Author Archives: Jaslene Lai

February 6, 2024 | On March 11 from 1:15pm-2:30pm PST, members of AYR will have the opportunity to serve as guest speakers presenting about about our organization to Flintridge Preparatory High School’s B.R.I.D.G.E. (Belonging, Respect, Inclusion, Grounded in Equity), their school’s diversity leadership council. The presentation is scripted and over zoom, so email info@aapiyouthrising.org ASAP if you want to practice your public speaking skills!

February 6, 2024 | AYR is a proud sponsor of the 1990 Institute’s first 2024 teachers workshop, “Asian American Identity: At the Intersection of Perpetual Foreigner and Pop Culture Trendsetter”! This enlightening conversation will examine historical data from the Pew Research Center, explore the nuances of Asian American identity, dissect the influences of labels, look at the visibility and rise of Asian Americans in pop culture, and discuss how bias and appropriation affects the community. This workshop also aims to empower participants to embrace their Asian heritage and unique Asian American identity. Ideal for educators gearing up for AANHPI Heritage month, this workshop seeks to contribute to shaping a more inclusive and diverse cultural narrative. The 1990 Institute is providing a lesson plan that can be used immediately to prepare for AANHPI Heritage Month as a special resource for middle school and high school teachers who register for their workshop in addition to the wealth of resources in the 1990 Institute’s Reference Library. Speakers include Neil Ruiz (Head of New Research Initiatives at Pew Research Center), Ziyao Tian (research associate of race and ethnicity research at Pew Research Center), Jeff Yang (author of The Golden Screen: The Movies that Made Asian America and co-author of RISE: A Pop History of Asian America from the Nineties to Now), and Margaret Yee (education consultant formerly with the Asian Art Museum). Register for the teachers workshop here. We’ll see you there!

December 24, 2023 | AYR’s recent interview reached over 65+ Media outlets through Ethnic Studies Media. Check out a highlight from our conversation with other civic leaders and more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI1Qw7-npeQ.

December 1, 2023 | The spike in incidents of anti-Asian discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic sparked national conversations, but discrimination against Asian Americans is not new. Majorities of U.S. Asians say that racial issues they face get too little attention. Most Asian Americans have been subjected to ‘model minority’ stereotypes, but many haven’t heard of the term. Check out the report for more findings. This is why our lesson is important now more than ever. Stream the ONE DAY OF AAPI HISTORY Lesson here and share it with those you know, or set up a time to show it in your schools.