Friday, December 29, 2017

Hawai'i Deep Beauty and Volcanic Power reading 2013 | Ann Arbor District Library

I just found this video from a reading I did at the Ann Arbor District Library in 2013 with Tom Peek, Catherine Robbins, June Tanoe, Susan Najita. I have no memory of discovering it before... (I'm at the 29:19 mark)
Hawai'i: Deep Beauty and Volcanic Power

Catherine Robbins | Ann Arbor District Library
Update: AADL updated their website. Watching to see if link returns.


Wednesday, December 20, 2017

WCC field trip to Chinese restaurant

My Chinese food class at WCC went on a field trip tonight to my favorite Chinese restaurant, so delicious. Do you need the cliff notes?

TK WU | Fine Chinese Cuisine

Chinese Food: Customs and Culture - Washtenaw Community College Division of Economic & Community Development

Next time:

Chinese Food: Custom & Culture - Frances Kai-Hwa Wang

Thursday, January 18, 2018, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, Salem-South Lyon District Library
Free but registration required.
Explore the customs, traditions, and stories surrounding Chinese food and festivals. What do Chinese people eat at Chinese New Year and why? How do you put together a Chinese meal and what counts as good Chinese table manners? What role did Chinese restaurants play in American immigration history? Where were fortune cookies invented? And who is General Tso and why are we eating his chicken?

Monday, December 18, 2017

After 10 years, play about internment resister finds new relevance

My article for NBC Asian America re Jeanne Sakata's play, "Hold These Truths"
“There’s a line in the play where Gordon says, ‘And I’ll say it again, ancestry is not a crime.’ And never more than right now do we need to hear those words.”
After 10 years, play about internment resister finds new relevance

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

WCC snow day

Chinese Food Culture and Customs class tonight postponed until next week, same time same place. Washtenaw Community College just announced that all classes and activities today after 5pm are cancelled due to snowy conditions.

Saturday, December 9, 2017

Essay: Carrying Our Courage, From Immigrant Stories to Refugee Stories

just found out my essays are being taught in a university creative nonfiction class (and I thought I needed to take a creative nonfiction class lol) so fun to see the student responses to this essay from two years ago https://www.nbcnews.com/…/essay-carrying-our-courage-immigr… thanks!

Essay: Carrying Our Courage, From Immigrant Stories to Refugee Stories

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

WCC Field trip to Chinese grocery store

My Chinese food class at WCC went on a field trip tonight to a local Chinese grocery store, so much fun! Next week: Field trip to my favorite Chinese restaurant

Chinese Food: Customs and Culture - Washtenaw Community College Division of Economic & Community Development

Next time:

Chinese Food: Custom & Culture - Frances Kai-Hwa Wang

Thursday, January 18, 2018, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, Salem-South Lyon District Library
Free but registration required.
Explore the customs, traditions, and stories surrounding Chinese food and festivals. What do Chinese people eat at Chinese New Year and why? How do you put together a Chinese meal and what counts as good Chinese table manners? What role did Chinese restaurants play in American immigration history? Where were fortune cookies invented? And who is General Tso and why are we eating his chicken?

Sunday, December 3, 2017

ACA High School Scholarship Awards Banquet

Keynote speaker tonight, December 3, 2017, at the Association of Chinese Americans High School Scholarship Awards Banquet, Chinese Cultural Center, Madison Heights, MI

Will be talking about superheroes!

Thursday, November 30, 2017

'America Is in the Heart': Smithsonian video spotlights U.S.'s immigrant history

My article for NBC Asian America

“Given the times we live in, I wanted to revisit Bulosan this way because we can all use a reminder that there have been other tough times in America, and we have persevered and become stronger as a people, and as a nation.” Thanks Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
'America Is in the Heart': Smithsonian video spotlights U.S.'s immigrant history

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Writing to Change the World - Washtenaw Community College Division of Economic & Community Development

Writing to Change the World is on for this Saturday at Washtenaw Community College Continuing Education Come write with me in this last class of 2017 and get ready to change the world in 2018! Only a few spaces left, register now!Writing to Change the World - Washtenaw Community College Division of Economic & Community Development

Monday, November 27, 2017

Chinese Food: Customs and Culture - Washtenaw Community College Division of Economic & Community Development

My Chinese food class at WCC starting this Wed and running for 3 consecutive Wed nights. First night in the classroom, second night a field trip to a local Chinese grocery store, third night a field trip to my favorite local Chinese restaurant. Register now! A few spaces left!

Chinese Food: Customs and Culture - Washtenaw Community College Division of Economic & Community Development

Sunday, November 26, 2017

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Monday, November 20, 2017

In San Francisco's Chinatown, community building starts with a turkey in every oven

My article for NBC Asian America about the great work Rev. Norman Fong and Chinatown Community Development Center are doing
“We’re trying to build the ‘Beloved Community’ here....Key to that is bridge building. It’s not just turkeys.”
In San Francisco's Chinatown, community building starts with a turkey in every oven

Sunday, November 19, 2017

Rebecca Solnit: Let This Flood of Women's Stories Never Cease | Literary Hub

Write your stories:



"Patriarchy kills off stories and women to maintain its power. If you’re a woman, this stuff shapes you; it scars you, it tells you you are worthless, no one, voiceless, that this is not a world in which you are safe or equal or free. That your life is something someone else may steal from you, even a complete stranger, just because you’re a woman. And that society will look the other way most of the time, or blame you, this society that is itself a system of punishment for being a woman. Silence over these things is its default setting, the silence feminism has been striving to break, and is breaking."



Rebecca Solnit: Let This Flood of Women's Stories Never Cease | Literary Hub

Monday, November 13, 2017

I am not your brown reporter

Just discovering Philadelphia's The Inquirer columnist Helen Ubiñas--Love this essay! Look forward to meeting and speaking on a panel with her at University of Connecticut soon!
I am not your brown reporter

more from Nieman
Why We Need More Visual Journalists and Editors of Color - Nieman Reports

Saturday, November 11, 2017

"Upcoming" page updated with new upcoming talks!

Updated 11/13/2017

Keynote speaker
Association of Chinese Americans High School Scholarship Awards Banquet
Chinese Cultural Center, Madison Heights, MI
Sunday, December 3, 2017, 6:00 pm

Korematsu Day programs
University of Michigan Law School Asian Pacific American Law Students Assn (APALSA)
University of Michigan Law School, Ann Arbor
Tuesday, January 30, 2018, 12:00 pm

Exploring Chinese Food Culture and Customs
Salem-South Lyon District Library
Thursday, January 18, 2018, 7:00-8:30 pm

Ann Arbor Chinese Center of Michigan
Chinese Lunar New Year program
Saturday, February 3, 2018, 3:30 pm, Washtenaw Community College Morris Lawrence Building

Chinese Lunar New Year program
Saturday, February 3, 2018, 2:00-3:00, Ypsilanti District Library

Keynote speaker
Carleton College Asian Students in America (ASIA) Lunar New Year program
Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota
Saturday, February 17, 2018, 5:00 pm (date may change)

Minneapolis/St. Paul friends! Invite me to speak the weekend of Feb 17!

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Saturday, November 4, 2017

Creative Writing Classes today at WCC!

Teaching "Writing from the Heart" this Sat at WCC, an all-day intensive writer's workshop. A few spaces left, come along or send your friends. A

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Pacific News Service dba New America Media Announces Closure of Organization - New America Media

oh no, so sad, the end of an era. so many people got their start at New America Media. Thanks Sandy Close for everything all these years (and shout outs to all the good friends made there too)

Pacific News Service dba New America Media Announces Closure of Organization - New America Media

If you're interested, hurry and read my columns on the Ethnoblog while they are still there

Friday, October 27, 2017

Fashion, faith and culture come together through the global art of head wrapping | Public Radio International

My first article for PRI Public Radio International Global Nation about the great Zarinah El-Amin Naeem Beautifully Wrapped & The Headwrap Expo this weekend! (and listen to Zarinah on The World later today!)
“There’s a real feeling when you go to the expo, that it’s fashion, it’s culture, it’s fun, it’s beautiful, and everything, but there is really something deeper going on.”

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Friday, October 13, 2017

She Was Told Internment Didn't Happen. Now, Her Family's Story Is in School Books. - NBC News

My article for NBC Asian America

“To have that shut down and then go through the rest of my education without it ever being taught just felt like, ‘oh this is so wrong,’” Yamasaki said. “And I know that this is not exclusive to Japanese-American history."
She Was Told Internment Didn't Happen. Now, Her Family's Story Is in School Books. - NBC News

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

How-to Drape Archive - The Sari SeriesThe Sari Series

i could watch these all day--Border&Fall's Sari Series, a digital anthology of India's regional sari drapes with 80 how-to videos--despite embarrassing flashbacks to how short I used to hike up my sari in KTM so that I could mountain bike to the city

How-to Drape Archive - The Sari SeriesThe Sari Series

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Creative Writing Classes at WCC this Sat and this term

"Finding your voice" one day intensive writing workshop and "continuing writers' workshop" (New--6 Saturdays over 3 months) are a go this weekend at WCC, there are just a few spaces left, come write with me and tell your friends!

Creative Writing Classes - Washtenaw Community College Division of Economic & Community Development

Friday, September 22, 2017

2017-STATE-HISTORY-AWARDS-PRESENTED-IN-HOLLAND-MICHIGAN.pdf

Hey look, I won an award from the Historical Society of Michigan in 2017
Best Article in Michigan History Magazine—“Vincent Chin: A Catalyst for the Asian-American Civil Rights Movement” by Frances Kai-Hwa Wang of Ann Arbor
2017-STATE-HISTORY-AWARDS-PRESENTED-IN-HOLLAND-MICHIGAN.pdf

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Chinese 1 at WCC starts tonight!

Come join the fun!
Chinese 1 Language and Culture class
8 sessions, Wednesdays, Sept 20-Nov 8, 6:00-8:30 pm, Washtenaw Community College
wccnet.edu for info

Sunday, September 10, 2017

Fall classes WCC

Register Now! My fall 2017 classes at Washtenaw Community College

Chinese 1 Language and Culture class
8 sessions, Wednesdays, Sept 27-Nov 8, 6:00-8:30 pm, Washtenaw Community College

Finding your Voice writing workshop
Saturday, October 7, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, Washtenaw Community College

Continuing Writing Workshop
5 sessions every other Saturday, Oct 7, Oct 21, Nov 4, Nov 18, Dec 2, 3:30 - 5:30 pm, Washtenaw Community College
  
Jumpstart your Memoir writing workshop
Saturday, October 21, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, Washtenaw Community College

Writing from the Heart writing workshop
Saturday, November 4, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, Washtenaw Community College

Chinese Food: Customs and Culture 
Wednesdays, November 29, December 6, December 13, 3 sessions, Washtenaw Community College

Writing to Change the World writing workshop
Saturday, December 2, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, Washtenaw Community College

See http://www.franceskaihwawang.com/p/upcoming.html for Winter 2018 classes and speaking.

Sunday, August 20, 2017

I AM A WARRIOR by OaklandAsianCC - issuu

Found this zine while cleaning my desk (ok the dinner table) to try to do taxes (again), check out my photograph, "On the Volcano," on page 18, from 2015.

I AM A WARRIOR by OaklandAsianCC - issuu

Saturday, August 19, 2017

Today Jumpstart your college application essay at WCC

Sorry, this course has been cancelled.

Today
Jumpstart your college application essay
Saturday, August 19 and 26, 1:00-4:00 pm, Washtenaw Community College

Sunday, August 13, 2017

Upcoming fall writing classes at WCC

Register Now! My fall 2017 classes at Washtenaw Community College

Chinese 1 Language and Culture class
8 sessions, Wednesdays, Sept 27-Nov 8, 6:00-8:30 pm, Washtenaw Community College

Finding your Voice writing workshop
Saturday, October 7, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, Washtenaw Community College

Continuing Writing Workshop
5 sessions every other Saturday, Oct 7, Oct 21, Nov 4, Nov 18, Dec 2, 3:30 - 5:30 pm, Washtenaw Community College
  
Jumpstart your Memoir writing workshop
Saturday, October 21, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, Washtenaw Community College

Writing from the Heart writing workshop
Saturday, November 4, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, Washtenaw Community College

Chinese Food: Customs and Culture 
Wednesdays, November 29, December 6, December 13, 3 sessions, Washtenaw Community College

Writing to Change the World writing workshop
Saturday, December 2, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, Washtenaw Community College

See http://www.franceskaihwawang.com/p/upcoming.html for Winter 2018 classes and speaking.

Jumpstart your college application essay writing class at WCC

Jumpstart your college application essay
Saturday, August 19 and 26, 1:00-4:00 pm, Washtenaw Community College

Friday, August 4, 2017

Essay: Five Years After Oak Creek, Caring for Loved Ones Is the Important Work - NBC News

my essay for nbc asian america
Aug. 5 will be the fifth anniversary of the mass shooting at the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, by a man with reported ties to white supremacist organizations, killing six people and injuring several more....This year, I am particularly moved by the stories about a son who, five years later, is still flying to Oak Creek once a month to take care of his father who was paralyzed in the shooting. Although we remember the one day, it is too easy for some of us a little further away to forget how the impact continues for the individuals and the families every day.
Essay: Five Years After Oak Creek, Caring for Loved Ones Is the Important Work - NBC News

Friday, July 28, 2017

Aiding the Writing-Stalled Professor - The Chronicle of Higher Education

Aiding the Writing-Stalled Professor - The Chronicle of Higher Education

How to Write | Step 1: Sit Down — cookNscribble

How to Write | Step 1: Sit Down — cookNscribble

Being Busy Permanently Reduces Your Capacity to Think Deeply and Creatively | Big Think

Being Busy Permanently Reduces Your Capacity to Think Deeply and Creatively | Big Think

Don't Make Yourself the Hero of Your Own Story | Literary Hub

Don't Make Yourself the Hero of Your Own Story | Literary Hub

Literary Style and the Lessons of Memoir | The New Yorker

Literary Style and the Lessons of Memoir | The New Yorker

My Last Day as a Surgeon | The New Yorker

My Last Day as a Surgeon | The New Yorker

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Understanding Poetry Is More Straightforward Than You Think - The New York Times

Understanding Poetry Is More Straightforward Than You Think - The New York Times

50 Creative Nonfiction Prompts Guaranteed to Inspire - Bookfox

50 Creative Nonfiction Prompts Guaranteed to Inspire - Bookfox

Teaching today at UHH: CreativeNonfiction

Creative Nonfiction Flyer

Creative Nonfiction is one of the most popular genres of writing right now and encompasses many forms, including essay, journal article, research paper, memoir, poem, prose. The key to creative nonfiction is the use of literary techniques to tell nonfiction stories in a way that is dramatic and compelling. We will try several different techniques and styles in order to find the best way to tell our stories, to make them personal and to make them memorable. Bring a notebook and pen.

University of Hawaii Hilo, Tues 7/11 and 7/18, 5-7:30 pm

Thursday, July 6, 2017

Teaching today "Writing from the heart"

Writing from the Heart begins today at UHH

The most powerful writing comes from the heart. What do you care about? What inspires you? What is special in your life? Write about the people and things that matter to you. Write to touch, inspire, move, persuade, and provoke readers. Write with emotion, write with spirit. Write from your own truest self to help others find theirs. This course explores the kind of writing that changes people, oneself included. And it begins honestly, one word, one day at a time. Short writing exercises, tips and tricks, including creating a safe space for writing, writing every day, reading aloud, overcoming barriers to writing, taking chances with emotion and humor, techniques to inspire and persuade, writing to find our own truest self. Bring a notebook and pen.

University of Hawaii Hilo, three Thursdays in July, beginning today, July 6 from 5-7:30pm at UH Hilo's University Classroom Building (UCB) Room 104.

Register now! WritingfromtheHeart

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Who Is Vincent Chin? The History and Relevance of a 1982 Killing - NBC News

A Vincent Chin Syllabus of sorts--a collection of films and articles to learn more, at NBC Asian America:
“People forget. It’s been a long time ago. A whole generation has passed. It’s ancient history to them," Zia said.

“The Vincent Chin case forced Asian Americans into the civil rights discourse,” Roland Hwang co-founder and former president of American Citizens for Justice told NBC News. “The Vincent Chin case transformed a biracial discussion on race relations to be a multiracial one. So the Vincent Chin case, along with other cases, each serve as a wakeup call to address anti-Asian bias and racial intolerance.”
Who Is Vincent Chin? The History and Relevance of a 1982 Killing - NBC News

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Looking forward to summer! Summer writing classes 2017

Summer 2017 writing classes

Writing from the Heart, University of Hawaii Hilo
July 6-20, Thursdays, 5-7:30pm, 3 classes, $70, Min 8/Max 30

Introduction to Creative Nonfiction, University of Hawaii Hilo
July 11-18, Tuesdays, 5-7:30pm, 2 classes, $55, Min 8/Max 30

Additional writing classes?

Writing Narrative Essays
Thursday August 10, 2017, 1-3?, Chelsea District Library

Jumpstart your college application essay
Saturday, August 19 and 26, 1:00-4:00 pm, Washtenaw Community College

See http://www.franceskaihwawang.com/p/upcoming.html for Fall 2017 and Winter 2018 classes and speaking.

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Upcoming Fall 2017 classes

Register Now! My fall 2017 classes at Washtenaw Community College

Chinese 1 Language and Culture class
8 sessions, Wednesdays, Sept 27-Nov 8, 6:00-8:30 pm, Washtenaw Community College

Finding your Voice writing workshop
Saturday, October 7, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, Washtenaw Community College

Continuing Writing Workshop
5 sessions every other Saturday, Oct 7, Oct 21, Nov 4, Nov 18, Dec 2, 3:30 - 5:30 pm, Washtenaw Community College
  
Jumpstart your Memoir writing workshop
Saturday, October 21, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, Washtenaw Community College

Writing from the Heart writing workshop
Saturday, November 4, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, Washtenaw Community College

Chinese Food: Customs and Culture 
Wednesdays, November 29, December 6, December 13, 3 sessions, Washtenaw Community College

Writing to Change the World writing workshop
Saturday, December 2, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, Washtenaw Community College

See http://www.franceskaihwawang.com/p/upcoming.html for Summer 2017 and Winter 2018 classes and speaking.

Monday, June 12, 2017

Winter 2018 tentative schedule

Winter 2018

Asian/ Pacific Islander Americans and Civil Rights Law
University of Michigan Department of American Culture
Winter semester 2018

Chinese 1 Language and Culture class
8 sessions, Wednesdays, 6:00-8:30 pm, Washtenaw Community College
Jan 31-March 21, 2018

Korematsu Day programs
January 2018

Dare to Dream
Saturday, January 20, 2018, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, Washtenaw Community College

Finding your Voice, Writing with Style
Saturday, February 3, 2018, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, Washtenaw Community College

Chinese Lunar New Year programs
February 2018

Jumpstart your Memoir
2 Saturdays, March 3 and 17, 2018, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, Washtenaw Community College

Continuing Writing Workshop
4 sessions every other Saturday, Mar 3, Mar 17, April 7, Apr 213:30 - 5:30 pm, Washtenaw Community College

Finding your Voice--Food and Family
Saturday, April 7, 2018, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, Washtenaw Community College

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month programs
April-May 2018

Finding your Voice--Family and Culture
Saturday, May 5, 2018, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, Washtenaw Community College

Finding your Voice, Writing with Style
Saturday, June 2, 2018, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, Washtenaw Community College

See http://www.franceskaihwawang.com/p/upcoming.html for Summer and Fall 2017 classes and speaking.

Monday, June 5, 2017

Remembering Vincent Chin website new url

Small mishap with the Remembering Vincent Chin url.

You can still access the blog from this webpage by clicking the button above.

But RememberingVincentChin.com has been highjacked and no longer works.

UPDATE: For now, I've recovered the content and moved it to RememberingVincentChin.blogspot.com. (Note that original links from way back may not work any more). I will keep it as a resource and archive, but I probably won't maintain it any more.

Remembering Vincent Chin

Saturday, June 3, 2017

Monday, May 29, 2017

Essay: Beyond Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, There Are Still More Stories to Tell - NBC News

my Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM) essay for NBC Asian America
"Despite model minority myth stereotypes, the AAPI community is wonderfully diverse with differences of ethnicity, language, class, education, income, geography, employment, religion, health insurance, chopsticks or spoons, although we often have to fight to disaggregate the data to see it. At the same time, there is a lot of generic negative rhetoric against immigrants, refugees, Muslims, people of color, and the undocumented that does not even try to differentiate one from another. So this year, it is even more important than ever to tell our stories, to look to see who is missing, and to stand up for all our communities." 
Essay: Beyond Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, There Are Still More Stories to Tell - NBC News

Ann Arbor Memorial Day Parade

Ann Arbor's oldest neighborhood parade is Monday at 10 a.m. http://annarborobserver.com/calendar/170529.html#event382542

Since 1968! My article from Ann Arbor Observer

Sunday, May 28, 2017

Saturday, May 27, 2017

Vincent Chin: A 35th Year Remembrance on Saturday, June 24, 2017, Michigan



We remember Vincent Chin, the 27-year old Asian American who was beaten to death in 1982, and whose death led to civil rights trials, and the beginning of an Asian American civil rights and victims rights movement right here in the Detroit area.

On Saturday, June 24, 2017, Association of Chinese Americans and American Citizens for Justice/Asian American Center for Justice host Vincent Chin: A 35th Year Remembrance at the Chinese Community Center, 32585 Concord Drive, Madison Heights, MI 48071.  The program starts at 9 am with the movie "Vincent Who?". The movie's director Curtis Chin will comment and have Q&A.  A panel at 10 am includes Carolyn Chin Watson, Kendall Kosai of OCA National, Steve Spreitzer of Michigan Roundtable for Diversity & Inclusion, and Agustin Arbulu, Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, followed by remarks of Pastor Andrew Cheng, and lunch.  A gravesite visit takes place at 1 pm, weather permitting.

The Vincent Chin Remembrance is supported by the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity & Inclusion, Michigan Department of Civil Rights, Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission, Council of Asian Pacific Americans, and Chinese Association of Greater Detroit.

Please spread the word about this event among your contacts and networks.

The event is free.  For more information, and to rsvp, please call ACA at (313) 831-1790 or (248) 585-9343.

Saturday, May 6, 2017

Today Writing from the Heart writing class

Course Cancelled:
Today
Writing from the Heart
Sat., May 6, 2017, 9:30-3:30, Washtenaw Community College

Next
Writing with Style
Saturday June 3, 2017, 9:30-3:30, Washtenaw Community College

Sunday, April 30, 2017

Writing from the Heart writing class at WCC

Course Cancelled:
Writing from the Heart
Sat., May 6, 2017, 9:30-3:30, Washtenaw Community College

Next Course:
Writing with Style
Saturday June 3, 2017, 9:30-3:30, Washtenaw Community College

Thursday, April 13, 2017

New Justice Department Group to Track Hate Crimes Amid Growing Attacks - NBC News

my article for NBC Asian America
"DOJ was right to establish a hate crime subcommittee, but it remains to be seen whether this initiative will be fully resourced and fully protective of all Americans, including immigrants, religious minorities, and LGBT communities," Rajdeep Singh Jolly, interim managing program director of The Sikh Coalition, told NBC News. "Anything less would be tokenism."
New Justice Department Group to Track Hate Crimes Amid Growing Attacks - NBC News

Sikh Americans Launch Ad Campaign That Looks to Push Back on Hate - NBC News

my article for NBC Asian America
"'We Are Sikhs' is an effort to raise the awareness of the Sikh religion, including explaining and demystifying the significance of the turban," Shawn Singh Ghuman, National Sikh Campaign communications director, told NBC News. "The initiative will utilize tested television advertisements, an innovative website, targeted digital and social outreach, and most importantly, local grassroots events to affect change."
Sikh Americans Launch Ad Campaign That Looks to Push Back on Hate - NBC News

Sunday, April 9, 2017

Matwaala South Asian Poetry Festival April 27, 2017

Just confirmed! that Ravi Shankar and I will be reading (premiering/debuting) "A Suggestion of Salt" at the Matwaala South Asian Poetry Festival, April 27, 2017, at Asian American Writers' Workshop (AAWW). Hope to see you there!

Friday, April 7, 2017

Documentary Follows Domestic Violence Survivor Who Escaped Through the Circus - NBC News

my article for nbc asian america
"As a victim myself, I know that this problem is rooted deeply in the Mongolian culture," Haltarhuu told NBC News. "By using the circus as a way to bring the remote nomadic herders together, I am trying to change this culture by reaching especially the younger generation; for them to hear that abuse is not right, and that it is in fact illegal."
Documentary Follows Domestic Violence Survivor Who Escaped Through the Circus - NBC News

GenAPA Culture Show 2017 Friday

Image may contain: text

Friday April 7, 2017 at Umich!

GenAPA Culture Show 2017: commUNITY

Also
Speaking at MAASU this Sat., April 8, 2017 at umich!

MAASU Spring Conference 2017 - Home

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Getty, MuslimGirl Partner To Diversify Images of Muslim Women - NBC News

my article for nbc asian america
"One of the ways I open up my talks is by asking the audience to search 'Muslim women' images on their phone browsers, which is always met with their awe at the unsettling results," Amani Al-Khatahtbeh, founder and editor-in-chief of MuslimGirl.com, said in a statement. "I don't want to be able to use that example anymore."
Getty, MuslimGirl Partner To Diversify Images of Muslim Women - NBC News

Saturday, April 1, 2017

Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) watchdog workshop

No automatic alt text available.
FOIA, FERPA, HPPA, and fun with data et al at the Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) watchdog workshop at MSU today <3 span="">

Friday, March 31, 2017

Stereotype-Defying Princess Project Expansion Takes Stories From Page to Stage - NBC News

my article for nbc asian america
"We have an exciting new platform coming out this spring 2017 — the musical theater version of 'Princess Ten Ten and the Dark Skies,' our mixed ethnicity (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) and gender non-conforming wind master superhero," Setsu Shigematsu, co-founder of the project, told NBC News. "As she fights air pollution, her story also addresses the issue of bullying of gender non-conforming kids."
Stereotype-Defying Princess Project Expansion Takes Stories From Page to Stage - NBC News

Cha: An Asian Literary Journal - Secret Crush

Image may contain: outdoor

What do you do when you have a secret crush? Write and publish it in an international journal, doesn't everyone? (Oh no, what have I done?!) thanks Cha: An Asian Literary Journal for publishing my "secret crush," written in those days of anxiety following the election http://www.asiancha.com/content/view/2647/606/So excited to see "Secret Crush" (Creative Nonfiction) just out at Cha!

Cha: An Asian Literary Journal - Secret Crush

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Speaking at University of Bridgeport on Asian American Media: Stereotypes and Resistance

Speaking at University of Bridgeport on Asian American Media: Stereotypes and Resistance
Thursday March 30, 2017
Thanks to Dean Manyul Im!

Image may contain: text
Image may contain: 1 person, smiling, standing

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Alex Tizon, Award Winning Journalist and Author, Dead at 57 - NBC News

my article for nbc asian america
"Alex was an artist and a quiet force, my mentor and friend," UOSOJC journalism instructor Lisa Heyamoto said in a statement. "His passing is a loss for us all."
Alex Tizon, Award Winning Journalist and Author, Dead at 57 - NBC News

Friday, March 24, 2017

Writing from the Heart this summer at UHH

Prepping a new course for this summer at UHH.

Writing from the Heart

The most powerful writing comes from the heart. What do you care about? What inspires you? What is special in your life? Write about the people and things that matter to you. Write to touch, inspire, move, persuade, and provoke readers. Write with emotion, write with spirit. Write from your own truest self to help others find theirs. This course explores the kind of writing that changes people, oneself included. And it begins honestly, one word, one day at a time. Short writing exercises, tips and tricks, including creating a safe space for writing, writing every day, reading aloud, overcoming barriers to writing, taking chances with emotion and humor, techniques to inspire and persuade, writing to find our own truest self. Bring a notebook and pen.

July 6-27, Thursdays, 5-7:30pm, 4 classes, $70, Min 8/Max 30

also bringing back
Introduction to Creative Nonfiction

Creative Nonfiction is one of the most popular genres of writing right now and encompasses many forms, including essay, journal article, research paper, memoir, poem, prose. The key to creative nonfiction is the use of literary techniques to tell nonfiction stories in a way that is dramatic and compelling. We will try several different techniques and styles in order to find the best way to tell our stories, to make them personal and to make them memorable. Bring a notebook and pen.

July 11-25, Tuesdays, 5-7:30pm, 3 classes, $55, Min 8/Max 30

some extra inspiration: http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/writing-from-the-heart

Thursday, March 23, 2017

New Lawyers for Teen Convicted of Homicide Call for New Trial - NBC News

my article for nbc asian america
"Our belief is that — although Mr. Kronenwetter had a very good reputation, and I know he cares very much for Dylan, and he was quite tearful at sentencing — we have found things that show that the outcome of the trial should not have had that result if it had been fully litigated," Hertel told NBC News.
New Lawyers for Teen Convicted of Homicide Call for New Trial - NBC News

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

"speak and speak again" anthology

Excited to get the proof for the "speak and speak again" anthology coming out soon from pact press as fundraiser for southern poverty law center

Image may contain: text

Sunday, March 19, 2017

the haircut aunties

i let the haircut aunties have their way with me (omg, bangs!!!) "Are you going to New York to see your boyfriend or to catch a new boyfriend?"

Saturday, March 18, 2017

Finding Your Voice writing class at WCC today

Finding Your Voice 1-day intensive writing workshop today

Where can writers learn to improve their craft and receive that all-important feedback? In a creative writing class, of course! Through the guidance of an experienced writer and in the company of similar aspiring writers, gain that much-needed practice and thoughtful, constructive critique in a genial but structured environment.
https://washtenaw.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&int_class_id=11541&int_category_id=3&int_sub_category_id=49&int_catalog_id=1

Friday, March 17, 2017

Vigil for victims of hate crimes held on steps of Rackham | The Michigan Daily

Speaking at a candlelight vigil for hate crime victims last night at Rackham

Vigil for victims of hate crimes held on steps of Rackham | The Michigan Daily

Hawaiian Language Revival Used as Model for Other Indigenous Languages - NBC News

my article for nbc asian america

"The Pūnana Leo preschools continue until today based on the simple rule: If you speak only in Hawaiian to the children, they will begin to speak it back to you," Larry Kimura, associate professor of Hawaiian language and Hawaiian studies at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, told NBC News.
Hawaiian Language Revival Used as Model for Other Indigenous Languages - NBC News

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Government Scientist Fired After Dropped Spying Charges Petitions for Reinstatement - NBC News

my article for nbc asian america
"[Sherry Chen] has been courageous in continuing to fight and seek fairness and justice against a system that first wrongfully accused her of betraying her country without credible evidence and proof of intent, and then wrongfully terminated her from a job [in which] she actually protects American lives and properties for the same made-up justifications," Jeremy Wu, a trustee of the Sherry Chen Legal Defense Fund, told NBC News.
Government Scientist Fired After Dropped Spying Charges Petitions for Reinstatement - NBC News

Monday, March 13, 2017

Turning 30, Asian-American Arts Nonprofit Prepares for Its Busiest Season Yet - NBC News

my article for nbc asian america
"Our 30th continues to be a work in progress, as our work has been throughout its tenure," Francis Wong, AIR co-founder and creative director, told NBC News. "Rather than have a single celebration, we have chosen to merely make this one of our most memorable years by having perhaps our busiest season yet doing the work."
Turning 30, Asian-American Arts Nonprofit Prepares for Its Busiest Season Yet - NBC News

Sunday, March 12, 2017

Chinese Food: Customs and Culture at WCC starting soon

Update: Course Cancelled

Register now
Chinese Food: Customs and Culture 
Wednesday 3/22/2017-4/12/2017, 4 sessions, Washtenaw Community College

Check out Courses - Washtenaw Community College Division of Economic & Community Development

Finding your Voice at WCC starting soon

Register now
Finding your Voice
Saturday 3/18/2017, Washtenaw Community College

Where can writers learn to improve their craft and receive that all-important feedback? In a creative writing class, of course! Through the guidance of an experienced writer and in the company of similar aspiring writers, gain that much-needed practice and thoughtful, constructive critique in a genial but structured environment.

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Deportation to Cambodia Halted for 'Minnesota 8' Refugee - NBC News

my article for NBC Asian America
"I am happy to be back home with my family and am moved by the love and support of the community," Nin said in a statement. "My family and I went through a lot these past six months and my heart breaks for those who continue to be separated from their families. I know there is still more work to be done, and I want to help keep families together."
Deportation to Cambodia Halted for 'Minnesota 8' Refugee - NBC News

Super Bowl Grant Brings First U.S. Courts for Southeast Asian Sport to Minnesota - NBC News

my article for nbc asian america

"With changing demographics in Minnesota, it is most fitting that the City of St. Paul's Park and Recreation Department change its field usage to accommodate the changing needs of the community," Lee Pao Xiong, director of the Center for Hmong Studies at St. Paul's Concordia University and chair of Sepak Takraw of USA, told NBC News. "Since St. Paul has the largest urbanized Hmong population in the United States, and a large and growing Karen population, it is most fitting that we start this movement here in this city."
Super Bowl Grant Brings First U.S. Courts for Southeast Asian Sport to Minnesota - NBC News

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Six Asian-American Memoirs to Read for Women's History Month - NBC News

my article for NBC Asian America
"I wrote it from a place of empathy and trying to understand my parents as human beings rather than as just my parents," Bui told NBC News in March. "I'm hoping that translates to readers. This political discourse around immigration is so divisive, and I'm hoping that this story and where it was made from will remind people just to empathize. They're human beings just like everybody else and I hope that will cut through and remind people that these are human beings we're talking about, not "others."
Six Asian-American Memoirs to Read for Women's History Month - NBC News