Centennials Table Topics

Table Topic questions are meant to stimulate family and classroom discussion. Use the questions below after reading,"Pride and protest"

Seattle has always considered itself a "liberal" city on racial issues. Looking back at our history, what is this impression based upon? What roles have Asian Americans, Native Americans and African Americans played in the development of our region? Have Seattleites as a rule been tolerant of different races and cultures?
In 1944, the Civic Unity Committee addressed racial inequities, helping post-war Japanese assimilate after internment and working to eliminate housing discrimination for African Americans. Who is a voice for Seattle's ethnic minorities today? Or is one needed now that there have been a number of prominent African and Asian American politicians like Sam Smith, Ruby Chow, Norm Rice, Gary Locke, etc.?
Dr. Martin Luther King's visit to Seattle prompted local equal housing activists to adopt his tactics of sit-ins, boycotts and demonstrations. Sit-ins at the city council pressured council members into passing an open-housing ordinance that was then defeated by voters. Why was there such resistance? Are there neighborhoods today where minorities are not welcome? Do you prefer living in a diverse neighborhood or one with a distinct ethnic or cultural identity?
Seattle was one of the first school districts to bus children for integration purposes without court order. Mandatory busing has inspired strong support and strong opposition ever since. How do you feel about this issue? Has it helped to provide quality education for all Seattle students?
Other minority groups borrowed organizing tactics from African Americans to address their own issues. Native American activists protested and went to court over fishing treaty rights. Do you know what the Boldt court decision established about tribal rights to the salmon harvest? Has this issue been settled to the satisfaction of all those concerned with the resource--the tribes, sport and commercial fishermen?
Have the decades since the 1960s resulted in equal rights progress for all citizens? Are you aware of discriminatory practices or attitudes around you? Do you think racial progress is enhanced by more or less attention to racial identity