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This is our op-ed corner where our members write posts about their opinions, whether they are political or on current issues. Check out our blog to stay updated and follow us on Instagram @aapiyouthrising for more or our Instagram feed page!
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Disclaimer: these opinions do not represent AAPI Youth Rising’s beliefs, values, or opinions on politics, issues, and other subjects. These are simply the thoughts of the individual members who wrote these articles.
Latest Op-ed
Eloise’s Experience at the TAAF AAPI Youth Mental Health Summit
I recently attended The Asian American Foundation’s “Beyond The Surface” mental health summit in San Francisco. The purpose of the summit was to better understand mental health among Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander youth.
Hudson’s Experience at the TAAF AAPI Youth Mental Health Summit
On Saturday, November 8th, I was lucky enough to be invited to the TAAF Mental Health Summit at the Commonwealth club in San Francisco. There, we listened to many community leaders about how they have seen mental health impact their communities and also about studies that they have conducted. The project that was closest to…
Break the Silence and Address Mental Health
In the month of November, the Bay Area is hosting 2 major forums focusing on Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth’s mental health: The Asian American Foundation (TAAF)’s “Youth Mental Health Summit” and Creating Spaces’ “Tending to the Child Within”. In the lead up to these important conferences, it’s crucial to understand why these conversations…
Older Op-ed
Public Support is the Engine of Legislative Change
Change in government doesn’t only come from good intentions alone. It comes from a collective will demanding accountability and showing authority to what the public wants. In many cases, legislative bills need support from the general public to launch its potential.
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…
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.
Reclaiming Representation: Asian American Voices
When you hear the word “Asian,” what careers do you think of? Doctor. Engineer. Coder. But rarely do you hear: Artist. Filmmaker. Writer. Historian. The things that confine our Asian identities have often been shaped by stereotypes like the model minority myth, and these stereotypes encourage a narrow lens which portrays success most often through…
A Call to Action: Arizona Must Teach AANHPI History Now
In a time when anti-Asian hate continues to remain a harsh reality, we cannot afford to let history go untaught.
SB 1301 in Arizona is a bipartisan bill that would require the teaching of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) history in K–12 schools. It has already passed the Arizona Senate with support…
Today, Tomorrow and the Future: A panel discussion at USC
I represented AAPI Youth Rising (AYR) at AANHPI In Power, a panel discussion at USC on April 17. Cindy Wu (Founder of AANHPI Women in Politics) put together a panel with Mike Eng (Board Member for SGV Municipal Water District and CA Unemployment Insurance Appeals Court; Former CA Assembly member)…
Asian first, American second
Last week, I stepped foot into the Walter U. Lum Square in San Francisco, for the second time in a long while. I no longer viewed the square as a seven-year-old child overjoyed by the beat of the Lunar New Year Lion Dance drum, but as a 15-year-old Asian American teen feeling the downstream waves…
The Dismantling of DEI Programs: A Setback for AAPI Communities
The recent move by the Trump administration to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies is an alarming setback for marginalized communities. For AAPI communities specifically, DEI has been a vital part in addressing challenges they have perpetually faced, allowing for increased representation and empowering efforts to combat anti-Asian racism. Thus, dismantling…
Dumplings, Buns, and a Taste of Culture
Burgers, sandwiches, and pizza have each spent more time on my dinner table than any Chinese dish. Even a hotdog, whose taste lost its appeal to me after learning of its many health consequences, has had more presence on my plates than delicious and warm dumplings, a staple food in Chinese tradition. Though I vastly…
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…
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