The Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Affinity Group of the Legislative Branch and KCTV recently created a video to celebrate and honor the local contributions of the Pasifka Community in King County.

The presentation is hosted by and features the Honorable District Court Judge Fa’amomoi Masaniai, as well as segments on the Voice of the South Pacific, the United Territories of Pacific Islanders Alliance (UTOPIA), the Pacific Islanders Community Association of Washington (PICA) Wellness Navigator program, and the White Center Community Development Association celebrating Cambodian New Year.

View the presentation here. A special thanks to Multimedia Producer/Reporter Eric Keto for his work.

Cross-posted from Keeping King County Green

This past Mother’s Day, Seattle Public Schools (SPS) families and supporters raised funds for their schools and Hmong flower farming families. Seattle moms enjoyed locally grown floral bouquets expertly grown and handcrafted by Hmong farmers, who have been an iconic part of King County’s agriculture scene for over three decades.

Friendly Hmong Farms (FHF) organized the SPS Mother’s Day Weekend Fundraiser, bringing together Hmong farmers and volunteers to sell over 400 bouquets. Over $10,000 in flower sales were made by local farmers and an additional $8,000 was raised for the schools. Read more.

Cross-posted from Metro Matters

Pride Month is a celebration of who you are, who you love, and being able to show up as your authentic self. King County Metro celebrates our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) and Two-Spirit family, friends, and colleagues.

Metro celebrates their courage and commitment in advancing civil rights and equity. We celebrate with bright colors and joy, recognizing these communities have long been forcibly erased from history and pressured to hide in society. Read more.

King County government will observe Juneteenth as a paid holiday and most King County offices be closed on Monday, June 19.

King County officially began observing Juneteenth (June 19) as a paid holiday in 2022 for King County employees who are eligible for comprehensive leave benefits.

Due to the nature of county work, some services will continue as normal while others will operate on a reduced schedule. Metro will remain on regular weekday service.

The establishment of Juneteenth as a holiday – in addition to Indigenous Peoples’ Day (second Monday in October) – reflects our work to build a more racially just King County by honoring and strengthening understanding of our history. They are dedicated as days of service and learning, and provide an opportunity for us to deepen our knowledge about our nation’s history, Black and Indigenous heritage and culture, and the many ongoing contributions of Black and Indigenous people in our region. They will also help us sharpen our focus and commitment to undo the institutionalized racist practices and policies that harm Black, Indigenous, and People of Color today.

There will be ongoing events and opportunities in the leadup to both Juneteenth and Indigenous Peoples’ Day to learn more about their significance to the history and experience of Black and Indigenous people, our nation, and our shared journey going forward.