Krystina Cummins, Marblemount (2 nominations)

Krystina is a parent leader and brings her voice, her enthusiasm, and her kind, loving presence to share with other parents and professionals in a number of settings.

She serves on the Parent Advisory Group for DCYF, and I know her through her work on the Early Learning Coordination Plan Outcome 2 Lived Expert Leadership Team, as well as her work as a Community Correspondent collecting family stories for the Our Tomorrows Story Project. She also attended the Prevent Child Abuse America national conference, and shared her learnings along with a group of other lived experts at our Stronger Together conference in Spokane. Krystina has even supported past Unsung Heroes events as a volunteer.

Krystina has persevered through challenges like being a young parent, homelessness and supporting biracial and neurodiverse children. Her commitment to continued growth, learning, engagement and leadership is inspiring. As she shares in her own words, “I want to make sure that boxes aren’t just checked. What differences are made? Voices are heard, and we create a better system. So our children and our children’s children don’t have to go through the things we did to get to where we are today.”

–Joy Lile

Krystina’s dedication to supporting parents shines through every aspect of her approach to this work.

As a lived expert herself, she’s dedicated more than seven years to the Parent Advisory Group (PAG). She navigates difficult conversations with empathy, curiosity and a focus on finding meaningful solutions. When a PAG member or staff partner is facing a challenging moment, Krystina is often the first one to reach out with her signature term of endearment “thinking about you Queen!” – creating a culture of care, connection and genuine community.

Her expertise and parent leadership have strengthened PAG and been an asset to our system as a whole.

-Emily Morgan

NOTE: Seattle’s Child is running these stories unedited, as written by the people who nominated them, in keeping with the DCYF Unsung Hero process.

More Unsung Heroes:

Hard-working mom is also strong in her convictions

Seattle dad worked very hard to get his daughter back

She cares for her kids and her siblings, and goes to school

The post Creating a culture of care, connection and community | Unsung Hero appeared first on Seattle's Child.

Linda Porter, Seattle 

Family support has always been important to Linda: You can see that in everything she does. She is a caring mother and grandmother who adopted a former foster child. Later she became a kinship caregiver and ultimately adopted two of her grandchildren. Some of the children have lifelong disabilities, and Linda devotes much of her time to skillfully navigate systems to support them as their legal guardian. The children have different cultural backgrounds and Linda is diligent in learning about their cultures so she can support their identities. Linda is an enrolled member of the sduhubš (pronounced “sdu’hobsh”), Snohomish Tribe of Indians, and is a proud advocate for tribes.

Linda is retired from a career in social services and family support. She continues to draw on her lifetime of personal and work experience by continuing to advocate for disability awareness and services, kinship and Indian child welfare whenever she has an opportunity. She serves on an Indian Child Welfare Advisory Committee and the Kinship Oversight Committee for over 20 years and steps up wherever she sees a need.

–Marilyn Gisser

NOTE: Seattle’s Child is running these stories unedited, as written by the people who nominated them, in keeping with the DCYF Unsung Hero process.

More Unsung Heroes:

This mom overcame many obstacles and odds

Foster mom has helped 100+ kids to thrive

CASA volunteer gives children a voice  

The post Linda Porter steps up wherever she sees a need | Unsung Hero appeared first on Seattle's Child.

Bertha Oropeza, Wenatchee 

For nearly 30 years, she has quietly, consistently, and lovingly helped shape the lives of countless children through her in-home family care center.

Her unwavering commitment to nurturing, teaching, and supporting generations of children has made an indelible impact on families throughout our community. What makes Bertha extraordinary is not just the length of her service, but the depth of care she brings into every moment. She has welcomed newborns as young as 9 days old into her home, watching them grow, guiding them through milestones and continuing to care for them until they “age out.”

These children and families are not just clients — each one becomes a cherished part of her extended family. Her love and dedication do not fade with time. Many of the children she once cared for are now adults, and they return with their own children to entrust in her care. The generational cycle is a powerful testament to the trust and lasting bonds she builds. Parents feel peace of mind knowing that their children are safe, loved, encouraged, and valued under her care. Her work happens behind closed doors, in the early-morning hours, late nights, and in the messy, beautiful moments of childhood. Yet the impact she has made is profound and far-reaching.

Her selfless service, unconditional love, and lifelong dedication to children and families deserve to be honored. In every way, Bertha embodies what it means to be an unsung hero.

— Maria Cuevas

NOTE: Seattle’s Child is running these stories unedited, as written by the people who nominated them, in keeping with the DCYF Unsung Hero process.

More Unsung Heroes:

A commitment to strengthening families

This parent balances challenges with grace and strength

This teacher and single mom is an incredible person

The post Kids in her care are safe, loved, encouraged and valued | Unsung Hero appeared first on Seattle's Child.

Alexandria Burkard, Wenatchee (3 nominations)

Alexandria works a full-time job at Chelan County PUD, manages a rental property, is a licensed attorney and while doing all of that she has taken the time to be a guardian of vulnerable children with Chelan Douglas Court Appointed Special Advocates for the last decade.

In this role she makes sure that children, in one of the most difficult times of their lives, are safe, cared for, and have their best interests at the forefront of the court minds.

— Zachary Burkard

I am nominating Alex due to her decade of working with youth that have been removed from their homes. She does this with CASA as a guardian ad litem.

— Gabriel Rodriguez-Lopez

I would like to nominate Alexandria for her dedication and commitment in volunteering her time to advocate for children through CASA.

Her commitment and passion have made a meaningful impact on the lives of the children she serves. She gives children a voice and works to create lasting positive changes in their lives.

— Fabiola Sosa

NOTE: Seattle’s Child is running these stories unedited, as written by the people who nominated them, in keeping with the DCYF Unsung Hero process.

More Unsung Heroes:

A courageous advocate full of heart

This mom overcame many obstacles and odds

Foster mom has helped 100+ kids to thrive

The post CASA volunteer gives children a voice | Unsung Hero appeared first on Seattle's Child.

Penny Spencer, Spokane 

Penny Spencer is a Spokane Tribal descendant, a devoted caregiver and a true unsung hero within the Spokane Tribal community.

Over many years, Penny has taken on the responsibility of caring for children in her family with deep love, commitment, and resilience. She has served as a primary caregiver to her granddaughter for an extended period of time, and she has also cared for her great-niece since infancy. Her great-niece, now approximately seven to eight years old, has significant developmental delays and complex medical needs, and Penny has been a consistent advocate for her care, development, and well-being.

Penny has navigated medical systems, early intervention supports, and educational services to ensure the children in her care have access to what they need to thrive. She demonstrates a strong understanding of child development and the importance of early supports, while also modeling patience, empathy, and emotional safety every day in her home.

In addition to her caregiving role, Penny is a dedicated community educator and plant teacher who shares cultural knowledge through gathering and teaching traditional plant use. She brings children and grandchildren into this work, strengthening cultural identity, connection, and healing across generations.

Penny has also experienced profound personal loss, including the deaths of two of her children — one daughter to suicide and one son in a tragic motorcycle accident during his high school years. Despite these hardships, Penny continues to show up for her family and community with strength, humility, and generosity. Her life reflects resilience, love, and quiet leadership, making her deeply deserving of recognition as an Unsung Hero.

— Mindy Flett

NOTE: Seattle’s Child is running these stories unedited, as written by the people who nominated them, in keeping with the DCYF Unsung Hero process.

More Unsung Heroes:

Foster mom has helped 100+ kids to thrive

Grandma’s strength, selflessness have changed two lives

Kim LaMarche is a dedicated, devoted caregiver

The post Penny Spencer cares for family, serves tribal community | Unsung Hero appeared first on Seattle's Child.

Andrea Vargas, Mount Vernon 

I am honored to nominate Andrea Vargas, affectionately known as “Doña Andrea” by the children she cares for, because she truly epitomizes the spirit of an Unsung Hero. I have had the privilege of getting to know Andrea in my role as principal of Washington Elementary, and for many years, she has provided loving, consistent care to hundreds of children, from infancy through adolescence. Many of the families she serves are agricultural workers, and while the children eventually attend school, many of them begin and end their days in Andrea’s care. She creates a calm, nurturing and safe environment where children are free to grow, play, and thrive. As a principal, I can confidently say that students who are cared for by Andrea arrive at school regularly, on time, confident, and ready to learn.

Andrea exemplifies extraordinary parental resilience. In addition to the daily demands of caring for multiple children of varying ages, she navigates significant personal challenges, including poverty, food insecurity, and a local and national sociopolitical climate that often feels unsafe for her and the families she serves. Yet none of these obstacles deter her. No matter what she faces, Andrea continues to open her door, her arms, and her heart to children. Her home remains a place of stability, love, and positivity even in the most uncertain times.

Andrea is also a powerful source of social connection for families. She is deeply knowledgeable about available resources and regularly connects parents to the supports they need. Beyond this, she plays an essential role in building community. Many of the children she cares for live in the same neighborhood, and Andrea serves as a trusted connector by bringing families together, fostering relationships, and ensuring no one feels alone during difficult moments.

Children truly thrive in Andrea’s care. I have seen firsthand her deep understanding of child development, particularly physical, social, and emotional growth. Even more impressively, I have watched children arrive to kindergarten with remarkable school-readiness skills. They demonstrate strong self-confidence, empathy for others, joy in learning, independence, problem-solving abilities, and high levels of language development. These children are prepared not just academically, but socially and emotionally, because of the strong foundation Andrea provides.

Andrea’s ability to provide concrete supports in times of need was perhaps most evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. When schools shifted to remote learning, Andrea transformed her very small space into a functional learning environment where children could access Chromebooks and daily Zoom instruction. She did not turn away a single child or family who found themselves in need of assistance as things shut down. Despite never having used a Chromebook, Zoom, or a Wi-Fi hotspot before, Andrea learned everything she needed to help students log in and participate. She advocated tirelessly when internet access was inconsistent and worked with the school to arrange for a Wi-Fi-enabled school bus with sack lunches to park nearby each day. Though remote learning was uninspiring for many students, Andrea ensured they showed up, participated, and stayed connected. She jokingly referred to herself as the “Assistant Principal of Washington,” but in truth, she was much more — a steady caregiver, advocate, and force of good during a time when the world felt anything but stable.

I am far from the only person who recognizes Andrea’s impact. Another community member shared: “Whenever I saw Andrea, I saw a woman who devoted herself to caring for countless children with unconditional love and compassion. She never saw race, language barriers, or financial circumstances. She only saw children who needed care, safety, and affection. Her motivation was never money; it was her deep belief that every child deserves to be loved and valued.”

Recently, Andrea has become very ill and remains hospitalized. In her absence, the magnitude of her contributions has become even more apparent. The void she has left in the community is profound. There is simply no one who can fully replace the care, connection, and stability she has provided for so many years.

Andrea Vargas embodies all five protective factors recognized by DCYF: unwavering parental resilience, strong social connections, deep knowledge of parenting and child development, intentional support of children’s social and emotional competence, and the ability to provide concrete supports in times of need. Her life’s work has reduced stress for families, strengthened children’s outcomes, and built a safer, more connected community. Andrea is the definition of an Unsung Hero, and I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition.

— Stephanie Jones-Flores

NOTE: Seattle’s Child is running these stories unedited, as written by the people who nominated them, in keeping with the DCYF Unsung Hero process.

More Unsung Heroes:

A commitment to strengthening families

This parent balances challenges with grace and strength

This teacher and single mom is an incredible person

Hard-working mom is also strong in her convictions

The post Andrea Vargas opens her door, her arms and her heart to children | Unsung Hero appeared first on Seattle's Child.

E Renae Antalan, Olympia

E Renae Antalan exemplifies the very definition of an Unsung Hero. A devoted mother, wife, drill sergeant and combat veteran, she has spent her life in service — to her country, her family and her community.

Her strength and compassion were tested in the most profound way when she took custody of her infant grandchildren, both born suffering from drug withdrawal. At a time when many would have felt overwhelmed, E Renae‛ stepped forward without hesitation. She nursed them through the painful early stages of recovery, providing round-the-clock care, stability and unconditional love. Through her dedication, both children are now healthy, thriving and surrounded by the safety and nurturing environment she fought to create.

E Renae’s commitment to children and families extends far beyond her home. She serves on multiple boards and brings her lived experience, discipline and empathy into every space she enters. As a previous co-chair and chair of the State Interagency Coordinating Council (SICC), a 23-member, governor-appointed council, she played a critical leadership role in shaping statewide early learning and family support systems. Her voice is respected, her guidance is trusted and her advocacy consistently centers the needs of the most vulnerable.

E Renae embodies resilience, protective caregiving and community leadership. She models what it means to show up with courage, humility and heart. Her service has transformed the lives of her grandchildren and strengthened the systems that support families across Washington. For these reasons, she is profoundly deserving of recognition as a DCYF Unsung Hero.

— Will Moncrease Jr.

NOTE: Seattle’s Child is running these stories unedited, as written by the people who nominated them, in keeping with the DCYF Unsung Hero process.

More Unsung Heroes:

Foster mom has helped 100+ kids to thrive

Grandma’s strength, selflessness have changed two lives

Kim LaMarche is a dedicated, devoted caregiver

The post A passionate caregiver and community advocate | Unsung Hero appeared first on Seattle's Child.

Alexandra Vazquez, Walla Walla 

Alexandra Vazquez is an “unsung hero” who demonstrates strength, compassion and resilience. Despite enduring trauma herself, she stepped into a caregiving role for her siblings when they were removed from their parents. This role had its challenges as Alex was only eight to 10 years older than her siblings and she had to go from a sister to a caregiver essentially overnight. Alex rose to challenge and provided a steady support for her younger siblings throughout challenging court hearings by offering encouragement, emotional grounding and a sense of safety.

In 2024, Alex returned to school full-time to study social work and is earning straight A’s, which shows her commitment to creating a better future for herself and her family as well as setting a good scholarly example to her siblings. Alex plans to go into a social work career where she will be able to offer support to others who have experienced childhood trauma. In addition to being a caregiver, parent and full-time college student, Alex was sworn in as a CASA volunteer, and she will advocate for the well-being of children in the foster care system.

Alexandra is a single mother raising her own three children (ages 7 years, 5 years, and 5 months) as well as her siblings. Alex actively seeks mental health and community resources for everyone in the family. Alex plays an active role in her younger brother’s high school education by meeting regularly with the school team and making sure his IEP services are provided. Alex models being proactive in finding resources.

The family composition has changed for Alex, her siblings, and her children during the dependency. One of the siblings is now in the EFC program and has moved out of the home, but she still comes back for holidays, birthdays, and special events. Alex celebrates each member and they all know they have a place in the home.

Alex’s resilience and dedication to creating a safe, loving, and stable home for herself, her children, and her siblings, make her an example of someone who is a true hero.

— Mara Palumbo

NOTE: Seattle’s Child is running these stories unedited, as written by the people who nominated them, in keeping with the DCYF Unsung Hero process.

More Unsung Heroes:

Foster mom has helped 100+ kids to thrive

Grandma’s strength, selflessness have changed two lives

The post She cares for her kids and her siblings, and goes to school | Unsung Hero appeared first on Seattle's Child.

Nickolas Stallings, Seattle

Mr. Stallings has multiple children that have gone on to adoption but on Dec. 3, 2025, for the first time ever, one of those children had a case close out after a successful trial and return home to Dad.

Nick battled addiction, homelessness, engagement in criminal activity, all of it. This case went all the way to a termination trial before Dad showed up, got an attorney and jumped into gear! He successfully completed inpatient treatment, obtained his own housing, and got a job with the city of Seattle where he has received multiple promotions!

Nick stuck it out and even held on through a one-year trial return home where he continued to show his dedication to change for himself and his daughter. Mr. Stallings is a very dedicated father and has worked hard to create a very strong bond between his daughter and himself. He has worked so incredibly hard and has been a joy and pleasure to work with. He is always wearing a smile, is calm and polite. He always has a clean home and has his daughter’s hair done and dressed very cute. He has not just completed a successful trial return home, he has excelled. Mr. Stallings and his success story is why I come to work. To see families do so well brings such joy and motivation not only for others navigating this difficult time, but to us staff as well. Mr. Stallings is a true inspiration for us all.

— Danielle Price

NOTE: Seattle’s Child is running these stories unedited, as written by the people who nominated them, in keeping with the DCYF Unsung Hero process.

More Unsung Heroes:

A passionate caregiver and community advocate

CASA volunteer gives children a voice  (no pic)  TUES

Marysville couple give selflessly to kids, anyone in need

The post Seattle dad worked hard to get his daughter back | Unsung Hero appeared first on Seattle's Child.

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson (Image: Seattle Mayor’s Office)

Family needs are a focus of Seattle Mayor’s first ‘State of the City’ address

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson gave her first “state of the city” speech last week at the Hughes Performing Arts Institute, laying out her plan for addressing the City’s affordability, child care, food cost, safety, and other parent concerns.  

Addressing gun violence: Following the recent shooting deaths of two teens, Wilson said her office will convene a panel of local and national experts to develop a strategy to address Seattle  gun violence that “is tailored to the needs of our neighborhoods and communities.”

Child care: Wilson said “It’s time we started treating child care and early education as public goods, accessible and affordable to all — just like our parks, schools and utilities. My administration will be pursuing this vision.”

Rising food costs: “The rising cost of food in particular has been a challenge for families that are already struggling,” Wilson said. “We have to start treating food access as core community infrastructure.” She added that, among other ideas, the City is exploring the idea of a public grocery store. 

On history and hope: Wilson noted the importance of Black History Month and that Ramadan is also celebrated in February this year: “In this season of reflection and new beginnings, I am so hopeful about what we can accomplish together. But that doesn’t mean I look at the city through rose-colored glasses,” Wilson said. 

“The hope I feel comes from history. From looking at an institution like this one here – how it’s evolved over time and overcome challenges to become what it is today. And from recognizing how that history lets us better imagine what is possible.” Read the full story at Seattleschild.com.

​​https://www.seattleschild.com/seattle-mayor-state-of-city-family-priorities/

TAKE ACTION: Have ideas for how Mayor Wilson’s administration can address your family’s and community’s housing, child care, food cost or other needs? Contact Wilson and let her know.

Class at Jose Mari Child Development Center in Seattle (Image: Joshua Huston)

Join the ‘Community Conversation’ about Seattle’s child care, K-12 student safety

Wondering what the City of Seattle has in store for improving child care and preschool access, keeping school-age kids safe and mentally healthy, and ensuring every kid gets a chance to go to college? Make a list of your questions and get ready to talk with city leaders on Tuesday.

Join the Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) for family-friendly “Community Conversation” about how it plans to spend income from the $1.3 billion Families, Education, Preschool & Promise Levy (FEPP), the property tax approved by voters in November.  The “Community Conversation” is a kid-friendly event and includes free dinner, activities for kids, and interpretation services. Details: Feb. 24, 5:3˛ 0-7:30 p.m. at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center, 104 17th Ave. S, Seattle. 

TAKE ACTION: Registration is required due to limited space. Sign up now. 

(Image: Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs)

 WA lawmakers advance bill restricting ICE access to schools

Legislation to force federal immigration agents to get court orders before entering schools and health care facilities cleared the Washington Senate on Thursday.

Senate Bill 5906 covers “nonpublic areas,” including preschools, K-12 schools, and health facilities. It also prohibits early learning providers and school district employees from collecting information about the immigration status of students and their families. It echoes Seattle Public Schools policies already in place and which were clarified earlier this month following a southend school lockdown. After that incident, district leaders also updated guidance for school principals and other leaders on how to handle unverified reports of ICE at or near schools. Read the SPS policies here.

TAKE ACTION: Do you have an opinion or stance on SB 5906? Make your voice heard by reaching out to your representatives in the state House and Senate. 

Baby receiving Vitamin K shot soon after birth (Image: iStock.com)

More parents are rejecting Vit K for their newborn, despite the risks

A new study published in the January issue of JAMA, the journal of the American Medical Association, found that the number of parents declining to give their newborns a vitamin K shot or eye drops at birth has increased. In 2017, less than three percent of parents declined Vitamin K. In 2024 more than five percent said no.

Vitamin K supports normal blood clotting and newborns are born with decient and breast milk is not an adequate source of it. Dosing a baby in the hours after birth protects them from potentially life-threatening hemorrhage. Not dosing at birth could have catastrophic results, which is why the single injection at birth has been recommended for six decades. 

If you are pregnant, or know of a pregnant person, consider this: 

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) both recommend that all newborns receive a single intramuscular (IM) vitamin K injection shortly after birth to prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB). Currently in the U.S., there is no FDA-approved standard oral vitamin K regimen for newborns, but the most common international oral regimen is two milligrams at birth, followed by two milligrams at 4-7 days, followed by 2 milligrams at 4–6 weeks. Consult with your pediatrician regarding oral vitamin K.

The most common side effects are minor and include temporary pain or redness at the shot site (usually the thigh), mild swelling or bruising, or short-term fussiness. Allergic reactions or infection are rare. 

The risks of not giving your newborn the shot are also rare, but could be catastrophic. The risk of late VKDB is 1 in 14,000-25,000 births. Between 30% and 60% of infants with VKDB brain hemorrhage. Read more about what doctors are seeing in The New York Times.

Seattle University (Image: Another Believer CC BY-SA 4.0)

Bill to boost financial aid for students at WA’s private colleges moves out of Senate

Washington students attending private colleges could soon receive more help covering tuition, after the state Senate voted Tuesday to restore scholarship funding that was scaled back last year.

Washington Senate Bill 5828, sponsored by T’wina Nobles, D-Fircrest, would boost funding levels within the Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship for students enrolled at private institutions. The move effectively rolls back part of Washington Senate Bill 5785, which reduced the state’s contribution for private college tuition support while leaving public college funding unchanged.

The proposal does not expand eligibility or add new recipients. Instead, Nobles said, it restores balance after earlier cuts — reinforcing “fairness and stability” for families and encouraging students to pursue the college option that best fits their goals, whether public or private.

TAKE ACTION: Reach out to your representatives in the state House and Senate. 

(Image: Alexander Castro at Rhode Island Current)

More bills to protect kids bite the dust, won’t go further this year

While other bills sailed on, yet another cut-off day to move bills forward came and went last week, leaving many bills to protect kids on the cutting room floor. Among the proposals that won’t go forward: 

House Bill 1834 would have barred social media companies from serving so-called “addictive feeds” to minors. It also would have restricted platforms from sending push notifications to kids overnight or during school hours without a parent’s consent.

In a statement, Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown chided lawmakers for failing to pass “a commonsense proposal” to protect children online. “We will not stop pursuing policies that can save young people’s lives,” Brown said.

Senate Bill 6308, Senate Bill 6319, and  House Bill 1544 sought to address the child safety crisis at Washington’s Child Protective Services (CPS) by, among other things, requiring stronger court monitoring of CPS cases involving children under 5 who remain at home with their parents and by creating a community-based referral system connecting families to services in cases involving children under 4 and exposure to high-potency synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.

House Bill 1152, would have established requirements for safe storage of firearms in vehicles and residences. In the meantime, a bill to ban guns in parks and other locations kids frequent (SB 5098) and another to ban use of 3D printers to create firearms (HB 2320) are still in the running.

House Bill 2389 sought to address overloaded juvenile detention facilities by, among other things, easing criminal sentencing for youth.

TAKE ACTION: Are the lost bills ones you care about and want to see brought to the 2027 session of the state legislature? Reach out to your representatives in the state House and Senate. 

(Image: iStock.com)

In the meantime, millionaires’ tax bill keeps on moving, approved by state Senate

As other bills were gleaned and left behind, Senate Bill 6346 — dubbed the “millionaires’ tax” by supporters because it would impose a 9.9% levy on personal income above $1 million annually —took another big step forward last week. It was approved by the full Senate on a 27–22 vote after hours of debate over whether the policy would make the state’s tax code fairer or risk an exodus of wealthy residents. 

The proposal now heads to the House. If approved there and signed by Gov. Ferguson, the tax, estimated to add $3 billion a year to state coffers, would apply to household income, meaning married couples and registered domestic partners with combined earnings over that threshold would be subject to the surcharge. Would passage help kids in Washington? Child welfare and education advocates think so. 

TAKE ACTION: Make your voice heard on the “millionaire’s” tax,” SB 6346. Reach out to your representatives in the state House and Senate. 

The Rev. Jesse Jackson in 1983. (Image: Warren K. Leffler)

Black History Month: Teach your children about the Rev. Jesse Jackson

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a leader of the The Civil Rights Movement in America, a mentee of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and an unofficial diplomat and champion of Black History Month, died last week. 

The passing of a Black leader who spent his life advocating for the poor and underrepresented is a teachable moment: an opportunity to sit down with your kids, no matter their age, and discuss his example of peaceful protest as a way to move a nation forward toward good for all. Read more about the Rev. Jesse Jackson in The Seattle Times.

Most important, Jackson popularized the empowering phrase, ‘I am Somebody,” from the poem of the same title by civil rights activist Rev. William Holmes Borders, Sr. Jackson integrated those words into many speeches to encourage Black pride and uplift the poor, young, BIPOC and other marginalized communities. Here’s that poem—and its critical sentiments— in full.

I am Somebody

By Rev. William Holmes Borders, Sr.

I am Somebody!
I am Somebody!
I may be poor,
But I am Somebody.
I may be young,
But I am Somebody.
I may be on welfare,
But I am Somebody.
I may be small,
But I am Somebody.
I may have made mistakes,
But I am Somebody.
My clothes are different,
My face is different,
My hair is different,
But I am Somebody.
I am Black,
Brown,or white.
I speak a different language
But I must be respected,
Protected,
Never rejected.
I am God’s child!

(Image: Courtesy White Center HUB)

White Center ‘HUB’ is community space designed for families and gathering 

White Center families have a new place to gather — and, for many, a new place to call home. On Jan. 24, the long-anticipated White Center HUB (Hope, Unity and Belonging) community center opened its doors beside the new Canopy Apartments, marking years of organizing and advocacy by neighbors.

The HUB is built to serve daily life: a health clinic, coffee shop, recording studio and maker space, all woven around outdoor play areas and space to simply sit and connect. The design is intentional: housing and services, creativity and stability, all in one place, built for the families. Read all about it in the South Seattle Emerald.

Kids deserve federal and state pot regulations | Op-Ed

Have children in the house? Lock up edibles or other cannabis, add this symbol and teach your kids what it means danger. (Graphic: Washington Poison Control)

Last week I read an opinion by the New York Times editorial board that gave me pause, and left me shaking my head in agreement. 

The editors pointed out that daily marijuana use in the U.S. has climbed from about six million in 2012 to nearly 18 million today—as has the number of people (youth and adults) with pot-related illness and marijuana-linked paranoia and chronic psychotic disorders. 

And another number has also risen. According to a 2023 study published in the journal Pediatrics, the number of edible cannabis exposures among children under age 6 increased by about 1,375 % from 2017 (207)  to 2021 (3,054). According to Washington Poison Center, “One of the most common calls we receive about cannabis is little kids mistaking an edible for candy.” 

The bottom line for the NYT editors? They still support legalization. But there position has evolved and they now say the feds need to step in—with a federal tax on pot, by restricting high THC and other harmful types of marijuana and and by “cracking down” on spurious and unproven health claims about weed. 

Thankfully, Washington has been been forerunner in two of those three areas. In this state, pot is subject to a 37 % cannabis excise tax along with regular sales tax (state + local), making Washington one of the heavier taxing states for legal cannabis. And while the state does not limit THC concentration in marijuana flowers and concentrates, it does limit each edible “serving” to no more than 10 milligrams of THC. In fact, Oregon lawmakers are considering mirror legislation right now to prohibit the sale of individual edibles that have more than 10 milligrams of THC. According to a report in the Washington State Standard last week, in 2023, children ages newborn to 5 made up one-third of all cannabis-related cases reported to the Oregon Poison Center. 

There’s good news when it comes to cannabis. Over the last decade teen use rates have not risen in King County or Washington state. They have gone down by most measures.  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports declines in current cannabis use among King County students (grades 8/10/12) from 2008–2021; the Washington Department of Health’s 2023 Healthy Youth Survey notes youth substance use stayed mostly stable post-pandemic, with current cannabis use around 8% among 10th graders. 

President Donald Trump supports states’ rights to legalize pot. For once, I agree with him. If alcohol—despite its well-documented health and social harms—is legal and regulated, then marijuana should be treated the same way.  I believe that added federal regulation of THC levels (my vote would be for lowering it to 5% in individual edibles), is an important next step and would go miles to discourage weed companies from creating new, stronger strains. Cannabis has gotten significantly stronger over the last 20 years—cannabis growing is a business and it’s bottom line is money, not addiction control. And yet, research shows the newer strains of pot are addictive—and that most addiction begins with teen use.

Cannabis companies don’t care if a new strain is strong or addictive. They care about making money. 

For now, if you have cannabis at home, heed the poison center’s warning, no matter how old your kids are: “Keep your kiddos safe by always storing your stash up high, out of their reach, and locked up.”

TAKE ACTION: Do  you have an opinion about whether the federal government should legalize but regulate and tax cannabis? Make your voice heard. Contact your members of Congress.

The Good Reads: For the karate-chopping kid in all of us

New Bruce Lee Forever stamp (Image: USPS)

A generation before Hollywood routinely cast Asian American leads, Bruce Lee lit up movie screens with his fast, fierce mastery of martial arts. Not only did Lee prove non-white actors could carry a film, he encouraged millions of kids to jump up on the couch and karate chop their way to dinner. 

Fifty years later, kids are still chopping air as Lee’s choreography and camera work emphasizing speed, fluidity, and realism remain a mainstay of action films today.

This week, the United States Postal Service made Lee’s legacy official. During a festive event in  Seattle’s Chinatown International District, the agency unveiled the new Bruce Lee stamp, part of the postal service’s Forever stamp series. Lee, a one-time Seattleite, is buried at Lake View Cemetery on Capitol Hill, a spot that lures tens of thousands of fans of all ages every year. 

A win for writing? Perhaps the new Bruce Lee stamp will inspire your karate kids to write more letters to their grandparents!

The post This Hits Home: News that impacts Washington families appeared first on Seattle's Child.