Voices of Diversity seeks to tell the untold stories in our community as well as celebrate the diversity of cultural expression found in the Northwest. Guests on Voices of Diversity address issues such as racism, sexism, and homophobia, as well as the realities of life for vulnerable populations like immigrants and homeless people.
Voices of Diversity seeks to literally give voice to those not often heard on the airwaves, and to that end, trains community members in radio skills and independent journalism.
The City of Bellevue's BTV (Bellevue Television) recently did a story on Voices of Diversity. It was covered in BTV's award winning magazine show: It's Your City.Click Here! Jump to minute 5 for the Voices of Diversity coverage.
New Volunteer Orientations
Learn more about how you can volunteer for the KBCS News and Public Affairs Department. We always need more people for Voices of Diversity. We have an orientation every first and third Wednesday of the month at House 4 of the KBCS Studios on the campus of Bellevue College. Feel free to spread the word to others who may be interested. If you have any further questions contact Sonya Green at VOD(@)kbcs.fm.
The following programs were produced at or exclusively for KBCS. To listen, click the file. To download the mp3 file, right click on the link, choosing “save target as,” and then picking a place on your computer to save the file. Once the file has finished downloading, you can listen to it.
New Orleans and the Gulf Coast: 5 Years Later Wednesday, September 1, 2010
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Five years ago, the world watched as thousands in New Orleans waited for help after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Now all eyes are on New Orleans again. Only the story is not about the devastation but reconstruction and justice. Volunteers from all over the world have flocked to New Orleans to help. And residents are still rebuilding, now in the wake of the latest disaster, the BP oil leak. Tonight on Voices of Diversity, New Orleans and the Gulf Coast: 5 years after the flood.
Host: Sonya Green
The-Anh Nguyen is a Seattle-based Vietnamese refugee who recently visited Vietnamese Gulf Coast communities inspired by the PBS documentary “A Village Called Versailles.” The film shows the struggle of the Vietnamese American community in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
Anthony McDonald lived in the 8th ward when Hurricane Katrina he hit. He relocated to Seattle two years after the disaster. He and his fiancé own Marcela’s Creole Cookery, a Louisiana restaurant located in Pioneer Square.
Alix Chapman is a performance artist and doctoral candidate originally from Yakima, Washington with roots in New Orleans. He has spent the last few years researching the intersections of race, sexuality, and performance in New Orleans' "Sissy Bounce" music, a local form of hip hop. His work explores issues of housing, displacement, and cultural work among black gender and sexual minorities.
Michael Brooks recently moved to New Orleans from Seattle to organize and help rebuild in the New Orleans community of the 9th Ward. He shares his experiences in reconstruction, as well as the ongoing problems slowing the recovery efforts.
Heidi Lang is our board operator and assistant producer. Pryde Mathewson answered your calls. Sonya Green is the Voices of Diversity Managing Producer. Amber Cortes and Ahn Jung are our production assistants.
Non-Traditional Public Education Wednesday, August 25, 2010
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As the world changes, so does the education needs of our future generation. Across the nation, public schools now compete with private and charter schools for kids. But where are public alternative schools in the discussion? Do you know about the alternative schools in Seattle? What do they offer? Tonight on Voices of Diversity, a status check on alternative schools and how they work for some students.
Host: Sonya Green
Jeff Petty is the principal of Highline Big Picture School. Operated by the Highline School District, Big Picture is a small, alternative school located in SeaTac. The school is part of a network of Big Picture educational institutes all over the U.S. Highline Big Picture School has been open since 2005 and graduated its first class of seniors in 2009.
John (who prefers not to disclose his last name) is a member of the 2009 graduating class of Big Picture High School, the school's first graduating class. In September, he heads to Eastern Washington University.
Teagan Walden is a 2002 graduate of NOVA, a small alternative high school in the Seattle Public School District. Teagan transferred from a public school in Portland, Oregon to NOVA in her sophomore year. She later went on to graduate from the Evergreen State College. Teagan now attends a Project Management Graduate Certificate program through University of Washington.
Brenda Rannow teaches math for the RISK program for the group Peace for the Streets by Kids from the Streets or PSKS. PSKS provides support and services to Seattle area homeless youth and young adults. RISK stands for Re-inventing Steps to Knowledge and is an educational program in partnership with Interagency Academy of Seattle Public Schools to helps youth and young adults complete high school diplomas or G.E.D.
Jill Bolduc is our board operator and assistant producer. Pryde Mathewson answered your calls. Sonya Green is the Voices of Diversity Managing Producer. Amber Cortes is our production assistant.
Growing old. If we’re lucky, it’s something we all get to do. And in the United States, more and more people are doing it. Thanks to increases in life expectancy, our country is experiencing an elderly population explosion. What does this shift in demographics mean? Tonight on Voices of Diversity, we explore the social, economic, physical and psychological implications of aging in America.
Host: Heidi Lang
Suzanne Perkins is the CEO and founder of AnswersforElders.com. The website launched earlier this week and is a resource for baby boomers caring for their aging parents. Before founding the website, Suzanne had over 25 years of experience in sales and marketing management and leadership. In 2005 she found herself having to turn away from her career to become her mother’s main caretaker.
Roy Mishra is a Caregiver Advocate with King County Senior Services. He has a Masters Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Public Health and Applied Anthropology. Roy talks about caregivers directly impacted by the growing number of older adults in America.
Aimee Tillar is the CEO of Lifesong Enterprises. Lifesong is a home care services agency based in Everett. Aimee has worked in the field of Social and Human Services for nearly 30 years with particular focus on vulnerable populations. She worked in Healthcare Management for 15 years. She was spurred to start her own company through her personal role as the primary caregiver and healthcare advocate for her own aging parents.
Jill Bolduc is our board operator and assistant producer. Pryde Mathewson answered your calls. Kathleen Sullivan is our assistant producer. Sonya Green is the technical producer and Voices of Diversity Managing Producer. Amber Cortes is our production assistant.
Carbon Footprint, Be Gone! Wednesday, August 11, 2010
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Could you live without your car for a day… let alone a lifetime? What if the only food you ate came out of your own backyard? Going carless and urban gardens are just two of the many ways folks in the Northwest are living healthy and reducing their carbon footprint. Minimizing doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your quality of life. In fact, my guests today might argue it enhances your life…all for the better. Tonight on Voices of Diversity, find out how some local folks are doing their part to help the environment.
Host: Sonya Green
Carla Saulter blogs for SeattePI.com as The Bus Chick. Carla has been car-free for seven and a half years and as her online moniker implies, takes the bus everywhere. She has a husband and two kids.
Paul Wheaton is a permaculture instructor and Certified Master Gardener. Paul is currently the editor-in-chief of permaculture web site permies.com. He'll be presenting in September at the Northwest Permaculture Convergence in Seattle on growing gardens without irrigation and a form of ecobuilding that uses what’s called “thermal inertia for free heat.” A former resident of Washington, he now lives in Missoula, Montana
Roger Valdez is a Research Associate with the Sightline Institute. Seattle-based Sightline Institute is an independent, nonprofit research center and thinktank whose mission is to look for sustainable solutions.
Jacqueline Freeman and her husband Joseph own the Friendly Haven Rise Farm in Venersborg, Washington, a village at the base of the Cascade Mountains in Southern Washington. The farm is known as a biodynamic farm. They raise everything from cows to bees.
Jill Bolduc is our board operator and assistant producer. Pryde Mathewson answered your calls. Kathleen Sullivan is our assistant producer. Sonya Green is the technical producer and Voices of Diversity Managing Producer. Amber Cortes is our production assistant.
The Seattle Freeze, Fact or Fiction? Wednesday, August 4, 2010
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A new study says making social connections are essential to living a long, healthy life. If that’s the case, folks living in Seattle are in trouble. Why? Because of what is known as the Seattle Freeze. It’s a general consensus describing Seattle as a city where it’s difficult to make those much-needed social connections. For instance, maybe you’ve tried to strike up a conversation with someone while standing in the grocery store line and you were ignored… you experienced the icy Freeze. Tonight on Voices of Diversity, we explore the "Seattle Freeze" and it’s impact on how we live our lives.
Host: Sonya Green
Dr. Mara Adelman is an Associate Professor of Communications at Seattle University. Dr. Adelman has taught there for the past 14 years. Prior to coming to Seattle University, Dr. Adelman taught in China and at Northwestern University. She also spent more than 12 years traveling the world.
Paul Drayton is a Seattle area native and has two daughters. He is a true believer in the Seattle Freeze.
Cecile Andrews is the founder of Phinney Ecovillage, a project to build sustainability and community in her North Seattle neighborhood of Phinney Ridge. One of the project's goals is to encourage neighbors to get to know each other by encouraging people to chat with each other. Cecile also recently decided to strike up conversations about the Seattle Freeze with block party participants during Seafair.
Robbin Block is a marketing strategist, author, and irregular KBCS host. Robbin is originally from New York. She has lived in Seattle for ten years. Robin’s book “Social Persuasion: Making Sense of Social Media for Small Business” is a guide on how to use social media to promote and grow a small business.
Jill Bolduc is our board operator and assistant producer. Pryde Mathewson answered your calls. Kathleen Sullivan is our assistant producer. Sonya Green is the technical producer and Voices of Diversity Managing Producer.
Women in Non Traditional Jobs Wednesday, July 28, 2010
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Decades ago, women were confined to very specific gender roles and occupations. Today, women are seen working in a variety of careers that in the past were completely occupied by men. So, on today’s Voices of Diversity, a status check on gender equality in the workplace. Do women still face barriers to certain professions and challenges when they decide to enter a career field that in the past has shut them out?
Host: Kevin Henry
Carla Iafrate is the Public Information officer for the Bellevue Police Department. Carla handles media interviews and acts a liason between the police department and the public. She made a significant career change leaving a successful career in title insurance to enter the field of law enforcement.
Lisa Skvarla has been a professional actress and stunt woman since 1991. She has been practicing martial arts for over 20 years and also owns Lee's Martial Arts School in West Seattle. She has also recently started filming a movie for the Discovery Channel.
Emily Biss is a production test pilot for Boeing. Emily has been a test pilot for five years. She started out as a mechanical engineering major, but later become interested in flying. She originally attended a flying program at the University Of North Dakota while she was an engineering student at Brown University.
Judy Enz is the owner of Arc Masters School of Welding. She has been welding for 33 years and has been an instructor at Lake Washington Technical College. She was a single mom when she started her career. She has one daughter, three step children and 13 grandchildren.
Heidi Lang is our board operator and assistant producer. Pryde Mathewson answered your calls. Kathleen Sullivan is our assistant producer. Sonya Green is the technical producer and Voices of Diversity Managing Producer. Ahn Jung is our production assistant.
Socialism vs. the Tea Party Wednesday, July 21, 2010
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By those who disagree with them, Socialists and Tea Partiers are vilified as extremists, determined to drag down our democracy. But the individualist streak that drives the Tea Party and the collectivist spirit that informs the socialist movement have both contributed to the development of our society as we know it. Joining us on today's show is a member of the Socialist Alternative and the founder of the Tea Party Movement. What do they propose to address the particular problems of healthcare, financial reform and government regulation? How do they think their movements' visions could improve our government? We’ll hear first hand their points of view.
Host: Jill Bolduc
Left: Ramy Khalil. Right: Keli Carender
Guests
Keli Carender led Tea Party rallies in Seattle in early 2009 before there even was a national Tea Party movement. Known as "Liberty Belle," she blogs at Redistributing Knowledge. Keli currently researches and writes about state budgets and reality-based budgeting for statebudgetsolutions.org, and is a staff member for the national organization Tea Party Patriots.
Ramy Khalil is a regular contributor to Justice, the newspaper of national organization Socialist Alternative. He has been a union activist and a leading organizer of mass protests against war and budget cuts to education and public services. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in U.S. and Latin American history.
Heidi Lang is our board operator. Patrick Andrzejczyk answered your calls. Kathleen Sullivan is our assistant producer. Sonya Green is the Voices of Diversity Managing Producer. Ahn Jung is our production assistant.
According to a recent survey done by the Trojan condom company, overall, Seattle does not have sex as much as the rest of the country. They conclude Seattleites get busy about 75 times a year. Whereas the national average is 82. This got the Voices of Diversity team wondering how this could be true in a city home to the nonprofit Center for Sex Positive Culture, local sex toy chain Babeland, and the Seattle Erotic Arts Festival. So today, we talk about sex in all its various incarnations and the diverse attitudes towards it.
Host: Sonya Green
Dr. Roger Libby has practices in Seattle and Poulsbo. He has authored several books and many articles and columns on sex. Dr. Libby has also appeared on several national radio and television shows.
Kathie Townsend is an LGBTQ social justice and health care organizer presently on sabbatical. She identifies as a butch lesbian leather dyke. She is also this year's runner up in the Ms. Washington State Leather contest. And in the Kink community, Kathie identifies as a Top, affectionately known as "the nice" top. She is also a member of the Seattle Women's Chorus.
Allena Gabosch is the Executive Director for the Center and Foundation for Sex Positive Culture. Founded in 1999, the CSPC is a nonprofit, membership-based community center. Their mission is to inspire and assist volunteers to produce experiential events where members can explore their sexual interests in a physically and emotionally safe environment. Allena is also the producer of the Seattle Erotic Art Festival.
Audrey MacManus is the Marketing and Education Coordinator for Babeland. Formerly “Toys in Babeland,” Babeland is a sex shop opened 17 years ago in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood where it remains today. They also have shops in New York and L.A. Audrey plans events for Babeland and trains educators to teach workshops.
Jill Bolduc is our board operator. Pryde Mathewson answered your calls. Kathleen Sullivan is our assistant producer. Ahn Jung is our production assistant.
It is officially and finally summer in the Northwest. Maybe have a big trip planned for this summer? An adventure overseas? Or a trip needing a passport and comfortable shoes? Don’t forget, when you travel overseas, you often represent not only yourself but your country. And if you are American, this country’s reputation often precedes you. So on this episode of Voices of Diversity, we ask if it is possible to travel and not be seen as the “rude American” who is arrogant and ignorant of other cultures. Is it possible to travel consciously and ethically? Tonight, we turn to travel experts, authors and adventurers who encourage us all to be ethical travelers.
Host: Sonya Green
Beth Whitman is the founder and editor of the travel guide, Wanderlust and Lipstick, intended for both new and seasoned female adventurers. Beth has 22 years of traveling experience and has taught travel-related workshops. She’ll be leading trips to India and Bhutan later this year.
Chera Amlag is a Filipino American organizer with the network BAYAN-USA, Chera has organized trips, called "expos," to the Philippines to connect Filipino American youths to the culture there. She attended an expo in 2001. Chera is also the site manager at Evergreen High School for Community Schools Collaboration.
Chris La Roche describes himself as an ethical traveler by choice. It inspired him to become an English as a second language teacher.
Caroline Li is the founder and editor of Earthwalkers Magazine. The online publication contains in-depth features and first-person travel stories from a community of travelers. Caroline started Earthwalkers Magazine to educate, inspire and promote traveling with a purpose.
You are what you eat. You’ve probably heard this statement over and over again. However, how often have you stopped to really think about its meaning? One obvious meaning is that our bodies are composed of all the nutrients and building blocks in that food. But there’s more. Our food choices and relationship to how we eat also says a whole lot about the cultures we are from and the values we hold. Pumpkin pie or sweet potato pie? Potatoes instead pasta? Spicy versus bland? How is what we eat reflective of who we are and the different cultures we come from? And how is your life based on how you eat? Tonight on Voices of Diversity we dish about the relationship between food and our cultures with chefs, restaurant owners and local food advocates.
Host: Sonya Green
Reverend Robert Jeffrey, Sr. is the Clean Greens Market Executive Director and the pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Seattle’s Central District. Reverend Jeffrey also founded the Black Dollar Days Task Force which established the Clean Greens Farm and Market to offer pesticide-free, nutritionally sound and affordable food to inner-city communities.
Makini Howell is the founder and owner of Seattle's Hillside Quickie Restaurants which serve vegan deli food. Hillside Quickies is a twenty-year old family business started in the back of a mini-van. Now it’s known as the leading Northwest company in the vegan ‘Slow Food’ movement. The Slow Food movement was founded in 1989 to counteract fast food and fast life. Howell's newest restaurant is Plum Bistro, located in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood.
Lucy Norris is the project manager for Puget Sound Food Network whose mission is to increase the production, distribution, and consumption of regionally produced food. The group is dedicated to connecting all aspects of agriculture, from producer to buyer, in mutually beneficial partnerships. Norris also serves on the board of Slow Food Seattle, which works to link the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment.
Sabrina Tinsley is the co-owner and chef of Italian restaurant La Spiga. Sabrina is a self-taught chef who spent five years in Italy where she met her husband and co-owner of La Spiga located in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. Sabrina is also a former “Iron Chef” contestant.
Sonya Green is the Voices of Diversity Executive Producer. Jill Bolduc was our board operator. Pryde Matthewson answered your calls. Special thanks to our production assistant Ahn Jung.
Just about everyone has heard of social media. According to a study conducted by Forrester Research, over 80 % of American use some form of social media. The question is who is using social media and why? The purpose and role of social media in our society is often the cause of fervent and intense debate. Today, we discuss the role of social media today.
Host: Kevin Henry
Guests
Shauna Causey serves on the board of directors for the Social Media Club Seattle as the Communications Director. Causey has managed communications, community relations and social media strategy for various companies, non-profits and elected officials during her career.
Ksenia Oustiougova found a way to use social media to heal from being a victim of incest. Originally from Russia, Oustiougova is the director of project management at OggiFinogi and is the founder and CEO of Lilipip! Studios. OggiFinogi is a video production company at Lilipip! Studios. Oustiougova worka with a network of independent artists who assist businesses by producing animated video.
Honora Wade is the User Support Peer Group Vice President at International Legal Technology Association (ILTA). Wade has focused her energies on building relationships between people and technology.
Sean Dubutts is coordinator of the Puget Sound Blood Center's social media program. The program allows blood donors to use Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube and Flicker to organize blood drives and schedule blood donations. Debutts is also a co-founder of SocTok, LLC, a company that help businesses efficiently manage multiple social media accounts.
Sonya Green is the Voices of Diversity Executive Producer. Jill Bolduc was our board operator. Pryde Matthewson answered your calls. Special thanks to our production assistant Ahn Jung.
Transportation Issues on the Eastside Wednesday, June 16, 2010 Download 56k mp3
When it comes to transportation projects in the Eastside, the debate is fierce, especially in regards to Bellevue’s Eastlink Light Rail project. With the debate comes many options and proposals to consider. What will be the best option? Ultimately, the decision will be Sound Transit’s. However, they are still taking your opnions on the matter. Tonight on Voices of Diversity, we discuss trains, buses, and automobiles, the Eastlink Light Rail project with officials and community members.
Host: Sonya Green
Michael Marchand is the co-founder of Citizens for Responsible Transit or CRT. CRT’s mission is to "promote conversation, provide information and advocate for effective transportation solutions at the local and regional level." Michael lives in the Enatai neighborhood located directly across the water from Mercer Island in Bellevue.
Aaron Laing also lives in Enatai. He is a member of the group Friends of Enatai and the newly-formed transportation committee for the Enatai Neighborhood Association. He’s been an active participant in the East Link process for the past two years.
Jill Bolduc was our board operator. Pryde Matthewson answered your calls. Special thanks to our production assistant Ahn Jung.
Allied Media Conference and U.S. Social Forum Wednesday, June 2, 2010 Download 56k mp3
You might not be an activist or organizer or even consider yourself one. But consider this…a lot of your rights and freedoms would likely not exist without some form of community organizing or activism. It’s why national gatherings like the United States Social Forum and Allied Media Conference exist and both are taking place later this month in Detroit, Michigan. The U.S. Social Forum is a movement building process convened to unite the work and progressive issues of marginalized communities. The Allied Media Conference is a gathering for people to share tools and strategies for transforming our communities through media-based organizing. Tonight on Voices of Diversity, we speak with folks from the Northwest who are going to Detroit to attend these conferences, as well as organizers of both these events.
Host: Sonya Green
Gary Owens is the City of Seattle Neighborhood Matching Funds Project Manager. Gary is a founding member of the Black Philanthropy Trust, Seattle Chapter of the Black Panther Party, and the University of Washington Black Student Union. He is a lifelong Northwest activist, born and raised in Seattle and will be headed to Detroit to attend the U.S. Social Forum.
Jonathan Cunningham is a freelance journalist and a native of Detroit whose work has appeared in the Seattle Weekly and Publicola. Jonathan will be returning to Detroit to attend both the U.S. Social Forum and Allied Media Conference.
Diana Nucera is one of many organizers of the Allied Media Conference. She attended the first conference 10 years ago and has been involved ever since. Recently, she went on a tour of the West Coast, including stops in Seattle and Portland to help organize activists to attend the annual conference.
George Friday is the National Coordinator for the Independent Progressive Politics Network (IPPN). The IPPN formed in 1995. It’s comprised of organizations and individuals committed to the future of progressive politics. George is on the organizing committee of the Social Forum.
Diana Copeland is a U.S. Social Forum organizer and the Executive Director of the East Michigan Environmental Action Council. The Council is one of the anchor organizations for the Social Forum.
Jill Bolduc was our board operator. Laura Kramer and Kathleen Sullivan are our associate producers. Pryde Matthewson answered your calls. Special thanks to our production assistant, Yujin Kang. It’s Yujin’s last show for the summer. We will miss her dearly and hope to see her back with us in the fall when she returns from South Korea. Safe travels, Yujin.
Do we have true police accountability? Wednesday, May 26, 2010 Download 56k mp3
The Seattle Police Department’s Office of Professional Accountability (OPA) was established to hold officers well…accountable. Question is who’s holding the OPA accountable? The recent kicking of a Latino man by two Seattle police officers continues to raise more questions than answers about police accountability and the civilian oversight process. What can be done to stop the Seattle Police Department from the abuse and victimization of innocent people? Tonight on Voices of Diversity we talk with community groups who want immediate action.
Host: Sonya Green
James Bible is the President of the Seattle-King County NAACP. James is in his third year with the NAACP. In 2008 he led the call for the resignation of Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske when he exonerated two officers accused of roughing up and planting drugs on a wheelchair-bound black man who was a convicted drug dealer. That incident was also caught on tape.
Harriett Walden is one of the founders of the group Mothers for Police Accountability. Mothers for Police Accountability in 1990 after an incident where her son was roughed up by police. She is also serving on the Mayor Mike McGinn appointed Seattle Police Chief Search Committee.
Martin Friedman is a trainer and organizer with the organization The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond. The People’s Institute holds workshops to focus on racism, where it comes from and how it can be undone. Martin has been a social activist for ten years.
Sonya Green is the Voices of Diversity Managing Producer. Jill Bolduc is our board operator. Kathleen Sullivan is our associate producer. Yujin Kang is our production assistant and answered your calls. Laura Kramer is on break.
Asian Pacific Island Refugees in the Northwest Wednesday, May 19, 2010 Download 56k mp3
What it would be like to start your life in a new country without anything but the clothes on your back? Imagine coming to a new country where you are not welcomed and you do not speak the language. May is Asian Pacific Islander History Month. On this Voices of Diversity, we honor the history and contributions of Asian Pacific Islanders by presenting stories from API refugee communities in the Pacific Northwest.
Host: Kevin Henry
Sakuna Thongchanh is the Coordinator of the Legacies of War Project. The mission of Legacies of War is to raise awareness about the history of the Vietnam War-era bombing in Laos and advocate for the clearance of unexploded bombs. Sakuna was born in Laos. She and her family left there when she was 2 years old and fled to Thailand. When she was 3, she and her family relocated to the United States.
Joe Yin was born in Beijing, China in 1972. He came to U.S. in January of 1996 as a student. Joe currently works for Microsoft and is a member of MAPS, the Microsoft Asian Pacific Islander Society. He is also a volunteer for the Americans Adopting Orphans organization.
Simon Khin is the president of the Coalition for Refugees from Burma. He is from Burma and lives in Seattle. The coalition is a Washington State based nonprofit that assists refugees from Burma with mentoring programs, educational opportunities and legal assistance.
Refugee Women's Alliance promotes inclusion, independence, personal leadership and strong communities by providing refugee and immigrant women and families with culturally appropriate services.
Coalition for Refugees from Burma assists all refugees from Burma to become socially and economically self-sufficient, and become contributing members of society.
Legacies of War Project raises awareness about the history of the Vietnam War-era bombing in Laos and advocate for the clearance of unexploded bombs.
Sonya Green is the Voices of Diversity Managing Producer. Pryde Mathewson answered your calls. Jill Bolduc is our board operator. Kathleen Sullivan is our associate producer. Yujin Kang is our production assistant. Laura Kramer is on break.
Assessing Our Foster Care System Wednesday, May 12, 2010 Download 56k mp3
The statistics for foster care youth are dismal. Very few make it to college. Many end up homeless on the streets. More than half spend time in jail. Why? Tonight on Voices of Diversity, what can be done to improve the foster care system and thus the quality of life for foster care youth? We examine the system from all angles…from the youth who grew up in foster care to the parents who took care of them. Host: Sonya Green
Leon Henderson is 19-years-old and lives in South Seattle. He spent his childhood in and out of foster homes and recently “aged out” of the system. Leon now works at the Seattle Goodwill and recently became a father.
Diane Jordan became homeless at he age of 13 and was in foster care. She now lives in North Seattle in a home through Youthcare. YouthCare is a youth advocacy organization that also provides shelter for homeless and underserved youth.
Gerald Donaldson is Diane’s first and only foster parent. Gerald and his wife, Mary fostered some eighteen children in a little over twenty years. Gerald has three children of his own. He is a Family Support Worker at Leschi Elementary School.
Mark Courtney is the Founding Director of Partners for our Children. The group brings together the academic and child-welfare communities, state leadership and the private sector to improve the lives of children in foster care in Washington State. Mark moved to Washington three years ago to start the group.
Links
The Mockingbird Society seeks to build a world-class foster care system through collaboration, innovation and advocacy.
Partners for our Children brings together the best minds from the academic and child-welfare communities, state leadership and the private sector for one purpose: to improve the lives of children in foster care in Washington State.
Youthcare builds confidence and promotes self sufficiency for homeless and underserved youth by providing shelter, hope and support
Casey Family Programs is the nation’s largest operating foundation entirely focused on foster care. Since 1966, we have worked to provide and improve—and ultimately prevent the need for—foster care in the United States.
Treehouse offers a variety of support programs and advocacy for foster kids.
Credits
Pryde Mathewson answered your calls. Jill Bolduc is our board operator. Kathleen Sullivan is our associate producer. Yujin Kang is our production assistant. Sonya Green is the Voices of Diversity Managing Producer. Laura Kramer is on break.
It’s Cinco De Mayo, a Mexican holiday commemorating the Battle of Puebla in 1862, where Mexican forces beat back an invading French army. For some, it’s a time to celebrate. For others, with Arizona’s strict new immigration reform law heating up the debate it’s a time to get serious. Right here in the Pacific Northwest, Latinos and other groups took to the streets to bring attention to the growing concerns of families torn apart and separated by current immigration laws. What will happen to these families if reform doesn’t happen soon? Tonight on Voices of Diversity, those deeply affected by immigration reform policy share what is at stake if fair and comprehensive reform doesn’t become a top priority.
Host: Sonya Green
Jorge L. Barón is Executive Director of the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP). They provide education, advocacy, and immigration legal services for persons of low income in Washington State. Jorge is originally from Bogotá, Colombia. He immigrated to the United States in 1986. In 2008, Jorge was appointed by Governor Chis Gregoire to serve on Washington’s New Americans Policy Council. Jorge lives in Seattle with his wife and two children.
Celeste Addai lives in Seattle and joins us to share her story of how her family has been ripped apart by current immigration laws. Celeste is a mother and wife, forced to live apart from her Ghanaian husband.
Maru Mora Villalpando is the lead community organizer of Washington Community Action Network. Washington CAN is the state's largest grassroots coalition focused on achieving racial, social, and economic justice locally and nationally. Maru mostly organizes in the Latino community. She has more than ten years experience. Maru was one of the main organizers for the 10th annual March for Immigrant and workers rights in Seattle.
OneAmerica (formerly Hate Free Zone) is a Seatle-based organization whose mission is to advance the fundamental principles of democracy and justice through building power in immigrant communities, in collaboration with key allies.
Washington Community Action Network is the state's largest grassroots coalition focused on achieving racial, social, and economic justice locally and nationally.
El Comite Pro-Reforma Migratoria Y Justicia Social was organized as a grassroots organization in Seattle after the WTO protests to draw attention to the plight of immigrant laborers in Western Washington.
Pryde Mathewson answered your calls. Heidi Lang is our board operator. Laura Kramer is our associate producer. Yujin Kang and Prashant Nema are our production assistants. Sonya Green is the Voices of Diversity Managing Producer.
Poetry as Empowerment Wednesday, April 28, 2010 Download 56k mp3
Poetry has a long history, dating back to some of our earliest human traditions of music, song and storytelling. Today, poetry is active in the public sphere through venues such as open mic nights, poetry festivals, slams, poets in public schools and prisons. On tonight’s Voices of Diversity, guest host Saralee Kane explores how poetry enables people to find their voice. She’ll also explore how it can empower communities to speak their truths. Today we will explore how people are empowering themselves through poetry.
Host: Saralee Kane
Sam Hamill is the author, co-founder, and Director of Poets Against War. He taught poetry in prisons in Washington State and in Alaska, in public schools and universities. Sam has authored many books of poetry, including translations of Japanese and Chinese poetry. He was a co-founder of Copper Canyon Press where he was editor for 32 years. Copper Canyon Press is one of the few publishing houses in the United States dedicated to publishing poetry.
Daemond Arrindel is curator and producer of Seattle Poetry Slam. He is also a faculty member at the Freehold Theatre and mentor for Youth Speaks Seattle. The Freehold Theatre helps train artists so that they may become more innovative and heartfelt in generating theatre that has a lasting impact on the community we serve. Youth Speaks Seattle is a literary arts organization for youth serving Seattle and the greater Puget Sound region.
Jared Leising author of the chapbook, The Widows and Orphans of Winesburg, Ohio and curator of the 2010 Jack Straw Writers Program. He teaches English at Cascadia Community College and is on the board of directors of 826 Seattle. 826 Seattle is a non-profit for teaching and tutoring kids to write.
Freehold Theatre helps train artists so that they may become more innovative and heartfelt in generating theatre that has a lasting impact on the community we serve.
Copper Canyon Press is one of the few publishing houses in the United States dedicated to publishing poetry.
Credits
Pryde Mathewson answered your calls. Jill Bolduc is our board operator. Laura Kramer is our associate producer. Yujin Kang is our production assistant. Sonya Green is the Voices of Diversity Managing Producer.
Youth Empowerment and Adultism Wednesday, April 21, 2010 Download 56k mp3
Adults listen up! If you’ve ever dismissed a teenager, instantly underestimated a youth because of their age, or automatically think you know better just because you are older, consider this… you might be guilty of adultism. What is adultism? Tonight on Voices of Diversity, we discuss this issue with youth who are standing up for their rights and adults letting them lead the way.
Host: Sonya Green
Jordan Overton is 18-years old and is also involved in the We Need Queer Youth Space Seattle campaign.
Anise Leffall is 16-years old and a new member of Seattle Young People’s Project. The Seattle Young People’s Project is a youth-led, adult supported organization that empowers youth (ages 13-18) to express themselves and to take action on the issues affecting their lives. She lives in South Seattle.
Jeremy Louzao is co-director of Seattle Young People's Project. Jeremy himself has been involved in youth issues since the age of 14.
Adam Fletcher is founder of The FreeChild Project. The FreeChild Project provides tools and training to young people and adults who engage children and youth in social change. Adam has worked around the world to promote youth engagement in a variety of settings.
Pryde Mathewson answered your calls. Jill Bolduc is our board operator. Laura Kramer is our associate producer. Yujin Kang is our production assistant. Sonya Green is also the Voices of Diversity Managing Producer.
Internet Access Inequality Wednesday, April 14, 2010 Download 56k mp3
The last place you might expect to experience discrimination is the internet, right? Well turns out, it’s an issue especially for immigrant and minority communities with limited and/or no access to the worldwide web. Now, the Federal Communications Commission wants to make the internet open and accessible to all. The question is how will they be able to ensure everybody has the same access not only to the Internet, but also to all the content available on the web. On tonight’s Voices of Diversity, how local organizations are working with the FCC to protect your internet rights and how you can get involved.
Host: Sonya Green
Jonathan Lawson is the Executive Director of Seattle-based organization Reclaim the Media. Reclaim the Media is a media justice organization focused on communications rights, media justice and democratizing media policy. And full disclosure, Jonathan is also the part time host of the music program "Flotation Device" on Community Radio KBCS every Sunday evening.
Amalia Deloney is the network coordinator for the Media Action Grassroots Network or "MAG-Net." MAG-Net is a network of grassroots social justice, media, and cultural organizations working to transform media and communications systems. Joining me on the phone in Chicago, Amalia designs and leads local campaigns for universal and open internet.
Sunny Kim is the digital justice organizer for the Northwest region of Mag-Net. Sunny is currently organizing a community forum with the Federal Communications Commission scheduled at the end of this month to talk about net neutrality, open Internet and other web-related access issues.
Paul Jackson is an independent filmmaker and media activist. He his involved in issues around access to technology and is also active in The Breakfast Group, which provides support for youth in achieving their educational objectives.
The Federal Communications Commission will be holding a public hearing in Seattle on Open Internet issues at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 28 at the Jackson Federal Building in downtown Seattle.
Northwest community groups will also be holding a public hearing with the FCC on Internet issues on Tuesday, April 27 at the Asian Counseling Referral Service in South Seattle.
Pryde Mathewson answered your calls. Jill Bolduc is our board operator. Laura Kramer is our associate producer. Sonya Green is also the Voices of Diversity Managing Producer.
Bhutan Refugees in the Northwest Wednesday, April 7, 2010 Download 56k mp3
Seattle’s Rainier Valley zip code is reportedly one of the most diverse in the nation. Within the mix of ethnic groups is nearly 100 Bhutanese people forced to leave their homeland in the 1990’s after a government census project changed the requirements for Bhutanese citizenship.
How can a Buddhist country celebrated for its high Gross National Happiness index create such unhappiness for more than a hundred thousand of its’ own citizens? Tonight on Voices of Diversity, how one family escaped Bhutan, lived in a refugee camp in Nepal then India and seventeen years later resettled to start a new life right here in Seattle, Washington.
Host: Sonya Green
Bhutanese refugees living in the Beldangi 2 Refugee Camp in Eastern Nepal.
Photo Credit: Katrine Syppli
Guests
Khem Rizal was born in Bhutan and now lives in Seattle’s Rainier Valley area. Khem took the initiative to move his family to the U.S. from a refugee camp in Nepal.
Len Davis is the owner of Seattle-based video company Pangeality Productions. Len lived in Nepal for a year and a half and later met Khem Rizal's family one week after they arrived in Seattle. Len produced a series of short documentaries for the Seattle Channel about the journey of Bhutanese refugees from Nepal camps to here in the Northwest.
Mitra Dhital is Bhutanese refugee who came to Seattle 19 months ago with his mother, father and brother. He lives in the SeaTac area.
Chabi Lal and Pabitra Bhujel are Bhutanese refugees who are married and live in the Rainier Valley area. They arrived in Seattle five months ago.
Prashant Nema answered your calls. Jill Bolduc is our board operator. Laura Kramer is our associate producer. Sonya Green is also the Voices of Diversity Managing Producer.
Living with Sickle-Cell Disease Wednesday, March 31, 2010 Download 56k mp3
In 1910, a report titled ‘Peculiar Elongated and Sickle-shaped Red Blood Corpuscles in a Case of Severe Anemia’ appeared in the medical journal Archives of Internal Medicine. The author Dr. James B. Herrick describes abnormally shaped red blood cells in a person with anemia and symptoms typical of the disease that soon became known as 'sickle cell anemia.' 100 years later, and many are still unaware of the disease and its affect on mainly Black and Latino communities. Many with the disease face the tough reality of frequent hospital visits and a short life expectancy.
Host: Sonya Green
Ken West is the president of the Metropolitan Seattle Sickle Cell Task Force. The task force is a grassroots organization of families and individuals affected by sickle cell disease. Ken lives in Seattle and has sickle cell disease.
Dr. Michael Bender is the director of the Northwest Sickle Cell Collaborative. The Northwest Sickle Cell Collaborative is a coalition of hospitals and organizations working to ensure that all those affected by sickle cell have the information and support they need. Dr. Bender also heads Seattle Children’s Sickle Cell Program at The Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic in Seattle’s Central District neighborhood.
Foxy Davison is the Community Coordinator for the Metropolitan Seattle Sickle Cell Task Force. Foxy is a former Seattle elementary teacher. She got involved in the Sickle Cell community after her son was born and diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease.
Pryde Mathewson answered your calls. Jill Bolduc is our board operator. Laura Kramer is our associate producer. Sonya Green is also the Voices of Diversity Managing Producer.
March is women’s history month. It’s a time to celebrate and recognize the achievements of women. It’s also a time to ask the question how far have women come in 2010? How has feminism changed over the years? Tonight on Voices of Diversity, a look at the modern day feminist movement. Where did it start? More importantly, where are we now on such issues as health care, employment discrimination, gender bias, and portrayals of women in media?
Host: Kevin Henry
Photo Credit: Neil Parekh/SEIU Healthcare 775NW
Guests
Mona Lake Jones is a Seattle-based award winning poet and author. Her works include Unleashing the Power of a Sister and Poetry Dancing on Music CD.
Amy Yamada is the sales and marketing representative of 425 Magazine. Amy has over 10 years of experience in the advertising industry, both in radio, TV, and print.
Cheryl Shaw is the owner of C Art Gallery owner and Executive Director of the Puget Sound Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Shaw has also served as the Pacific Northwest Area Director the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).
Credits
Pryde Mathewson answered your calls. Jill Bolduc is our board operator. Laura Kramer is our associate producer. Sonya Green is the Voices of Diversity Managing Producer.
7th Anniversary of the Invasion of Iraq Wednesday, March 17, 2010 Download 56k mp3
This Sunday marks the 7th anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. The Obama administration celebrates victory after last week’s parliamentary elections in Iraq. Meantime, antiwar activists in the Northwest and nationwide continue to protest the more than 115,000 U.S. troops still occupying the country. On tonight’s Voices of Diversity, several groups in the Northwest speak out against the war and President Obama’s decision to not pull U.S. forces out immediately.
Host: Sonya Green
Guests
Gerry Condon is the president of Greater Seattle Veterans for Peace. Greater Seattle Veterans for Peace was formed up in 2002 to add the voice of veterans to those opposed to the invasion of Iraq. Gerry is also a Vietnam War veteran. He fled to Canada and Sweden in 1969 and worked with drafters and deserters to bring an end to the war.
Jane Cutter is from Act Now to Stop War and End Racism, also known as ANSWER. ANSWER formed after September 11th to organize national demonstrations against global U.S. militarism.
Emma Kaplan is World Can’t Wait’s National Youth and Student Coordinator. World Can't Wait was initially formed under the Bush administration to stop what they saw as our government committing crimes against humanity. Emma also goes to trial next month in Tacoma for protesting with the group Port Military Resistance, where people formed human blockades to prevent military equipment from being sent to Iraq.
Seth Manzel is the director G.I. Coffeehouse. This non-profit located outside of the gates of the Fort Lewis Military Base offers counseling for soldiers and families especially for those facing problems with service. Seth is an Iraq War veteran who served one term in 2004-2005.
Credits
Laura Kramer is the associate producer. Pryde Matthewson answered your calls. Jill Bolduc captained the board.
On tonight’s Voices of Diversity, green jobs. But first, just what is a green job anyway? The stimulus package gave money to Washington state to train low-income and minority communities for green jobs. More than a year later, where is the money? Where is the training? And perhaps most important, what and where are these green jobs? In a time where the need to have a sustainable job is critical, are green jobs out there for the communities who need them most? Host: Sonya Green
Guests
Claudia Rowe is Public Information Officer of the Marguerite Casey Foundation. The Marguerite Casey Foundation is a private, independent foundation. The foundation works with low-income families to mobilize their communities to create an equitable society and supports the online publication Equal Voice: America's Family Story.
Michael Woo is founder and director of the Seattle-based nonprofit Got Green Project. Got Green’s mission is to engage low-income and communities of color in the green economy. Michael has been a longtime community organizer and a former construction worker.
On tonight’s Voices of Diversity, Latino Northwest, we explore cultural identity and transformation through the history of Latino migration to the state of Washington. Most researchers expect the 2010 Census to confirm continued growth of the Latino population. This growth points to an increased need in understanding the Latino culture beyond stereotypes. We will discuss Latino migration, roles, contributions and culture in Washington history. Host: Saralee Kane
Guests
Roberto Maestes is the founder and former Executive Director of El Centro de la Raza. El Centro De La Raza is a community-based, Chicano/Latino Civil Rights organization in Seattle's Beacon Hill neighborhood. They provide direct services and advocate politically for human rights, civil rights and social justice. Roberto is a social and political activist with more than fifty years experience.
Diana Leal is the founder of Latino communications group Medialuna Agency. At Medialuna Agency, Diana develops strategies, content and media projects to reach Latino communities. Diana is also a journalist whose work includes social and political issues in Latin America and Latino communities in the state of Washington.
Brien Thane is the Executive Director of the Washington State Farm worker Housing Trust. The Washington State Farm worker Housing Trust unites growers, farm worker advocates, housing providers and other concerned citizens in addressing the full spectrum of farm worker housing needs. Brien has 20 years experience with farm worker communities.
Alfredo Arreguin is an internationally known painter whose work has been exhibited in major museums in the U.S. and in the permanent collection in the National Museum of American Art. He has won numerous awards, including the 1980 commission to design the poster for the Washington State Centennial.
Credits
Sonya Green captained the control room with assistance from Laura Kramer. Henry Smelser answered the phones with Jill Bolduc riding the board.
NW Voices Speak Out on First Lady Michelle Obama Wednesday, February 24, 2010 Download 56k mp3
What is it about First Lady Michelle Obama that makes her so likeable? Her approval rating is higher than her husband’s and that of any other First Lady at this stage. On tonight’s Voices of Diversity, as Black History Month winds down and Women’s History Month is set to start in days, we take a look at a woman changing history: First Lady Michelle Obama. Michelle Obama is arguably the most liked first lady in history. In an era where black women have been largely overlooked, how has a black woman in the white house changed the image of African American women? Host: Sonya Green
Sheila Braxton is married to Reverend Leslie Braxton of New Beginnings Christian Fellowship in Renton, WA. She considers herself the "first lady" of New Beginnings Christian Fellowship.
Laura Kramer captained the control room. Henry Smelser answered the phones with Jill Bolduc riding the board.
Black Youths Making a Difference in the Northwest Wednesday, February 17, 2010 Download 56k mp3
Often when Black History Month comes around every February, the media and society focuses on the accomplishments of a select group of African Americans. Black youth are rarely discussed in the observance of the month. And too often when they are discussed, it’s in a negative light. Tonight on Voices of Diversity, guest host Kevin Henry focuses on the positive things youth and adults are doing in the community here in the Pacific Northwest. Host: Kevin Henry
2009 Interlake High School Black Student Union.
Guests
Briana Nelson is a junior at Garfield High School in Seattle. She is active in church-sponsored community service programs. Last year Briana went to Guatemala through the international youth organization Global Visionaries.
Krischanna Robertson is a volunteer facilitator for the Black Student Union at Interlake High School. She has been instrumental in helping the students at Interlake High produce an annual Black History Month Celebration.
Credits
Sonya Green captained the control room. Laura Kramer answered the phones with Jill Bolduc on the board.
President Barack Hussein Obama, Year 1 Check-In Wednesday, February 10, 2010 Download 56k mp3
Nothing special. Less than one month ago, that’s how White House spokesman Robert Gibbs described the anniversary of President Obama’s first year. Some critics say it’s an accurate assessment of how he performed as President in his first year. While supporters feel the President is doing the best he can. Tonight on Voices of Diversity we examine President Obama’s first year in office. Host: Sonya Green
Jerry Large is a Seattle Times columnist. Jerry celebrates his 29th year with the Times. His work appears in the local section of the Monday and Thursday editions of the Seattle Times.
Rev. Leslie Braxton is the pastor at New Beginnings Christian Fellowship in Renton, WA. Rev. Braxton is also a community activist who lectures on current events.
Sonya Green is today's Voices of Diversity host and producer. Laura Kramer helped drive today's show with Jill Bolduc on the board. Henry Smelser answered your calls.
Black History Month Wednesday, February 3, 2010 Download 56k mp3
Black History Month is underway. It started out as a week in the late 1920’s and then in the 70’s expanded to a month. Now forty years later some say that is still not enough time to pay tribute to the contributions blacks have made to America. Then there are those in the black community who ask why is black history month still around? In a so-called post racial world, is black history month still relevant? *NOTE: because this is a Pledge Drive Edition of Voices of Diveristy, the show is less than 59 minutes long.* Host: Sonya Green
Brian Carter is the Deputy Director and Education Director of the Northwest African American Museum located in Seattle's Central District neighborhood.
Kumani Gantt is the Executive Director of CD Forum. CD Forum organizes programs to inspire new thoughts and challenge assumptions about black culture.
Jacqueline Ballou is the author of the book "Hanging From My Family Tree," that traces her family’s history back to the early 1800’s. Jacquiline lives in Seattle’s Rainier Beach neighborhood. She uses online sites like ancestry.com to research family trees of African Americans.
Credits
Sonya Green is today's Voices of Diversity host. Joaquin Uy edited the show.
Entering Year 4 of Economic Crisis: A Northwest Status Report Wednesday, January 27, 2010 Download 56k mp3
The recession has caused hardships for many people: from losing jobs to losing homes, health insurance and many more benefits that come with being employed. The state unemployment rate is at 9.5%. That's approximately 335,000 unemployed or underemployed people here in the Northwest. As we enter our fourth year of this current economic crisis, we’ll check in on how the recession has impacted families and our communities. Tonight on Voices of Diversity, we discuss the current economic crisis, unemployment and the hard times many families and communities are facing. Host: Nii Attram
Frank is an unemployed Iraq War veteran from Gig Harbor.
Giselle Stewart was laid off February of last year. She and two associates started their own business, The RainWater Group, focused on bringing urban professionals together to network and socialize.
Sharon Hughes is Vice President of Community Development at U.S. Bank.
Matt King is the Senior Director of YWCA Employment Services. The YWCA provides services to meet critical needs, promote self-sufficiency, reduce violence, eliminate racism and achieve equal opportunities for all people.
Organizations providing financial counseling, job retraining, and foreclosure assistance:
Nii Attram produced today's program with Voices of Diversity Managing Producer Sonya Green and Joaquin Uy. Jill Bolduc was the center of calm operating the board. Crystal Lee spoke soothingly to you across the airwaves. And Laura Kramer scrambled to take your calls.
Today a 6.1 aftershock rocks Haiti and causes a scare in an already panicked country. An estimated 200 thousand are dead in Haiti, about 250 thousand are injured, and 1.5 million are homeless after last week’s devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake. Aid can’t get to Haiti soon enough while many in the country can’t get out fast enough. Tonight on Voices of Diversity, what local Haitians are doing to help their home land, how Northwest organizations are stepping up and what you can do to help. Host: Sonya Green
Rinn Self is the Communications Associate for Mercy Corps. They are a Northwest-based organization with a team of over 35 hundred professionals helping turn crisis into opportunity for millions around the world.
Richard Watts is an Associate Professor of French at the University of Washington. Watts has published on Haitian literature and culture and spent time in Haiti.
Aid and relief organizations assisting with the efforts in Haiti:
Joaquin Uy ran around the studio. Crystal Lee was the center of calm operating the board. And Henry Smelser scrambled to take your calls. Laura Kramer kept watch.
Financial Access to Higher Learning Wednesday, January 13, 2010 Download 56k mp3
According to a report released today from D.C.-based education policy organization The Education Trust, the nation’s top public universities are spending less time accepting low-income and minority students and more time courting the wealthy. It seems, in a world where minority students attend college proportionally less than white Americans, the chances of those without financial resources going to college just got slimmer. Tonight on Voices of Diversity, we examine the financial difficulties in accessing higher learning. Host: Sonya Green
Susan Byers is the Chief Academic Officer for the College Success Foundation. CSF provides college scholarships and mentoring to low-income, high-potential students.
Shomari Jones is the Senior Director of the YMCA Black Achievers Program. The program offers young people in 9 through 12th grades guidance, mentors and scholarships.
Tiffany Jones is the Program Manager for NELA Center for Student Success in Seattle. Northwest Education Loan Association is a not-for-profit student loan guarantor that works in partnership with schools, community organizations, banks and other lending institutions to help students continue their education.
Sha Perrine is a senior at Garfield High School and an Urban League Scholar. Sha plans to attend college in the fall and major in communications and English.
Related Links
College Goal Sunday is a free, on-site program that helps students and families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the form that is required to apply for federal financial assistance for higher education.
Thewashboard.org is an online service that connects students with relevant scholarships in one stop. This service is provided by the Washington Scholarship Coalition.
College Access Network consists of non-profit organizations designed to increase the number of students who pursue education beyond high school.
Joaquin Uy ran around the studio. Crystal Lee was the center of calm operating the board. And Henry Smelser scrambled to take your calls. Laura Kramer kept watch.
The Culture of "No Snitching" Wednesday, January 6, 2010 Download 56k mp3
Maurice Clemmons, the man who gunned down four police officers in Lakewood in November at a coffee shop, evaded police with the help of family and friends. One of three people stabbed in downtown Seattle last month refused to talk to police. A Roosevelt High School student is harassed and shot at by gang members for "snitching" and doesn’t report the crime to the police because he feared for the life of him and his family. Tonight on Voices of Diversity, to snitch or not to snitch...that is the question. But the bigger question is why does a "no snitch" culture still exist? Criminals continue to roam the streets and claim more victims, a fact completely avoidable if the right people start talking to the authorities. Host: Sonya Green
Dr. Daudi Abe teaches Hip Hop Theory and Culture at Seattle Central Community College and Bellevue College. He is also the author of "6 N The Morning: California Hip-Hop Music."
Sable Verity is a mother, writer and activist. She is also editor and founder of sableverity.com and regular KBCS commentator. As one of few women bloggers of color in the Pacific Northwest, she covers issues directly impacting minority families.
Reverend Harriet Walden is the National Director of the Silent War Campaign, a Seattle program that addresses the issue of ongoing violence in the African American community.
Text-A-Crime-Tip
Dial CRIMES, or 274637
Start a new text message using the term "Tip486" and then a space before including the crime details you wish to send.
You will then receive an alias number and instructions. The alias number can be used to check on a reward if your tip leads to an arrest.
Additional messages from the same phone or about the same tip will not receive a reply.
You may want to delete the tip for your own safety.
Credits
Joaquin Uy ran around the studio. Crystal Lee was the center of calm operating the board. And Henry Smelser scrambled to take your calls.
The Northwest provides lots of dating opportunities for those willing to expand their horizons. But not everybody wants to take advantage of the increased dating options. The reasons vary and we want to explore the reasons with our guests and with you. Are you a person of color who consciously dates within your own community? What are your reasons? Or maybe you are in an interracial relationship? According to census data, unions between Asian women and White men continue to outnumber the reverse relationships by roughly three to one. The data also shows in 73% of black-white couples, the husband is black. With the growing number of interracial relationships, many refuse to even acknowledge this as an option. The question is, why? Host: Sonya Green
Grace Kong is Khmer American. She was born in a refugee camp in Cambodia. Grace identifies as Queer Bisexual and organizes with the Northwest grassroots Cambodian American group Khmer in Action.
Brianna Thomas is originally from Georgia but spent her teenage years in Washington State. She identifies as bi-racial.
Anthony Shoecraft is a proud Seattle native and graduate of Garfield High School in the Central District. He identifies as African American and is a recent graduate from both the University of Washington's Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs and School of Social Work.
Jo-Nathan Thomas is also a Seattle Native. He identifies as African American and recently earned his MBA.
Before the show, we also talked to Gita Mehrotra who identifies as a queer South Asian woman. She is also an anti-violence activist and doctoral student.
Credits
Joaquin Uy ran around the studio. Crystal Lee was the center of calm operating the board. And Henry Smelser scrambled to take your calls.
Comedians of Color Sound Off (Encore Presentation) Wednesday, December 23, 2009 Download 56k mp3
Who doesn’t like to laugh? Comedians get paid to make people laugh. But is there a cost when the jokes are made at the expense of another race, gender or sexual orientation? How far can a comedian go to get a laugh? On tonight’s Voices of Diversity, comedians sound off about comedy, race and politics in a so-called "post racial" world. We could all use a good laugh from time to time. When you are in the comedy business making people laugh is your job. But how far should a comedian go to get a laugh? What happens when the joke comes at the expense of others? Have you been offended by the words of a comedian? Host: Sonya Green
Kamau Bell is an African American comedian living in San Francisco. He is well known for his one man show, Ending Racism in One Hour. You can also find out more at his MySpace page.
Solomon Georgio is an Ethopian American and openly gay comic. Solomon is the winner of the 2008 Stranger Gong Show, two time Bumbershoot performer and member of the Peoples Republic of Komedy. You can also find out more at his MySpace page.
Hari Kondabolu is a South Asian American comedian currently living in New York City. He got his start as a comedian here in Seattle. You can also find out more at his MySpace page.
Travis Simmons also known as the "Big Funny" is on a mission to change the world one joke at a time. His charity show Funny for Food has raised over $50,000 for food banks in Western Washington. He is the winner of the "I Sound More Like Bill Cosby than Bill Cosby" contest. You can also find out more at his MySpace page.
Credits
Joaquin Uy directed traffic. Crystal Lee drove the board. Oneda Harris owned the phone.
During the Great Depression, many white Americans wanted Mexicans to be removed based on the perception they took away much needed jobs and resources from American citizens. Even before this, during the post Civil War economic downturn in the late 1800s, Chinese immigrants were the targets. Congress passed the Chinese Exclusion Act, specifically limiting their immigration to the U.S. Are we in the midst of yet another period of heightened anti-immigrant sentiment in this Great Economic Recession? Our country is in the midst of economic crises and making matters worse is the media and government’s constant threats of terrorism. As history has shown us, during arduous times, certain people want somebody to blame. Easy targets include immigrants and people of color. Some feel they are at the root of the home loan crises, and are overburdening and even bankrupting our health care system because they lack health insurance. Host: Kevin Henry
Maria Batayola is the President of the Filipino American Civic Employees of Seattle. Recently she worked at Seattle Center as a Human Resources Manager and has been very active in community race & social justice projects.
Pramila Jayapal is the Executive Director and Founder of the Seattle-based nonprofit OneAmerica. Formerly called the Hate Free Zone, OneAmerica was created after the terrorist attacks of September 11 in response to the hate crimes and discrimination targeting Arabs, Muslims and South Asians. Pramila was born in India and came to the United States in 1982.
Arsalan Bukhari is the Washington Chapter Director for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a nonprofit civil rights and advocacy group committed to justice and understanding of Islam and Muslims in America.
Enrique Gonzalez is the Executive Assistant at El Centro de la Raza, a community center and advocacy group for the rights of Chicano/Latino folks. Enrique comes from a long line of family members who all attended El Centro.
Credits
Joaquin Uy ran the board. Henry Smelser answered the phone. Sonya Green is the managing producer.
Domestic Violence Wednesday, December 9th, 2009 Download 56k mp3
Domestic violence is a major public-health problem. It affects millions of Americans… both women and men. It often results in physical and emotional injuries and even deaths. Negative stigmas are often associated with victims. The question is why? What do we need to know about domestic violence to treat, prevent and encourage victims to become survivors? Tonight on Voices of Diversity, we discuss domestic violence and hear from the survivors. According to reports, incidents of domestic violence are on the rise due to the economic crisis. What can we do to protect our families and prevent domestic violence? We’ll explore the options with our local guests who’ll share their stories, experiences and expertise. Host: Nii Attram
Stacy Caves experienced domestic abuse in a heterosexual relationship for over five years. She currently lives in Bellevue and works with the YWCA. As a survivor, she is studying to be a social worker to help abused victims.
Jim Aiken is a survivor of domestic violence from an almost year-long relationship. He identifies as gay and lives in Seattle.
Sarah Sena is a Community Program Director for the Eastside Domestic Violence Program. The organization has been providing domestic violence services and programs to the community since 1982.
Crystal Lee ran the board. Henry Smelser answered the phone. Jill Bolduc was cool and collected. Sonya Green is the managing producer. Nii Attram hosted and produced. Joaquin Uy was nowhere to be seen.
An N30 Grassroots Reunion Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009 Download 56k mp3
Ten years ago Seattle streets swarmed with more than 50,000 protesters, the majority with one goal: to stop the World Trade Organization meetings! That moment in history has past but what of the era of activism since then? What is happening now? Tonight on Voices of Diversity, key organizers and activists recall the WTO protests, what happened behind jail bars and on the front lines and where the fight for global justice is today. The historic protest and shut down of the World Trade Organization in November 1999 struck a cord in communities across the globe. People of all races and backgrounds united to fight for one common goal. Now ten years later, where are those key Northwest organizers? What are they doing today? What lessons have they learned? Host: Sonya Green
Erica Kay one of the founding members of the Community Action Network and the Direct Action Network, groups formed specifically to organize the WTO protestors. Erica also led a class action lawsuit against the city of Seattle.
Devin Theriot-Orr was a founding member of IndyMedia. IndyMedia is a collective of independent media organizations and journalists offering grassroots, non-corporate coverage. He is an immigration lawyer and currently a member of the technology group Rise Up Collective.
Yolanda Sinde is the former Executive Director for Community Coalition for Environmental Justice. Yolanda now owns her own consulting business.
Hop Hokins is a founding member of the Brown Collective, a coalistion of minority organizations formed during the WTO protests. Hop now works with an environmental conservation group.
Denise Cooper was also a founding member of the Brown Collective and named as a plaintiff in the lawsuit against the city of Seattle. Denise is now a consultant on social justice issues.
Credits
Joaquin Uy ran back and forth between three rooms. Henry Smelser answered the phone. Jill Bolduc was cool and collected. Sonya Green is the managing producer.
Alternatives to Incarceration Wednesday, November 25, 2009 Download 56k mp3
According to current estimates, 1 in 131 children at any one time have a parent held in custody, including state or federal prisons and local jails. What happens to children when a parent is incarcerated? What impact is this having on communities? On tonight’s Voices of Diversity, we explore some of the hidden costs of incarceration. We will discuss both the impact of incarceration on our communities and some of the local initiatives for creating alternatives to imprisonment. Host: Saralee Kane
Laurie Hanowell is Seattle Neighborhood Groups Program Coordinator for the Get Off the Streets or GOTS program and point person for Seattle's Drug Market Initiative.
Tuere Sala has been a prosecutor for nearly 20 years, the last 8 as an Assistant City Attorney with the City of Seattle. She is currently the prosecutor for Seattle Community Court and is also a regular volunteer with the Freedom Project.
John Hayes Director of the Community Relations Bureau of the Seattle Police Department and a 27 year veteran of the police department. He has a Masters in Social Work and has lived in Seattle his entire life.
Credits
Joaquin Uy edited this program. Sonya Green is the managing producer. Saralee Kane hosted and produced.
POCs + POCs...Only Wednesday, November 18, 2009 Download 56k mp3
The Northwest provides lots of dating opportunities for those willing to expand their horizons. But not everybody wants to take advantage of the increased dating options. The reasons vary and we want to explore the reasons with our guests and with you. Are you a person of color who consciously dates within your own community? What are your reasons? Or maybe you are in an interracial relationship? According to census data, unions between Asian women and White men continue to outnumber the reverse relationships by roughly three to one. The data also shows in 73% of black-white couples, the husband is black. With the growing number of interracial relationships, many refuse to even acknowledge this as an option. The question is, why? Host: Sonya Green
Grace Kong is Khmer American. She was born in a refugee camp in Cambodia. Grace identifies as Queer Bisexual and organizes with the Northwest grassroots Cambodian American group Khmer in Action.
Brianna Thomas is originally from Georgia but spent her teenage years in Washington State. She identifies as bi-racial.
Anthony Shoecraft is a proud Seattle native and graduate of Garfield High School in the Central District. He identifies as African American and is a recent graduate from both the University of Washington's Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs and School of Social Work.
Jo-Nathan Thomas is also a Seattle Native. He identifies as African American and recently earned his MBA.
Before the show, we also talked to Gita Mehrotra who identifies as a queer South Asian woman. She is also an anti-violence activist and doctoral student.
Credits
Joaquin Uy ran around the studio. Crystal Lee was the center of calm operating the board. And Henry Smelser scrambled to take your calls.
The Plight of Filipino World War II Veterans Wednesday, November 11, 2009: Veteran's Day Download 56k mp3
Today is Veteran’s Day. Over 200,000 Filipino soldiers served in the U.S. military during World War II. Of those, only 30,000 are left in the U.S. In 1946, the U.S. government stripped them of compensation promised for serving this country. These soldiers recently received some long overdue payments, however, is this year’s payout too little, too late? Could the U.S. do more to honor who many have referred to as "second class veterans?" On tonight’s Voices of Diversity, we talk about Filipino World War II veterans on what the government has done and perhaps more we all can do to make good on a broken promise. Host: Sonya Green
Clockwise from upper left: Managing Producer Sonya Green, Sluggo Rigor, Commander Amador Montero and his wife Proserpina Montero.
Guests
Commander Amador Montero is a 94-year old veteran who fought in World War II and head of the organization Filipino War Veterans of Washington.
Jeff Rice is currently a board member and volunteer for the Filipino Community Center of Seattle. He has been active in the Filipino Veterans' struggle for equity since 2004 as part of a Seattle based coalition of grassroots organizations.
Conrad "Sluggo" Riggor is the Executive Director of the International Drop-In Center, a senior services non-profit agency based in the Beacon Hill neighborhood in South Seattle. His father was a World War II Filipino Veteran.
Credits
Joaquin Uy was our general. Crystal Lee piloted the board. And Rickie Robinson captained the phones.
The Voices of Diverse Bellevue, WA Wednesday, November 4, 2009 Download 56k mp3
According to the latest U.S. census, Bellevue continues to be Washington’s top city for diversity, at least as it relates to foreign-born residents. However, is the diversity in Bellevue in numbers only? How does the city rate in its treatment of foreign-born residents and their representation in leadership positions? On tonight’s Voices of Diversity, is Bellevue making its mark as a city that embraces all? In this next hour we explore Bellevue through the eyes of the immigrants who call it home. Host: Sonya Green
Dr. Valentina Kiselev is a seven year Bellevue resident and Executive Director of Circle of Friends, a Bellevue health center serving Russian-speaking immigrants.
Joaquin Uy directed traffic. Crystal Lee drove the board. Rickie Robinson answered your calls.
Comedians of Color Sound Off Wednesday, October 28, 2009 Download 56k mp3
Who doesn’t like to laugh? Comedians get paid to make people laugh. But is there a cost when the jokes are made at the expense of another race, gender or sexual orientation? How far can a comedian go to get a laugh? On tonight’s Voices of Diversity, comedians sound off about comedy, race and politics in a so-called "post racial" world. We could all use a good laugh from time to time. When you are in the comedy business making people laugh is your job. But how far should a comedian go to get a laugh? What happens when the joke comes at the expense of others? Have you been offended by the words of a comedian? Host: Sonya Green
Kamau Bell is an African American comedian living in San Francisco. He is well known for his one man show, Ending Racism in One Hour. You can also find out more at his MySpace page.
Solomon Georgio is an Ethopian American and openly gay comic. Solomon is the winner of the 2008 Stranger Gong Show, two time Bumbershoot performer and member of the Peoples Republic of Komedy. You can also find out more at his MySpace page.
Hari Kondabolu is a South Asian American comedian currently living in New York City. He got his start as a comedian here in Seattle. You can also find out more at his MySpace page.
Travis Simmons also known as the "Big Funny" is on a mission to change the world one joke at a time. His charity show Funny for Food has raised over $50,000 for food banks in Western Washington. He is the winner of the "I Sound More Like Bill Cosby than Bill Cosby" contest. You can also find out more at his MySpace page.
Upcoming Events
Kamau Bell and Hari Kondabolu will be performing at Seattle's Comedy Underground this coming December.
Joaquin Uy directed traffic. Crystal Lee drove the board. Oneda Harris owned the phone.
Reclaiming Native American Culture in Media Wednesday, October 21, 2009 Download 56k mp3
Since the days of the first western films and television shows, Native Americans have been portrayed in a derogatory and stereotypical way. Hollywood even went as far as having white actors play Natives, while banning them from the film and television industry. Today, stereotypes still exist in the media, but has the situation improved thanks for Native filmmakers and actors who strive to paint an accurate picture of Native culture? We will find out when we talk to Native filmmakers and actors on Voices of Diversity. Host: Kevin Henry
Tracy Rector is Seminole and the Executive Director of Longhouse Media and its Native Lens youth film project. She will be the featured speaker at the 7th Annual Bellevue College American Indian Film Festival taking place November 5-7. Tracy is an award winning filmmaker and ardent advocate for Native American rights.
Angelo Baca is a documentary filmmaker who graduated from the University of Washington Native Voices Program. He is currently a teaching assistant at the University of Washington and helped produce short works this summer as part of the American Indian Film Festival Tribal Touring Workshop. Angelo also produced a documentary that explores the impact the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Book of Mormon on native peoples.
Robert Greygrass is a storyteller, writer and actor whose short film Walking on Turtle Island was accepted into the Ashland Independent Film Festival. He is the owner of D'White Dog Productions and has toured the world focusing on Lakota stories and other Native Tribes, often including his own personal narratives about spiritual matters. He is also a musician and is working on a book called Extreme Spiritual Makeover.
Roger Fernandes is an artist and teacher and belongs to the Turtle Island Storytellers Network. He is a member of Lower Elwha Band of the Klallam Indians from the Port Angeles area. Roger is involved in art organizations and initiatives by and for Native American artists.
Credits
Voices of Diversity Managing Producer Sonya Green directed traffic. Joaquin Uy drove the board with Crystal Lee who also owned the phone. Henry Smelser has a really mellow voice.
Northwest Ethnic Media Wednesday, October 7, 2009 Download 56k mp3
Major mainstream newspapers and magazines all over the U.S. are shutting down production, switching to online-only content or closing their doors all together. But what about the not-so-major news outlets? Ethnic Media is no stranger to working on small budgets and with little resources. How are these local media organizations doing in this media crisis and recession? Tonight on Voices of Diversity we explore the role of ethnic media in the current economy. How are local ethnic media outlets adapting? What, if any, changes have they made? Tonight, members of the minority press in the Northwest talk about how ethnic media is surviving this recession. Host: Sonya Green
James Tabafunda is a freelance reporter for Northwest Asian Weekly. Founded in 1982, the Northwest Asian Weekly continues to publish their paper at newsstands and online.
Starla Fitch is the publisher and editor of Urban Life Northwest Magazine. The magazine started last year as a newsletter for Seattle’s Central Area and last month went to publishing solely online.
Death threats on Facebook. Protestors compare President Barack Obama to Hitler. Blatant disrespect for the president’s plan by Representative Joe Wilson. Fox television personality Glenn Beck calls the president a racist. What is this extreme behavior really about? On tonight’s Voices of Diversity, how has the election of America’s first black president intensified the race discussion in America and the Pacific Northwest? I’ll be speaking with 4 guests for a no-holds-barred talk on race. Host: Sonya Green
Joaquin Uy was all over the place. Crystal Lee owned the phone. Saralee Kane listened with her keen ears.
Back to School Blues Wednesday, September 23, 2009 Download 56k mp3
A new school year now means big transitions for more than thirteen hundred students. Despite the efforts of some concerned parents and administrators, the Seattle Public School District closed five schools last year. The doors of the schools may be chained and the lockers may be empty, but the fallout over the plan is still quite active. Families have filed several lawsuits and are not backing down. On tonight’s Voices of Diversity, why the fight might not be over and how students and parents are adjusting to their new school environments. Host: Sonya Green
The now closed T.T. Minor Elementary School. Photo courtesy of rutlo.
Guests
Katie Joannes is a massage therapist and parent of a former T.T. Minor student now at Leschi Elementary.
Andre Helmstetter is also a parent and one of the major voices who led the opposition against the Seattle school district closure plan.
Credits
Ray Willis is the board operator. Crystal Lee answered your calls. Saralee Kane assisted in the studio. Joaquin Uy is the KBCS News & Public Affairs Director.
Conflict, Part 2 (Part 1 originally aired on August 12th, 2009) Wednesday, September 16, 2009 Download 56k mp3
Conflicts may be rampant, but we learned in part one of this two-part series on "How to Resolve Conflicts: from the Personal to the Global," that they are also opportunities. Peace is unimaginable to many pessimists, however, 90% of our lives and history really have been conflict-free. Even in the case of seemingly irreconcilable differences, peace have prevailed in some entrenched battles, often times when we recognize our power to change ourselves. We’ll talk about bringing peace to 99% of our lives by offering applications to turn conflicts into opportunities. Host: Guo Cheen
Venerable Thubten Chodron is the founder of Sravasti Abbey and the new Gotami House, an American Buddhist monastic community in Eastern Washington. Ven. Chodron is a nun who has studied and practiced Buddhism of the Tibetan tradition for many years in India and Nepal under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan masters. Ven. Chodron also travels worldwide to teach and has published a number of books including Working With Anger.
Eric Svaren is the founder and principal of Groupsmith, a Seattle-based company that provides organization development consulting. Eric also teaches mid-career professionals at the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs at the University of Washington.
Ray Willis is the board operator. Crystal Lee answered your calls. Sonya Green is the Managing Producer. Joaquin Uy is the KBCS News & Public Affairs Director.
Racial Disparities in Healthcare (Encore Presentation) Wednesday, September 9, 2009 Download 56k mp3
African Americans are four times more likely than whites to have kidney failure. In King County, African American women are nearly twice more likely to die from breast cancer than Asian Americans. African American men have the highest rate of prostate cancer in the world. Why are there such significant racial disparities in health care? What can be done about it? We’ll discuss all this and more today on Voices of Diversity. Host: Kevin Henry
The producer was Callie Shanafelt. The Engineer was Kevin Morris. Philip Lee and Benjamin Cleaves also helped in the studio. Michael Lissandrello wrote the P.S.A.s. Joaquin Uy is the KBCS News & Public Affairs Director.
The Northwest Hmong Community (Encore Presentation) Wednesday, September 2, 2009 Download 56k mp3
This evening we focus on the Hmong Community in the Northwest. On May 15, 1997, the U.S. government finally acknowledged that it had supported a prolonged air and ground campaign against the North Vietnamese Army and VietCong in the country of Laos bordering Vietnam in the 1960s. Today, this is referred to as the C.I.A. Secret War. Also on May 15, 12 years ago, our government simultaneously dedicated the Laos Memorial on the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, finally honoring the Hmong and other combat veterans from the Secret War. Host: Joaquin Uy
Clockwise from the top left: Doug Vang, Gnia Vue Lor, Yee Xiong and Pang Chang.
Guests
Doug Vang is a veteran of the C.I.A. Secret War in Laos. Originally from the C.I.A. village/military base Long Chieng, Doug was drafted into the Hmong armed forces in 1965 and served many tours of duty fighting in the front lines of that conflict.
Gnia Vue Lor is a veteran of the C.I.A. Secret War in Laos. He is originally from Xieng Khoung, a city in Northern Laos. He was 17 when he was drafted into military service in 1968 and spent time flying with C.I.A.'s clandestine Air America program.
Pang Chang spent much of her childhood in the Ban Vinai Refugee Camp at the Thai/Laos border. She later moved with her family to Hawaii and currently lives and works in Renton.
Kieth Quincy is the author of many books, including Hmong: History of a People. His most recent book is Der: A True Story.
Credits
Kevin Morris was tonight’s engineer. Peter Satterwhite answered your phone calls. Nii Attram also helped out in the studios. Theryn Kigvamasud’vasti is the Voices of Diversity Managing Producer. Special thanks to April Vang for help with this program.
Independent Filmmakers of Color in the Northwest Wednesday, August 26, 2009 Download 56k mp3
Bell hooks is a well known race and gender theorist. In her 1996 book on film Reel to Real: Race, Sex, and Class at the Movies, she wrote that, "Most of us go to the movies to enter a world that is different from one we know and are most comfortable with. And even though most folks will say that they go to movies to be entertained, if the truth be told lots of us, myself included, go to movies to learn stuff." Today’s discussion is about the kind of "stuff" that we can learn from not just any filmmaker, but local filmmakers of color. What incite do these filmmakers give us into their lives and their projects? Host: Theryn Kigvamasud'Vashti
Eli Kimaro identifies as a queer African and Korean filmmaker based out of Seattle. Eli is also one of the founders of 9 Elephants Productions.
Mridula Bhatia Indian filmmaker living in Kirkland. She is finishing up her latest movie, The Mountaineers.
Skip Moody is an African American Seattle filmmaker who uses film to promote Christian beliefs, such as forgiveness. His current project is After the Ghost.
The program was engineered by Joaquin Uy with assistance from Sonya Green. Chip Ahlgren answered your calls. From Theryn Kigvamasud’Vasti: This is my last show as Managing Producer as I will be starting graduate school this fall. Sonya Green will be the new Managing Producer and Host for Voices of Diversity. It has been super to work at KBCS in this capacity and I have really enjoyed the support of great a lot of great people including our listeners. I will actually still be around as a volunteer producer so you will definitely be hear more from me in the future.
Racial Disparities in Infant Mortality Wednesday, August 19, 2009 Download 56k mp3
Infant Mortality is defined as death in the first year of life. Of all race and ethnic groups African American and American Indian/Alaska Native mortality rates are the highest. This is not just to case Nationally but also within King County. According to a 2004 report on the Racial Disparities in Infant Mortality in King County, in the last two decades, infant mortality rates in Seattle and King County have steadily declined reflecting trends in Washington state and nationwide. However, while there have been overall declines in infant mortality there is still a wide and persistent disparity by race and socioeconomic status. What are some of the root causes of such high mortality numbers in these two ethnic groups? Host: Theryn Kigvamasud'Vashti
From the Gaza War to dirty politics, from who is supposed to do the laundry at home to arguments in our heads, conflicts are rampant around the world, in our nation, and within ourselves. Is it possible to completely cease fighting at all those levels? Where do we begin? And how do we stop fighting for the time being and on an enduring basis? On tonight’s Voices of Diversity, we’ll talk about how to resolve conflicts, from the personal to the global. This is part one of a two part series on the issue of conflict. Hosts: Guo Cheen and Saralee Kane
Walter Edwards has been working in the field of individual and organizational development for the past 10 years. He is the owner and principal consultant of coaching and organizational development firm, Leading Change Company.
Ilene Stark has been a teacher and trainer in education and mediation for more than 30 years. She is also the founder of the organization, Just Options Mediation in North Seattle.
Credits
The program was produced by Guo Cheen and engineered by Joaquin Uy. Eun-Joo Hwang answered your calls.
On Wednesday, July 22, 19 year-old Tristan Appleberry shot and killed 17 year old Aaron Sullivan while Sullivan sat in his car. The recent string of violent deaths in Seattle has alarmed families, friends, community groups, and our elected officials. Back in April, Mayor Greg Nickels allocated $8 million for the Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative as a way to stop young people from killing one another. Four months later, we check in to see how the initiative is fairing. Tonight on Voices of Diversity a discussion and update on the Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative. Due to circumstances beyond our control, this program is only 30 minutes long. Host: Theryn Kigvamasud'Vashti
Jamila E. Taylor is the Central Area Network Coordinator and Street Outreach Program Division with the Urban League of Seattle.
Related Community Events
Community meeting to address Aaron Sullivan murder Wednesday, August 12, 2009. At 6:30 p.m. at the Rainier Vista Boys and Girl Club (4520 MLK Jr. Way, Seattle, WA).
Credits
The program was produced by Managing Producer Theryn Kigvamasud’Vashti and engineered by Joaquin Uy. Eun-Joo Hwang answered your calls.
Somalia, the East African country located in the Horn of Africa is more known for the 1993 Hollywood movie Black Hawk Down and the recent series of pirate attacks off the East African coast. This unfavorable portrayal of Somalia has been of concern to many Somali residents in Washington State and across the country. So, we present an open discussion about Somalia. Hosts: Theryn Kigvamasud'Vashti and Nii Attram
Shukri Olow is an Employment Specialist with Neighborhood House, a local nonprofit group providing assistance to immigrants, refugees and low-income people.
Abdul Hirsi is Somali American and the Program Assistant for Enrollment Services at Bellevue College.
Credits
The program was produced by Nii Attram and engineered by Joaquin Uy. Eun-Joo Hwang answered your calls.
On the campaign trail, Obama the candidate promised to renegotiate the The North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA. Now Obama the president may be backing away from this. What does this mean for the U.S. and for us here in Washington State? Critics of Free Trade charge that its driven by policy that benefits governments and corporation often at the expense of citizens, farmers, workers and the environment. On the other hand, Fair Trade is often thought of as a social movement and market-based approach to trade that aims to help producers in developing countries and promote sustainability. Host: Theryn Kigvamasud'Vashti
Rennie Sawade is a technology contract worker whose story can be heard on TradeStories.org.
Credits
The program was produced by VOD Managing Producer Theryn Kigvamasud’Vashti and engineered by Joaquin Uy and Ray Willis. Eun-Joo Hwang answered your calls.
We have seen teen bullying on television. We have seen it on the Internet. Teens bullying, harassing and even attacking other teens and recording it on cell phones, then posting the attacks on Youtube. These situations have been covered more and more by the media and feature girls as well as boys as the perpetrators. Teen bullying and harassment can involve direct attacks, such as hitting and physical assault. Teen bullying can also be done with no direct physical damage instead take the form of malicious teasing, name-calling, sexual remarks, and stealing or damaging personal property. Host: Kevin Henry
Kirkland Teen Union Building in Kirkland is a recreation, resource, and arts center that strives to meet and exceed the social and cultural needs of our community’s young people.
Ground Zero in Bellevue is an initiative of the Boys & Girls Club enables all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
Safe Schools Coalition is an international public-private partnership in support of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth, that is working to help schools - at home and all over the world - become safe places where every family can belong, where every educator can teach, and where every child can learn, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
Crisis Clinic in Seattle/Teen Link is strongly committed to providing a confidential and accessible place teens can call to talk about what's concerning them, helping youth explore their options and make healthy, self-respecting decisions. In the following pages you will find information and resources teens can use to assist them in dealing with the complex challenges they face everyday.
Credits
The program was produced by VOD Managing Producer Theryn Kigvamasud’Vashti and engineered by Joaquin Uy. Eun-Joo Hwang answered your calls.
Tonight on Voices of Diversity, we look at homeschooling. What compels parents to educated their children at home? While rising violence in public schools, underfunded educational programs, and school bullying all seem like good reasons to home school children, what are the pit falls? Can children who are educated at home become well-adjusted well-rounded adults without the traditional high school experience? In 1997 there were more than 1.5 million homeschooled children in the U.S. As parents prepare their children for the upcoming school year, many are actually opting out of bricks and mortar schools and adjusting their lives to educating their kids at home. Host: Theryn Kigvamasud’Vashti
Monique Franklyn is a single mother and member of Black Star Line Home School Education Collective. Her daughter will be transitioning from public school to a homeschooling.
Credits
The program was produced by VOD Managing Producer Theryn Kigvamasud’Vashti and engineered by Joaquin Uy. The KBCS News and Public Affairs Director is Joaquin Uy.
Does Seattle Really Need a New Jail? Wednesday, June 24, 2009 Download 56k mp3
In late 2007, King County announce it would be no longer providing jail services for 36 cities including Seattle. The County was originally set to end the contracts by December 2010. However, in earlier this month, King County announced they were preparing to extend the contracts to provide jail services to the 36 cities to 2015. This was after a new study showed a decline in jail use. This new analysis might mean that the City of Seattle and other municipalities may not need to construct a new jail to increase inmate space. The analysis also buys cities and counties more time to explore how best to meet future needs of jailing people charged with offenses. While the City of Seattle is currently in the process of evaluating the environmental impact of the jail placement, to be completed by 2010, several citizen groups have responded by organizing to oppose the jail. Some suggest that the study showing a decline in jail use is just the beginning of understanding the long term impact of alternatives to a new jail altogether. Host: Theryn Kigvamasud’Vashti
Jim Street is a former Seattle City Councilman and King County Superior Court Judge. Currently Jim is a member of the Initiative 100: No New Seattle Jail.
Credits
The program was produced by VOD Managing Producer Theryn Kigvamasud’Vashti and engineered by Joaquin Uy. The KBCS News and Public Affairs Director is Joaquin Uy.
Race and the Performance Arts Wednesday, June 17, 2009 Download 56k mp3
In this country’s history, performers of color have faced discrimination, been forced to perform in segregated environments, and been forced to play stereotypical roles. Today, this country has witnessed African Americans win Academy Awards, and have seen a growing list of ethnic performers who have excelled and flourished in the fields of theatre, film, TV and dance. But do racial barriers and attitudes still exist and present challenges to performing artists? Are the arts now color blind? Stay with us to discuss these questions and more with our four guests, all of whom have years of experience in the performing arts. I’m your host, Kevin Henry. Host: Kevin Henry
Amber Wolfe is an actress/singer. Currently fronting her own group under the name, Miss Mamie Lavona the Exotic Mulatta and her White Boy Band. Amber has appeared in local stage productions and been a touring actress for Living Voices, a one woman show about civil rights issues.
Harrold Augustus Gomez is an actor and comedian who has appeared at numerous nightclubs in Seattle.
Nancy Colas-Nakano is currently the artistic creator and director of the Bridges Project at Wing Luke Asian Museum and formally the Artistic Director for Red Eagle Soaring Native American Youth Theater. An actress in film, theater, and television Nancy, has over 30 years of experience in the performing arts.
G. To’mas Jones is a local actor who has performed on TV and stage. G. To’mas is a versatile performer who has played a wide variety of successful roles.
Credits
The program was produced by VOD Managing Producer Theryn Kigvamasud’Vashti and engineered by Joaquin Uy. The KBCS News and Public Affairs Director is Joaquin Uy.
Northwest Women in Hip-Hop Wednesday, June 3, 2009 Download 56k mp3
In the last 3 years news coverage of women performing hip hop in the Northwest has been gaining momentum. There have been a number of panels, articles and broadcast of the role women have played in shaping Hip Hop today. On today’s show we are going to take a look at the kinds of life experiences that inspire the lyrics, music and poetry of women creating Hip Hop and a listen to some of their work. Host: Theryn Kigvamasud'Vashti
Stasia Irons and Cat Harris-White of THEE Satisfaction. Photo courtesy of Joshua Fulfs.
Guests
Moni Tepp is a Hip Hop artist who lives and organizes in Beacon Hill and the Central District neighborhoods.
Mako Fitts is a Professor of Sociology at Seattle University who has written about hip hop and is currently working on a book about hip hop that will cover the role of women in the hip hop movement.
Onion Carrillo is the founder of Ladies First, an all-woman of color hip hop monthly event.
Stasia Irons and Cat Harris-White are the Hip Hop duo THEE Satisfaction. They have been performing as a group for about a year.
Credits
The program was produced by VOD Managing Producer Theryn Kigvamasud’Vashti and engineered by Kevin Morris. Helping in the studio was Patrick Satterwhite and Nii Attram. The KBCS News and Public Affairs Director is Joaquin Uy.
On May 26, the California Supreme Court upheld Proposition 8 (Prop 8), the ban on same sex marriages but also validated te 18,000 marriages that took place before the ban. Back in November, when voters first passes Prop 8 , many activists and media outlets blamed the Black community and other communities of color for Prop 8’s passage. Others also took to the streets to proclaim that sexual orientation and marriage equality are the new modern day civil rights issues, akin to race as the central civil rights issue of the 60’s and 70’s. What is the position of queer people of color on Prop 8? What are their thoughts on marriage equality? And what do queer people of color have to say about Gay being the New Black? Host: Theryn Kigvamasud'Vashti
The December 2008 Issue of The Advocate.
Guests
Dr. Chandan Reddy is the Associate Professor of English at the University of Washington.
Jolie Harris is the Co-founder and Director of Thrive a Social Justice Consulting, Assistant Director of Seattle University Ethnic Student Center and Executive Producer and Director of the short film, 'Black Is Not The New Gay.'
Dr. Gary Perry is the Associate Professor of Sociology at Seattle University and is affiliated with the Global African Studies and Women Studies program. Dr. Perry is currently researching how survivors of Hurricane Katrina are rebuilding their communities.
Credits
Theryn Kigvamasud’Vashti is the host and managing producer. Patrick Satterwhite answered your calls. The technical producer is Joaquin Uy. Kevin Morris is the engineer.
Issues Around Disabilities Wednesday, May 20, 2009 Download 56k mp3
Often in discussions about diversity, people with disabilities are not included in the conversation. Tonight, on Voices of Diversity, we talk with people who have disabilities, as well as those who advocate for their issues. We will examine their unique challenges and the obstacles they have overcome. Over 600,000 working-age adults with disabilities live in Washington State. A recent Harris Poll found that only 29 percent of those folks are working. However, 70 percent of those unemployed want to work. Nationwide, 54 million Americans with disabilities comprise the largest minority in the country. Like other minority groups, people with disabilities still face discrimination and other negative reactions from people in our society. Host: Joaquin Uy
Christine Hammond has Multiple Sclerosis and works for Direct Interactions. She uses a wheelchair.
Donna Opsal also has Multiple Sclerosis and uses a cane to walk. She is employed by Direct Interactions, Inc.
Kim Indukar is a program coordinator at the Highland Community Center in Bellevue, a facility dedicated to assisting and offering support to people with disabilities in a variety of ways.
Credits
Theryn Kigvamasud’Vashti produced this program at the studios of Bellevue TV on the campus of Bellevue College. Sam Roffe is the KBCS Broadcast Engineer. The KBCS News and Public Affairs Director is Joaquin Uy. Thanks to the crew from Bellevue Television for filming this inaugural episode of Voices of Diversity TV.
The Northwest Hmong Community Wednesday, May 13, 2009 Download 56k mp3
May is National Asian Pacific Island History Month. So this evening we’re going to be talking about a community within the larger API group who we hardly ever hear from: the Hmong Community. On May 15, 1997, the U.S. government finally acknowledged that it had supported a prolonged air and ground campaign against the North Vietnamese Army and VietCong in the country of Laos bordering Vietnam in the 1960s. Today, this is referred to as the C.I.A. Secret War. Also on May 15, 12 years ago, our government simultaneously dedicated the Laos Memorial on the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, finally honoring the Hmong and other combat veterans from the Secret War. Host: Joaquin Uy
Clockwise from the top left: Doug Vang, Gnia Vue Lor, Yee Xiong and Pang Chang.
Guests
Doug Vang is a veteran of the C.I.A. Secret War in Laos. Originally from the C.I.A. village/military base Long Chieng, Doug was drafted into the Hmong armed forces in 1965 and served many tours of duty fighting in the front lines of that conflict.
Gnia Vue Lor is a veteran of the C.I.A. Secret War in Laos. He is originally from Xieng Khoung, a city in Northern Laos. He was 17 when he was drafted into military service in 1968 and spent time flying with C.I.A.'s clandestine Air America program.
Pang Chang spent much of her childhood in the Ban Vinai Refugee Camp at the Thai/Laos border. She later moved with her family to Hawaii and currently lives and works in Renton.
Kieth Quincy is the author of many books, including Hmong: History of a People. His most recent book is Der: A True Story.
Credits
Kevin Morris was tonight’s engineer. Peter Satterwhite answered your phone calls. Nii Attram also helped out in the studios. Theryn Kigvamasud’vasti is the Voices of Diversity Managing Producer. Special thanks to April Vang for help with this program.
Washington State Migrant Owned Farms Wednesday, May 6, 2009 Download 56k mp3
According to the 2007 Census of Agriculture, immigrants are among the fastest growing demographic sector of U.S. farmers. In Washington, Latino operated farms increased by almost 50% from 2002 to 2007. Asian farmers, made up mostly of the Hmong people, grew almost 20% in the same period. Are they the future of American small farmers? What is their path to farming and what makes their experience unique? Join us on Voices of Diversity. Host: Philip Lee
Njambi Gishuru is a community organizer for BuRSST for Prosperity, intended to generate prosperity for low-income residents in Burien, Renton, SeaTac, Skyway and Tukwila.
Roberto Guerro is the owner of ACMA Orchards in Quincy.
Credits
The producer was Philip Lee. The engineer was Callie Shanafelt. Helping in the studio was Nii Attram. Theryn Kigvamasud’vasti is the Managing Producer of Voices of Diversity. Joaquin Uy is the KBCS News and Public Affairs Director.
Immigrant Unemployment Wednesday, April 29, 2009 Download 56k mp3
May Day, or International Workers Day, has become an occasion for large immigration reform marches. But with the unemployment rate in Washington State reaching a 20-year high, what are unemployed immigrants doing this May Day? Tonight on Voices of Diversity we speak with people in your community who came to the United States in pursuit of the American Dream, only to be affected by the economic downturn. Host: Callie Shanafelt
This Friday, May 1st, the Committee of Immigration Reform and Social Justice invites all to attend the ninth annual May 1st March and Rally. Organizers hope to raise awareness for immigrant workers in Washington. The march begins at Judkin’s playfield behind Saint Mary’s church in Seattle and step off is at 4:00 p.m. More information can be found at elComitewa.org.
Credits
Callie Shanafelt produced this week's show, her last show. We all wish her luck in her new adventure, Journalism School at Berkeley. We'll miss you! The engineer was Kevin Morris. Joaquin Uy is our technical producer. Patrick Satterwhite and Heidi Lang also helped in the studio.
Seeds of Compassion, One Year Later Wednesday, April 22, 2009 Download 56k mp3
This month is the one year anniversary of Seeds of Compassion, a series of five days of events with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and luminaries from a variety of fields celebrating compassion. Tonight we look back at these events, the impact they have had and how some people have carried the vision forward. Do you remember the week last year when Seattle was overcome by the visit of the Dalai Lama? Did you attend any of the events? What did it mean to you?. Have you seen compassion grow in your community? What have you done to continue the vision? Hosts: Saralee Kane and Joaquin Uy
Compassion at Home, School and Community by Steven Wright.
Guests
Habib Behjatnia is one of the original Seeds of Compassion Youth Ambassador ProgramYouth Ambassadors and a senior at Lake Washington High School.
Saralee Kane produced this week's show. The engineer was Kevin Morris. Philip Lee is our technical producer. Patrick Satterwhite and Michael Lissandrello also helped in the studio. Joaquin Uy is the KBCS News & Public Affairs Director.
Racial Disparities in Healthcare Wednesday, April 15, 2009 Download 56k mp3
African Americans are four times more likely than whites to have kidney failure. In King County, African American women are nearly twice more likely to die from breast cancer than Asian Americans. African American men have the highest rate of prostate cancer in the world. Why are there such significant racial disparities in health care? What can be done about it? We’ll discuss all this and more today on Voices of Diversity. Host: Kevin Henry
The annual May 30th March and Rally for Major Health Care Reform starts at Pratt Park in Seattle’s Central District neighborhood. The rally begins at 3:30 and the march steps off at 4. The themes of the event include stimulating employee free choice for a people’s economy, health care, an end to the Iraq War and a moratorium on raids and detentions. More information at may30march.org.
The 7th annual Kidney Health Fest for African American Families (and everyone else) takes place on Saturday, May 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the African American Academy. This event will feature free health screenings, entertainment, and healthy food samples made by local celebrity chefs. More information can be found at nwkidney.org.
Cierra Sisters will be hosting a Men’s Health Panel Discussion at the Rainier Community Center on Thursday, April 23 at 6:15 p.m. The group discussion is focused on encouraging men to exchange ideas about cancer and other health issues that directly impact African-American men.
Credits
The producer was Callie Shanafelt. The Engineer was Kevin Morris. Philip Lee and Benjamin Cleaves also helped in the studio. Michael Lissandrello wrote the P.S.A.s. Joaquin Uy is the KBCS News & Public Affairs Director.
Sex Workers in the Northwest Wednesday, April 8, 2009 Download 56k mp3
What is it to live the life of sex work on the streets? What does it mean to do the work of supporting women who are trying to leave the life? What are the true struggles of life on the streets when women trade sex for money to survive? We’ll discuss all this and more, in this episode of Voices of Diversity. Host: Theryn Kigvamasud'vashti
Amor de Compra y Venta Photo courtesy of Sr._Samolo.
Judge Judith Hightower is a Seattle Municipal Court.
Credits
Produced by Theryn Kigvamasud’Vashti. The engineer was Kevin Morris. Callie Shanafelt is the Executive Producer of Voices of Diversity. Helping in the studio was Toby Nelson. Michael Lissandrello wrote the P.S.A.s. Joaquin Uy is the KBCS News & Public Affairs Director.
Death Penalty in Washington State Wednesday, April 1, 2009 Download 56k mp3
In early March the Washington State Supreme Court issued a stay of execution for Cal Brown. A week later New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson abolished the death penalty in his state. Where does the death penalty stand in Washington State? Why are people organizing against it? Why are they for it? We’ll discuss all this and more in this episode of Voices of Diversity Host: Callie Shanafelt
Lethal Injection Machine Photo courtesy of Amnestic_Arts.
For more information on the topics discussed in tonight’s show
The Death Penalty Information Center is a non-profit organization serving the media and the public with analysis and information on issues concerning capital punishment.
Credits
The producer was Callie Shanafelt. The Engineer was Kevin Morris.
Studies show that women make about three quarters for each dollar men make. What are women doing to change that? What do women business owners need to do to be successful? What are some of the unique challenges they face? In this episode we speak with four women who all have advice to offer and experiences to share. Host: Kevin Henry
The producer was Callie Shanafelt. The Engineer was Kevin Morris.
The Struggle for Federal Recognition of Pacific Northwest Native Americans Wednesday, March 11, 2009 Download 56k mp3
During the American colonization of the Pacific Northwest, the government signed multiple treaties but rarely honored them. Today the Native American descendents of many of those treaty signers are still fighting for the minimal rights the treaties were supposed to ensure. This evening, we look at the ongoing struggle of Pacific Northwest natives for federal recognition. What does it mean to be Native American today? What are contemporary relations between Native American nations and the United States? Federally recognized tribes have been struggling quite literally for hundreds of years for rights supposedly guaranteed by treaties, but what do you do when a government declares your people extinct? I am joined in the studio by four Native Chairpersons to discuss their current political situations with the government. Host: Joaquin Uy
For more information on the topics discussed in tonight’s show
Seattle Metropolitan article about the Duwamish situation.
Related Events
Cecile Hansen's Frybread for Justice Cecile Hansen will offer "all the frybread you can eat" for a $20-minimum donation to the Duwamish Justice Fund. Saturday, March 21, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Duwhamish Longhouse and Cultural Center (4705 W. Marginal Way SW, 98106) Saturday, April 4, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Duwhamish Longhouse and Cultural Center (4705 W. Marginal Way SW, 98106)
Credits
The producer was Callie Shanafelt. The Engineer was Kevin Morris.
Global Warming and You Wednesday, March 4, 2009 Download 56k mp3
Monday, in Washington, D.C., more than 2,000 activists blocked the gates of a coal-fired power plant on Capitol Hill in what was described as the largest display of civil disobedience on the climate crisis in US history. The first comprehensive report of Climate Change Impacts on Washington State was released in February. The main finding is that temperatures will continue to rise into the next century. In the Pacific Northwest this will cause things like a reduced snow pack in our mountains, wetter autumns, drier summers, less power from hydro, and worsened habitats for fish. But, instead of focusing on the overview of the problem--we’ll look at ways we can all deal with it. Who is responsible for fighting climate change? What can be done to decrease it’s effects? What can be done to adapt to what we know is coming? Hosts: Joaquin Uy and Francesca Lyman
Sheida Sahandy is the City of Bellevue Assistant to the City Manager and Chairperson for the Environmental Stewardship Initiative of the City of Bellevue.
Lara Whitely Binder is an outreach specialist at the University of Washington’s Climate Impacts Group (CIG).
Credits
The producer was Callie Shanafelt. The Engineer was Kevin Morris. Violeta Alvarez helped in the studio.
Future of Print Journalism Wednesday, February 25, 2009 Download 56k mp3
In early January, the Hearst Corporation, owner of the Seattle P-I, announced that they had put the 146 year-old paper up for sale. Despite increased readership, newspapers around the country are facing a loss of advertising and classified revenue that they need to continue operations. In this episode of Voices of Diversity we discuss the future of print journalism and potential alternative financial models. Host: Callie Shanafelt
The Final Days of Print Photo courtesy of makani5.
No News is Bad News: Seattle as a No-Newspaper Town Thursday, February 26, 2009, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Bertha Landes Room at Seattle City Hall (600 4th Ave # 1, Downtown Seattle) More information, here.
Credits
The producer was Callie Shanafelt. The Engineer was Kevin Morris. Joaquin Uy is the News and Public Affairs Director.
Was Martin Luther King's dream fulfilled with the election of Barack Obama? Wednesday, February 18, 2009 Download 56k mp3
This week the United States honors Presidents Day. It is also Black History Month and for the first time we have a Black president in the white house. Some propose that the celebration of Black History Month is no longer necessary with Barack Obama as President. Some also suggest that Martin Luther King’s dream was fulfilled with the election of President Obama. We discuss all this and more in this episode of Voices of Diversity. Host: Kevin Henry
The producer was Callie Shanafelt. The Engineer was Kevin Morris. Helping in the studio was Audrey Lauren Quinn and Karen Westerlind. Callie Shanafelt is the Executive Producer of Voices of Diversity. Joaquin Uy is the News and Public Affairs Director.
Seattle Public School Closures Wednesday, February 11, 2009 Download 56k mp3
To the outrage of many students, teachers and parents, Seattle School District Superintendent Maria Goodloe-Johnson finalized her plan to close 5 schools and discontinue 5 programs Two weeks ago, the Seattle School Board approved the closures with no amendments, 5 to 2. Many are concerned these closures disproportionately affect students of color. We discuss all this and more in this episode of Voices of Diversity. Host: Callie Shanafelt
Abandoned Martin Luther King Elementary School at Denny Blaine in Seattle. Photo courtesy of rutlo.
Sophie Pakker is a sophomore at NOVA Alternative High School.
For more information on the topics discussed in tonight’s show
Seattle Public School District website on the school closure plan.
Credits
The producer was Callie Shanafelt. Assistant Producer was Saralee Kane. The Engineer and Technical Producer was Kevin Morris. Helping in the studio was Audrey Lauren Quinn and Silvia Wilson. Callie Shanafelt is the Executive Producer of Voices of Diversity. Joaquin Uy is the News and Public Affairs Director.
South End Youth Panel Wednesday, February 4, 2009 Download 56k mp3
According to recent media reports, police statistics and even the word on the street, youth gang violence is on the rise. Seattle's crime rate plummeted to a 40-year low in 2007 and initial data suggests this trend will continue through 2008, but there is undoubtedly a noticeable rise in youth violence-especially gun violence. Last year this violence claimed the lives of at least six teenagers. Back in September, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels announced an $8 million initiative to reduce youth violence and gang membership. Tonight we’ll take a closer look at this, and other youth issues, such as school closures and more from the folks who see this first hand. Host: Logic Amen
Guests
Michael Pigott is 14 and is a first year student at Garfield High School.
Max Braseth is 17 and is at Seattle Academy.
Aussie Camacho attends Rainier Beach High School.
Daniel Osara is also 16 and is a junior at the Youth Education Program in Downtown Seattle.
Kyla Melonson is 16 and is a sophomore at Garfield High School.
Credits
The Executive Producer for Voices of Diversity is Callie Shanafelt. Joaquin Uy is tonight’s producer. Khalil Panni is the assistant producer. Kevin Morris is our engineer. Helping in the studio was Sylvia Wilson. This program was produced in collaboration with the youth media organization Reel Youth, the Garfield Teen Life Center and the Southwest Boys and Girls Club.
Impacts of the Digital Television Transition Wednesday, January 28, 2009 Download 56k mp3
Today, the House of Representatives voted not to delay the switch from analog to digital TV signals from February 17th to June, despite the urging of President Obama and the Senate approval of the bill yesterday. Many still have concerns that elderly, disabled, low-income and rural TV users are having difficulty making the switch. In this episode we speak with three guests who are working to make this transition as smooth as possible for all populations in Seattle. Host: Callie Shanafelt
For more information on the topics discussed in tonight’s show
Consumers who want to get rid of old electronics can find low-cost recyclers by contacting programs like the Take it Back Network or the 1-800-RECYCLE.
The Seattle DTV Assistance Centers can help-offering DTV workshops, assistance with converter box setup, and general information about the digital TV transition.
Seattle drop-in centers: * Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 4408 Delridge Way SW (M-F, business hours) * High Point Community Center, 6920 34th Ave SW (M-F, 5pm-9pm) * Jefferson Community Center, 3801 Beacon Ave S (M-F, 5pm-9pm) * Rainier Community Center, 4600 38th Ave S (M-F, 5pm-9pm) * Van Asselt Community Center, 2820 S. Myrtle St (M-F, 5pm-9pm) * Yesler Community Center, 917 E. Yesler Way (M-F, 5pm-9pm)
Call (206) 508-1277 for additional training locations and hours.
Para asistencia en español: Leadership Academy/Para Los Niños (425 SW 144th St, Burien) o llame (206) 988-3760.
For more information, or to schedule a DTV training near you, call (206) 508-1277 or email seattledtv @ reclaimthemedia.org.
National Asian Pacific Center on Aging Toll-free Helpline Numbers: Chinese 1-800-582-4218 Korean 1-800-582-4259 Vietnamese 1-800-582-4336 English 1-800-336-2722
Credits
The producer was Callie Shanafelt. The Engineer and Technical Producer was Kevin Morris. Helping in the studio was Nii Attram. Callie Shanafelt is the Executive Producer of Voices of Diversity. Joaquin Uy is the News and Public Affairs Director.
State of Gay Rights Movement Wednesday, January 14, 2009 Download 56k mp3
40 years ago, in June of 1969, the Stonewall riots in New York City marked the start of the modern gay rights movement. Just over 30 years ago, in 1977, Harvey Milk became the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California. What is the legacy of the Gay Rights Movement? How has the agenda changed in the last 40 years? Are those issues different for queer youth? For queer people of color? Or for transgendered individuals? Host: Philip Lee
For more information on the topics discussed in tonight’s show
Western States Center's mission is to build a progressive movement for social, economic, racial and environmental justice in the eight Western states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada and Alaska.
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, HRC envisions an America where LGBT people are ensured of their basic equal rights, and can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.
Equal Rights Washington (ERW) works to ensure and promote dignity, safety, and equality for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Washingtonians.
Obama Pride is a national network made up of LGBT Obama supporters across the country who are dedicated to making sure Barack Obama is our next President.
Entre Hermanos works to improve the health and well-being of the LGBTQ Latino community.
Trikone NW is supportive, empowering, and affirming community for differently-oriented South Asians in the Pacific Northwest.
Credits
The producer was Philip Lee. The Engineer was Kevin Morris. Callie Shanafelt was the technical producer. Helping in the studio was Nii Attram. Callie Shanafelt is the Executive Producer of Voices of Diversity. Joaquin Uy is the News and Public Affairs Director.
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Year in Review, Part 2 Wednesday, January 7, 2009 Download 56k mp3
Voices of Diversity Executive Producer Callie Shanafelt takes you on one more tour of some of this year's most compelling conversations. Host: Callie Shanafelt
Credits
The host and producer is Callie Shanafelt, with help from Joaquin Uy. Happy 2009!
For copies of shows aired earlier please contact Joaquin Uy at 425.564.6195 or email.
