When you ask residents what makes Hawaii such a special place to live, one word comes up over and over again: “ohana.” But what is “ohana”? In this episode of Zip Code Economies, we return to Honolulu to find out. Join us as we walk away with not just one definition of ohana, but many—all of which we hope to carry back to the mainland.  Interviewees:  Michelle Kauhane Michael Bruno University of Hawai’i at Mānoa students Lahela Williams Shantel Jones  Organizations:  Hawaii Community Foundation University of Hawai’i at Mānoa Hawaiian Community Assets 

8: Searching for Ohana

With the backdrop of a world that seems increasingly divided, Zip Code Economies shares the stories of people navigating the unique economic situations in their communities. Hosted by Mary Daly and brought to you by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, these weekly stories highlight people who face issues we hear about every day, but like the rest of us, strive to make contributions, create opportunity, and move forward—together.

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

Government

Our latest conversations with members  of Yakama Nation, a community on the eastside of the Cascade Mountains in Washington state, provided us with unique stories and perspectives on the interconnectedness of policy, place,  and people. Hear from some of the Yakama Nation members we spoke with as they describe their community in one word.

Voices from Yakama Nation

As we wrap up Zip Code Economies 1.5, we want to know how young people are faring. So we reconnect with Nefiso and Najmo Abdi, twin sisters we met as high schoolers from San Diego’s tight-knit Somali community. Now in college and navigating the intersection of COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter protests, they recognize you can’t put a timeline on change. Instead, they focus on what they can—learning from this time of turmoil and making sure their voices are heard.

The Virtuous Cycle of Hope: Season 1.5, Chapter Five

We reconnect with Mr. Sanchez, the 10th grade English teacher at Firebaugh High School, who is the definition of an essential worker in the pandemic. Racial and economic inequities have always existed in Firebaugh, and recent events have only magnified this reality. As lack of internet access threatens to cut students off from his class, Mr. Sanchez fights to ensure continued access to education as an act of social justice.

Warrior of Light: Season 1.5, Chapter Four

If the intergenerational transmission of hope is a journey, Lahela Williams is an ideal guide. A Native Hawaiian, she discusses the effects of COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter movement in Honolulu, while drawing parallels with the fight to protect the sacred mountain, Mauna Kea. Through it all, we learn that from great chaos comes great change, and we have the “kuleana”—or responsibility—to maintain hope.

The Essence of Kuleana: Season 1.5, Chapter Three

In our continued search for answers, we check in with Will Unga, a Pacific Islander raising his young kids in the predominately white, religious community of Salt Lake City. He walks us through his experiences, reminding us of our obligation to continually cultivate hope for the sake of both past and future generations.

8: Searching for Ohana

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