Legacy WA launches “Who are we?” exhibit Aug. 25

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Our Legacy Washington program is getting set to launch its latest exhibit, “Who are we?” It features historic photos and compelling life stories about a diverse group of Washingtonians who have overcome obstacles to leave positive marks on our state. The exhibit’s official launch is Aug. 25 at 3 p.m. in the State Reception Room on the third floor of the Capitol in Olympia. Secretary of State Kim Wyman will emcee the event, which is open to the public. Dancers from the Asia Pacific Cultural Center will perform before the ceremony. After the launch, attendees are encouraged to view the exhibit, in the front lobby of the Office of Secretary of State, located on the second floor of the Capitol. The privately funded exhibit will be on display through July 2017. Three of the exhibit’s profile subjects will speak at the event: disability activist Duane French; JoAnn Kauffman, who has championed Indian health and justice for more than 40 years; and Bill Ruckelshaus, who headed the Environmental Protection Agency. The Ruckelshaus profile is scheduled for release in October.

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Secretary of State employees put up panels for the "Who are we" exhibit.

Other “Who are we?” profile subjects will be honored at the launch, including: • The Rev. Dr. Samuel B. McKinney, the Seattle civil rights activist. • Young Latino winemakers Amy Alvarez-Wampfler and Victor Palencia. • Former legislator and U.S. Rep. Jolene Unsoeld, who is the subject of a profile set for Aug. 23 release. • Hank Adams, an Assiniboine-Sioux member who has been involved in key events involving Native Americans, from the 1973 Wounded Knee standoff to the landmark Boldt Decision to salmon preservation. The Adams profile is slated to go online in September. • Rudy Lopez, who achieved the highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force – command chief master sergeant – and currently directs the Veterans Cemetery near Spokane. • Aberdeen Mayor Erik Larson, who was elected a year ago at age 23 and is the youngest mayor of a sizable city in state history. • Asia Pacific Cultural Center founder Patsy Suhr O’Connell. The profiles on Lopez, Larson and Suhr O’Connell are scheduled to be unveiled in November.