What does the Asian Weekly mean to you?
“To me, the Asian Weekly is about giving young people the chance to shine and to give them the tools and experiences needed to grow as leaders. Through its newspaper internships, its many scholarships, its Summer Youth Leadership Program, and the fact that Assunta Ng has been willing to hire so many 20-somethings (myself included!) over the years to fill the paper’s top editorial job says a lot. It says that the Asian Weekly has faith in young people and is willing to do its part to train the leaders of tomorrow.”
— Former Editor Carol Vu
Please describe in your own perspective NWAW’s community impact and significance in the last 30 years.
The NWAW is a beating heart. It circulates the stories, ideas, values, and dreams of so many people, and it keeps our community healthy. I’ve had the chance to work with Assunta and the NWAW team as they’ve taught countless young people how to find their voice and make it heard. This publication reports on what’s happening today. But its deepest impact still won’t be felt for another generation. Here’s to the next 30 years!
— Eric Liu
What does the Asian Weekly mean to you?
“I’m always impressed with the Northwest Asian Weekly’s breadth of coverage — issues of local, national, and international importance are covered on topics ranging from politics to fashion. I can only imagine what a feat it is to pull off each issue with such variety and quality writing and reporting. I always particularly enjoy the youth issues published by the NWAW. It provides that platform for our next generation of thinkers and doers to express themselves and articulate a perspective we so rarely hear in mainstream media, while also teaching the youth the skills they need — like writing, listening, and critical thinking.”
— Joyce Pisnanont
What does the Asian Weekly mean to you?
I have a long history going back 30 years with the Asian Weekly and, like most relationships, ours has evolved. I have gained a real appreciation for the balance that a community newspaper strives for…that of a responsible, objective print medium, and that of being a community voice, an outspoken bully pulpit for community causes. This balance is near impossible to achieve. My opinion is that the Asian Weekly has come close to the mark. The Weekly keeps me informed on issues affecting Asian and Pacific Islanders and at the same time reflects a commitment to API representation and civic engagement. It has performed a remarkable service to our community and I offer my appreciation and congratulations for 30 years of invaluable community service.
— Kip Tokuda, former State Representative from 37th Legislative District
What role has NWAW served for immigrants and their families for different ethnic groups, and similarly for the mainstream community?
In the early 1990s at a community function, I can vividly recall the publisher and editor inviting the newly elected mayor to commit in public his intent to ensure the fair representation of APAs at all levels within his administration. And, despite the new mayor’s demurring gestures, Assunta doggedly repeated her request for public assurance of equitable hiring and representation at the highest Cabinet levels. Although this action may not have endeared Assunta and the NW Asian Weekly to that mayor in the short-run, I am certain that he both appreciated and admired this bold act of accountability in the long run. I know that we benefited as the face of the city did change to include the perspectives and experiences from our APA community.
— Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos