Sharon Maeda

Sharon Maeda was an American journalist, community organizer, and civil rights activist known for her work in the Asian American community. She was born on December 6, 1945, in Seattle, Washington, and passed away on May 4, 2016.

Maeda began her career as a radio journalist and producer in Seattle during the 1960s. She was one of the founding members of KBOO-FM, a community radio station in Portland, Oregon, where she produced a weekly program called "We the People," which focused on issues related to race, gender, and social justice. She also worked as a producer and reporter for National Public Radio (NPR) and the Pacifica Radio Network.

Throughout her career, Maeda was actively involved in community organizing and advocacy work. In the 1970s, she was a leader in the Asian American Movement, advocating for the rights of Asian Americans and other communities of color. She co-founded the Asian Counseling and Referral Service in Seattle, which provides social and mental health services to Asian American immigrants and refugees. She was also a founding member of the Committee Against Anti-Asian Violence, which fought against hate crimes and discrimination targeting Asian Americans.

Maeda's work extended beyond the Asian American community, as she was also involved in other social justice movements. She was a board member of the Center for Constitutional Rights and the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. She was also an advocate for women's rights and LGBTQ+ rights.

In addition to her activism, Maeda was a respected journalist and media producer. She was the recipient of numerous awards for her work in journalism and community organizing, including the Edward R. Murrow Award and the Paul Robeson Award.

Sharon Maeda's life and work demonstrate the power of community organizing and activism in creating positive social change. She worked tirelessly to advocate for marginalized communities and fought against discrimination and injustice. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence social justice advocates today.