Table of Contents

From the Editor

About Us

About Us: From the Editor

Naomi Ishisaka Editor in Chief/ Designer

"Men often hate each other because they fear each other; they fear each other because they do not know each other; they do not know each other because they cannot communicate; they cannot communicate because they are separated." -A. Philip Randolph, American labor leader and social activist, 1889-1979

The Northwest is fortunate to be one of the most ethnically diverse regions in the country. From first-generation Somali immigrants to First Nations people who have lived here for millennia, our communities are a rich tapestry of languages, cultures, traditions and history. But getting our issues and voices heard continues to be an uphill battle.

Our small demographic clout has forced us to carve strong, proud and thriving niches for our separate communities. Each group has fought for its own social-service agencies, advocacy organizations, community publications and a seat at the civic table.

Through these many hard-won gains, Seattle’s minority groups are stronger, more influential and purposeful about achieving their aims.

But Northwest communities of color cannot afford to go it alone.

All groups together are barely even a quarter of the population, yet we isolate ourselves into separate entities that sometimes work at cross-purposes.

Do Asian Americans come out in support of issues that predominantly affect African Americans? Do Latinos feel an injustice done to a Native American is an injustice done to them?

Often this lack of unity and support for one another is merely a lack of awareness. How much do we really know about the issues and people important to other people of color? That’s where ColorsNW comes in.

Through ColorsNW, we hope to break down some of the barriers between people of color. We want to tell the stories of our elders, of our heroes and of our youth. We want to show where our communities intersect, overlap and where they don’t. We want to shine light on our struggles and celebrate our successes.

We hope this magazine can be a bridge to better understanding between our peoples. We can’t afford to wait.