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Community and Equity

News and interviews about community and equity on Hacks & Wonks

Jason Schwarz, Director of the Snohomish County Office of Public Defense and Chair of Washington's Council on Public Defense

Public Defense Crisis Deepens as Caseloads Overwhelm System, Supreme Court Weighs Reform

Washington Supreme Court weighs public defense reform as decades-old caseload standards and lack of state funding create crisis. Defenders handle 3x recommended cases amid complex digital evidence, leading to massive delays and staff exodus.

Jaelynn Scott, Executive Director of Lavender Rights Project

Lavender Rights Project Advocates for Housing Justice for Black Trans Community

Jaelynn Scott of the Lavender Rights Project discusses the organization's focus on housing justice, economic security, and violence prevention for the Black trans community in Washington state.

Cyril Walrond and Kelly Olson of the Washington Voting Rights Restoration Coalition

Voting Rights Restored for Thousands of Washingtonians

The Washington Voting Rights Restoration Coalition discusses their fight to restore voting rights for formerly incarcerated individuals. Advocates Cyril Walrond and Kelly Olson share the personal impact of disenfranchisement and the community-driven campaign that led to legislative change.

Vivian Hua, Executive Director of Northwest Film Forum

Vivian Hua and the Evolution of Northwest Film Forum

Vivian Hua, Executive Director of the Northwest Film Forum, discusses the organization's efforts to expand access and representation in the Seattle independent film community through empowering marginalized filmmakers, providing resources and mentorship, and fostering an inclusive community space.