Soul Sisters
The rich history of our island’s Asian communities is one of the many gifts the Asian Arts and Heritage Festival has given me. Now in our third year, we have found our rhythm—rooted in community connection, honoring the island’s unique history and creating space for new traditions and representation. But beyond culture and celebration, the festival has given me something even more enduring: relationships.
This growing web of connection is what led Akuyea Vargas, a dear friend, longtime islander and beloved community leader, to recognize a kindred spirit in me.
Years ago, I dreamed of bringing a gospel concert to Bainbridge. Through Akuyea, I learned that this dream had lived here before. For 15 years, Sing Out!—the founding celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day—brought people together through gospel music. Led by pastor Pat Wright, founder of Seattle’s Total Experience Gospel Choir, the event was built through collaboration between the Filipino and African American communities and centered at the historic Filipino Community Hall. There was food, storytelling, laughter and, of course, music—connection in its purest form. All ages, backgrounds and voices were welcome. Hundreds took part and, at the end, they performed for the greater island community. Sing Out! became an inspiring part of the fabric of our Island’s traditions.
When Wright passed, Sing Out! faded without leadership. But legacies should not disappear; they should be carried forward. This year, Akuyea and I excitedly announced at this year’s MLK celebration that Sing Out! will return in 2027, honoring Wright and a 15-year legacy of unity.
Our legacies are not just festivals or events. They are the friendships we build, the tables we gather around and the moments we create to connect—and to Sing Out!
