Immigrant & Refugee Stories

For 17 years, Jaime Mendez served as the main anchor of Seattle’s only local Spanish-language newscast. That came to an end in late 2023 when Sinclair Broadcasting dropped its Seattle Univision affiliate. But on Jan. 1, 2024, Mendez and his wife, Diana Oliveros, launched Se Habla Media, an independent outlet providing Spanish-language news and information. In an era marked by ICE raids and deportations, their program, Jaime Mendez News, has become a vital and trusted source for a Spanish-speaking community living in fear. Video created by Enrique Cerna and Randy Eng

"You get to see people be so happy." The kaleidoscope of flowers at Pike Place Market is largely grown by Hmong farmers, including Lue Thao, a first-generation Hmong flower farmer and owner of Thai Tao Farm. She shares her journey from fleeing war to filling one of the nation’s most iconic farmers markets with vibrant blooms. Video by Randy Eng, in collaboration with the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON). Read 'Meet the Hmong Farmers Selling Flowers at Pike Place Market'

The traditional music of a booming drum, crashing cymbals, and a ringing gong filled the lobby of Seattle City Hall as two lions danced and interacted with the audience. The Mak Fai Kung Fu Dragon and Lion Dance Association performed to mark Seattle City Council’s recognition of the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday, which starts Saturday, Feb. 10 and runs through Feb. 20. The proclamation, initiated by Linh Thai and read by Councilmember Tanya Woo, has been praised for its efforts to embrace and bolster cultural diversity and inclusivity in the city.

As you walk through Pike Place Market, it’s hard to miss the vibrant colors coming from East Africa Fine Art where the clothing and canvasses have a wildlife theme. All designs are inspired by images seen firsthand by owner and artist Wais Ali. As an immigrant from the East African country of Djibouti, Ali regularly saw giraffes, lions, and even goats foraging high up in trees! Wais Ali is one of 14 Black business owners at Pike Place Market. His story is one of several being featured as part of Black History Month.

Drawing on his heritage, Solomon Dubie converted the Rainier Valley convenience store he ran into an Ethiopian coffee shop steeped in community. Inspired by his mother's traditional brewing methods, the young entrepreneur realized his dream of opening an inviting café to preserve connections in the diverse and growing Rainier Beach neighborhood. In the complex Ethiopian coffee culture, "Avole," pronounced "ah-bohl," translates to that first strong cup of coffee.