This week, I (David Siu) had the honor of hosting an Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) workshop at UC Berkeley for a group of international high school and local college students. After working with UC Berkeley, I also invited Matthew Sugiyama to speak alongside me. This presentation was an opportunity for me to educate others on AAPI history, as well as to learn from their experiences.
Author Archives: Jaslene Lai
Reclaiming the Stereotype of Asian Youth in Music
“Taking a deep breath, I draw my bow across the strings, trying to get the notes just right. My fingers stumble through the same passage, over and over again. My arm is growing tired, my mind has worn thin. Meanwhile, my chin rests loosely on my black ebony chinrest, my brows furrowed in frustration. I’m not angry, I’m exhausted. I sigh, take a deep breath, and try again. Why can’t I just play it the way it’s supposed to sound? Practice feels endless, and the music that once inspired me now feels like a chore.”
Rewriting the Idea of Stereotypes in Hawaii
Beneath the concept of “aloha spirit” and Hawaii being a “cultural hot spot,” challenges from a history of colonization and modern myths have shrouded the struggles of many locals in Hawaii.
AAPI Youth Rising in the SF Examiner
July 1, 2025 | I was recently profiled in the SF Examiner alongside long-time mentor and SF State ethnic studies professor Dr. Russell Jeung in a story about how Asian American history education is rare, even in SF.
I spoke with Craig Lee about the importance of learning about heroes like Wong Kim Ark, a case that has garnered national attention because it stands as the key legal precedent preventing Trump from negating the constitutional provision that guarantees birthright citizenship.
I’m proud of AAPI Youth Rising’s continued mission to share our One Day of AAPI History lesson that highlights the stories of Wong Kim Ark and many modern heroes whose stories must be told in classrooms. Check out the full story here.
AYR at CAAMFest’s Making Waves Screening
May 10, 2025 | AYR members Jaslene, Charlee, Mina, Max, and Anna attended the screening of Making Waves: the Rise of Asian America at CAAMFest earlier today. Jaslene, Charlee, Mina, and Anna were honored to have been featured in the film. Afterwards, they spoke at the post-screening reception on a panel with Vicci Wong. Congrats to co-directors Jon Osaki and Josh Chuck for their amazing film!
AAPI Youth Rising selected for the 2025 Asian American Achievement Award
May 9, 2025 | On September 6, 2025, Saturday 6pm, OCA San Mateo will host its 34th annual fundraising gala and awards recognition dinner for Asian Americans who have contributed to our Bay Area community in remarkable ways. They’re honoring AAPI Youth Rising this year as one of four recipients of the 2025 Asian American Achievement Awards for being the model for a new generation of activists dedicated to social justice for the AAPI community. Each one of AAPI Youth Rising’s board members will be bestowed with this award. The board members will also be interviewed by David Louie in a 15 minute “fireside chat” format about AAPI Youth Rising. The attendees will include community leaders, elected officials, journalists, family, and friends.
Ways to Celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month According to CA vs Hate
May 9, 2025 | May marks Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! This month, we celebrate the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of AANHPI communities. We and the California Civil Rights Department recognize the continued challenges many of our communities face due to racism, xenophobia, religious intolerance, and discrimination. California vs Hate remains committed to standing against hate in all its forms, inviting everyone to take action, build unity, and create a California where all communities feel safe, seen, and supported.
AYR will speak at Dear Asian Youth’s 2025 AAPI Heritage Day
May 9, 2025 | Dear Asian Youth San Francisco to invited AAPI Youth Rising to speak at at their 2025 AAPI Heritage Day on May 18th! This event brings together AAPI voices and stories from across the Bay Area. AYR will be share our insights and experiences with the community.
Come watch Making Waves at CAAMFest
April 6, 2025 | AYR is featured in Making Waves—a timely, thought-provoking documentary about how ethnic studies dramatically influenced and empowered a generation. The film is premiering at CAAMFest on May 10 at 4:00 pm at Kabuki AMC in San Francisco. Come watch the documentary premiere with us and buy tickets to the event here.
AYR Receives Generous Donation from Claire and the American River Soroptimist
April 3, 2025 | AAPI Youth Rising is honored to receive a donation from our chapter leader Claire. Claire recently won a scholarship and chose to contribute a portion of it to AYR. Claire shared in her message, “I immediately thought of AYR just purely because you guys do so much amazing things for the Asian community and me being able to work with you is such a privilege.” Her generous support, facilitated through the American River Soroptimist, is greatly appreciated and will help AYR continue our mission. Thank you, Claire, for your commitment to making a difference!