WA 98118 ph: 206-723-4355 fx: 206-760-4210 www.homesightwa.org NMLS#49289 HomeSight creates homeownership opportunities through first mortgage lending, down payment assistance, real estate development, homebuyer education, and counseling.

Housing Services 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: affordable housing, housing counseling, homelessness prevention, advocacy, teen leadership, and the Danny Woo Community Garden.

Executive Development Institute 310 – 120th Ave NE. Suite A102 Bellevue, WA Ph: 425-467-9365 edi@ediorg.org • www.ediorg.org EDI offers culturally relevant leadership development programs.

WE MAKE LEADERS Fostering future leaders through education, networking and community NAAAP Seattle services for Asian American Queen Anne Station professionals and entreP.O. Box 19888 preneurs.

Seattle, WA 98109 Facebook: NAAAP-Seattle info@naaapseattle.org Twitter: twitter.com/naaapwww.naaapseattle.org seattle

Senior Services

The Kin On Team is ready to serve YOU! www.kinon.org

Kawabe Memorial House 221 18th Ave S Seattle, WA 98144 ph: 206-322-4550 connie.devaney@gmail.com We provide affordable, safe, culturally sensitive housing and support services to people aged 62 and older.

Immigration Services

Denise Louie Education Center 206-767-8223 info@deniselouie.org www.deniselouie.org

Offering home visiting services for children birth to 3 and full & part-day multicultural preschool education for ages 3 to 5 in the International District, Beacon Hill and Rainier Beach.

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 low-income people in King County.

APICAT 601 S King St. Seattle, WA 98104 ph: 206-682-1668 www.apicat.org Addressing tobacco, marijuana prevention and control and other health disparities in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.

Cathay Post #186 of The American Legion Supporting veterans for over 70 years Accepting new members—contact us today to learn more! (206) 355-4422 P.O. Box 3281 Seattle, WA 98144-3281 cathaypost@hotmail.com

www.ocaseattle.org

Washington New Americans Program OneAmerica 1225 S. Weller St., Suite 430 Seattle, WA 98144 Are you a lawful permanent resident? The Washington New Americans program can help you complete your application for U.S. citizenship. Low-cost and free services available – please call our hotline or visit www.wanewamericans.org.

Phone: 1-877-926-3924 Email: wna@weareoneamerica.org Website: www.wanewamericans.org

Southeast Seattle Senior Center 4655 S. Holly St., Seattle, WA 98118 ph: 206-722-0317 fax: 206-722-2768 kateh@seniorservices.org www.sessc.org Daytime activities center providing activities social services, trips, and community for seniors and South Seattle neighbors. We have weaving, Tai Chi, indoor beach-ball, yoga, dance, senior-oriented computer classes, trips to the casino, and serve scratch cooked lunch. Open Monday through Friday, 8:30-4. Our thrift store next door is open Mon-Fri 10-2, Sat 10-4. This sweet center has services and fun for the health and well-being of boomers and beyond. Check us out on Facebook or our website.

Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs GA Bldg., 210 11th Ave SW, Suite 301A Olympia, WA 98504 ph: (360) 725-5667 www.facebook.com/wacapaa capaa@capaa.wa.gov www.capaa.wa.gov Statewide liaison between government and APA communities. Monitors and informs the public about legislative issues.

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.

OCA—Greater Seattle Chapter was formed in 1995 and since that time it has been serving the Greater Seattle Chinese and Asian Pacific American community as well as other communities in the Pacific Northwest.

It is recognized in the local community for its advocacy of civil and voting rights as well as its sponsorship of community activities and events.

Education

Senior Services

Keiro Northwest 1601 E Yesler Way, Seattle, WA 98122 ph: 206-323-7100 www.keironorthwest.org rehabilitation care | skilled nursing | assisted living | home care | senior day care | meal delivery | transportation | continuing education | catering services

Legacy House 803 South Lane Street Seattle, WA 98104 ph: 206-292-5184 fx: 206-838-3057 info@legacyhouse.org www.scidpda.org/programs/legacyhouse. aspx Services offered: Assisted Living, Adult Day Services, meal programs for low-income seniors.

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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Tai Tung Restaurant International District Medical & Dental Clinic 720 8th Avenue S, Seattle, WA 98104 ph: 206-788-3700 email: info@ichs.com website: www.ichs.com

Banquet Facilities - Catering - Delivery

Bellevue Medical & Dental Clinic 1050 140th Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA 98005 ph: 425-373-3000 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 The largest Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community health center in Washington state, ICHS provides medical, dental, behavioral health and pharmacy care with multilingual doctors, nurses and staff experienced in meeting the needs of King County’s diverse and multicultural communities. All are welcome and sliding fee scales are available for uninsured patients.

7301 Beacon Ave S Seattle, WA 98108 ph: 206-587-3735 fax: 206-748-0282 www.idicseniorcenter.org info@idicseniorcenter.org

Come Enjoy the Oldest Chinese Restaurant in Town!

IDIC is a nonprofit human services organization that offers wellness and social service programs to Filipinos and API communities.

655 S King St, Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 622-7372

Parking & Transportation Services

Mon-Thurs 11am-10:30pm Fri-Sat 11am-12am Sun 11am-10pm

206-624-3426 transia@aol.com Merchants Parking provides convenient and affordable community parking. Transia provides community transportation: para-transportation services, shuttle services, and field trips in and out of Chinatown/International District, and King County.

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