Aapi

On strengthening our community & taking action with a grassroots initiative — By Eclair Junchaya This year for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we’re revisiting a frog program called Take Action (TA) to reflect on how it has evolved since its launch in summer 2020. …

A lesson from Mahabharata for our collective voice to be heard How many people does it take for a voice to be heard and a message to be delivered? In a country of 350 million people, there are many voices clamoring to be heard. Many important messages being delivered including…

Ever since 2018 with the success of Crazy Rich Asians, which was the catalyst for the #GoldOpen Movement, the AAPI community has gradually enjoyed diverse and non-stereotypical representation in film & TV. — Who would have thought that the latter half of the 2010s began a boon of Asian representation in Western media, especially in Hollywood? These past five years have been a rollercoaster ride for AAPIs in the industry. In 2018, Crazy Rich Asians hit theaters across North America and it was…

Isn’t it time we dropped the assumptions and stereotypes about Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders? I’ve never really understood Asian hate. Growing up in Philly, I was surrounded by diversity. In grade school, I had a major crush on Carly Vanzino, a Korean American girl with a beautiful personality. I never…

A selection of Medium stories you may have missed this week — I was perusing Medium this week for stories about Tina Turner, the iconic American rock and soul legend who recently passed away — age 83 — at her home in Switzerland. And I found a few, like this uplifting piece by William Spivey. There were also several comments to Spivey’s…

Understanding the AAPI community involves understanding the challenges they face. A clinical psychologist discusses the importance of mental health access and social justice education within Asian American communities. By: Rachel Lin A month filled with celebration, reflection, and empowerment, May marks the celebration of Asian American Pacific and Islander heritage…

Who says I want to be the best of the second-class? — I grew up privileged, in a small, Massachusetts town compromised predominantly of Asians. Our fathers were doctors, our mothers stayed at home to cart us around for our cello lessons. We did well in high school, too. …

Embracing my Filipina roots and sharing it with others — By: Gwyneth Abella, Class of 2023

This AAPI Heritage Month, meet My School Votes Ambassador Tommy, who centers his story, family, and culture in his civic engagement work. — Tell us about yourself! Where do you go to school, what do you study, and what do you do outside of school? Hello! My name is Tommy, and I am an undergraduate student at the University of Texas at Austin studying civil engineering and government. These two interests wind themselves…