Northwest Asian Weekly

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COMMENTARY: Asian people are not a disease

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As terms like “Chinese Virus,” “Wuhan Virus,” and “Kung Flu” are increasingly used by the president and other leaders in our country, so do we see the increase of racially-based hate crimes and xenophobia against people of Asian descent. While President Trump has defended his usage of these types of terms, as “not racist at all,” the impacts on our communities tell a different story.

COMMENTARY: Letter urging you to advocate for bipartisan efforts to address the economic impacts of COVID-19

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Dear Members of the Washington State Congressional Delegation, The rapid spread of COVID-19 is having dramatic effects on the citizens and institutions in Washington state, particularly in the Puget Sound region, which has the most confirmed cases of coronavirus in the country. We appreciate your fast action to approve $8.3 billion to respond the COVID-19 […]

COMMENTARY: Support the ID – Communities unite

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By Sarah E. Baker On March 8, I felt panicked. The stories in my news feed were overwhelming: AAPIs and businesses facing discrimination because of COVID-19, restaurant sales in the Chinatown-International District (ID) plummeting, people being outright avoided in public. Racism is alive and well, my friends. As an organizer, I wanted to do SOMETHING, […]

COMMENTARY: Reader reacts to scrapped camera project

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The Chinatown-International District (ID) is back on track by summarily rejecting electronic camera surveillance. Not only were these cameras in place for eight years while the public was largely unaware, but the proponents wanted updated electronic surveillance capability all without ensuring the public—including visitors and non-residents—would know and agree. There were rightfully no ‘takers’ willing […]

COMMENTARY: Addressing the child care and pre-school staffing crisis helps our kids get a fair start

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The first five years of life are critical to a child’s development. Children go from being immobile, spending most of their time sleeping, eating, peeing and pooping into miniature people that can walk, talk, play, and share—critical life skills. They can’t do this alone.

COMMENTARY: Sam Cho, on the importance of embracing and continuing to celebrate diversity

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Editor’s note: This is an edited version of remarks made by Seattle Port Commissioner Sam Cho on Jan. 7 as he was sworn into office. Cho is the only person of color on the commission and in his remarks, touched on reports of Iranian Americans being detained at the U.S. border.