Honoring AANHP Heritage Month
Crossposted from Metro Matters In celebration of American Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pasifika (AANHP)* Heritage Month, please join me in recognizing the cultures, histories, creativity and lasting contributions of AANHP communities who help shape the fabric of King County and our region. This month is both a celebration and an opportunity for reflection. As we honor the richness and resilience of AANHP heritage, we also recognize the ongoing impact of exclusion, discrimination and systemic racism—from the Chinese Exclusion Act to the scapegoating of Asian communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, to tragedies like the… Read More
Executive Braddock proclaims May as Mental Health Month
May is recognized nationally as Mental Health Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to raise awareness, combat stigma, and promote mental health resources. “During this month, we encourage King County employees to educate themselves about mental health conditions and treatment option; challenge stigma by speaking respectfully and inclusively about mental health, seek help if they are struggling with their mental health and encourage others to do the same, and create safe, supportive environments for open conversations about mental health,” said Executive Braddock. ” Read the full proclamation here.
King County Metro’s AANHP video nominated for Emmy
Crossposted from Metro Matters King County Metro was honored with a Northwest Regional Emmy Awards nomination for a video celebrating American Asian Native Hawaiian Pasifika (AANHP) culture. The 10-minute video, created entirely in-house by the transit agency, features Metro employees and artists Vance Sakado, Linh Hoàng, Keiko Budech, and Wan-Lin Tsou. “Our four Metro colleagues created powerful art pieces as part of the AANHP Visibility Project,” said Metro Multimedia Producer Thomas Hawthorne, who directed the Emmy-nominated video. “While their art was selected to be placed in the community—as a bus exterior, at Metro worksites and on downtown bus… Read More
Recognizing heritage and history: Bus shelter photomurals celebrating King County’s Latino community
Crossposted from Metro Matters A celebration of the beauty and identity of the Latino community can now be seen through photomurals in King County Metro bus shelters around the region. The murals are a partnership between Metro and Latino Northwest Communications. The highlight of the April 19 community event in the University District was the unveiling of photos recognizing the Ballet Folklòrico Bailadores de Bronce and a performance from the group created by students at the University of Washington. The new bus shelter photomurals highlight the diverse cultures throughout Latin America, from… Read More
Recognizing Arab American Heritage Month
Crossposted from Metro Matters April is National Arab American Heritage Month—a time to honor the culture, heritage and contributions of Arab Americans, whose stories and experiences are deeply woven into the fabric of our nation. Across the country, more than 3.5 million Americans trace their roots to 22 countries spanning the Middle East and North Africa. Arab Americans have long been part of the American story—pioneering advancements, leading with vision and enriching communities through service and innovation. Their dedication continues to inspire efforts toward greater access, opportunity and inclusion across industries, including… Read More
Mental health services expand at Seattle school-based health centers
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Young people in King County have been in need of more access to mental health services in a time when the Surgeon General has declared youth mental health a public health crisis. “There was a mental health crisis as students came back to school in the wake of COVID,” said Noir Goldberg, a 2024 graduate of Ballard High School and former executive board member of the Seattle Student Union. “So many students were suffering but were having a hard time finding a therapist in their community because of… Read More
Providing reentry supports for veterans following incarceration
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections Returning to the community after incarceration poses new and unique challenges, especially for veterans. Getting identification and taking care of physical and mental health needs are a priority, and so is finding employment, securing housing, and accessing food and transportation. Understanding all of these systems can be challenging. Recognizing the specific needs of veterans returning to their communities after incarceration, King County’s Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) launched the King County Veterans Reentry Program (KCVRP) last year. Empowering veterans to successfully rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society, KCVRP helps… Read More
King County Council Women’s History Month celebration, March 25
The King County Council will host its annual educational panel discussion for Women’s History Month. The purpose of the event is to bring people together to explore, share and honor women’s history. This year’s theme is Moving forward together! Women educating and inspiring generations, which will be an opportunity to celebrate the collective strength and influence of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership. Councilmembers will also present the second annual Jeanne Kohl-Welles Women Uplifting Women Award. Tuesday, March 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. King County Chinook Building, Rooms… Read More
From the Director’s Desk: Women’s History and Employee Appreciation
From the DAJD newsletter Women have served in law enforcement nearly as long as official police and corrections departments have been in existence in the U.S. In jails, female staff provided needed care and protection for incarcerated women. Read more.
DAJD’s Angela Toussaint honored as ‘Unsung Hero of Black Seattle’
By Noah Haglund, DAJD Communications Specialist The Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention’s (DAJD) Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Manager, Angela Toussaint, was honored as an “Unsung Hero of Black Seattle” for 35 years of community service at a Black History Month celebration hosted by Byrd Barr Place. The award was presented on Feb. 22. Originally founded in 1964 as the Central Area Motivation Program, Byrd Barr Place was led by the Honorable Larry Gossett from 1979 until his election to the King County Council in 1993. Byrd Barr Place’s mission is to help… Read More
Employee News 