Starting today
Asian American Writer, Editor, Speaker, Activist, "Adventures in Multicultural Living," "Multicultural Toolbox," "Remembering Vincent Chin,"
Saturday, December 2, 2023
Starting today: Ethical or Legacy Wills -- Writing a Love Letter to your Family at WCC
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
Tonight! Kundiman Midwest's 11th Hour Salon
I'm excited to be selected as one of 15 featured poets reading at Kundiman Midwest's 11th Hour Salon on Zoom on Wednesday, November 29th at 7:30pm EST/ 6:30pm CT/ 4:30pm PST/ 2:30pm HST . Thanks to Helene Achanzar for organizing.
Here's the Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84104748461
More re Kundiman Midwest https://www.kundiman.org/regional-groups-1
Sunday, November 19, 2023
Reading at Kundiman Midwest's 11th Hour Salon
I'm excited to be selected as one of 15 featured poets reading at Kundiman Midwest's 11th Hour Salon on Zoom on Wednesday, November 29th at 7:30pm EST/ 6:30pm CT/ 4:30pm PST/ 2:30pm HST . Thanks to Helene Achanzar for organizing.
Here's the Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84104748461
More re Kundiman Midwest https://www.kundiman.org/regional-groups-1
Thursday, November 16, 2023
Inaugural Washtenaw Artist Grant
https://culturesource.org/stories/announcing-the-inaugural-washtenaw-artist-grant-recipients/
Saturday, November 4, 2023
Writing class starting today: Writing Op-Eds or opinion essays at WCC
Starting today
3 Sats, Dec 2 - 16, 2023, 10am-12pm EST, Washtenaw Community College, Zoom
Friday, November 3, 2023
1990 Institute Newsletter Nov 3, 2023
Volume 3, Issue 22
How did the Magnuson Act bring an end to the Chinese Exclusion Act?
https://1990institute.salsalabs.org/1990newsletter_vol3_issue22
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Thanks Skazat Poetry Series at Sweetwaters Cafe
Monday, October 23, 2023
Poetry Reading at Skazat! Poetry Series at Sweetwaters Tues Oct 24 7:00 pm EDT on Zoom
I'll be reading Tuesday Oct 24 7-8:30pm EDT at Skazat! Poetry Series at Sweetwaters on Zoom. There will also be an Open Mic so hope you read with us too!
Welcome to Skazat! We are back for another season and invite you to come and share poetry with us virtually.
Here is the Zoom link to join the event on Tuesday, Oct 24 at 7pm EDT:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81213611123...
Meeting ID: 812 1361 1123
Passcode: 716735
This month's feature: FRANCES KAI-HWA WANG!Frances Kai-Hwa Wang is a poet, essayist, journalist, scholar, and activist focused on issues of Asian America, race, justice, and the arts. Her writing has appeared at Cha Asian Literary Journal, Kartika Review, Ricepaper, Drunken Boat, Knight’s Library. She is a founding member of IS/LAND Asian American Contemporary Performance Collaborative. She co-created a multimedia artwork for Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center. She wrote “You Cannot Resist Me When My Hair Is in Braids,” Wayne State Press. She teaches creative writing at Washtenaw Community College. She has a weakness for a well-crafted argument and a lyrical turn of phrase. Franceskaihwawang.com @fkwang
Friday, October 20, 2023
1990 Institute Newsletter Oct 20, 2023
Volume 3, Issue 21
How will APEC create a resilient and sustainable future for all?
https://1990institute.salsalabs.org/1990newsletter_vol3_issue21
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Writing class starting today: Jumpstart your Memoir at WCC
Starting today
3 Sats, Dec 2 - 16, 2023, 10am-12pm EST, Washtenaw Community College, Zoom
Friday, October 6, 2023
1990 Institute Newsletter Oct 6, 2023
Volume 3, Issue 20
The spirit of the Silk Road continues to connect us
https://1990institute.salsalabs.org/1990newsletter_vol3_issue20
Sunday, October 1, 2023
Starting today: Finding the Writer Within Continuing Writers Workshop at WCC
3 Sats, Oct 7 - 21, 2023, 10am-12pm EDT, Washtenaw Community College, Zoom
3 Sats, Dec 2 - 16, 2023, 10am-12pm EST, Washtenaw Community College, Zoom
Thursday, September 28, 2023
Poetry Reading with Matwaala Sept 28
Matwaala Asian American Poetry Reading
Flavors of Verse: Marinating in the diverse voices of E and SE Asia
Friday, September 22, 2023
1990 Institute Newsletter Sept 22, 2023
Volume 3, Issue 19
Can mooncakes, songpyeon, and frozen kimbap bring us closer across cultures?
https://1990institute.salsalabs.org/1990newsletter_vol3_issue19
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Auto workers in Detroit share why they’re striking | PBS NewsHour
Auto workers in Detroit share why they’re striking | PBS NewsHour
Nation Sep 21, 2023 4:45 PM EST
At the UAW “Stand up for our Communities against Corporate Greed” rally in Detroit, UAW members and allies talk with the PBS NewsHour Communities Initiative about the challenges of working for the Detroit Big Three and why they are striking.
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/auto-workers-in-detroit-share-why-theyre-striking
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Secrets of Publishing Panel Discussion at Sidetrack Bookshop, Royal Oak
Tonight in Royal Oak! Secrets of Publishing Panel Discussion at Sidetrack Bookshop, helmed by the great Susan Shapiro, in person. https://www.facebook.com/events/222782470439600?ref=newsfeed
Saturday, September 16, 2023
WCC Fall writing classes starting today
Fall writing classes at Washtenaw Community College (WCC)
10 Sundays, Oct 1 - Dec 10, 2023, 12-2pm EDT, Washtenaw Community College, Zoom
3 Sats, Oct 7 - 21, 2023, 10am-12pm EDT, Washtenaw Community College, Zoom
3 Sats, Dec 2 - 16, 2023, 10am-12pm EST, Washtenaw Community College, Zoom
Friday, September 8, 2023
1990 Institute Newsletter Sept 8, 2023
Volume 3, Issue 18
The power of communal responsibility
https://1990institute.salsalabs.org/1990newsletter_vol3_issue18
Thursday, September 7, 2023
How states are responding after federal funding for free school meals for all ends | PBS NewsHour
The Communities Initiative team discusses
How states are responding after federal funding for free school meals for all ends | PBS NewsHour
Sep 7, 2023 6:30 PM EST
During the pandemic, the federal government provided funds for free healthy school meals for students, but that program ended in 2022. Most states went back to the system they had before, but some will continue providing meals. NewsHour Communities Correspondents…Wednesday, September 6, 2023
How gardens enable refugees and immigrants to put down roots in new communities | PBS NewsHour
How gardens enable refugees and immigrants to put down roots in new communities | PBS NewsHour
Sep 6, 2023 5:08 PM EST
Gardening and community gardens can help immigrant and refugee communities supplement their pantries by growing their own culturally appropriate food that isn’t readily found in grocery stores while maintaining a connection with their homeland across generations. Two community garden projects…
Friday, August 25, 2023
1990 Institute Newsletter Aug 25, 2023 no essay
Volume 3, Issue 17
no essay this issue
Monday, August 21, 2023
After leaving prison, returning citizens find new ground on this Michigan farm | PBS NewsHour
My article for PBS NewsHour
After leaving prison, returning citizens find new ground on this Michigan farm | PBS NewsHour
Nation Aug 21, 2023 4:45 PM EST
We the People Opportunity Farm is a nonprofit organization and organic farm changing the soil in people’s lives and reducing recidivism one seed at a time in in Ypsilanti Township, Michigan.
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Writing with Style, Finding your Voice starting today at WCC
Starting today!
Writing with Style, Finding your Voice
2 Saturdays, August 19, 26, 2023, 10am -12pm EDT, Washtenaw Community College, Zoom
Register here Creative Writing Classes - Washtenaw Community College Division of Economic & College Development
Friday, August 11, 2023
1990 Institute Newsletter Aug 11, 2023
Volume 3, Issue 16
Is Qixi our immigrant community love story?
https://1990institute.salsalabs.org/1990newsletter_vol3_issue16
Sunday, August 6, 2023
WCC Fall 2023 writing classes
Fall writing classes at Washtenaw Community College (WCC)
10 Sundays, Oct 1 - Dec 10, 2023, 12-2pm EDT, Washtenaw Community College, Zoom
3 Sats, Oct 7 - 21, 2023, 10am-12pm EDT, Washtenaw Community College, Zoom
3 Sats, Dec 2 - 16, 2023, 10am-12pm EST, Washtenaw Community College, Zoom
Sunday, July 30, 2023
Finding the Writer Within Continuing Writers Workshop starting today
Starting today!
Finding the Writer Within Continuing Writers Workshop
5 Sundays, July 30-Aug 29, 2023, 12-2pm EDT, Washtenaw Community College, Zoom ?
Starting next month:
Writing with Style, Finding your Voice
2 Saturdays, August 19, 26, 2023, 10am -12pm EDT, Washtenaw Community College, Zoom
Register here Creative Writing Classes - Washtenaw Community College Division of Economic & College Development
Friday, July 28, 2023
1990 Institute Newsletter July 28, 2023
Volume 3, Issue 15
How can we beat the heat and choose climate cooperation?
https://1990institute.salsalabs.org/1990newsletter_vol3_issue15
Sunday, July 16, 2023
Upcoming WCC writing courses Summer and Fall 2023
Summer 2023
Finding the Writer Within Continuing Writers Workshop
5 Sundays, July 30-Aug 29, 2023, 12-2pm EDT, Washtenaw Community College, Zoom
Writing with Style, Finding your Voice
2 Saturdays, August 19, 26, 2023, 10am -12pm EDT, Washtenaw Community College, Zoom
Fall 2023
2 Saturdays, Sept 16-23, 2023, 10am-12pm EST, Washtenaw Community College, Zoom
Finding the Writer Within Continuing Writers Workshop
10 Sundays, Oct 1 - Dec 10, 2023, 12-2pm EDT, Washtenaw Community College, Zoom
Jumpstart your Memoir
3 Sats, Oct 7 - 21, 2023, 10am-12pm EDT, Washtenaw Community College, Zoom
Writing Op-Eds or opinion essays
3 Sats, Nov 4 - 18, 2023, 10am-12pm EST, Washtenaw Community College, Zoom
Ethical or Legacy Wills -- Writing a Love Letter to your Family
3 Sats, Dec 2 - 16, 2023, 10am-12pm EST, Washtenaw Community College, Zoom
Register here Creative Writing Classes - Washtenaw Community College Division of Economic & College Development
Friday, July 14, 2023
1990 Institute Newsletter July 14, 2023
Volume 3, Issue 14
How do we learn and read strategy, from games of strategy to real-life stakes?
https://1990institute.salsalabs.org/1990newsletter_vol3_issue14_updated
Friday, July 7, 2023
Cities in Michigan aren’t allowed to establish ‘gun-free zones.’ Some leaders want to change that | PBS NewsHour
My article for PBS NewsHour
Cities in Michigan aren’t allowed to establish ‘gun-free zones.’ Some leaders want to change that
Friday, June 30, 2023
1990 Institute Newsletter June 30, 2023
Volume 3, Issue 13
How do we build connections and relationships across differences?
https://1990institute.salsalabs.org/1990newsletter_vol3_issue13
Friday, June 23, 2023
Performing poetry today, "Angel Island," with IS/LAND at Synapse Arts, Chicago
I'll be test driving a new poem today, "Angel Island" (in development) with the amazing movers and musician of IS/LAND
Featuring new works by:
IS/LAND @islandperformance
Jamila Kekulah @themovingsoul
Reign Drop @reigndrop333
Tickets at http://synapsearts.com
Thursday, June 22, 2023
Discussion: Storytelling and communities journalism
Looking forward to discussing storytelling and communities journalism with the incredible PBS NewsHour Interns today!
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
How rising water costs could drive this Michigan city to bankruptcy | PBS NewsHour
My article at PBS NewsHour
How rising water costs could drive this Michigan city to bankruptcy
Highland Park, Michigan, an enclave city surrounded by Detroit, may be facing bankruptcy over tens of millions of dollars in water bills in the costly aftermath of a financial crisis that left residents without a working water plant. Many minority-majority…
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/how-water-costs-could-drive-this-michigan-city-to-bankruptcy
Friday, June 16, 2023
1990 Institute Newsletter June 16, 2023
How does the patriotism of the Dragon Boat Festival translate today?
Volume 3, Issue 12
June 16, 2023
https://1990institute.salsalabs.org/1990newsletter_vol3_issue12
Saturday, June 3, 2023
Starting today Writing to Save the World at WCC
Starting today
Next classes
Finding the Writer Within Continuing Writers Workshop
5 Sundays, July 30-Aug 29, 2023, 12-2pm EDT, Washtenaw Community College, Zoom ?
Finding your Voice, University of Hawaii Hilo, July 2023?
Writing with Style, Finding your Voice
2 Saturdays, August 19, 26, 2023, 10am -12pm EDT, Washtenaw Community College, Zoom
Friday, June 2, 2023
1990 Institute Newsletter
How the chores (and opportunities) of home ownership anchor us
Volume 3, Issue 11
June 2, 2023
https://1990institute.salsalabs.org/1990newsletter_vol3_issue11
Monday, May 29, 2023
The state-level battles brewing in America over LGBTQ+ rights | PBS NewsHour broadcast
The state-level battles brewing in America over LGBTQ+ rights
More than a dozen GOP-led states have passed bans with limits ranging from healthcare to sports participation, while Democratic-controlled states have sought to shore up protections for LGBTQ+ rights. Geoff Bennett discussed the efforts with NewsHour Communities correspondents Gabrielle Hays in Missouri, Adam Kemp in Oklahoma and Frances Kai-Hwa Wang in Michigan.
Saturday, May 20, 2023
Performing "Kizuna Tree" with IS/LAND at AADL downtown
Performing a new poem, "Kizuna Tree," with the fabulous movers of IS/LAND and poets Zosette Guir and Kyunghee Kim, and musician Chien-An Yuan
IS/LAND Presents: Kizuna TreeSaturday May 20, 2023: 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Ann Arbor District Library, Downtown Library: 1st Floor Lobby
This event is in partnership with AAPI performance collaborative IS/LAND, Detroit Public Television, and Rising Voices.

Friday, May 19, 2023
1990 Institute Newsletter
Will you fold a tsuru (origami crane) for community solidarity?
Volume 3, Issue 10
May 19, 2023
https://1990institute.salsalabs.org/1990newsletter_vol3_issue10
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Speaking Today: Kizuna Tree Panel: Storytelling as an Act of Resistance at AADL downtown
Kizuna Tree Panel: Storytelling as an Act of Resistance
Wednesday May 17, 2023: 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Ann Arbor District Library, Downtown Library: 4th Floor Meeting Room
Join our panel featuring author and interdisciplinary artist Frances Kai-Hwa Wang of PBS News Hour, documentary producer Zosette Guir of Detroit Public Television, Jasmine Rivera, Executive Director of Rising Voices, and interdisciplinary artist Okyoung Noh.
Hosted by Chien-An Yuan, in partnership with AAPI performance collaborative IS/LAND, Detroit Public Television, and Rising Voices. This event is part of a series leading up to the performance of Kizuna Tree on May 20th.

The Library will be providing a live stream of this event and we intend to make it available for future viewing. A video player will appear on this page 1 hour before the start of the event.
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Teaching "Writing to Save the World: Academia Version" today at Rackham
Looking forward to teaching my "Writing to Save the World: Academia" writing workshop today at Univ. of Michigan Rackham Graduate School Program in Public Scholarship Institute for Social Change,
Tues., May 16, 2023, 3-4:30pm (private)
The Institute for Social Change (ISC) is a cohort-based spring program that allows students to explore the conceptual and practical dimensions of public scholarship—the diverse ways we can create and circulate knowledge for and with publics and communities. The program introduces graduate students to an array of publicly engaged scholarship, pedagogy, and practices focused on social change and university-community partnerships.
Saturday, May 13, 2023
Starting today Introduction to Magazine Writing at WCC
Starting today
2 Saturdays, June 3-10, 2023, 10am-12pm EDT, Washtenaw Community College, Zoom
Summer 2023
Finding the Writer Within Continuing Writers Workshop
5 Sundays, July 30-Aug 29, 2023, 12-2pm EDT, Washtenaw Community College, Zoom ?
Finding your Voice, University of Hawaii Hilo, July 2023?
Writing with Style, Finding your Voice
2 Saturdays, August 19, 26, 2023, 10am -12pm EDT, Washtenaw Community College, Zoom
Sunday, May 7, 2023
Starting today Finding the Writer Within Continuing Writers Workshop at WCC
Starting today
5 Sundays, May 7-Jun 11, 2023, 12-2pm EST, Washtenaw Community College, Zoom
Introduction to Magazine Writing
2 Saturdays, May 13-20, 2023, 10am-12pm EDT, Washtenaw Community College, Zoom
Writing to Save the World
2 Saturdays, June 3-10, 2023, 10am-12pm EDT, Washtenaw Community College, Zoom
Summer 2023
Finding the Writer Within Continuing Writers Workshop
5 Sundays, July 30-Aug 29, 2023, 12-2pm EDT, Washtenaw Community College, Zoom ?
Finding your Voice, University of Hawaii Hilo, July 2023?
Writing with Style, Finding your Voice
2 Saturdays, August 19, 26, 2023, 10am -12pm EDT, Washtenaw Community College, Zoom
Friday, May 5, 2023
1990 Institute Newsletter
Where can we find ourselves in film and TV?
Volume 3, Issue 9
May 5, 2023
https://1990institute.salsalabs.org/1990newsletter_vol3_issue9
Monday, May 1, 2023
Exhibit | Kizuna Tree with IS/LAND
Monday May 1, 2023: 10:00am to Wednesday May 31, 2023: 8:00pm
Ann Arbor District Library, Downtown Library: 1st Floor Lobby
https://aadl.org/kizunatree
This exhibit is in partnership with IS/LAND and is in conjunction with the events: Exiled to Motown: The History of Detroit's Japanese American Community (May 4), Kizuna Tree: Origami Cranes (Tsuru) for Community and Solidarity (May 8 and May 16), Lessons for the Future, Lessons from the Past with Japanese Internment Camp Survivor Mary Kamidoi (May 15), Kizuna Tree Panel: Storytelling as an Act of Resistance (May 17), and IS/LAND Presents: Kizuna Tree (May 20).
Friday, April 28, 2023
Why Arab Americans are pushing for a ‘Middle East or North African’ category on the census | PBS NewsHour
My article for PBS NewsHour
Why Arab Americans are pushing for a ‘Middle East or North African’ category on the censusThe federal proposal for a separate MENA category would lead to more accurate federal data collection for Arab Americans.
Thursday, April 27, 2023
IS/LAND "Lost Constellation" at AAWAA Jade Wave Rising opening and exhibition in SF
JADE WAVE RISING: PORTRAITS OF POWER
SOMArts, San Francisco
https://www.aawaa.net/jade-wave-rising
from AAWAA:
Over 20 Asian American Pacific Islander women artists stand up to have their voices heard at SOMArts Cultural Center’s Main Gallery
SAN FRANCISCO, CA, March 20, 2023 - Asian American Women Artists Association (AAWAA) and the Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center (APICC) present the multidisciplinary art exhibition Jade Wave Rising: Portraits of Power, as part of the 26th annual United States of Asian America Festival opening on April 27, 2023, taking place at SOMArts Cultural Center’s Main Gallery. The opening reception takes place Thursday, April 27 at 6pm, followed by a community art workshop and gallery walk-through led by curator Yeu Q Nguyen on Sunday, April 30, and a closing event on Sunday, May 21.
Inspired by the jade gemstone’s various metaphysical and cultural meanings in its association with power, jewelry and crowns, JWR celebrates the diversity of AAPI women’s artistic voices while paying homage to overlooked historical figures and community leaders. “The exhibition aims to bring visibility to the myriad of ways API woman artists have embodied, expressed, and practiced their own power through art-making and community work. In doing so, it also establishes new faces and legacies of leadership in not only the API artistic community, but also society at large,” says curator and lead artist Yeu Q Nguyen.
Beyond unveiling a new large-scale interactive installation created by Nguyen, Jade Wave Rising also features an altar by Twin Walls Mural Company that highlights significant community leaders: Grace Lee Boggs, Violeta Marasigan and Yuri Kochiyama, along with images of youth activists and six lanterns representing the victims of the 2021 Atlanta shooting.
“This show emerges at a critical point in AAPI history when people in our communities are victimized as a result of unjust violence,” says AAWAA Director, Diana Li. “As AAPI women artists, we’re here to transform the narrative and stake a claim to the collective power and resilience behind our voices - voices that have existed in the legacy of our ancestors, families and communities for generations.
Jade Wave Rising follows a series of Asian and Asian American identified women being honored in the arts and mainstream media. The late Bernice Bing, a trailblazing abstract painter and community organizer who also found a home in AAWAA’s sisterhood, made headlines in the arts last year with her work being exhibited at the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. Performance artist, Kristina Wong, is also a recent recipient of the Doris Duke Artist Award with an unrestricted prize of $550,000. There’s also no question that Michelle Yeoh’s recent wins at the Golden Globes and the Oscars speak volumes for Asian and Asian American women everywhere - further empowering artists like those at AAWAA to dream big and rise up against stereotypes of Asian women at all ages.
Join the Asian American Women Artists Association at the opening reception, Thursday, April 27 at 6pm. Spend the following Sunday afternoon at two empowering art workshops and exhibit walk-throughs for the community led by curator Yeu Q Nguyen, April 30 at 1pm and 3pm. On Sunday, May 21 at 1pm, the exhibition also closes with literary readings and a screening of “Manilatown Manang”, a documentary about the life and times of Jeanette Gandiongo Lazam, an original Tenant Defender of the International Hotel during the 1970s and the last evicted tenant to step out of the hotel on August 4, 1977.
The SOMArts gallery is open for visitors Thursday 3:00-7:30 PM, Friday 12:00-7:30 PM and Saturday/Sunday, 12:00-5:00 PM. A virtual 3D model of the exhibition will also be available online on the SOMArts website.