Wise Words from Wise Heritage Keepers

“As Americans we can each draw strength and a sense of identity from our cultures of origin while refusing to be defined or limited by the past.”
— Dow Constantine
King County Executive

“A young person can record an oral history interview with an elder in their community, perhaps a grandparent. A good question is to ask for stories about favorite traditional foods and their preparations. The youth can then edit the recording, post it on YouTube, and show it to the family during the holiday season!”
— Tom Ikeda
Executive Director of Densho

“Cultures and history are very important. No one can reach their full potential if they don’t know who they are or where they came from. You cannot prosper and advance to the full extent unless you understand your culture and who you can be.”
— Larry Gossett
King County Councilmember

“I believe in you. You are an inspiration! Don’t wait until everything is perfect; you know it will never be perfect. Today’s youth get things done — they’re getting stronger, self-confident, and empowered. They believe in themselves. I have faith in them and I have faith in you. Be strong!”
— Bruce Harrell
Seattle City Councilmember

“We live in a society bombarded with messages of assimilation and conformity. Whether you are a person of color or of European descent, take time to appreciate your culture. Learn your native languages and pass them on to your kids. Yes, you can learn two languages at the same time when you are a kid. It’s important to recapture our culture. A multicultural society of ethnic foods and cultures is good for the economy.”
— Estela Ortega
Executive Director of El Centro Raza

“Keeping our heritage is critical, especially to Native Americans. Part of our tradition is passing on cultures and history. It’s part of statehood. Encourage everyone to know their family and who they are. When we introduce ourselves, we always say who our parents and grandparents are.”
— Claudia Kauffman
Intergovernmental Affairs Liaison at Muckleshoot Indian Tribe

“Filial piety and respect for the elderly are important aspects of our culture. If everyone takes care of their family, we will have a stable society. I believe in teaching my kids by examples. They watch me — how I treat my parents with dignity and love. However, I don’t force my American-born kids to accept all aspects of Chinese culture. That’s the old way. American culture is very different, and they like to discuss and debate before they form their views.”
— Andy Chang
Owner of East Asia Supermarket, Tacoma

“Making time to listen to the story of our grandparents, aunts and uncles is important to enhance our heritage. It will enrich our life experience when we value their stories.”
— Sherry Carr
Seattle School Board member

“It has been my honor and privilege to have lived and or worked in the International District for most of my 77 years. The goal to preserve the heritage, culture, and lifestyles of us who identify with Chinatown, Japantown, Manilatown, and Little Saigon has been fulfilled beyond our wildest dreams. The International District, as a neighborhood surrounded by massive development, would not have survived without the passion, dedication, and love of the early activists, residents, and business owners who were involved with InterIm and the Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority.”
— Bob Santos
Former InterIm Executive Director and community activist

“I founded the Huayin Performing Arts Group so that overseas Chinese can do something to give back to the community. Many of them have doctorates and master’s degrees. We teach them to appreciate Chinese culture through dance, music and modern art performances. These members are highly educated and beautiful. We do everything free for the community.”
— Xiaoming Wu
Founder of Huayin Performing Arts Group