Saturday, December 14, 2019

WCC Ethical Wills: Writing a Love Letter to Your Family

Today! "Ethical Wills: Writing a Love Letter to Your Family"
Saturday, Dec 14, 2019, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, at Washtenaw Community College

Traditional wills distill our lives to a balance sheet of assets and liabilities, but they do not fully capture the legacy of our values and experiences, the hopes and dreams that we want to pass down to our loved ones. Learn about ethical wills, or legacy letters, and begin writing a love letter to your family to share now and treasure forever. Families with young children, as well as parents of grown children or grandparents, will appreciate the value of this class.

Thursday, December 12, 2019

WCC Chinese Winter Soups 12/12/2019

Chinese Winter Soups, Dixboro Church, Today! Thursday Dec 12, 2019

Fight the cold (and colds) of winter with warm soups and stews that quickly and lightly cook fresh seasonal vegetables to preserve freshness and nutrition. Learn the basic stir-fry technique and its history developed in Chinese cuisine. Learn how to use color, texture and shape to improvise Chinese dishes. All dishes can be made vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free.
https://washtenaw.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&int_class_id=27181&int_category_id=30&int_sub_category_id=195&int_catalog_id=0

Monday, December 9, 2019

Thanks for coming to "Asian American History and Heroes"

Thanks to everyone for coming out to "Asian American History and Heroes for the next generation" (with extra credit for Huron HS Ms. Jones' APUSH class!) at Ann Arbor Chinese School - 密西根安娜堡中文學校 Friday Dec 6 7-9pm and Ann-Hua Chinese School Sunday Dec 8 11-12.
https://www.facebook.com/events/738099196668039/
https://www.facebook.com/438906239983635/photos/a.438907736650152/594896761051248/?type=3&theater

Next up: American Citizens for Justice / Asian American Center for Justice on Wednesday, January 15, 2020, 6:00-8:00 pm, Philippine American Cultural Center of Michigan (PACCM), 17356 Northland Park Ct., Southfield, MI 48075
https://www.facebook.com/events/1404371969722514/

Big Thanks to support from Michigan Humanities Council, an affiliate of National Endowment for the Humanities, for making these talks possible.

See you there!

Who is General Tso and why are we eating his chicken?

Today! Teaching "Who is General Tso and why are we eating his chicken?" at Washtenaw Community College, Monday Dec 9 6-9pm. Come join us!

https://washtenaw.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&int_class_id=27343&int_category_id=30&int_sub_category_id=197&int_catalog_id=0&fbclid=IwAR09q2Bh-gr0zkf5cgFGTDuwPVrGlbMUO-68afkjx1CUWMZWqedkyNOAlBE

Sunday, December 8, 2019

Ann-Hua Chinese School "Asian American History and Heroes for the next gen"

Today at 11 at Ann-Hua Chinese School Room LA272 "Asian American History and Heroes" (with extra credit for Huron HS Ms. Jones' APUSH class!) Thanks to support from Michigan Humanities an affiliate of National Endowment for the Humanities at Washtenaw Community College Ann Hua Chinese School (安华中文学校) on Sunday December 8, 2019, 11:00 am-12:00 pm, Washtenaw Community College, Crane Liberal Arts and Science building, Room LA272, 4800 E Huron River Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48105

Saturday, December 7, 2019

"writing to change the world" at WCC

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Getting ready to teach an all day workshop "writing to change the world" at Washtenaw Community College today Sat. Dec 7, 2019, 9:30-3:30pm, with a little video help from my friend Sikh Captain America Vishavjit Singh

Friday, December 6, 2019

Asian American history and heroes at Ann Arbor Chinese School

Tonight! Free community lecture on Asian American history and heroes at Ann Arbor Chinese School - 密西根安娜堡中文學校 Friday Dec 6 7-9pm Storytelling for elementary school ages 7:10-7:40 and for middle and high schoolers and up 7:50-8:50. Extra credit for Ms. Jones' APUSH class at Huron HS. Extra fun for Huron APEX friends. Come join us at King School media center (library), 3800 Waldenwood, Ann Arbor 48105 thank you Michigan Humanities National Endowment for the Humanitieshttps://www.facebook.com/events/738099196668039/

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Asian American history and heroes event flyers

Please join us and invite your friends! This Fri Dec 6 7pm, Sun Dec 8 11am, and Wed Jan 15 6pm. "Asian American history and heroes" thanks to Michigan Action Grants from Michigan Humanities an affiliate of National Endowment for the Humanities with Ann Arbor Chinese School - 密西根安娜堡中文學校 Ann-Hua Chinese School Ann-Hua Chinese School American Citizens for Justice / Asian American Center for Justice Apiavote MI. Thanks Chien-An Yuan for this great design! (note Huron HS APUSH extra credit from Ms. Jones)


Wednesday, November 27, 2019

My AAJA AARP Essay in Chinese 恭喜2019年照護比賽獲獎者 | AARP Chinese

Big thanks Asian American Journalists Association and AARP AARP AAPI Community for translating my 2019 AAJA AARP Caregiving Award Winning essay into Chinese! "移民家庭四代同堂,攜手照顧固執的媽媽(們)" (It's the second essay) How does it look in Chinese? Congrats also to Sarah Eden Wallace and Carol Cao

https://chinese.aarp.org/news/caregiving-aaja-2019-winners/

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Asian American history and heroes for the next generation

Writer and activist scholar Frances Kai-Hwa Wang (王凱華) will explore “Asian American history and heroes for the next generation” and celebrate the many contributions that Asian Americans have made to the US in a series of public lectures. Topics include the first Filipino Americans to arrive in 1587, the Chinese Americans who built the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War 2 and redress, the model minority myth, the fight for justice for Vincent Chin, the importance of Asian American activism in today’s political climate, and more. A writing activity will encourage students and families to write their own stories of immigration for a larger storytelling project.

Frances Kai-Hwa Wang is a journalist, essayist, speaker, and educator focused on issues of diversity, race, culture, and the arts. Her writing has appeared at NBC News Asian America, PRI Global Nation, and she teaches Asian/Pacific Islander American civil rights history and media at the University of Michigan. She is a Knight Arts Challenge Detroit winner. franceskaihwawang.com.

  • Friday December 6, 2019, 7:00-9:00 pm, sponsored by Ann Arbor Chinese Center of Michigan (安娜堡中文學校) at King Elementary School media center, 3800 Waldenwood, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 (with storytelling about Chinese American history for elementary-aged children 7:10-7:40) https://www.facebook.com/events/738099196668039/;
  • Sunday December 8, 2019, 11:00 am-12:00 pm, sponsored by Ann Hua Chinese School (安华中文学校) at Washtenaw Community College, Crane Liberal Arts and Science building, Room LA272, 4800 E Huron River Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48105; and
  • Wednesday, January 15, 2020, 6:00-8:00 pm, sponsored by American Citizens for Justice at Philippine American Cultural Center of Michigan (PACCM), 17356 Northland Park Ct., Southfield, MI 48075 https://www.facebook.com/events/1404371969722514
Lectures are free and open to the public and made possible in part by grants from Michigan Humanities, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Contact Frances Kai-Hwa Wang fkwangmedia@gmail.com for more information.



Sunday, November 17, 2019

Demonstrators on Maunakea Prep for Weather | Big Island Now

"Huge donations from Michigan came in with winter clothing. 'It touches people that there’s so much love and support and caring for the protectors,' VanGogh said." Our coats on BigIslandNow.com! (and we have more to pack up for third shipment) Bring your coat donations to Haven Hall third floor. #maunakea #protectors

Friday, November 15, 2019

Taking care of our tough immigrant moms across four generations, well, trying to - Asian American Journalists Association

My essay for AAJA on Caregiving

Thanks again Asian American Journalists Association for choosing my essay as a 2019 AAJA AARP Caregiving Essay Award Winner, "Taking care of our tough immigrant moms across four generations, well, trying to." Congrats also to Sarah Eden Wallace and Carol Cao. Thanks AARP AAPI Community for funding

Monday, November 11, 2019

Coats for Mauna Kea - Ann Arbor Observer

My article in the November Ann Arbor Observer! Just in time for today's snow
"The first box of Ann Arbor winter coats has made its way to Hawaii, with more coats on the way. Wait. Ann Arbor is sending winter coats to Hawaii?" 
Coats for Mauna Kea - Ann Arbor Observer

Sunday, November 10, 2019

How Encampment Base at Mauna Kea has changed over months | Hawaii News Now

Check out our winter coats that we have sent from Michigan up to the protectors on Mauna Kea. If you have winter coats you'd like to donate, bring them to the third floor of Haven Hall at UM. See if you recognize your donated coat in the video.
https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2019/11/09/how-encampment-base-mauna-kea-has-changed-over-months/

Friday, November 1, 2019

"Ann Arbor's Entrepreneurial Asian Americans" | Michigan History Nov/Dec 2019

My article "Ann Arbor's Entrepreneurial Asian Americans" is in Historical Society of Michigan's Michigan History Nov/Dec 2019. But sorry, no digital version, hard copy only.

Friday, October 11, 2019

"Beyond Vincent Chin: Legacies of Action" to be published by Wayne State University Press

Omg. Signed. It's really happening. "Beyond Vincent Chin: Legacies of Action" to be published by Wayne State University Press. Thanks to the Knight Foundation Knight Arts Challenge Detroit!
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Sunday, October 6, 2019

A2 Poetry Slamiversary Showcase

I'll be reading tonight with my friends at the Ann Arbor Poetry Slamiversary Showcase to celebrate the second oldest poetry slam in the country. Come join us, it will be fun! Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, 7-9pm, Espresso Royale on State St., Ann Arbor

Slamiversary Showcase

Thursday, October 3, 2019

Upcoming writing classes at Washtenaw Community College

My next two writing classes at Washtenaw Community College are a go! Only a few spots left! Register today! Finding the Writer within (10 Sundays 12-2 starting 10/6) and Exploring Creative Nonfiction (3 Mondays 6-8:30 starting 10/7) 

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

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Detroit Equity Action Lab Race and Justice Reporting fellowship


Excited to announce that I have received a Race and Justice Reporting Initiative fellowship from the Detroit Equity Action Lab at the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights! So excited to be able to write about Asian American artists working on social justice issues in Detroit.

https://sites.google.com/view/detroitequity/stories/reporting-initiative/arts-culture/fall-2019-fellows?fbclid=IwAR1v1MtL8_oc8lY2ikZqisBhgEBHy6ofxiJPHDNhMm45Qe1LKwsOKxvAmx8

Saturday, September 21, 2019

"Whatever Happened to 王大中"

Who remembers Wang Da Zhong from Chinese school textbooks? Just heard that my poem "Whatever Happened to 王大中" has been accepted for publication in Volume II of "Chrysanthemum: Voices of the Taiwanese Diaspora" thanks TaiwaneseAmerican.org

Friday, September 20, 2019

Education Writers Association EWA coming to UMich

So excited (and relieved) to receive a kind last-minute scholarship to attend Education Writers Association EWA's 2019 Higher Education Seminar to be held next week at the University of Michigan! "Demographics, Politics, and Technology: The Forces Reshaping Higher Education!" I distractedly missed all the deadlines and was so sad when I thought EWA would be in my own town and I wouldn't be able to go...

Monday, September 16, 2019

Taking photographs today

Taking photographs today with the talented and charming Cybelle Codish in Detroit for a secret thing I can't tell you about yet, but will be announced soon. In the meantime, if you need a photographer in Detroit, check out https://www.cybellecodish.com

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Reading at Ann Arbor Poetry Slamiversary

I'll be reading at the Ann Arbor Poetry Slamiversary of the second oldest running poetry slam/series in the country with my friends Sun Oct 6, 7pm, Espresso Royale on State Street in a2. Hope to see you there

Sunday, September 1, 2019

The Knight's Library Magazine - Home

Check out my poem "crying on airplanes" now published in Knight's Library magazine. It was written that week that Pro Publica released that heartbreaking audio of the children at the border separated from their parents.
The Knight's Library Magazine - Home

Friday, August 30, 2019

Oasis | Hana Hou

Just found the Hana Hou archives. Here's an article featuring my dad and his beloved pond from 2009

Oasis

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Knight Foundation names 62 finalists in 2019 Knight Arts Challenge Detroit - Knight Foundation

I can finally announce that my project "Beyond Vincent Chin: Legacies in Action and Art" is one of 62 finalists in the Knight Arts Challenge Detroit! The proposal seeks to put together an anthology of essays by activists about how the case has inspired them, and to build a digital arts archive of art inspired by the case, plus a fabulous arts-filled launch event. Thanks to all my partners: Wayne State Univ Press, Univ of Michigan Library, IS/LAND, American Citizens for Justice. Fingers crossed and breath held until Sept announcement of winners. Thanks Knight Foundation!
Knight Foundation names 62 finalists in 2019 Knight Arts Challenge Detroit - Knight Foundation

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Teaching today: writing w style finding your voice and jumpstart your college application essay at WCC

Double feature today: writing w style finding your voice and jumpstart your college application essay. Come write w us (or send me your high school senior) today at Washtenaw community college
No photo description available.

Sunday, August 11, 2019

Four day intensive writing retreat with me next July 2020! in Hawaii!

Just started setting up a 4-day writing retreat tentatively next July 23-26, 2020, on the Big Island of Hawaii w the great folks at Hawaiian Sanctuary retreat center. Check out this beautiful space and let me know if you might want to come write with me

Saturday, August 3, 2019

Fall 2019 Writing Classes – Springfed Arts

Ann Arbor friends: I'll be teaching a new class at Springfed Arts this fall!

Memoir in Free Verse or Writing the Stories of your Life with Frances Kai-Hwa Wang: Dixboro Church Classroom, 5221 Church Rd Ann Arbor MI, 48105, Wednesdays, October 16, 23, 30, November 6, 13 & 20, 1pm – 3pm

Fall 2019 Writing Classes – Springfed Arts

Friday, August 2, 2019

Get into your Sanctuary Day at Mokupapapa Discovery Center


I'll be storytelling and making a community art installation today for Get into your Sanctuary Day at Mokupapapa Discovery Center, a part of the National Marine Sanctuaries and NOAA.

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

‘Evoking Islands’ event celebrates Hawaiʻi song, poetry and prose | Asian American Press

Look, our poetry reading is in Asian American Press! With photographs!
As the event took place on the day after 33 Native Hawaiian elders were arrested on Mauna Kea for protesting the proposed construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT), the protectors and the sacred mountain were on the artists’ and audience’s minds, as reflected in their poems, stories, and songs.
‘Evoking Islands’ event celebrates Hawaiʻi song, poetry and prose | Asian American Press

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Winter Coat drive for Protectors of Mauna Kea


From my friend Susan to Michigan folks: Would you please consider making a donation of your winter gear to the Kia'i (Protectors) on Mauna Kea who are in the second week of what is likely to be a long haul.  They are in alpine dessert conditions above the treeline and are exposed to extreme conditions all times of the day and night, when the temps drop below freezing.  It is not uncommon for there to be snow in the summer.  Mahalo for taking the time!  This is one way folks in Michigan can provide support in a big way. 


Thursday, July 25, 2019

Teaching in Volcano and Hilo next July 2020

I was just asked to teach an all-day writing workshop intensive again next summer at Volcano Art Center, "Writing from the Heart," Sat., July 11, 2020, 9:30-3:30. Also confirmed a literary reading Thurs July 16 and a short half-day writing workshop "Writing your Hawai'i Story," Sat July 18, 2020 at Mokupapapa Discovery Center! And something at Basically Books sometime too. Yay! Start making your summer plans and come write with me. 

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

We win AAJA Award 2019 Leadership in Diversity

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Congratulations to us! Yay NBC Asian America! Thanks Asian American Journalists Assn. for this award: 2019 Leadership in Diversity

AAJAHQ Award NBCAsian America

Monday, July 22, 2019

Sunday, July 21, 2019

A woman's greatest enemy? A lack of time to herself | Brigid Schulte | Opinion | The Guardian

"Women’s time has been interrupted and fragmented throughout history, the rhythms of their days circumscribed by the sisyphean tasks of housework, childcare and kin work – keeping family and community ties strong. If what it takes to create are long stretches of uninterrupted, concentrated time, time you can choose to do with as you will, time that you can control, that’s something women have never had the luxury to expect, at least not without getting slammed for unseemly selfishness."
A woman's greatest enemy? A lack of time to herself | Brigid Schulte | Opinion | The Guardian

and not just writers in olden times, but today too. After reading this article re ishiguro, I joked w my students, who are mostly women, that all we need is a wife (not a huz not a partner, but a "wife" to do all the work of managing life), so we have to become our own wives to take care of ourselves in a way that makes writing happen. https://www.theguardian.com/.../kazuo-ishiguro-the...

Friday, July 19, 2019

Now carried at Basically Books in Hilo!

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No photo description available.

My chapbook, "Where the Lava Meets the Sea" is now carried at Basically Books in Hilo! on the Big Island of Hawaii (in addition to Lyman Museum in Hilo, Kona Stories in Kona, Bookbound in Ann Arbor, and Blacklava.net everywhere!)

I am also in talks with Basically Books to do a writing workshop there next summer. Yay!

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Event: Evoking Islands: An evening of Hawaiʻi song, poetry and prose at Mokupāpapa Discovery Center

Thanks to everyone who came out to join us tonight for Evoking Islands: An evening of Hawaiʻi song, poetry and prose at Mokupāpapa Discovery Center on the Big Island of Hawaii! What a great night of poetry, story, and song at Mokupapapa Discovery Center (and the biggest audience they have ever had--we counted 112!). Thanks Patrick Landeza for coming out to join us on Big Island! Looking forward to talking story with you again soon xoxo Leomi Bergknut, Tom Peek, Catherine Robbins

Next year's date already set--third Thursday of July or July 16, 2020, with a workshop that Saturday, July 18, 2020.









Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Summer Mom Update: Printer Printing

I sent a file to my mom's printer (from another room) and startled her, "I didn't know what that noise was. I thought it was robbers knocking on the door"

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Mokupapapa Discovery Center is getting ready for us

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Mokupapapa Discovery Center is getting ready for us! Patrick Landeza, Tom Peek, Leomi Bergknut, Catherine Robbins, and I will be performing poetry, prose, and song at Mokupāpapa Discovery Center this Thursday, July 18, 5;30-7:00pm, Hilo, Big Island More at https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2019/07/12/entertainment/mokupapapa-hosts-evening-of-music-verse-and-story/

Monday, July 15, 2019

Rising Voices of Asian American Families Community Convos

Michigan Asian American women and families and friends -- check out these community conversations coming up! 
If you've been following the political and policy issues and wanting to connect with others to chat and find out how to take action, have ideas for the new organization, or simply want to come and hang out, Rising Voices of Asian American Families would love to see you in Troy 7/19, Hamtramck 7/27, or Ann Arbor 8/17 at these events! free food too! (of course)  
EVENTS COMING UP! Rising Voices of Asian American Families is hosting three community conversations in the next few weeks and invite Asian American women & families to join us. Come and share your thoughts about issues facing Asian American women and families ... and help brainstorm ideas for action!
***OAKLAND COUNTY***
Friday, July 19, 6 - 8 p.m. @ Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois, Troy, MI
FB event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/431771374090326/
***DETROIT/HAMTRAMCK***
Saturday, July 27, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. in Hamtramck – address provided upon RSVP (yoga studio)
FB event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/498400434237207/
***WASHTENAW COUNTY***
Saturday, August 17, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. in Ann Arbor – residential address provided upon RSVP
FB event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/652880098542287/
--> Please RSVP at http://bit.ly/RVcommunityconvo <-- p="">
About the community conversations:
Asian American women and youth have continued to be excluded from leadership positions in our communities, and Rising Voices is filling that gap by taking different and varied approaches. As Asian American women, we routinely witness or experience a variety of barriers in political representation, economic security, and sustained well-being. These barriers include, but are not limited to, racism, discrimination, religious intolerance, limited economic opportunities, and lack of access to mental and physical health resources. Furthermore, cultural barriers such as entrenched gendered ideas about women's roles continue to impede women and youth participation in leadership and community organizing. Rising Voices is taking a holistic approach to addressing these barriers through relational organizing, developing organizing tools and organizers, and building out a progressive civic engagement plan focusing on developing Asian American women and centering our voices and our families’ most important issues.
Join Rising Voices to share your thoughts about issues facing Asian American women and families ... and help brainstorm ideas for action!
FOOD PROVIDED AND CHILDREN WELCOME! 

Sunday, July 14, 2019

Summer Mom Update: Out of Rice

My mom ran out of rice. I offered to buy more rice for her at the store. "No, you'll just do it wrong." Glad to see my mom is back to her normal self!

Saturday, July 13, 2019

Writing from the Heart with Frances Kai-Hwa Wang | Volcano Art Center

Today! with me today at Volcano Art Center! One day writing intensive, "Writing from the Heart," Saturday, July 13, 2019, 9:30-4:00
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? Frances Kai-Hwa Wang will offer the “Writing from the Heart” workshop on Saturday, July 13, 2019 from 9:30am – 4pm at Volcano Art Center Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village.
Write about the people, places, and memories 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.
Class fee is $75/$65 for VAC members. Bring a notebook, pen, and lunch.
Writing from the Heart with Frances Kai-Hwa Wang | Volcano Art Center

Calendar for July 13 - Hawaii Tribune-Herald

Today! Writing from the Heart at Volcano Art Center
WRITING FROM THE HEART WITH FRANCES KAI-HWA WANG
Where: Volcano Art Center, Niaulani Campus, 19-4074 Old Volcano Road, Volcano
When: 9:30 a.m. today
Details: This course explores the kind of writing that changes people, oneself included. And it begins honestly, one word, one day at a time. Cost is $75, or $65 for VAC members. Bring a notebook, pen and lunch.
Contact: Alyssa Johnasen, 967-8222, workshops@volcanoartcenter.org
Calendar for July 13 - Hawaii Tribune-Herald

More details at http://volcanoartcenter.org/event/writing-from-the-heart-with-frances-kai-hwa-wang-2/?instance_id=11823

Friday, July 12, 2019

Mokupapapa hosts evening of music, verse and story - Hawaii Tribune-Herald



We're in the local paper paper! So old school! Check out our beautiful pictures!
A diverse group of storytellers will come together from 5:30-7 p.m. July 18 in downtown Hilo for an enchanting celebration of words and music in “Evoking Islands: An evening of Hawai‘i Song, Poetry and Prose” at Mokupapapa Discovery Center.
The program is inspired by Hawaii’s talk story heritage and the deep relationship to the archipelago’s natural wonders and enduring cultural traditions.

Four unique voices will evoke the islands:
• Patrick Kahakauwila Kamaholelani Landeza, award-winning slack key artist, author of “From The Island Of Berkeley, Memoirs From A California-Born Hawaiian” and winner of the 2019 Na Hoku Hanohano Kiho‘alu Legacy Award.
• Leomi Bergknut, a Hilo-born writer whose poetry and short stories reflect the strong women of her Hawaiian, Japanese and Korean ancestry.
• Frances Kai-Hwa Wang, Keaau poet and essayist, UH-Hilo creative writing lecturer and author of the chapbook “Where the Lava Meets the Sea.”
• Tom Peek, Volcano writer, former eruption ranger and author of the award winning Hawai’i novel “Daughters of Fire.”
This event is part of the center’s Third Thursday by the Bay. Admission is free.

For more information, contact Clayton Watkins at 933-8184 or clayton.watkins@noaa.gov.
The Mokupapapa Discover Center is located at 76 Kamehameha Ave.
Mokupapapa hosts evening of music, verse and story - Hawaii Tribune-Herald

Tuesday, July 9, 2019

UHH writing classes begin today

University of Hawaii Hilo Summer 2019 classes begin today! I'll be teaching "Finding the Writer Within" on Tuesdays in July and "Storytelling Workshop: From Talk Story to Beyond" on Thursdays in July (with a special field trip to our literary reading at Mokupapapa July 18)
https://hilo.hawaii.edu/cce/classes/ 

Plus a one day class at Volcano Art Center on July 13, 2019, "Writing from the Heart," link and details coming soon.

Wednesday, July 3, 2019

VAC workshop: Writing from the Heart - Hawaii Tribune-Herald

Writing from the Heart at Volcano Art Center -- in the local paper paper always makes me smile
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, places and memories 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.
When: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, July 13
Where: Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus, 19-4074 Old Volcano Road, Volcano Village
Instructor: Frances Kai-Hwa Wang is a journalist, essayist, speaker, educator, and poet focused on issues of diversity, race, culture and the arts. For more information about the instructor, visit franceskaihwawang.com
Cost: $75, or $65 for VAC members. Bring a notebook, pen and lunch.
For more info or to register: Call VAC at 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.
VAC workshop: Writing from the Heart - Hawaii Tribune-Herald

Monday, July 1, 2019

Adventures with the Haircut Aunties

Told the haircut aunties that a monk told my mom that I'm going to get married soon. They sprung into action and wrote my full name and contact info into their book in case they come across any good leads. They asked what my criteria were, so I gave them a long list, but the only thing they wrote down was 35-65 yo. Lol

Friday, June 21, 2019

New book in the works!

News! I had a great meeting yesterday with Wayne State University Press editor-in-chief about creating an anthology of essays along the lines of "Beyond Vincent Chin: Legacies in Action and Art--Asian American activists and allies reflect on the landmark Vincent Chin case and what it means today." You may be hearing from me soon...

Tuesday, June 18, 2019

UH Hilo offers summer writing workshops with Frances Kai-Hwa Wang

Register now for my UHH summer writing workshops
UH Hilo offers summer writing workshops with Frances Kai-Hwa Wang
Date: Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Contact: Alyson Kakugawa-Leong, (808) 932-7669
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Center for Community Engagement at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo once again offers Frances Kai-Hwa Wang's popular summer writing workshops.

“Finding the Writer Within” will help participants with short-timed writing exercises, tips and tricks. The class involves writing aloud and weekly discussions about strategy, craft, style, voice, emotion, humor, and heart. A notebook and pen are required. Classes are Tuesdays, July 9 - 30, 5 – 7:30 p.m., in UH Hilo's PB-5 classroom. The cost is $75.

“Storytelling Workshop: From Talk Story to Beyond” explores different ways of telling stories, including writing, speaking, singing, podcasting, memes, video, and art. Participants will write and share stories, study stories, discuss the role of emotion, learn different oral history techniques, see how storytelling can be used at work and at home, and try different storytelling techniques and styles. Class includes a field trip to a literary reading with music performance at Mokupāpapa Discovery Center on July 18. A notebook and pen are required. Classes are Thursdays, July 11 – August 1, 5 – 7:30 p.m., in UH Hilo's PB-5 classroom. The cost is $75.
Wang is a writer, speaker, activist and multicultural educator who teaches at the University of Michigan. She is the author of Where Lava Meets the Sea--Asian Pacific American Postcards from Hawaiʻi.

For more information and to register, call 932-7830 or visit https://hilo.hawaii.edu/cce/.
UH Hilo offers summer writing workshops with Frances Kai-Hwa Wang

Thursday, June 6, 2019

The Knight's Library Magazine - 2 poems

News! Just heard from Knight’s Library Magazine that my prose poem “Crying on Airplanes ” about the children separated from their families at the border will be published in their fall 2019 issue. AND that the full length “Suggestion of Salt” that I wrote with poet Ravi Shankar will be published in their Winter 2020 issue AND that I will be spotlighted there as the featured artist! Wow! Thanks!

Monday, June 3, 2019

Covering the 2020 Census — Detroit – Poynter

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Thanks so much to Poynter for coming up to Detroit for this great regional Covering the 2020 Census - Detroit workshop at the Detroit Free Press on June 3-4, 2019. So much great information, so many great friends.

Covering the 2020 Census — Detroit – Poynter

Saturday, June 1, 2019

IS/LAND in Ann Arbor Observer photograph

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Hey look, IS/LAND is in the June 2019 Ann Arbor Observer in an article about AADL Tools, which we love.

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Artists at the Community Development Table Workshop Presented with Americans for the Arts


So excited to attend the "Artists at the Community Development Table" Workshop presented with Americans for the Arts and CultureSource May 21, 2019, at Riverside Arts Center, Ypsilanti, Michigan. Met so many new friends at the back table, and learned about so many amazing arts projects and grant opportunities.

CultureSource - Artists at the Community Development Table Workshop Presented with Americans for the Arts

Saturday, May 18, 2019

Performance: IS/LAND That We Walk, DIA, Detroit

IS/LAND That We Walk makes its Detroit debut at the Detroit Institute of Arts today May 18 and 19, 2019, after performing in Chicago and Ann Arbor earlier this year. So beautiful. Where shall we go next?

Thursday, May 16, 2019

Michigan Roundtable for Diversity & Inclusion | Detroit | Michigan

Thanks to Michigan Roundtable for inviting me to attend your conference on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, "Equipping the Workplace for Transformational Change," May 16, 2019, Marygrove College, Detroit.

Michigan Roundtable for Diversity & Inclusion | Detroit | Michigan

Sunday, May 12, 2019

Finding the Writer within, WCC, Spring 2019

The Spring semester session of my Continuing Writing Class, "Finding the Writer within," begins today, May 12, 2019, at Washtenaw Community College, for 5 weeks. So many students back again. Come write with us! Next session starts in October.

Saturday, May 11, 2019

Exiled to Motown Storytelling Workshop

I'm hosting a Storytelling Workshop for the Japanese American Citizens League Detroit's Exiled to Motown exhibit at Ann Arbor District Library – Downtown Fourth Floor Meeting Room Saturday, May 11, 2019, 1-3 PM

Talks & Workshops – Exiled to Motown

Friday, May 3, 2019

Write with me this summer at UHH

University of Hawaii Hilo registration is open for Summer 2019 classes! I'll be teaching "Finding the Writer Within" on Tuesdays in July and "Storytelling Workshop: From Talk Story to Beyond" on Thursdays in July (with a special field trip to our literary reading at Mokupapapa July 18)

https://hilo.hawaii.edu/cce/classes/

Plus a one day class at Volcano Art Center on July 13, 2019, "Writing from the Heart," link and details coming soon.

Thursday, April 25, 2019

Asian American Studies Conference, Madison

Attending my first Asian American Studies Conference, thanks to a professional development grant from the University of Michigan! And visiting some old friends in Madison, Wisconsin. April 25-27, 2019

Sunday, April 21, 2019

Adventures w the haircut aunties

Adventures w the haircut aunties: a young Chinese man came in soaking wet from the rain and the haircut aunties made him strip and change his shirt lol. "We are aunties, you are going to catch a cold like that" "We have a back room or you can change right here. We don't mind seeing all your muscles" Then they made me write an email for them, taught me how to flip real estate, and invited little brother salsa dancing.

Thursday, April 4, 2019

diVERSE Voices for National Poetry Month at AADL

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Hope to see you at the library tonight for an evening of diVERSE Voices for National Poetry Month

Apr 4, 2019 - A diverse nation deserves diverse poetry, Celebrate National Poetry Month...


National Poetry Month | diVERSE voices | Ann Arbor District Library


https://aadl.org/node/384521

Thursday, March 28, 2019

Ann Arbor District Library offers out-of-this world programming

We're having a poetry reading at the AADL April 4, 2019! diVERSE Voices for National Poetry Month, check out this WDIV click on Detroit article at A4 All About Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor District Library offers out-of-this world...

Sunday, March 24, 2019

Poetry Reading at CASAA Annual Banquet

Thanks so much to Chinese American Society of Ann Arbor (CASAA) for inviting me to perform poetry at their annual banquet, at New Asia, in Ypsilanti, March 24, 2019--excerpts from "Tsudere Pride" and "What ever happened to Wang Da Zhong?"

Thursday, March 21, 2019

2019 Joyce Awards Convening - Cleveland - Artist as Problem Solver II

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with Tracie D. Hall, thanks BTW for photo

So pleased to be able to attend the Joyce Foundation convening, "The Artist as Problem Solver II: Creative Placekeeping/Placemaking Summit," in Cleveland, Ohio, on March 21-22, 2019. Even more pleased to be sworn into the first Joyce Foundation Artist as Problem Solver Consortium
Join the Joyce Foundation and its partners for its two-day, “The Artist as Problem Solver II: Creative Placekeeping/Placemaking Summit.” This free, interactive convening is created for artists, arts and community leaders, spacemakers, planners, and thinkers in Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis-Saint Paul and beyond who are interested in the intersections of the arts, space, place, justice, memory and sustainability,
Keynote speakers include Roberto Bedoya, City of Oakland Manager of Cultural Affairs; Ty Dafoe, Native dance artist; Jamie Hand, Director of Research Strategies, Art Place America; Roy Priest, Past President & CEO National Congress for Community Economic Development; Leonardo Vasquez, Executive Director, The National Consortium for Creative Placemaking and dozens more.
2019 Joyce Awards Convening - Cleveland - Full-Day Panels & Workshops Tickets, Fri, Mar 22, 2019 at 8:00 AM | Eventbrite

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Poem published in Cracked Walnut anthology

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So excited that my poem, "Down in the Basement of the DIA" will be published in the Cracked Walnut anthology for readers of the 2018 Lit Fest, After the Equinox. The book is about 80 pages long and contains 52 pieces by writers in and around the Twin Cities on Minneapolis (plus me...a little further afield than the others but still "around" lol).

I was also invited to read at the book's launch party on Friday, May 3rd at 7pm at 2001 A Space in Minneapolis (but cannot make it due to a family reunion...sad...but I was invited!).

Purchase the book below.

Cracked Walnut Book - After the Equinox

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Sunday, March 3, 2019

Teaching: Finding the Writer Within, WCC

My Continuing Writing Class, "Finding the Writer within," begins today, March 3, at Washtenaw Community College, for 8 weeks. Lots of familiar faces. Love it when so many students come back. Come write with us! Next session starts in May.

Friday, March 1, 2019

Substitute Teaching: Oakland University Chinese Literature

Substitute teaching today, March1, and again on March 20, at Oakland University. Introducing this Chinese literature class to Chinese American literature, art, and activism. We are going to start out talking about movies, but things are going to get serious fast.

Sunday, February 24, 2019

In conversation with Helen Zia Last Boat out of Shanghai

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So excited to be in conversation with the amazing Helen Zia about her new book, "Last Boat out of Shanghai," on February 24, 2019, at the Assn of Chinese Americans Chinese Cultural Center in Madison Heights and at the Barnes and Noble in Northville. Thanks for inviting me <3



Helen Zia - FINALLY-- HELEN’S BOOK TOUR DATES/LOCATIONS for:...

Friday, February 22, 2019

IS/Land Presents, That We Walk

So excited to be the spoken word part of this amazingly beautiful IS/LAND performance, "That We Walk," at the Ann Arbor District Library, Friday, February 22, 2019, 7 PM – 8 PM
Ann Arbor District Library, 343 S 5th Ave, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104

Performance | IS/Land Presents, That We Walk

Join Ann Arbor based IS/LAND for a unique performance comprised of Taiwanese, Taiwanese-American, and Chinese-American artists, including dancers Catherine Hepler, Chih-Hsien Lin, and J. Amber Kao, and sound/visual artist Chien-An Yuan. There will be an Opening Prose Reading by Frances Kai-Hwa Wang.

More info: https://aadl.org/node/386006

Sunday, February 17, 2019

A2 Poetry: Frances Kai-Hwa Wang & Bryan Thao Worra

Thank you Ann Arbor Poetry and all our friends for braving the blizzard for a night of poetry with me and visiting Lao Minnesota Poet Laureate, Bryan Thao Worra, February 17, 2019, Espresso Royale, State Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Open Mic and Feature: Frances Kai-Hwa Wang and Bryan Thao Worra

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Adoption Parenting—Building a Toolbox Creating Connections

Look what I found from the past, Adoption Parenting—Building a Toolbox Creating
Connections,
“Preparing our children for
Racism,” “The Scarlet Letter Experiment,” Jean McLeod, ed., EMK Press, 2006


frontmatter

http://www.emkpress.com/pdffiles/frontmatter.pdf

Saturday, February 2, 2019

Event: Chinese New Year with AACCOM

Happy Chinese New Year! Come celebrate with us at Ann Arbor Chinese Center of Michigan at Washtenaw Community College Morris Lawrence Building. I'll be up on stage hosting the event. Save me something good to eat!

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Speaking: Foods and Flavors of Chinese New Year" Chelsea District Library

Oh no! My talk "Foods and Flavors of Chinese New Year" at Chelsea District Library tonight, January 31, 2019, is cancelled/postponed until next year because of snow, so much snow...

Jan 1, 2019 - Help us celebrate the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Boar! ... Join us as presenter Frances Kai-Hwa Wang answers these questions and ...

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Teaching: Chinese language and culture at WCC

First day of Chinese language and culture class at Washtenaw Community College Lifelong Learning program, January 30, 2019.

Friday, January 18, 2019

Friday, January 11, 2019

Poem in Third Wednesday poetry journal

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Thanks to Third Wednesday journal for designating my one sentence poem a "poem of considerable merit" and for including it in vol XII no 1. Now I'm homesick.

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Speaking Becoming American Film & Discussion AADL

Speaking tonight at the Ann Arbor District Library about "The Search for General Tso" as part of their Becoming American Film and Discussion Immigration and Popular Culture series, January 10, 2019


Becoming American Film and Discussion | Immigration and Popular Culture...

https://aadl.org/node/379204

Jan 10, 2019 - Becoming American Film and Discussion | Immigration and Popular Culture. When ... The Search for General Tso will be screened, followed by a discussion ... Series and related programming, visit aadl.org/becomingamerican.

Becoming American Film and Discussion | Immigration and Popular Culture | Ann Arbor District Library

Wednesday, January 9, 2019

Teaching: Univ of Michigan Winter 2019

First day of classes at the University of Michigan today! "American Culture 301: Asian/Pacific Islander American Civil Rights Movement" Got my new M-Card today, too. I've been teaching at Michigan for ten years now. Imagine.