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Welcome to The Seattle Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Builder buys Medina property from prominent Bellevue developer

• Upcoming Seattle Storm match

• A deep-dive into the life of Gordon Hirabayashi

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“If plan “A” doesn’t work, the alphabet has 25 more letters – 204 if you’re in Japan.” 

–Claire Cook

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Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which Seattle event, focused on environmental awareness and cleanup, takes place annually on Earth Day, involving local communities and volunteers?

A) Duwamish River Cleanup

B) Green Seattle Day

C) Earth Day Seattle

D) Puget Soundkeeper’s Cleanup

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The unique feature that distinguishes the Seattle Underground is C) A network of historic, buried streets.

News

💼 Business

Seattle startup Supio aims to fill downtown building after Series A round. (Link)

Kent Valley sale marks one of the largest industrial deals of 2024. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Chris Petersen: 3 things Seahawks’ Macdonald has going for him. (Link)

NFC West Check-In: Holdout Trent Williams not on 49ers roster. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Builder buys Medina property from prominent Bellevue developer. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏀 New York Liberty at Seattle Storm
Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle
Friday, Aug 30th | 7:00 PM | (More info)

🏈 Eastern Michigan Eagles at Washington Huskies Football
Husky Stadium, Seattle
Saturday, Sep 7th | 12:30 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Kaivon
Hiyu on Lake Union Park, Seattle
Saturday, Aug 31st | (More info)

🎵 Have A Nice Life
Showbox at the Market, Seattle
Sunday, Sep 1st | (More info)

Family Friendly events:

🎭 The Hot Hot Suggie Show @ FREMONT ABBEY
4272 Fremont Avenue North, Seattle
Friday, Aug 30th | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Seattle with a public space dedicated to virtual reality experiences” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Seattle Historical Events

Jimi Hendrix's Birth (1942) - Legendary musician born in Seattle, influencing the city's music scene.

Jimi Hendrix, born Johnny Allen Hendrix on November 27, 1942, in Seattle, Washington, was destined to become one of the most influential musicians in the history of rock music. Later renamed James Marshall Hendrix by his father, Al Hendrix, Jimi's early life in Seattle laid the foundation for his groundbreaking approach to the guitar. Growing up in a vibrant musical environment fostered by his family and the blossoming music scene of Seattle during the post-war years, Hendrix developed a deep love for music that transcended the conventional boundaries of genre.

Seattle, known for its rich musical heritage, played a crucial role in shaping Hendrix's artistic development. The city's diverse cultural landscape exposed him to a mix of blues, jazz, rock, and soul, influencing his unique sound. During his formative years, Hendrix soaked up the influences of local music venues and the sounds that permeated his neighborhood, incorporating these experiences into his own musical identity. His connection to Seattle remained a constant undercurrent throughout his career, informing his innovative approach to music and performance.

Jimi Hendrix's indelible mark on Seattle's music scene, and indeed the world's, is a testament to his genius and enduring legacy. As a trailblazer, Hendrix revolutionized guitar play, pushing the instrument to its limits with experimental sounds that had never been heard before. His birth in Seattle is not just a historical footnote but a pivotal moment that would lead to the emergence of one of the most visionary musicians of the 20th century. Hendrix's legacy continues to influence countless artists and musicians, ensuring that the spirit of innovation he embodied remains alive in Seattle's music scene and beyond.

Famous People From Seattle

Gordon Hirabayashi (1918–2012) - Civil rights activist who challenged wartime Japanese American internment policies.

Gordon Hirabayashi was a prominent civil rights activist whose stance against the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II distinguished him as an unparalleled figure in American history. His journey from a university student to a Supreme Court litigant outlines a narrative of resistance, principle, and unwavering commitment to justice.

Early Life and Education (1918-1940)

Born in Seattle to Japanese immigrants, Gordon Hirabayashi was raised in the Pacific Northwest, where he encountered and confronted racial prejudices from an early age. Growing up in a devoutly Christian household, he was taught the values of equality and justice, which would later form the bedrock of his resistance against governmental policies that he deemed unjust.

University Life and War Outbreak (1941-1942)

While attending the University of Washington, Hirabayashi was actively involved in the YMCA and student governance, demonstrating a strong commitment to civic engagement and leadership. The attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 and the subsequent U.S. entry into World War II dramatically changed the course of his life. In the face of rising anti-Japanese sentiment, he took a principled stand against the curfews imposed on Japanese Americans, marking the beginning of his civil rights activism.

Defiance and Conviction (1942-1943)

Hirabayashi openly defied the curfew and exclusion orders issued by the U.S. government that targeted Japanese Americans on the West Coast. He turned himself into the FBI, asserting that these orders violated his constitutional rights. His case eventually went to the Supreme Court, where he argued that the measures were racially discriminatory and unconstitutional.

Supreme Court Ruling and Imprisonment (1943-1945)

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court upheld Hirabayashi's conviction, ruling that the wartime measures were a necessary security precaution. Gordon Hirabayashi was subsequently imprisoned, first for defying the curfew and later for resisting internment. His stand against the U.S. government’s policies, though not victorious in court, was a significant moral stance that echoed the sentiments of Japanese Americans and civil rights advocates across the country.

After the War: Education and Advocacy (1946-1959)

Following his release, Hirabayashi pursued further education, earning a Ph.D. in sociology. His experiences shaped his academic interests and advocacy, focusing on social justice and the rights of minorities. Despite his previous legal defeat, he remained a vocal critic of racial discrimination and dedicated himself to advancing civil rights.

Civil Rights Movement and Academic Career (1960-1980)

As the civil rights movement gained momentum throughout the 1960s, Hirabayashi's earlier stand against governmental injustice garnered renewed attention. He continued his academic and activist work, contributing to discussions on racial justice, civil liberties, and the constitutionality of government actions against minority groups.

Vindication and Recognition (1981-1987)

In the early 1980s, Hirabayashi's wartime convictions were revisited. With the emergence of new evidence indicating governmental misconduct during his original trial, his convictions were finally vacated in 1987. This legal vindication marked a significant moment in recognizing the injustices faced by Japanese Americans during World War II.

Later Years and Legacy (1988-2012)

Hirabayashi spent his later years continuing to advocate for civil rights and education on the injustices of the internment. His personal papers and wartime correspondence were donated to academic institutions, serving as valuable resources for research and education on civil liberties and the history of Japanese Americans.

The Connection to Seattle (Throughout Life)

Seattle remained a significant part of Hirabayashi’s life, from his early years to his educational and activist endeavors. His defiance of the internment orders began here, setting the stage for his lifelong commitment to justice. The city later honored his legacy through the naming of the Gordon Hirabayashi Recreation Site, a symbol of his enduring impact on the community and the nation.

Passing and Posthumous Honors (2012 and Beyond)

Gordon Hirabayashi passed away in 2012, leaving behind a legacy rooted in courage, principle, and the relentless pursuit of justice. In recognition of his contributions to civil rights and his stand against injustice, he was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States' highest civilian honor, symbolizing the nation’s acknowledgment of his courage and the wrongs he fought against.

Key Achievements of Gordon Hirabayashi:

• Defied U.S. government's curfew and exclusion orders during WWII, standing against the internment of Japanese Americans.

• His case, Hirabayashi v. United States, went to the Supreme Court, becoming a landmark in American judicial history.

• Earned a Ph.D. in Sociology, focusing on social justice and the rights of minorities.

• Successfully had his wartime convictions vacated in 1987, marking a significant legal and moral victory.

• Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously in recognition of his contributions to civil rights.

Gordon Hirabayashi's life exemplifies the enduring struggle for justice and equality, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. His principled stand against the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, and the ultimate vindication of his beliefs, mark him as one of the most courageous civil rights advocates of the 20th century. His legacy continues to inspire those committed to fighting for justice and equality, making his story a beacon of hope and resistance.

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-Matthew Larsen

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