Born and raised in Kenya, Simon now lives in Seattle and is an events creator and community organizer. his platform acts as a bridge between African and African American business owners while also shedding light on different issues in these communities. through One Vibe Africa other non-profit organizations operating in Africa, he travels back to Kenya, providing support to youth allowing them to reach their potential through music, film, and art.
Please view this powerful and fun conversation with Jason K Cummings, Gerry Ebalaroza-Tunnell, Renée Wong Mytar, and Janis Velasquez Farmer as they talk story about our Asian and Pacific Islander identity and heritage while dissecting the Model Minority Myth and the danger of stereotypes and cultural erasure.
*We started recording after the original land acknowledgement, honoring and acknowledging the original caretakers of lands of the Coast Salish Peoples, the Lummi, Nooksack, Semiahmoo, and Samish, where Whatcom Community College sits*
Cinco de Mayo panel recording
Fireside Chats:
The danger of whitewashing cinco de Mayo
Please view the recording of this panel discussion below. Dr. Vero Velez, Marco Morales, and Dr. Irene Sanchez create critical dialogue regarding the narrative of cinco de Mayo.
Verónica Vélez,PhD (she/her), Associate Professor & Director Education and Social Justice Program & Minor at Western Washington University
Marco Morales, MA (he/him), Educator, Community Advocate, City Planning Commissioner
Enrique Lopez (he/him), Regional Migrant Coordinator for NWESD 189, School Board of Director for Sedro-Woolley School District, Board Member for Housing Authority of Skagit County, Board Member for WA State Latino Civic Alliance, and Executive Director of Indigenous Studies Foundation
Laura M. Bohórquez G., M.Ed. (she/her), Educator, Orator, Trainer, and Community Advocate Undocumented Immigrants & Allies Knowledge Community Co-Founder, NASPA
Jaminah Shannon
Fireside Chats: Jaminah Shannon
Recordings of Jaminah's soulful voice
With roots in the Bay area and the Hilltop area of Tacoma, Washington, Jaminah Shannon utilizes her Western Washington University experience and education in her work as a full-time homeschool educator and Creative Consultant with a background in social work and music.
Jaminah utilizes these practices of mindfulness and creativity to advocate for and facilitate community dialogue about race, equity, inclusion and what it means to be human.
Past speakers
Past speakers include:
Gerry Ebalaroza-Tunnell, Mauna Kea protector
Dr. Vernon Damani Johnson, Political Science professor
Lucas Gutierrez Senger, co-founder of Cake Machine
Casandra Lopez, poet
Aaron Reader, Vice President of Student Services, Highline College
