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.
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.
