What did the year look like for multicultural and international Seattle news? What were some of the stories that made an impact in 2014? Here’s a roundup of just some of The Seattle Globalist stories that made people stand up and take notice in Seattle and around the world.
Immigrant detainees and activists protest against conditions at the Northwest Detention Center
Globalist Lael Henterly this year provided coverage of the protests of the conditions at the Northwest Detention Center, which included demonstrations outside the facility and hunger strikes within the facility by the immigrant detainees. Her investigative reporting covered concerns about the conditions, including the lack of oversight, the use of solitary confinement and the privatization of the facilities.
“On the Borders of War” series
Amman-based Globalist Alisa Reznick and The Seattle Globalist launched a series in June that examined the conflict in Syria from several different angles, including how young people in the region have been affected, how activists and NGOs are hoping to be an influence and how immigrants in Washington are reacting to the changing situation. The project raised $1,837 through Kickstarter.
Who’s afraid of Rainier Beach?
Globalist Reagan Jackson profiles her adopted neighborhood, Rainier Beach, and examines the myths and the truths behind Seattle’s most diverse neighborhood. It also sparked engaging discussions around race and class in the comment thread, went viral within a few days and was one of the most read and talked about stories of the year.
Uplifting young people of color in the media
Flipping popular negative media perceptions of young Muslim and Ethiopian Americans? No easy feat, but Atoosa Moinzadeh and Aida Solomon made their mark featuring a Muslim youth leadership program recruiting the next generation of media makers and the “I am Ethiopia” series profiling promising artists and leaders in Seattle’s Ethiopian American communities.
Missionary Kenneth Bae of Lynnwood freed by North Korea
In November, North Korea freed Lynnwood man Kenneth Bae after two years in detention. He had been the longest-serving American in detention in North Korea, where he was accused of trying to overthrow the government through proselytizing. Before his unexpected release, Globalist Diane Han asked experts whether media attention would help Bae’s case.
Students see hope after Washington passes a version of the DREAM Act
Washington passed its version of the DREAM Act — known as the REAL Hope Act — in 2014, which gives undocumented immigrant students a chance to apply for federal student aid. Globalist Alexander Tran spoke with students to find out what the change means for them.
Seattle’s humanitarian drug trafficking ring
Seattle Globalist’s Jessica Partnow and Sarah Stuteville’s groundbreaking story — co-published in partnership with KUOW Public Radio and Seattle Times — featured one Seattle nurse’s decades-long humanitarian effort to deliver HIV and pain medications across continents, lengthening the lives of those she never met.
UW international students turn to illegal work for cash
Globalist Yue Ching Yeung spoke with international students at the University of Washington who are taking jobs under the table in order to make ends meet, risking visa violations and being swindled of their wages by unscrupulous employers.
Central Area Haitian club faces complaints in changing neighborhood
Forrest Baum gives a personal account of visiting Waid’s Bar and Lounge (rest in peace), a Haitian nightclub and community anchor for black immigrants in Seattle. Despite the fact that Waid was at risk of losing its liquor license after a number of complaints from neighbors, Baum paints a picture of safety for the communities it serves.
Seattleites join nationwide demonstrations protesting Michael Brown’s shooting
After a Missouri grand jury declined to indict police Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting of Michael Brown, protests of the decision sprang up nationwide. Seattle was no exception. Photographer Jama Abdirahman captured the scenes of protests in Seattle.
Seattle’s Smartest Global Women
A scientist, a program coordinator, an activist filmmaker and a policy analyst were featured by The Seattle Globalist as four of “Seattle’s Smartest Global Women” in early 2014. The women from all walks of life talked with young Globalist writers about what led them to make a difference in their fields.
