Fifteen women of Color elected officials including Asian, Black, Latino and Native American descent, were honored at China Harbor Restaurant by the Women of Color Empowered. More than 230 women and men attended. Among them, two were white, King County Sheriff Sue Rahr and Tukwila city Councilmember Joan Hernandez. Some questioned why. White is a color too, if you want to interpret it that way! Rahr was in because of her unique position, not many women can be elected as sheriff in a big county, supervising thousands of men. A champion of diversity, Joan is married to a Latino man.
Over 10 political candidates including Seattle mayoral ones were there to greet potential voters. The organizers announced all candidates. For $20 (the cost of the lunch), you name is heard among the audience, an economical way to campaign.
In no way should you assume that candidates usually sit with their supporters in community events. At the women’s lunch, organizers had placed candidates randomly, sitting with strangers. It’s good to ask the table host for clarification.
Once, I saw Ruth Woo, Asian community political guru sit with Seattle mayoral candidate Mike McGinn at a community event. Someone whispered, “Is Ruth endorsing Mike?”
So I checked with Ruth afterwards. “No,” Ruth replied. She has not endorsed anyone yet in the mayoral race. Mike’s friend asked if Mike could sit there knowing that Ruth had an empty seat in her table. Reality is very different from perception. Do it like a journalist, always check the facts because appearances can be deceiving.