Alex Tizon

Alex Tizon (1959–2017) was an American journalist and author, known for his powerful storytelling and in-depth reporting on complex social issues. Tizon was a prominent writer for The Atlantic and The Los Angeles Times, where his work often focused on immigration, race, and human rights. He gained significant recognition for his article, "My Family’s Slave", published in The Atlantic in 2017, which was a deeply personal and poignant story about his family's use of a Filipino woman as a domestic servant for over 50 years. The piece sparked widespread conversation on modern-day slavery, human trafficking, and the legacies of colonialism.

Born in the Philippines, Tizon moved to the United States with his family when he was a young child. He went on to study at the University of Oregon and began his journalism career in the 1980s. Tizon’s work was celebrated for its meticulous research, empathy, and willingness to tackle uncomfortable subjects. His writings sought to illuminate underrepresented voices, often focusing on the intersection of identity and history. Throughout his career, Tizon was recognized with numerous accolades, including Pulitzer Prizes for his reporting.

One of Tizon’s poignant quotes is, “The story I’ve written is not just my family’s story, but the story of so many people who have been hidden away in plain sight.” This reflects his deep commitment to shedding light on the lives of those who are marginalized and often overlooked by society. Tizon's legacy as a journalist continues to inspire others to confront difficult truths, to seek justice for the oppressed, and to use storytelling as a means of social change. His work stands as a testament to the power of truth-telling and the importance of bearing witness to history.