My new term for the day!

The panelists were just asked this question, and they have great answers. One said “followers.” Sharon Maeda said, “Anyone can be a leader. Anyone can make a difference.” Lots of finger snapping in the audience — deep approval. Several panelists say they look to those younger than themselves for leadership. Zola Mumford said empathy is the most important element for a leader. How have they used media for social justice? Star Nayea notes organizing around the 2009 death of Native carver John T. Williams at the hands of the Seattle PD; Jacque Larrainzar holds up her smart phone and (channeling Woodie Guthrie) says, “This machine kills fascists”; mixtapes!; learning the skills from others, combining technical and political know-how. 

An Asian American activista icon, right here on stage! She’s talking about doing the ground-level work and watching it being “undone” by the mainstream media. She’s talking about her important work with Pacifica Radio — a shout out to ‘Democracy Now!’. She says it’s important to “pay attention” to what’s going on and to find avenues for media justice — she says LPFM is the result of a long struggle. She says, “Whatever your issue is, media justice must be your second issue.” 

So great to see these powerful, imaginative, joyful, inspiring women up front!



The WWR timeline. Happy 5th anniversary!



So wonderful to see friends in the videos — participants from past years — Sherrie Tucker, Tiffany Ana Lopez, and more!

Marching up Rainier Ave — singing, chanting, second line spirit of community in the street — it was sweet. And so many Asian Pacific American women! Thank you to the members of Gabriela for leading the way in your purple sweatshirts!

I’m listening to the Seattle Fandango Project right now, live streaming from the hollowearthradio.org studio. What a perfect way to begin the WWR unconference — what a thick, beautiful soundscape — a wall of jarana strumming away, feet stomping the tarima, singing, whistling, people laughing, ah, convivencia.