When we think of the roots of hip-hop, we think of the streets and the youth that made street culture a multimillion dollar industry. The transformation of this underground culture into mainstream industries has allowed people like Karlo Reyes and Rex Korrell to turn what was once a hobby into a living while still staying true to their roots as Filipino Americans.
Erasing race under the knife
Virgina Gaw, 51, was born with double eyelids and through her childhood, she had bright wide eyes. She got plastic surgery because aging has made her top lids a bit “droopy,” giving her the appearance of narrow eyes and being tired all the time.
Exposed | Artist examines the secrets of women
“It’s basically an inside look at an Afghan American family. The video will be specifically looking at three women who are revealing their families’ secrets as they prepare a traditional Afghan dish.” This is how artist Gazelle Samizay describes her latest work, “Noshe-e Jan.”
Join the revolution
SOY Clothing started in 1999 as a concept between classmates. The idea that there needed to be more diversity in the urban-wear marketplace was not new, but very few had taken the initiative to explore alternate offerings, especially in the Asian American realm.
Not just for kicks
Take a stroll on East Pike Street in Capitol Hill and one might walk right on by the Rock Paper Scissors store with its nondescript facade. The face of this business may be understated (with only a logo indicating its existence), but the heart and vision that lie within the storeowners radiate more than any neon sign.
TOUGH | Shawn Wong
Award-winning author Shawn Wong grew up in an era defined by bellbottom pants, tie-dyed shirts and young revolutionaries screaming the mantra: “Peace, love and rock ‘n’ roll.”
IMAGINATIVE | Philip Lee
Philip Lee is no stranger to the publishing business. Beginning in 1977, for seven years, throughout high school and college, he worked in a number of bookstores. Another seven was spent in marketing in the magazine publishing business at Conde Nast Publications in New York. He has worked for Glamour, Mademoiselle, Vanity Fair and GQ magazines. However, despite greatly enjoying the business, Lee wanted to work somewhere that reflected his culture.
INDISPENSABLE | Gary Luke
Meander through the aisles of your corner bookstore, and you’re bound to come across some intriguing titles. “The Best Places to Kiss in the Northwest,” “The Cancer Lifeline Cookbook,” or how about “Sleeping Bag Yoga”? These books share a common thread beyond just challenging convention. What may not be so apparent is that the person putting out these covers is Asian American.
DRIVEN | Peter Bacho
Novelist and teacher Peter Bacho believes everybody has a story to tell. The Filipino American recalls his own humble beginnings, growing up poor in Seattle’s Central District in the 1950s. A juris doctorate, a master’s degree and two award-winning novels later, Bacho is now being honored as a pioneer who paved the way for Asian Americans in literature.
Gary Luke: Pioneer in Publishing
As the publisher of Sasquatch Books, Gary Luke feels a sense of honor and responsibility to make his company an outlet for diverse perspectives.