On July 23, the Seattle City Council approved a resolution to honor Seattle activist and educator Alan Sugiyama. Resolution 31827 will designate 15th Avenue South, from South Nevada Street to South Columbian Way, as “Alan Sugiyama Way.” Sugiyama founded the Asian Family Affair newspaper in Seattle in 1972. He was also the first Asian American […]
Narasaki named Japanese American of the Biennium
On July 21, the National Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) proudly named Diane Narasaki as Japanese American of the Biennium in the field of Business/Industry/Technology. The award is the highest public award of the National JACL. In nominating Narasaki, the Seattle Chapter JACL wrote, “Diane’s ability to coalesce diverse groups of smaller communities into larger […]
Singh named new president of Edmonds Community College
The Edmonds Community College Board of Trustees voted to offer Dr. Amit Singh the role of president. Singh accepted and began work on June 25. With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, Singh previously served as the provost and senior vice president of academic affairs at Clark State Community College in Springfield, […]
86th Bon Odori
Seattle Betsuin hosted the 86th Bon Odori on July 22. Bon Odori is one of the longest, community-sanctioned events at Seafair. It featured traditional Japanese music, dress, and dancing. This year welcomed a new dance honoring the memory of Jack Matsui, a community member, Japanese incarceration survivor, and war veteran.
Rotary Club of Seattle has a new president
Cindy Runger is the 110th president of the Rotary Club of Seattle — the first woman of color to hold that position. Born in Vietnam, Runger is a Gonzaga University graduate. She also holds a JD from the Gonzaga University School of Law, and currently serves on Gonzaga’s Board of Regents. Runger had a career […]
Carnegie Corp’s ‘Great Immigrants’ list
The Carnegie Corporation of New York released its annual list of Great Immigrants on June 28, comprised of 38 naturalized citizens who “enrich the fabric of American culture and strengthen our democracy through their lives, their work, and their example.” Among the honorees were Rep. Pramila Jayapal, University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce, and […]
Al Sugiyama street sign
The Alan Sugiyama Honorary Street Sign Committee said a sign honoring the late community leader will be approved by the Seattle City Council on July 23. Committee member Larry Matsuda said they received an email on July 11 from City Council President Bruce Harrell’s office of the approval. Because of a proposed Seattle Department of […]
Rainier Valley neighborhood grant
HomeSight and the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund announced the approval of nearly $2 million in grants and lending capital from Wells Fargo last month. The funds will be used to help improve the Othello/Rainier Valley community and create more diverse small business ownership in South Seattle. A comprehensive, resident-driven neighborhood plan that includes a […]
Bellevue students win abacus and mental math competition
Five students from Bellevue won at the 13th Canadian & 5th British Columbia Provincial UCMAS Abacus & Mental Math competition in Surrey, B.C. in May. Established in 1993 in Malaysia, UCMAS (Universal Concept Mental Arithmetic System) strengthens math skills, promotes whole brain development, and establishes foundational building blocks like memory, concentration, creativity, and problem-solving capabilities. […]
Community BBQ
Dynasty Room, along with Moksha, hosted a Chinatown-International District community barbeque on June 27. On June 13, thieves broke into Moksha and stole merchandise, cash, and electronics. The outdoor barbecue was meant to spark conversation about how community members can help each other, while keeping each other safe. Part of the food proceeds will go […]