Excellence in Pacific Islander Reporting
Marc Ramirez, "In Pasifika, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander communities seek identity and independence,” USA Today
ABOUT THE WORK: The author writes: “Very little had been written before my story, and perhaps nothing on a national basis, about the term Pasifika and the push within Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities to embrace the term to distinguish themselves from Asian Americans, not only as an expression of identity but as a means of addressing inequities between the two populations. Not only does being lumped together with Asian Americans not adequately capture one's sense of self for many with backgrounds in places like Fiji, Tonga and Samoa but disadvantages these communities in terms of health and economic resources given their small numbers and unique concerns.”
Marc Ramirez is a national correspondent for USA Today, where he writes about issues of identity, faith and social justice. A native of Phoenix, Arizona, he has previously been a staff writer for The Seattle Times, Phoenix New Times and The Dallas Morning News. He earned his B.A. at the University of Notre Dame and a master's in journalism from the University of California at Berkeley. He is passionate about food, drink and the Seattle Seahawks.
Judges’ comments: “The journalist captures a complex issue that perhaps has not been articulated before. The story was illuminating about the disparity in equality about who is a Pacific Islander. It has impact at a personal, individual level as well as a greater economic impact tie.”
Honorable Mention: Melia Patria, Eman Varoqua, Becky Worley, Megan Redman, Ashley Riegle, Ashley SchwartzLavares, Lizann Robinson and Stephanie Lorenzo, “State of Emergency: Maui Ablaze,” ABC News Nightline
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