Milwaukee’s Asian American Artist Launches Dumplings for America Campaign!
Howard Leu is an Asian American Milwaukee-based artist who had recently launched a t-shirt fundraising campaign on Ink to the People. “Dumplings for America. Stop Asian Hate!” was launched, making an impact, fundraising $1000+ for the AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin! We, Ink to the People were very excited to see an MKE artist rise and make a stand with not just a shirt, but a movement with culture.
“Dumplings for America” was actually a UWM design project. Students were assigned to search for a non-profit or cause and create a design that related to the organization. Ink to the People specializes in spreading awareness through t-shirts. The platform was introduced to/encourage students to launch their design once finished.
Howard’s thoughts starting the project, was to do something that symbolizes Asian Americans in America. When the pandemic started, hate towards Asian American’s and Pacific Islanders has increased significantly. Howard explained how it is a common question for others to ask where you are from. You could be from America and say you ARE from America when really people are asking your nationality.
Howard had quoted Andrew Yang, an Asain American businessman as a politician who had said:
“We just have to work harder, wear Red, White and Blue. Wear America with Pride. How can I walk out on the street and prove I am American? I am not going to just walk around with my USA passport.”
He saw the Statue of Liberty’s crown as very iconic and powerful and felt it was something symbolic to add along with the flag’s stripes and stars. The dumplings in the middle bring in Howard’s Taiwanese culture. The dumplings don’t just share Asian culture but bring Howard’s family in the picture as well. When Howard was 13, he lived in Taiwan with his family. His uncle had run a dumpling restaurant. Food was the highlight! Even though it was a place meant to serve customers, it became a place that also served to share the culture. The restaurant brought Howard’s family together; his aunt, uncles, and cousins all worked together.
“My older cousin who was an Executive at a corporate job would walk in after his day after work. He hears the bell, approaches the kitchen window and asks “where is it going?” and simply takes the dish to the table.”
“Dumplings of America” relates to many other Asian cultures around the world. Call them dumplings, potstickers, or gyoza, it can go many ways. Food doesn’t just bring families together, it can bring other cultures together too, while also creating a diverse community.
Howard in MKE
“I love the people in Milwaukee, but another thing I love is the weather.” Says Howard. “We can still have snow on the ground with 50-degree weather and be wearing shorts and pulling out our grills.”
Milwaukee culture has impacted us all. We relate to others on the moody weather and knowing where the “bubbler” is and making that time for Summer Fest; Howard loves the diversity it holds. There is a lot of supporting representation in communities. Yet, we and Howard have seen the heartbreaking struggles Milwaukee has faced. To see other communities hurting and feeling powerless. He had talked about how much he learned from other communities and what they do to help one another. He does what he can in his own community to help others out. Howard also loves the food and restaurants in Milwaukee. It shares culture the moment you step in and as well as you take that first bite!
“What can people do to better help the AAPI hate during this time?”
“Get to know us! Getting to know people as people. Considering the pandemic has hit harder on some more than others. Yet, instead of fighting each other, we should come together to make a change. Asain Americans have been a big contributor to this country for a long time, especially around this month’s AAPI. To seek out some educational material and learn about the history. I would recommend the five-part Asian American series on PBS!”
“Since you have lived in Milwaukee, has your lifestyle or behavior changed at all since the pandemic?”
“I personally haven’t. I read and see a lot of news about the Asian attacks in NY, San Francisco, or LA. I am really astonished by the hate and attacks. I have not seen a lot in Milwaukee, yet my behavior has changed. I do look around more and I am more cautious.”
“Do you have any advice to give to emerging APPI Artists?”
Don't be afraid to talk about who you are, even if you didn’t grow up with that cultural identity, your family, your origin. Even if you didn’t grow up in your heritage, I feel you should explore that. As an artist, we all draw from a deeper place. Our artist identity — communicating our identity through an art form, no matter what it is, Asain related or not. Don't be afraid to find yourself and find that part of you. It will be a struggle, but it is worth it to see not just your heritage but you yourself in your art.
“Is there anything else you would like to add?”
Please check out ElevAsian. It’s an Asian American advocacy group that had recently launched a supporting event, “Milwaukee Asian Restaurant Week”, May 16–22. Check out the compiled list of MKE Asian Restaurants!
Ink to the People was honored to have Howard speak and talk about His successful launch. Spread Awareness with the shirt! https://inktothepeople.com/dumplings-for-america
To check out Howard’s work, please support him in the following links!
