Why We Need Community Media Now More Than Ever

We're living through an unorthodox, completely chaotic, and often demoralizing and frightening time, with many of us feeling like we're in the crosshairs of unfathomable futures. And at the same time, we know our histories are full of defiant and resilient acts that show our collective strength. We know the power community can wield against the odds.

At this moment, I'm choosing to take up the mantle that journalists have always carried during challenging times. And I invite you to support community media for the South End that will never be locked behind a paywall.

Years ago, when I worked at a different media organization, I was driving on Rainier Avenue South with a colleague who looked at the landscape of businesses and apartment buildings and remarked how unsightly it all seemed.

That stung.

When I look at the Rainier Avenue apartment buildings, it reminds me of where I grew up in Los Angeles. When I look at the businesses, I see working-class, immigrant, second-generation Seattleites and their dreams. I have seen countless short, Brown women waiting for a bus who reminds me of my late tía. I've spent more than two decades living in Seattle's South End, and throughout I have been proud to call Rainier Valley and its environs home.

I know you get this. You're a believer in our singular purpose: to amplify the authentic narratives of those who have been historically marginalized. The Emerald's stories shine a light on all that you'll find in South Seattle: the beauty, joy, smarts, creativity, ingenuity, hustle, and unabashed fire of a community making itself heard and seen.

The South Seattle Emerald has been steadfast in its journalistic goal in order to help empower the community that is the South End. We're celebrating our 11th year doing the work. We're proud of the way we've respected and celebrated our community and the way we've delivered journalism in order to empower all of us. If you like what we've been doing, if you want to champion hyper-local media by, for, and in the South End, become a monthly donor for as little as a cup of coffee. We've got an 11-day fundraising campaign with a goal of bringing on 11 new monthly donors each day. Eleven donors! You can help us reach our goal.

You can also come meet us at three different events out in the community this week. Because we're celebrating our birthday and we want to be out with friends. We want to hear from you about the stories we should be covering. And we'll be hosting some conversations with special guests.

It takes the whole community to support the South Seattle Emerald and I believe it takes the South Seattle Emerald to help build the community we all want.

Let's goooooo!

Florangela Davila

Executive Director of the South Seattle Emerald