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How a Children’s Book is Fighting the Gender Pay Gap

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Melanie MazzaWhen Emily Kim graduated from law school in 2011, the job market was bleak. She was thrilled when she landed her first position and she took the salary offered, fearing that negotiation might cost her the job.

A while later, Emily assumed a role managing the office’s budget. In comparing past years’ payroll expenditures, Emily saw something that shocked her. The man who had previously occupied the position had been paid $10,000 more.
“We had the exact same qualifications,” she said. “We graduated law school in the same year.”
Emily couldn’t believe the discrepancy. “That really amped me up, and made me hyper-aware moving forward to think about salaries and what you’re worth.”

In recent years, Emily has been active in the fight for Equal Pay. Emily worked for Councilmember Jean Godden and joined Seattle’s Gender Equity in Pay Taskforce, where she focused on passing a paid parental leave policy. To generate more conversation about gender equality, Emily wrote a children’s book, “Sabrina for Student Council”, and has launched a Kickstarter to help fund it. She was “inspired to write a story to empower little girls, and especially little girls of color, to stand up for what is right and to engage in public office.”

The book tells the story of Sabrina, a young girl who speaks out against gender discrimination. At her school, the boys always get bigger cookies than the girls at snack-time. Sabrina’s teacher explains that “it’s just the way it is.” Dissatisfied with this answer, Sabrina launches a student council campaign and advocates for gender equality. The book follows her as she partners with student associations, negotiates with unions, and fights for policy change.By exposing children to concepts of equality, discrimination, and the political process, Emily hopes that “Sabrina for Student Council” empowers young readers to engage in politics and fight injustice.

Emily is thrilled about Washington’s Equal Pay and Opportunity Act (HB 1507) that passed through the legislature this year. By ending employer pay secrecy policies, requiring provision of job-related reasons for differences in pay and opportunities, and strengthening workers’ rights to inquire about their pay, this bill protects women from the pay discrimination that Emily experienced.

“THINK THE UN-THINKABLE, DARE TO DREAM, THE WINDS OF CHANGE ARE UPON US AND EVOLUTION WILL PREVAIL.”

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THE CURL

A novel by RAYMOND GEORGE WARD

Whilst writing this book I came across a magazine article, about a famous performer and his Net Worth. I was quite astonished at the sum total. But it forced me to ask myself, what’s my Net Worth, and that of my Slave Ancestors? Surely their net worth is priceless.

I then asked myself, what’s our net worth, as a collective, here in the United Kingdom? That single question drove me on. The book reminds us just where we’re coming from, and in order to move forward, we’ll have to re-visit our past and take that monetary aspect, or saving scheme, in every part of the Caribbean, which formed a part of our parents, and our own 2nd generation everyday life while growing up. It has become part of our DNA, and to somehow re-build it here in England, as an above the board financial institution, and use that to change our situation and elevate our status here, where we still seem to be at the behest of everyone else’s negative assumptions, and the like, which some of us still eagerly live up to.

The Curl is about us. Black People, and our potential. Every migrant, wherever they’re from, and decide to finally settle, brings with them a part of their culture, be it food, clothing, customs etc. They then utilise it to their betterment. We are no different, but we’re severely lacking here financially, and the need to look to ourselves for a solution to something which we’ve always had, in every part of Africa and especially the Caribbean, to take us forward into the 22nd Century. I can’t thank my parents, enough, God bless them. I can’t even begin to imagine what they had to go through, but they did their utmost best. Don’t get me wrong, plenty are moving forward in leaps and bounds, already, but it’s about us, our excuses, our laziness, and our comfort zones.

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Raymond George Ward, 57, married to my lovely Pam. I’m from the Old School. I’ve been a Dustman, Labourer, Driver and a Carer. I feel privileged to have a Mum and Dad. Discipline and Good Manners were the order of the day. I left school with no qualifications. Mum would give you her last. She taught me my life skills. There was nothing that I couldn’t do as a man child. Work and save, she drummed into me, and it stuck and made sense. I’ll bring my children up the exact same way.

 

 

This book is published by Raymond George Publishing in conjunction with WRITERSWORLD, and is produced entirely in the UK. It is available to order from most bookshops in the United Kingdom, and is also globally available via UK-based Internet book retailers.

 

Local Rapper “Juice The God” Killed. Trevon McKoy his life ended too soon, but his legacy will live on through his music.

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Trevon McKoy, a local rapper known by fans as JuiceTheGod.

Police are asking for the public’s help to identify the killer who shot local rapper Trevon McKoy, 21, in the head following a performance at Seattle Center early Sunday morning. McKoy’s rapper name was Juice The God.

 

 

 

https://youtu.be/knpX4Yc1inM

“He was a black man living his dream,” said McKoy’s aunt, Michelle Carter.
His dreams were cut short early Sunday when McKoy was shot in the head outside the Vera Project at Seattle Center after finishing a performance.
“Not any of us will ever be the same, ever again,” said Carter, tearing up about the loss of McKoy.
McKoy’s family is distraught over his death, especially his great-grandmother who raised McKoy.
“Oh my baby, he was just a wonderful kid,” said Dorothy Moody.
Family members say McKoy was an up-and-coming rap star from West Seattle who loved basketball, his family and was studying business management at Bellevue College.
“It hurts me that I’m even here today because he should be in class today, making music tomorrow and being with his family on Friday,” said Carter. The lyrics of his rap songs talk about life on the streets of West Seattle.
“When he says, he grew up on the street, he wasn’t a gangster, that’s not the street what he meant. We grew up on 24th Street, he and I on 24th Street, playing in the creek, riding our bikes,” said Carter.

JuiceTheGod.

McKoy raps about 24th and SW Kenyon Street in West Seattle where he grew up. It’s where his music career also started and on Monday it turned into the place where he was being remembered with flowers, candles and balloons tied to the street sign.
The street corner is where McKoy filmed one of his music videos. His cousin Marquis spent the afternoon on the curb listening to McKoy’s music and remembering the memories they shared together. “We was born and raised right here, since we were shorties. He (had) great energy, he loved basketball. I looked up to him, I still look up to him, that’s my right-hand man,” said Marquis. He said McKoy was always smiling, fill of energy and a lovable person.
“His death just breaks my heart,” said Marquis. The two cousins were in a music video together filmed on a basketball court. “We’re just getting started,” said Marquis.

McKoy’s family says his life ended too soon, but his legacy will live on through his music.
Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound is offering a $1,000 reward for any tips leading to an arrest in the case. Call 1-800-222-TIPS or use the P3 Tips App on your phone if you have any information that can help solve his case.

What it Means to be a Woman of Color at the Dawn of the 21st Century

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Deborah Santana Empowers Underrepresented Voices in All the Women in My Family Sing

When it comes to gender equality and feminism, women of color are often left out of the conversation. Deborah Santana is on a mission to empower these underrepresented voices by giving access to a symphony of experiences that women of color have in today’s world.

Her new book, All the Women in My Family Sing highlights how important the inclusion of all women’s voices is to healing our world.The anthology includes essays by 69 women from ages 16 to 77. African American, Native American, Asian American, Muslim, Cameroonian, Kenyan, Liberian, Mexican American, Korean, Chinese American and LGBTQI women are represented in the collection.
“There has rarely been a day in my life that I have not been aware of my identity as a biracial woman of color, but ultimately, our similarities outweigh our differences,”
…says Santana who hopes to broaden cross-cultural understanding by showing people how very alike we are no matter our skin color, ethnic heritage, or place we live.

 

ABOUT THE BOOK:

This new book from Nothing But The Truth Publishing, LLC is an anthology documenting the experiences of women of color at the dawn of the twenty-first century. It is a vital collection of prose and poetry whose topics range from the pressures of being the vice-president of a Fortune 500 Company to escaping the killing fields of Cambodia, to the struggles inside immigration, identity, romance, and self-worth.
Contributors include America Ferrera, Samina Ali, Natalie Baszile (Queen Sugar), Porochista Khakpour (Sons and Other Flammable Objects), Lalita Tademy (Cane River), Mila Jam, Marian Wright Edelman (Children’s Defense Fund), and many more.

“In their common pursuits of acceptance, friendship and social justice, these writers demonstrate that there are truths and desires that transcend lines of color, sexuality and class. In sounding common chords of humanity, their voices, together, create a mighty chorus.”

ABOUT DEBORAH SANTANA:

Deborah Santana

Deborah Santana is an author, business manager, and activist for peace and social justice. Her non-profit, Do A Little, serves women and girls in the areas of health, education, and happiness. With a passion to provide educational opportunities for girls and women, Ms. Santana collaborates with organizations that work to prevent and heal relationship and sexual violence, improve the lives of America’s abused and neglected children, and a worldwide community of artists and allies who work for empowerment, opportunity, and visibility for women artists.

For More Information Visit:                                 https://www.deborahsantana.com/

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

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SPANAWAY LAKE HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

 

Spanaway Lake High School presents The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a riotous ride, complete with audience participation.  Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience.

An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box.
Spelling Bee is directed by Chris Serface, co-directed and choreographed by Rico Lastrapes, and musically directed by Zachary Kellogg.
Spelling Bee will run Friday, May 4, 2018 until Sunday, May 13, 2018.  Friday & Saturday showings are at 7:00pm and Sundays at 3:00pm.  There will also be a special Thursday show on May 10th at 7:00pm.  This show is recommended for all ages.

Tickets are $7.00 with ASB and $10.00 for all others.  Tickets may be purchased in person at the auditorium.
All performances are held at Spanaway Lake High School, 1305 168th Street East, Spanaway, WA  98387

Legendary Performer and Civil Rights Activist Honored on New Forever Stamp

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Newest Addition to Black Heritage Stamp Series

The U.S. Postal Service today celebrates the life and legacy of Lena Horne as the 41st honoree in the Black Heritage stamp series during a first-day-of-issue ceremony at Peter Norton Symphony Space.

“Today, we honor the 70-year career of a true American legend,” said Deputy Postmaster General Ronald Stroman, who dedicated the stamp. “With this Forever stamp, the Postal Service celebrates a woman who used her platform as a renowned entertainer to become a prolific voice for civil rights advancement and gender equality.”

Joining Stroman to unveil the stamp were Gail Lumet Buckley, an author and Horne’s daughter; Christian Steiner, photographer; and Amy Niles, president and chief executive officer, WBGO Radio.

The stamp art features a photograph of Lena Horne taken by Christian Steiner in the 1980s. Kristen Monthei colorized the original black-and-white photo using a royal blue for the dress, a color Horne frequently wore. Monthei also added a background reminiscent of Horne’s Stormy Weather album, with a few clouds to add texture and to subtly evoke the album title. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp. Share the news of the stamp using the hashtags #LenaHorneForever and #BlackHeritageStamps.

Background on Lena Horne

Born in Brooklyn, NY, on June 30, 1917, Horne was a trailblazer in Hollywood for women of color and used her fame to inspire Americans as a dedicated activist for civil rights.

Horne began her career as a dancer at Harlem’s Cotton Club and later became a featured vocalist with touring orchestras. The rampant racial discrimination she encountered from audiences, hotel and venue managers and others was so disconcerting that she stopped touring, and in 1941, she made her move to Hollywood. A year later, she signed a contract with MGM — one of the first long-term contracts with a major Hollywood studio — with the stipulation that she would never be asked to take stereotypical roles then available to black actors. Her most famous movie roles were in Cabin in the Sky and Stormy Weather, both released in 1943.

During World War II, Horne entertained at camps for black servicemen, and after the war worked on behalf of Japanese Americans who were facing discriminatory housing policies. She worked with Eleanor Roosevelt in pressing for anti-lynching legislation. In the 1960s, Horne continued her high-profile work for civil rights, performing at rallies in the South, supporting the work of the National Council for Negro Women, and participating in the 1963 March on Washington.

Horne’s awards and honors include a special Tony Award for her one-woman Broadway show, Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music; three Grammy Awards; the NAACP Spingarn Medal; and the Actors Equity Paul Robeson Award. She was a Kennedy Center Honors recipient in 1984, and her name is among those on the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Customers may purchase the Lena Horne Forever stamp at The Postal Store at usps.com/shop, by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724) and at Post Office facilities nationwide. A variety of stamps and collectibles also are available at ebay.com/stamps.

 

Ordering First-Day-of-Issue Postmarks

Customers have 60 days to obtain first-day-of-issue postmarks by mail. They may purchase new stamps at local Post Office facilities, at The Postal Store usps.com/shop or by phone at

800-STAMP-24. They must affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes to themselves or others and place them in envelopes addressed to:

 

FDOI – Lena Horne Stamp
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services

8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO  64144-9900

 

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for postmarks up to a quantity of 50. For more than 50, customers are charged 5 cents each. All orders must be postmarked by March 30, 2018.

 

Ordering First-Day Covers

The Postal Service also offers first-day covers for new stamps and stationery items postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the USA Philatelic Publication and online at usps.com/shop. Customers may register to receive a free USA Philatelic Publication online at usps.com/philatelic .

 

Philatelic Products

Philatelic products for this stamp issue are as follows:

476906, Press Sheet with Die-cut, $60.00.

476910, Digital Color Postmark Keepsake, $11.95.

476916, First-Day Cover, $0.94.

476921, Digital Color Postmark, $1.65.

476924, Framed Art, $39.95.

476930, Ceremony Program, $6.95.

 

Many of this year’s other stamps may be viewed on Facebook at facebook.com/USPSStamps or via Twitter @USPSstamps.

 

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

Northwest Folklife and Seattle Center Announce Three-Year Our Big Neighborhood Initiative

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Northwest Folklife and Seattle Center are excited to announce a new, three-year youth and family initiative, Our Big Neighborhood. Inspired by Northwest Folklife’s annual Seattle Children’s Festival, Our Big Neighborhood expands on Northwest Folklife’s vision to bring people together to share and sustain folk, ethnic and traditional arts for present and future generations.

Our Big Neighborhood offers families and people of all ages opportunities to discover Northwest communities and cultures through participation and hands-on learning. Throughout 2018, in addition to the Seattle Children’s Festival in September, Our Big Neighborhoodencompasses two new event series – Movin’ Around the World in April and Global Playground in August and a one-day launch event atSeattle Center Winterfest in November. More information is available at www.nwfolklife.org/our-big-neighborhood.

 

Building on a long history of community-focused cultural programming, both Northwest Folklife and Seattle Center are expanding their programming for children, youth and families. Bringing together live music, storytelling, dance and other multi-cultural art forms in one place will offer Our Big Neighborhood participants the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities, cross-cultural exploration and intergenerational exchange. All Our Big Neighborhood programs are designed to spark curiosity, deeper appreciation and understanding for the uniqueness and differences that make our region so vibrant.

“Seattle Center has been an integral partner and supporter of Northwest Folklife and we are extremely delighted to not only be deepening that relationship with our partners and the City of Seattle, but to join together to launch a three year commitment to accessible, intergenerational and cultural exchange for all ages through the Our Big Neighborhood program,” said Northwest Folklife’s Executive Artistic Director Kelli Faryar.

“We are thrilled to be expanding our partnership with Northwest Folklife to present fun, all ages programming that provides participants a window into the diverse cultures who inspire and influence creative expression in our region,” said Seattle Center Director Robert Nellams.   

 

The 2018 Our Big Neighborhood initiative includes:

Movin’ Around the World: Celebrating the Cultures of the World through Movement and Song (April 7-13, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.) at Seattle Center Armory

This program encourages kids and their families to experience cultures of the world through seeing and doing. Get moving by dancing alongside experienced teaching artists and learn some new moves!

Global Playground (August 4, 11, 18, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.) at Seattle Center Artists at Play

Set in Seattle’s most unique playground, this outdoor program mixes cultural connectivity with outdoor play.

Seattle Children’s Festival (September 22, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) at Seattle Center’s Fisher Pavilion and Armory

This intergenerational, multi-cultural exchange aims to develop minds and bodies through movement, rhythm, song, and hands-on activities. For more information visit www.nwfolklife.org/seattlechildrensfestival/

Seattle Center Winterfest Launch Party (November 23) at Seattle Center Armory

Joining the tradition that is Seattle Center Winterfest, Northwest Folklife will support the opening weekend with student and cultural performances and activities that bring families together. 

Coming up first in April, Movin’ Around the World is a week-long Our Big Neighborhood program that will feature a new cultural community from the Pacific Northwest each day. Running Saturday, April 7 through Friday, April 13, from 11am to 3pm each day, these programs are scheduled over Seattle Public School’s Spring Break to better involve Northwest families. Youth, parents, and families are invited to participate through dancing, music-making, and hands-on activities in the Seattle Center Armory, learning directly from and being inspired by master tradition bearers and youth ensembles. Kids can learn a dance, make crafts, sing a song, and get better acquainted with some of the cultural communities that make up Our Big Neighborhood.

Northwest Folklife and Seattle Center work with models of cultural exchange that directly involve Northwest communities and community leaders in the creation and curation of programming. The Our Big Neighborhood initiative plans to deliver programming that will have a positive impact on children and families, provide early childhood cultural understanding, encourage families to stay active and learn together while building stronger communities. To make this vision possible, Northwest Folklife partners with local organizations to create a truly co-curated and community program. If you would like to learn more about Our Big Neighborhood and other public programming at Seattle Center, click on www.seattlecenter.com or call 206 684-7200.

 

Photo by Erinn Hale

 

About Northwest Folklife

Northwest Folklife is an independent arts organization that celebrates the multigenerational arts, cultures, and traditions of a global Pacific Northwest, 365 days of the year. For 47 years, Northwest Folklife has been deeply committed to celebrating the diversity of our Northwest communities and to de-mystifying our differences together, under one roof. Northwest Folklife believes that arts and cultures build stronger communities. Northwest Folklife is committed to access for all and works to unite our communities by offering all of our programming with no admission charge by raising funds from individuals, corporations, foundations, and the public sector. www.nwfolklife.org

About Seattle Center

Connect to the extraordinary at Seattle Center – an active civic, arts and family gathering place in the core of our region. More than 30 cultural, educational, sports and entertainment organizations that reside on the grounds, together with a broad range of public and community programs, create thousands of events on the 74-acre campus and attract over 12 million visitors each year. At Seattle Center, our purpose is to create exceptional events, experiences and environments that delight and inspire the human spirit to build stronger communities. Activities at the Center generate $1.864 billion in area business activity, 18,621 jobs and $631 million in labor income in King County.

 

Chambers Creek Regional Park serves up dinner and musical comedy, Feb. 23

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Join Events on The Edge, the masterminds behind the Murder Mystery Shows, for a special night of interactive comedy theater at its finest.

On Friday, Feb. 23, meet the Biscotti Family of Bayonne, New Jersey, for a hilarious evening of fun, served up family-style at Chambers Creek Regional Park, Environmental Services Building, 9850 64th St. W. in University Place.

 Become part of the entertainment and show off your musical prowess with original songs, along with a few surprises throughout the evening. Learn special ‘skills’ for family survival, how to perform a proper ‘hit’, and how to survive FBI surveillance – all while laughing your way through a gourmet Italian-style dinner provided by Chambers Bay Grill and no host bar. Learn more at www.piercecountywa.org/4455/Dinner-Theater.

Pre-register by Feb. 16 to reserve your spot. Cost is $59 per adult (21 and over event). Tickets will not sold at the door and seats are limited, so register online today or call 253-798-4141

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

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by Vince Brady

Saturday, November 25, 2017 – Thursday, December 21, 2017

Beauty and the Beast, one of our annual holiday pantomimes, transports you into the classic tale with a ‘panto’ twist!

Beauty and the Beast – silliness meets hilarity in this Holiday Panto!
Songs to sing along with, Villians to boo, Heroes to cheer, and Belle being the strong beauty we all love. Great for families and all ages – Silly jokes and some humor that’s a bit naughty, but NEVER nasty! As we like to say 4 to 104 enjoy this show. Nothing is taken seriously – except for making you laugh – come join the fun and be part of the celebration!


3200 SW Dash Point Road.  Federal Way, WA 98023
253-661-1444

SEUSSICAL – Seasonal Fun For The Family

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Directed by Jennifer York
Musical Direction by Terry O’Hara
Choreography by Eric Clausell

December 1st – December 24th, 2017*
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm
Sundays at 2:00pm

Special added performances:
Wednesday, December 20th at 7:30pm
Thursday, December 21st at 7:30pm
Saturday, December 23rd at 2:00pm

Pay What You Can: Thursday, December 14th at 7:30pm

Group Rates for 10 or more.  Contact the Box Office!

Click here to purchase tickets

Celebrate the holidays with your family in the world of Dr. Seuss!

The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks.” Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.