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Seattle's
ethnic communities After spending all day in air-conditioned rooms learning and networking, Unity convention-goers may wonder: "Where are my people?" To find Seattle's communities of color, head south. Walking down Pike or Pine streets will lead to Seattle's International District, filled with Asian businesses, the African-American Central District and Latino and Native American communities, which together make up 30 percent of Seattle's population. African-American Community Take Martin Luther King Jr. Way to get to the Central District, which is the hub of black life in Seattle. Those in the know call it "CD." African-Americans have been in this community since after World War II; their leadership comes from Mt. Zion Baptist Church and the Seattle Urban League. The CD, with 36,000 people, is one of Seattle's only neighborhoods where men outnumber women. Community members say some of the best places to eat are the Catfish Corner, Ms. Helen's Soul Food restaurant and Mama's Kitchen. Seattle's Chamber of Commerce reports that the CD is in a time of revitalization and growth. The chamber cites the recent push by churches and development agencies to buy and refurbish properties. The median income for the neighborhood is $15,450. There are two community papers in the CD: The Facts and The Medium. Asian Community Even though Seattle's International District is home to many Asian businesses, Beacon Hill, which is south of the International District, boasts the largest Asian population. Many Asians also live in the Central District. Community members said Beacon Hill is a stable community where the average homeowner has lived there more than 20 years. The neighborhood has a diverse Asian population, a little over 30,000. Some of the best places to mingle are the South China Restaurant and the Jefferson Park Golf Course. The median income for the neighborhood is $26,274. The Beacon Hill News is the community newspaper. Native American Community The Native American community lives in Highland Park. This is an industrial neighborhood near the Duwamish River with a population of close to 3,000. The area is known for its lush farmland. Community members refer to Highland Park as an "old-timers" neighborhood. Community groups have sponsored programs to bring younger people to Highland Park, such as the Jobs for Teenagers program. The median income for the neighborhood is $20,612. Latino Community Latinos, one of Seattle's smallest ethnic communities according to 1990 census data, is spread out between the central district and the Rainier Valley neighborhoods. Rainier Valley is the southernmost part of town near Mount Rainier. This community of a little over 23,000 also has a large Southeast Asian and African-American community. Community members say Rainier Valley has extremely politically active churches. Some of the best places to mingle and eat are the Rainier Beach Community Center, Stock Market Foods and Lakeside Tavern. The median income is $29,000 for a household of four.
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