Category Archives: blog

September 14, 2023 | Our partner organization, the 1990 Institute, has announced their third 2023 Teachers Workshop, called “Teaching Asian American Narratives through Literature,” on September 27 at 3:30pm PT/6:30pm ET on a transformative journey that can help teachers shape the future of education. Check out this information document for additional details about the event.

August 18, 2023 | Hawaii Statehood Day Sources: (Book) Shoal Of Time – by Gavan Daws (Video) The dark history of the overthrow of Hawaii – Sydney Iaukea: https://tinyurl.com/48b4t4a6 Photo sources: King Kalākaua – https://tinyurl.com/27esd4wj Queen Lili’uokalani – https://tinyurl.com/2s3s3r96 Hawaii Islands – https://tinyurl.com/2tvvswjj Hawaii Statehood Celebration – https://tinyurl.com/29m4d8j3 Post by: Maile Koidin

June 1, 2023 | Here are three projects the 1990 Institute, one of our partner organizations, they have been working on recently: 1. New Asian American Voices – this is one of the 1990 IG channels that highlight AA stories and contributors. Today they uplift AAPI Youth Rising and the work we all do and posted: https://www.instagram.com/newasianamericanvoices/. This is also a good resource for finding trailblazers in our community. 2. They are launching their first comedy series called ChatAAPI tomorrow morning. It will be featured on the 1990 YouTube channel. Be the first ones to watch it and give a thumbs up and comment. Here are some BTS 3. Finally, they will have their second Teachers Workshop on June 28th at 3pm. https://www.1990institute.org/. The U.S. China relationship is the most important one in our lifetimes. This workshop will explore the historical and current tensions between the U.S. and China and how they have shaped the complex relationship between the two countries, which impacts the entire global community. Their esteemed panel of experts will provide insights into the differing positions of both countries and how they can coexist moving forward.

Our IT Director Jaslene was recently interviewed for a CNN article called “Kids aren’t always taught AAPI history in schools. These people are trying to change that” by Natasha Chen, where she discussed the importance of inclusive education in public schools. We appreciate the honor of being featured in this wonderful article!

May 26, 2023 | The presentation was really fun, (mostly because I was doing it to much older kids than me) the only thing I had a problem with was that I didn’t get that many lines to read. I also liked that it wasn’t with people that I totally didn’t know. If it was with other kids (other than my grade) I would’ve been too scared/nervous to do it. Some of the kids didn’t know what the answers were to some of the questions. I learned some things too like what the Model Minority myth was. I also thought that the presentation was really cool, and we got a lot of focus.

May 25, 2023 | Teaching the AYR lesson was cool. I got to teach it to the classes in 5th grade at my school. Getting to present for the first time with familiar faces was helpful training, so I would know what to expect in other schools. The lesson itself was cool to present especially because I got to learn some stuff that I didn’t know before presenting. I got to learn about income disparity which I thought was interesting. The model minority myth I did not know a lot about, and I got to learn why it’s bad, what it is, and why it was made. I also did not know about the perpetual foreigner myth. The lesson plan was great and I think that the lesson was very well done.

May 22, 2023 | Throughout my involvement in the AAPI State Council and as an active leader of AAPI Youth Rising, I have advocated for the recognition and celebration of AAPI heritage in my school during AAPI Heritage Month in May. This year, the theme is “Advancing Leaders Through Opportunity.” To achieve this goal, I have taken several significant steps. First, I have conducted multiple AAPI History presentations in various classes. These presentations aim to educate fellow students about the rich history, culture, and contributions of the AAPI community. By sharing these important stories, I hope to increase awareness and promote a deeper understanding of the experiences and struggles faced by AAPI individuals. Additionally, I felt the need for a dedicated space where AAPI students can come together, celebrate their cultural identities, and address the underrepresentation of AAPI voices. Consequently, I took the initiative to establish an AAPI Club at my school. This club serves as a supportive platform, empowering AAPI students to express themselves, share their experiences, and advocate for increased awareness and representation. Motivated by my personal experiences as an Asian American and a strong desire to address the awareness of AAPI Heritage within the school district, I took the proactive step of scheduling an appointment with the superintendent to further discuss the importance of dedicating One Day of AAPI heritage in May throughout the entire district. I believe that by highlighting the significance of this event and its potential impact on fostering inclusivity and cultural understanding, we can garner support and facilitate its implementation. As part of my advocacy efforts, I will present my proposal to the school board. By emphasizing the value of dedicating One Day to AAPI awareness, I hope to demonstrate the positive effects it can have on the educational environment, promoting diversity, and empowering AAPI students to become leaders within the community. In addition to my other endeavors, I collaborated with the Multicultural Committee at my school to organize and coordinate the multicultural showcase for students to proudly present and share their diverse cultural heritage and history. We provided students with a unique opportunity to showcase their cultural identities through a variety of performances, from traditional dances to music, poetry, and storytelling, followed by a captivating fashion show featuring diverse traditional attire. It was an unforgettable experience that not only celebrated our differences but also highlighted the shared humanity that unites us all. Through these actions, I aspire to contribute to the broader goal of promoting AAPI awareness and representation. Together, through my passion, dedication and willingness to advocate for AAPI heritage, we can create a more inclusive and equitable school environment for all. Proud to be an Asian American! – Emma Yu