October 2, 2024 | I feel incredibly fortunate to have been invited to the White House Initiative on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (WHIAANHPI) Policy Summit. Touring the Capitol was a remarkable experience, with its stunning architecture and sculptures and offering a glimpse into a government politician’s life. Meeting with Senator Mazie Hirono to discuss issues such as gun violence and school safety while sharing our passions over pizza was an intimate and inspiring moment. This trip to the Capital of the United States encouraged me to pursue and engage in critical conversations and deepened my understanding of government committees and legislation.
Yearly Archives: 2024
Make Us Visible (DE SB 297) Legislation Signed into Law
September 29, 2024 | On Thursday, September 26th, Delaware Governor John Carney signed Make Us Visible DE’s SB 297, which requires the inclusion of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history as well as other racial, ethnic, and cultural histories in Delaware’s K-12 classrooms, into law.
United Against Hate Day at the Commonwealth Club of California
September 26, 2024 | On September 23, AYR founder Mina and executive-director-in-training Ethan spoke AYR’s Mina and Ethan speak at the Commonwealth Club of California with producer Michelle Meow on the “Navigating Our Differences through Civic Engagement” panel alongside Bay Area elected leaders and CUAV during the United Against Hate Day Summit. AYR members were welcome to join a free half-day summit marking United Against Hate Day, part of United Against Hate Week. The week is a call for local civic action to stop the hate and biases that threaten the safety and civility of our neighborhoods, towns, and cities. The Commonwealth Club of California is the nation’s oldest and largest public affairs forum.
Representing Youth Voices at The White House Initiative on AANHPI Mental Health Convening
Last month I had the privilege of representing AAPI Youth Rising at the White House Initiative on AANHPI Mental Health Convening. The experience was inspiring and eye-opening, and it was an honor for us to bring a youth perspective to the discussion. I was struck by the incredible work being done by various organizations around the country, each dedicated to tackling mental health issues in their unique communities.
A Self Portrait of a Chinese Born American
By Callie De Smet
Anti-Chinese Legislation
This past week Washington has been discussing legislation aimed at curbing China’s power and influence as a major geopolitical player and competitor to the United States. However, coinciding with this is an expected increase in anti-China rhetoric, and many of the motivations behind these bills are fueled by an anti-Chinese sentiment. In addition many of these bills contain anti-Chinese language that is contributing to hateful reactions. To combat this, it can be important to separate a government from its people. Simply because the Chinese government may have ideologies that do not align with one’s values or one disagrees with them it is not representative of people in that nation or anyone of Chinese descent. The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) has a disinformation table on anti-Chinese rhetoric that can help combat the dangers of disinformation. Feel free to check it out here.
The Asian American Foundation: AAPI History Hub
September 15, 2024 | AYR is proud to partner with The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) on this collaborative effort that compiles more than 200 high-quality, classroom-ready resources for K-12 educators to teach the diverse histories of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. We encourage you to visit the Hub, create a personalized account to save your favorite resources, and let us know your feedback and ideas for future additions.
Joint Community Forum on Inclusive Justice: Addressing Hate and Upholding Civil Rights for People with Disabilities
September 14, 2024 | The California Civil Rights Council and the Commission on the State of Hate is hosting a joint community forum on Thursday, September 26th in the Oakland Asian Cultural Center and virtually by Zoom. Speakers will include: Eric Harris, Dr. Karen Nakamura, and Greg deGiere! Members of the public will have the opportunity to make comments after the presentations.
Opportunity for Meet & Greet with Warner Bros. Discovery’s WAVE
September 14, 2024 | Act To Change is collaborating with Warner Bros. Discovery’s Asian employees for their Impact Day. The Warner Asian Voices Elevated (WAVE) group is hosting two sessions for any youth who are interested in learning more about careers and professional journeys in the entertainment industry on Friday, September 27. Interested in attending this even? RSVP here!
United Against Hate Week Launch Press Conference
September 14, 2024 | We’d like to invite you to join us for the kickoff press conference for UAHW on Friday, September 20 at 1 PM PT at the Watts Historic Train Station in Los Angeles! Speakers will share why this week of action is so critical to protecting Californians and fostering inclusive communities, while spreading messages of hope and vigilance in the fight against hate. If you can’t attend in person, you can catch the livestream on LA vs Hate’s Instagram page. Speakers will include: Kiran Bhalla, Holly J. Mitchell, Robin Toma, and Kevin Kish, Patrice O’Neill.