Northwest Asian Weekly newspaper turns the page to a new generation

For 42 years, journalist, and publisher of The Seattle Chinese Post and Northwest Asian Weekly, Assunta Ng has been a pillar of Seattle’s Chinatown International District.

Her legacy is now entering a new chapter, as she hands over the news organization she crafted over decades to a new generation.

LISTEN TO SOUNDSIDE'S FULL CONVERSATION WITH ASSUNTA NG HERE

After emigrating to the United States at the age of 19 to attend the University of Washington, Ng and her husband George started two newspapers devoted to serving the local Asian American and immigrant communities: The Seattle Chinese Post and Northwest Asian Weekly.

RELATED: Chinatown-International District grapples with losing 2 community newspapers and ‘their voice’

Ng reported for the papers and served as publisher until last Friday.

"I don't want to exactly say I've raised a community," Ng said. "But I have empowered the community, in every sense of the word, by encouraging people to get a seat at the table. To run for office, to speak out against injustice, to speak out for the friends and the community."

RELATED: Northwest Asian Weekly going online only, ceasing print operations

Last month, Ng told readers it was time for her to retire, and that saying goodbye now is critical for the news organization’s success. Over the past year, The Seattle Chinese Post folded, and Northwest Asian Weekly ceased print publication, and became an online-only news source.

Now, Ng said, it’s time for a new generation of leaders to step up — leaders like Tim Wang.

"[Assunta is] very straightforward," Wang said. "And when she has something that she wants to share, she has no problem being able to do that."

Wang met Ng 23 years ago while working at a non-profit based in Seattle's Chinatown International District.

He said she had no problem letting him know when he needed to "course correct," albeit in a loving, mom-like way. Now, Wang is part of a new ownership group that’s purchased Northwest Asian Weekly from Ng.

RELATED: A new era begins for NW Asian Weekly readers and reporters

The new owners acknowledge they have big shoes to fill. There’s plenty to stay on top of as a publisher — and not just in the office.

Ng also spent a lot of time out on the streets of the CID, catching up with people, Seattle City Councilmember Tanya Woo said.

"I always see Auntie Assunta out on the streets. She always has her bag with Northwest Asian Weekly on it, and she always has bundles of newspapers," Woo said. "I feel like she holds me accountable for a lot of things."

Ng's time as publisher with Northwest Asian Weekly may be at an end, but she's now volunteering her time to help the new ownership group as "publisher emeritus."

You can still expect to see her around the neighborhood, staying on-top of what's happening in her community.

"Selling to this new group of people means we are preserving the voice of the community," Ng said.