South Seattle Emerald

As we step into 2025, Emerald Managing Editor Rosette Royale reflects on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. From the financial pressures impacting local journalism to the vital role of honest storytelling in uplifting marginalized voices, this piece offers a thoughtful look at how we can navigate uncertainty together. While there may be reasons for concern, there are just as many reasons for optimism. The dedication of our contributors, the resilience of our community, and the power of authentic narratives continue to light the way. As Rosette says, “Let’s walk, side by side, through 2025 and see where it takes us. Doing it together will make this unknown time a lot easier to face.” Read the full reflection here: https://lnkd.in/gF3xGvNx /// #CommunityVoices #LocalNews #Seattle #SouthSeattle #SouthEnd

As 2024 comes to a close, Emerald Voices editor M. Anthony Davis reflects on a year of impactful storytelling and community action. From breaking stories that rallied community to save critical funding for equity initiatives, to thought-provoking op-eds that won prestigious awards, the Voices section exemplified the power of authentic narratives. This year, contributors like Gennette Cordova, Amy Sundberg, and Connor Nash tackled topics ranging from city council politics and police funding debates to first-hand accounts from the heart of Little Saigon. Whether written by professional journalists or community members with lived experience, these stories embody what the Emerald stands for: a platform where our community’s voices are heard and amplified. Thank you for reading, writing, and supporting the Emerald. We can’t wait to bring you more stories in 2025! Read M. Anthony Davis’ year-end reflections: https://lnkd.in/gkTFHM9n /// #CommunityVoices #LocalJournalism #Seattle #SouthSeattle #SouthEnd

2024 was an unforgettable year for arts, culture, and community in the South End! From book releases, art exhibits, and film festivals to live music, theater, and street festivals, our contributors at the Emerald brought these stories to life, celebrating the creativity and vibrancy of our neighborhoods. In a year-end reflection, Arts, Culture, and Community editor Mark Van Streefkerk highlights the incredible work of our team, from Jas Keimig’s arts roundups and interviews with local luminaries to heartfelt stories by Patheresa Wells, Agueda Pacheco Flores, Jenn Ngeth, and many more. Our photographers, Alex Garland and Susan Fried, captured moments that brought these stories to life. Thank you for supporting community-driven journalism. Here’s to even more inspiring coverage in 2025! Read Mark’s reflections on the year: https://lnkd.in/g48C2B8S /// #Voices #ArtsAndCulture #CommunityJournalism #Seattle #SouthSeattle #SouthEnd

As 2024 draws to a close, Emerald News editor Yuko Kodama and former interim News editor Phil Manzano reflect on a year of impactful community journalism. From stories of resilience and activism to local features that connect us all, the Emerald team has worked tirelessly to uplift voices in South Seattle and beyond. This year, the Emerald covered everything from youth boxing and mutual aid efforts during a bomb cyclone to in-depth political analysis and powerful photo essays documenting key moments in our community. As Kodama writes, "Sharing our stories and experiences informs us and connects us to one another. Local media that reflects our neighborhoods is more important than ever." We're proud to celebrate the work of our dedicated journalists, and we’re looking forward to bringing you more stories in 2025. Thank you for your continued support of community-driven news. Read Yuko Kodama’s reflections on 2024: https://lnkd.in/g8E6Gtmu // #Voices #CommunityJournalism #LocalNews #SeattleNews #Seattle #SouthSeattle #SouthEnd

Small businesses are the heart of Seattle's communities, but economic inequality remains a major barrier — especially for BIPOC and immigrant entrepreneurs. Lauren Rosenthal explores how African Community Housing & Development and its Generational Wealth Small Business Conference hope to help local small-business owners overcome this barrier. Read more in our latest op-ed: https://lnkd.in/gbSjZtat /// #Voices #SeattleSmallBusinesses #Seattle #SouthSeattle #SouthEnd

Bridgette Hempstead transformed personal hardship into a powerful legacy of advocacy and community. After her own cancer diagnosis, she founded Cierra Sisters, a groundbreaking organization supporting Black women navigating breast cancer. Her work didn’t stop there—Ms. Bridgette was a pillar of South Seattle, fostering connections and uplifting voices as vice president of the South Seattle Emerald’s board. Her dedication to justice, mutual support, and empowering others has left an indelible mark on the countless lives she touched. As we remember Ms. Bridgette, her words resonate: “Live your life to the fullest, and when it’s time, go out with a bang.” Learn more about her extraordinary life and legacy: https://lnkd.in/gcp96CDa /// #CierraSisters #SouthSeattle #Seattle #SouthEnd

📰 Stay informed with our latest News Gleams! Today's headlines include: 1️⃣ Former Police Chief Adrian Diaz Fired by Mayor Bruce Harrell 2️⃣ King County Metro Closes Bus Stops at 12th and Jackson 3️⃣ National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day on Dec. 21 Read the full stories by Vee Hua on the Emerald. https://lnkd.in/gYFaVWtu /// #News #SeattleNews #AdrianDiaz #SeattlePolice #Seattle #SouthSeattle #SouthEnd

🍎 SERIES | Education Finance 103: A People's Guide In Washington State, our schools are facing a funding crisis. In the final installment of this three-part series, Oliver Miska and Jeff Paul explore the challenges our public schools face, the impact of recent election results, and the bold policy solutions that could ensure every child and educator has the resources they need to succeed. From wealth taxes to affordable housing initiatives, this guide unpacks the steps legislators must take to fix our broken school funding system. Read the full story by Oliver Miska and Jeff Paul on the Emerald and join on the conversation on X @back2schoolSEA. https://lnkd.in/gqgag-Ce /// #Voices #EducationFunding #WAPolitics #SchoolFunding #Seattle #SouthSeattle #SouthEnd

Salmon habitat restoration is making waves at Rainier Beach's Be'er Sheva Park. 🌱🐟 Ecologists and community partners are working to create a safe haven for juvenile Chinook salmon in Mapes Creek and along Lake Washington’s shoreline. The project includes installing large wooden logs for shelter, creating floating plant structures to restore native vegetation, and improving water quality by removing invasive species and litter. "That's incredible that this has been here for a few years, but what else can we do to enhance the habitat in the area to, again, [increase the number of] juvenile Chinook salmon that come and rest and get bigger to go on their journey to the Puget Sound?" said fish ecologist Ashley Townes. "It was so cool to see the effect of restoration on that level back then. We thought, let's do some more restoration, and let's be more creative on how we can focus on the fish, focus on the other wildlife — like the birds — and also focus on water quality." Read the full story by Nimra Ahmad on the Emerald. https://lnkd.in/dvEJYFXe /// #News #SeattleNews #Salmon #BeerShevaPark #RainierBeach #Seattle #SouthSeattle #SouthEnd

Experience the joy and hope of the season with Intiman Theatre’s "Black Nativity"! The Langston Hughes-written gospel-play was a longstanding Seattle tradition that returned in 2023 after a 10-year hiatus. Head to our website today to check out our ‘Black Nativity’ photo essay by Susan Fried, and head to intiman.org to purchase your tickets. The show runs through Dec. 29! https://lnkd.in/dMym-v3G /// #BlackNativity #BlackNativitySeattle #IntimanTheatre #SouthSeattleEmerald #Seattle #SouthSeattle #SouthEnd