Tag Archives: Ruba Ayub

Voices

OPINION | Not Just a Bad Apple, A Rotten Tree: Jaahnavi Kandula’s Death Calls for Defunding our Corrupt Justice System

by Ruba Ayub

On Jan. 23, along with concerned community members and activists from King County, I protested at the Tukwila City Hall to demand the defunding of the Tukwila Police Department. We collectively demanded an end to the over-policing of Black and Brown people in our neighborhood. Our demands were crystal clear: Redirect these funds towards vital community-based services, such as affordable housing, youth programs, real restorative justice initiatives, and mental health services.

As we protested, heartbreaking news emerged regarding the tragic killing of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old student from Uttar Pradesh, India. Kandula was struck by Seattle police officer Kevin Dave as she was crossing the street in South Lake Union.

Continue reading OPINION | Not Just a Bad Apple, A Rotten Tree: Jaahnavi Kandula’s Death Calls for Defunding our Corrupt Justice System →
Voices

OPINION | This Women’s History Month Let’s Stop the Abuse-to-Prison Pipeline

by Ruba Ayub

March is Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on and unlearn our patriarchal and misogynist beliefs. It is also a time to take action to dismantle systems and ideas that perpetuate harm and violence against women, particularly Black and Brown women.

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Voices

OPINION | My Tukwila Is Not the Same

by Ruba Ayub

Every day, I take the A Line to the Tukwila light rail station from my home, then I walk from the station to work at an elementary school. On my walk, I pass new buildings — the type that you see in Seattle’s bougie areas — overpriced apartments, justice centers, and other expensive urban infrastructures typically protected by over-policing and built-over, bulldozed Black, Brown, and immigrant-owned shops and community spaces. 

Continue reading OPINION | My Tukwila Is Not the Same →