The South Seattle Emerald is proud to receive 10 Society of Professional Journalists Northwest Excellence in Journalism Awards in 2026, a record for our small but mighty newsroom. These awards recognize the work of Emerald reporters, photographers, columnists, and editors — and they also reflect the trust of the South End communities who share their stories with us. Every honor on this page is part of a larger story: community-powered journalism that centers South Seattle, stays free to read, and remains accountable to the people it serves.
Awarder: Society of Professional Journalists (Western Washington Chapter)
Awarded to Mark White for "Unbroken Threads," a photo series documenting a Vietnamese family's journey to the United States and the legacy they built through family, community, and entrepreneurship in Seattle.
Awarder: Society of Professional Journalists (Western Washington Chapter)
Awarded to Meron Menghistab for "As Air Pollution Rises, Local Programs Help South Seattle Families Breathe Easier," documenting how South End residents and local organizations are responding to the health impacts of worsening air quality.
Awarder: Society of Professional Journalists (Western Washington Chapter)
Awarded to Alex Garland for "With a Handkerchief and Bottlecaps, Uncle John Keeps an Ancient Hawaiian Game Alive," a visual exploration of cultural preservation and intergenerational storytelling through a traditional Hawaiian pastime.
Awarder: Society of Professional Journalists (Western Washington Chapter)
Awarded to Nate Gowdy and Carrie Schreck for "What's the Fourth of July Mean at the Muckleshoot Fireworks Mall? Family, Freedom, and the Right to 'Blow Stuff Up'," examining community traditions, identity, and celebration through the lens of the Muckleshoot Fireworks Mall.
Awarder: Society of Professional Journalists (Western Washington Chapter)
Awarded to Marcus Harrison Green for "What This Mayoral Election Owes 'Black Seattle'," a column exploring the political influence, history, and civic contributions of Black Seattle in shaping the city's future.
Awarder: Society of Professional Journalists (Western Washington Chapter)
Awarded to Jadenne Radoc Cabahug for "As Air Pollution Rises, Local Programs Help South Seattle Families Breathe Easier," reporting on the disproportionate health impacts of air pollution and the local efforts helping South Seattle families adapt.
Awarder: Society of Professional Journalists (Western Washington Chapter)
Awarded to Alex Garland for "How Human Composting in SoDo Challenges Class-Based Death Care," examining alternative approaches to death care and the economic barriers that shape end-of-life choices.
Awarder: Society of Professional Journalists (Western Washington Chapter)
Awarded to Mark Van Streefkerk for "Atasha Manila, the 'OG Drag Queen' of Beacon Hill, Won't Let Hate Win," highlighting the life, legacy, and resilience of a beloved South Seattle performer and community leader.
Awarder: Society of Professional Journalists (Western Washington Chapter)
Awarded to Jenn Ngeth for "Unapologetic Cambodian Food: Khmer-Style Restaurant Doesn't Tone Down Its Roots for Anyone," a review celebrating Cambodian cuisine, cultural authenticity, and the stories behind a South End restaurant.
Awarder: Society of Professional Journalists (Western Washington Chapter)
Awarded to Yuko Kodama for "South End Life: Communities of Color Explore Their Relationship With Water, Learn to Swim," reporting on efforts to expand water access, swimming education, and recreation opportunities for communities of color.
The South Seattle Emerald has been recognized for community-centered journalism that reflects, challenges, and uplifts the South End. Below is a list of honors the Emerald has received, grouped by year the award was presented (newest first).
Awarder: International Examiner — Community Voice Awards
Awarded to Yuko Kodama for community journalism highlighting underrepresented voices, including the experiences of communities of color and people with disabilities. Read the International Examiner's profile of Kodama.
Awarder: Real Change
Recognized for overall editorial excellence and community impact. See the announcement from Real Change.
Awarder: Society of Professional Journalists (Western Washington Chapter)
Awarded to Gennette Cordova for " OPINION | Debunking the Defunding Myth," examining public safety narratives and policing policy in Seattle.
Awarder: Society of Professional Journalists (Western Washington Chapter)
Awarded to Daniel Hart for " Facing Parole Expiration, Many Afghan Refugees Lack Guarantee of a Future in the U.S.," reporting on the uncertain futures facing Afghan refugees.
Awarder: International Examiner — Community Voice Awards
Awarded to Vee Hua for leadership in community-centered journalism, including cultivating a diverse pool of writers and strengthening coverage of housing, environmental issues, and Indigenous stories as the South Seattle Emerald's managing editor. Read the International Examiner's profile of Hua.
Awarder: Real Change News
Awarded to Carolyn E. Bick for investigative reporting through the Emerald’s Watchdog reporting series , examining police narratives and centering community accountability.
Awarder: Best of the West
Recognized for " The Joys and Risks of Being a Black Birdwatcher in Rainier Beach" by Glenn Nelson, a column exploring race, belonging, and visibility in outdoor spaces.
Awarder: The Best Shortform Science Writing Project
Recognized for " Pediatrician Ben Danielson Sees Stress in Children Visiting Odessa Brown Clinic, but He Still Sees Cause for Hope" by Sally James, exploring pediatric health and systemic stressors in South Seattle communities.
Awarder: Society of Professional Journalists (Western Washington Chapter)
Awarded to Carolyn Bick and Alex Garland for " Columbia City Ale House Employee Detained by ICE Agents," covering immigration enforcement in the South End.
Awarder: Seattle Municipal League
Recognized for excellence in government accountability reporting serving Seattle residents.
Community-powered journalism thrives because readers believe in it. Your gift helps keep South End reporting free, accessible, and accountable.
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