Goorish Wibneh

I am a "community journalist". I write about education and politics. My other interests include critical thinking, technology and international affairs. I have also discovered my latent interest in art, lately. I am Aquarius but I don't believe in psychoanalysis or personality tests.
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Mergitu Argo, who helped organize a march on Thursday in support of Oromo student protestors in Ethiopia. (Photo by Goorish Wibneh)

Seattle Oromos denounce “killer” Ethiopian government, demand investigation

by Goorish Wibneh
A rally of Seattle Oromos downtown yesterday called attention to a controversial development plan in Ethiopia that has sparked fatal protests.
Dec 11, 2015

Seattle leaders urge Gates Foundation to divest from fossil fuels

by Goorish Wibneh
Bill Gates announced a multi-billion dollar initiative on clean energy, but Seattle leaders say his foundation needs to divest fully from fossil fuels.
Dec 1, 2015

Seattle incumbents Sawant and Harrell lead in early results, Initiative 122 passing

by Goorish Wibneh
Initiative 122, a campaign finance reform initiative that would set contribution limits in Seattle and also create a voucher system for public campaign financing, appeared to be leading easily in early returns Tuesday night. More than 100 people celebrated the early returns at an Honest Elections event at Grim’s, with Seattle Councilmember Nick Licata and State Rep. […]
Nov 3, 2015
Allan Ekberg and De'Sean Quinn are vying to be mayor of Tukwila in a race that's seen a lot of sniping over campaign signs, but not enough substantive talk about representation. (Photo by Goorish Wibneh)

Is backlash against immigrants tainting Tukwila politics?

by Goorish Wibneh
Despite being more than a third of the population, foreign-born residents of Tukwila can't seem to find a place at the table in city politics.
Oct 30, 2015

Kayactivists want Bill Gates to publicly divest from fossil fuels

by Goorish Wibneh
They even brought a two-seater kayak along for Bill and Melinda.
Oct 28, 2015

5 Amharic words I wish we had in English

by Goorish Wibneh
Can't quite find the right word to express how you're feeling? Try these handy Amharic phrases that just don't have an equal in English.
Oct 6, 2015
UW student Michael Moynihan spoke to the council about his own positive experiences alternatives to youth detention. (Photo by Goorish Wibneh)

Update: resolution to stop youth jail passes unanimously in City Council

by Goorish Wibneh
The City Council unanimously passed a resolution Monday that could block the construction of a new youth jail in Seattle.
Sep 17, 2015
Maya Williams supervises children in a drop-in program at the Rainier Beach Community Center during the teacher's strike. (Photo by Goorish Wibneh)

Parks Department a childcare savior during teacher’s strike

by Goorish Wibneh
Quick thinking city officials extended after-school programs so Seattle parents could keep working during the teacher's strike.
Sep 16, 2015
A the end of WOC Speak Out event at Town Hall: From left to right, Yu, Tekola, Sopariwala and Joshi.(Photo by Goorish Wibneh)

Women of Color Speak Out aim to change the climate of Climate Justice

by Goorish Wibneh
Women of Color Speak Out challenges mainstream environmentalism, which often excludes the poor and people of color.
Sep 11, 2015

Hotel workers union denounces “$500,000 Green Card”

by Goorish Wibneh
Critics of the EB-5 immigrant investor program say the program benefits wealthy investors, without delivering on well-paying U.S. jobs with benefits.
Aug 27, 2015
A note that accompanies the crosswalk paint job raises a series of somber concerns.(Photo by Goorish Wibneh)

Rainier Beach crosswalk painted Ethiopian colors

by Goorish Wibneh
The trend of guerilla crosswalk painting in Seattle continued when a Rainier Beach crosswalk was repainted with the colors of the Ethiopian flag.
Aug 25, 2015
Viet Wah Superfoods on MLK was mostly quiet a few days after it was closed for good last week. (Photo by Goorish Wibneh)

Viet Wah Supermarket on MLK closed due to rent hike

by Goorish Wibneh
Duc T. Tran, owner of the chain of Viet Wah supermarkets says a looming 20% increase in rent forced him to close the Rainier Valley location.
Aug 18, 2015
Meron Alexandar waiting to speak at the Council Meeting defense of hookah bars where she says are safe places. (Photo by Goorish Wibneh)

Passionate defense of Seattle hookah lounges at city council meeting

by Goorish Wibneh
Seattle hookah lounges shouldn't be the scapegoat for violence, according to diverse residents who packed a City Council meeting Monday.
Aug 11, 2015
Activists protest against Fidelity Investments, fourth largest Chevron investor outside the office building in Downtown Seattle(Photo by Goorish Wibneh)

Seattle activists blast Canada, Chevron investor for violating sovereign land

by Goorish Wibneh
Seattle activists called the Unist’ot’en Nation violation “The Keystone XL In Seattle’s Backyard.”
Jul 30, 2015

Tigray Festival in Seattle promotes unique Ethiopian culture

by Goorish Wibneh
The Tigray Festival celebrates culture and connections to Tigreans in Ethiopia, and kicks off in Seattle this week.
Jul 29, 2015

3 more Seattle mapping projects to watch

by Goorish Wibneh
Are Seattle mapping projects a thing? Yes, and here are three that overlap with our SEAchange project.
Jul 21, 2015

The huge UN development conference you should be tracking on Twitter

by Goorish Wibneh
The FFD3 conference this week in Addis Ababa will determine how global development gets financed over the next 15 years. Here's how to track them on Twitter.
Jul 14, 2015

SEAchange: A crowdsourced memory map for South Seattle

by Goorish Wibneh
How is development affecting you or your neighborhood? The SEAchange map is a place for you to share your feelings, memories, hopes and frustrations.
Jul 13, 2015

Ky-Mani Marley carries on his father’s legacy in Northwest tour dates

by Goorish Wibneh
Ky-Mani Marley brings his reggae/hip-hop/country fusion sound to Nectar Lounge tonight.
Jul 9, 2015

Obama visit to Ethiopia brings fresh eyes to the country, say Seattle Ethiopians

by Goorish Wibneh
Seattle Ethiopians hope that the upcoming Obama visit to Ethiopia will help U.S. residents see a different side to the nation.
Jun 25, 2015