Local journalists reflect on racist media legacies, and paths forward

Every year, YWCAs around the country host "Stand Against Racism" campaigns. The goal is to raise awareness of institutional and structural racism and build community among people working for racial justice. The YWCA’s overall mission is to eliminate racism and empower women.

YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish recently held their 11th annual event. The theme was "Journalism, Race, and Gender." The event featured a panel discussion on racism and gender bias in the news media.

The panel included journalists Naomi Ishisaka, the assistant managing editor for diversity, inclusion and staff development for The Seattle Times; Marcus Harrison Green, founder and publisher of the South Seattle Emerald; and Florangela Davila, the news director at KNKX.

Among the themes of their discussion: The responsibility journalism has to represent and reach all communities, amplify injustice, and hold power to account; ongoing efforts to confront the status quo in mainstream media, marked by progress and setbacks; media complicity in upholding racist norms for generations; and the ways in which local journalism is threatened.

The program started with a presentation on the legacy of Black-owned media outlets in Seattle, featuring The Seattle Medium, represented by Chris Bennett Jr., and Converge Media, represented by Omari Salisbury.

This 11th annual Seattle-area Stand Against Racism event was hosted on April 29, 2022, by Town Hall Seattle and the People of Color Executive Council (POCEC) of YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish. The MC was POCEC member LueRachelle Brim-Atkins.

Find the full event video and a list of helpful YWCA anti-racism resources here.

Please note: This is the final episode of KUOW’s Speakers Forum. Many thanks to all the Seattle-area organizations that welcomed us into their venues and digital spaces over the years. You filled our broadcasts with a diverse, informative, and entertaining mix of speakers. We are grateful for your support and collaboration and wish you continued success in the future.