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

Oasis | Hana Hou

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

Oasis

Teach Writing With The New York Times: A Free School-Year Curriculum in 7 Units - The New York Times

Teach Writing With The New York Times: A Free School-Year Curriculum in 7 Units - The New York Times

Ypsi group helps African Americans overcome slavery-era obstacles to genealogy research

Miss Jean!!! Next winter, she is teaching an African American geneology class at Washtenaw Community College, and I will be teaching a follow-up course called "writing your family stories"

Ypsi group helps African Americans overcome slavery-era obstacles to genealogy research

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

Mining Toni Morrison’s lessons to a black woman writer from a 2010 Chicago visit - Chicago Sun-Times

great advice

Mining Toni Morrison’s lessons to a black woman writer from a 2010 Chicago visit - Chicago Sun-Times

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

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

About - Hawaiian Sanctuary Retreat Center

(1) Hawaiian Sanctuary - Home

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

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.

Asian Americans in Ann Arbor - Ann Arbor Observer

my article for the Ann Arbor Observer

Asian Americans in Ann Arbor - Ann Arbor Observer

‘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

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. 

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. 

We win AAJA Award 2019 Leadership in Diversity

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

AAJAHQ Award NBCAsian America

outrigger rowing island championships

Big Island outrigger rowing island championships (omg so many muscles everywhere)

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...

Now carried at Basically Books in Hilo!

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!

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.

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"

Mokupapapa Discovery Center is getting ready for us

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/

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! :

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!

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

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

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.

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

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

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...

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

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!

The Knight's Library Magazine - Home

Covering the 2020 Census — Detroit – Poynter

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

IS/LAND in Ann Arbor Observer photograph

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

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

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?

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

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.

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

2019 EWA National Seminar - Education Writers Association

Thanks so much to the Education Writers Association for a fellowship to attend the 72nd EWA National Seminar in Baltimore on May 6-8, 2019

2019 EWA National Seminar - Education Writers Association

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.

An Asian Pacific American Heritage Month reading list: Nonfiction

My article for NBC Asian America for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

An Asian Pacific American Heritage Month reading list: Nonfiction

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders — a FAQ

My article for NBC Asian America for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders — a FAQ

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

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.

diVERSE Voices for National Poetry Month at AADL

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

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...

Japanese-American activists will bring paper cranes to show solidarity with migrant families

My article for NBC Asian America

Japanese-American activists will bring paper cranes to show solidarity with migrant families

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?"

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

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

Poem published in Cracked Walnut anthology

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

2019 Joyce Awards Convening - Detroit

Met the amazing Tracie D. Hall at the Joyce Foundation at their Detroit convening on Thursday, March 14, 2019

2019 Joyce Awards Convening - Detroit 

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.

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.

In conversation with Helen Zia Last Boat out of Shanghai

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:...

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

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

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

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!

The Little Mermaid - Ann Arbor Observer

My article for the Ann Arbor Observer, February 2019

The Little Mermaid - Ann Arbor Observer

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...

Foods & Flavors of Chinese New Year - Chelsea District Library

chelseadistrictlibrary.org/event/foods-flavors-of-chinese-new-year/

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 ...

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.

Speaking: MLK Day keynote Greenhills School

Speaking today, January 18, 2019 at Greenhills School as their MLK Day Keynote!

Poem in Third Wednesday poetry journal

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.

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

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.

Literary Snapshot: How Do Bay Area Writers Spend Their Day? | The Spine | KQED Arts

Literary Snapshot: How Do Bay Area Writers Spend Their Day? | The Spine | KQED Arts

Dreams of the Diaspora by Jyoti Omi Chowdhury and Frances Kai-Hwa Wang | Smithsonian Institution

Wow. Just discovering this direct link so many years after the fact. Looks so official, omg omg.

Dreams of the Diaspora by Jyoti Omi Chowdhury and Frances Kai-Hwa Wang | Smithsonian Institution

Why Are Asian American Women Still Inaccurately Portrayed on TV? | Creed Politico

Just found this mostly unattributed reprint (March 11, 2018) of my article from Women's Media Center via Alternet. Fun. Luckily my name is included at the very end.

Why Are Asian American Women Still Inaccurately Portrayed on TV? | Creed Politico

Kartika Review 14 and 16 by Kartika Review - issuu

Excited to find my long-lost poems from Kartika Review! After being hacked a few years ago, Kartika Review has found them again. Yay

Kartika Review 14 by Kartika Review - issuu
Fall 2012, page 63
"'Did you eat?' means...I love you"

Kartika Review 16 by Kartika Review - issuu
Fall 2013, page 109
"Grandfather Walking"

Writing to Change the World WCC

Writing to Change the World this Saturday, December 1, 2018, at Washtenaw Community College. Register now or find more classes

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

Speaking: Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, Community High

Speaking about the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival today, November 20, 2018, at Community High School as part of their Multicultural Day. Students were really well prepared. Even taught them to recite a Chinese poem to the moon. Chuang Qian Ming Yue Guang...

Facing Race Conference, Detroit

So glad to be able to attend the Facing Race Conference in Detroit November 8-9, 2018 and see so many friends, meet so many heroes, buy so many books, and learn so much about the good work folks are doing around the country.

Lifting up all voices in metro Detroit, including Michigan’s Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, for the 2018 midterm election – MI Asian

My article for MI Asian and Detroit Journalism Cooperative and New Michigan Media:

“It is so important that all voices are lifted up in our democracy, and that includes Asian American voters,” said Michigan Representative and Democratic state Senate candidate for District 1 Stephanie Chang. “There is so much at stake in the 2018 elections — from immigrants’ rights to an economy that works for everyone — Asian American voters should have a say in who will serve us in our representative democracy.”

Lifting up all voices in metro Detroit, including Michigan’s Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, for the 2018 midterm election – MI Asian

Jumpstart your Memoir WCC

Jumpstart your Memoir this Saturday, November 3, 2018, at Washtenaw Community College. Register now or find more classes

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

Slamiversary Showcase: Celebrating 5 Years of A2Poetry

Just got invited to read this Sunday, October 21, 7pm, at Espresso Royale on State Street in Ann Arbor!

Also found out that Ann Arbor Poetry Slam is the second oldest poetry slam in the country (after Chicago), established in 1987, even though they don't shout any more.

Hope to see you there!

Slamiversary Showcase: Celebrating 5 Years of A2Poetry

Ethical Wills--Writing a love letter to your family WCC

Ethical Wills--Writing a love letter to your family this Sat., Oct 20, 2018, at Washtenaw Community College. Register now or find more courses here:

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

Writing from the Heart and Finding the Writer Within WCC

Writing from the Heart workshop this Saturday, October 6, 2018, and Finding the Writer Within (10 weeks) beginning this Sunday, October 7, 2018, at Washtenaw Community College. Register now or find more courses here:

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

The Customs & Culture of Chinese Food | Ann Arbor District Library

The Customs and Culture of Chinese Food, Thursday September 27, 2018, 6:30pm to 8:00pm, Ann Arbor District Library, Downtown Library: Secret Lab

Cooking Demonstration | The Customs & Culture of Chinese Food | Ann Arbor District Library

College Day at WCC

Intro to "Chinese language and culture" and all my writing classes today, September 30, 2018, at WCC College Day

Viet Thanh Nguyen at UM!

Viet Thanh Nguyen at UM today for special September 11 lecture at Lydia Mendelssohn theatre (and I got to have lunch with him and Peter Ho Davies and Emily Lawsin)

Open Mic & Share Poetry feat Frances Kai-Hwa Wang

Reading Thursday, September 13, 2018, 7pm, at Bookbound Open Mic and Share Poetry Series, Ann Arbor
Open Mic and Share Poetry feat Frances Kai-Hwa Wang

SAT/ACT Essay writing and Public Speaking classes

Teaching SAT/ACT Essay writing and Public Speaking classes at Ann Hua Chinese School again this year! Sundays 11-12 and 2-3, starting Sept. 9. See you all there!

New Ann Arbor courses coming soon: Memoir in Free Verse

New Ann Arbor courses coming soon through Springfed Arts! Check out Springfed.org

Memoir in Free Verse

Writing workshop with Frances Kai-Hwa Wang

Everyone has interesting stories to tell, but not everyone knows where to begin. Whether you want to write a family history for your loved ones or publish a memoir of your life, why not start here, one word, one story at time? Short writing and reading exercises, tips and tricks to overcome barriers to writing, if you can tell your story, you can write your story! No prerequisites. Bring a notebook and a pen.

Frances Kai-Hwa Wang is a journalist, essayist, speaker, educator, and poet focused on issues of race, culture, and the arts. Her writing has appeared at NBC News Asian America, PRI Global Nation, New America Media, Cha Asian Literary Journal, Kartika Review, and several anthologies, journals, and art exhibitions. She teaches Asian/Pacific Islander American media and civil rights law at the University of Michigan, and she teaches creative writing at University of Hawaii Hilo and Washtenaw Community College. Franceskaihwawang.com

6 class sessions, 2 hours each session, weekday times

Fall term Oct-Nov, Winter term Feb-Mar, Spring term April-May

Tuition $130 for members, $180 for nonmembers

Membership Springfed Arts $50 (1 year)

Dates, times, locations available soon at Springfedarts.org or Franceskaihwawang.com (still setting things up with venue)

King and Thurston neighborhoods | Ann Arbor City Guide

My articles in this year's Ann Arbor City Guide, looking at King and Thurston neighborhoods

 

My Neighborhood - Thurston (CG18) - Ann Arbor Observer

My Neighborhood - King (CG18) - Ann Arbor Observer

A2SO @ 90 - Ann Arbor Observer

My article for the Ann Arbor Observer, August 2018 issue

"This is a quality-sensitive community," says Lipsky. "Ann Arbor is a hub for the best professional orchestras in the world. So we are lucky to be here, but our audience--which is the same audience--comes to expect the same experience as with the Berlin Philharmonic."

A2SO @ 90 - Ann Arbor Observer

College Application Essay Writing Workshop

College Application Essay Writing Workshop
Saturday, September 08, 2018, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Chelsea District Library Learning Lab

Have you been meaning to start your college application essays all summer? What do those questions mean? Where do you even start? How do you fit it all into the word count? This college application essay boot camp prompts you to sit down and just get it done. Using timed writings and discussion, we will inventory your high school experiences, analyze application essay questions, write a good first draft and discuss editing techniques. Bring a laptop or a notebook and pen.

Event Type(s): Teen
Age Group(s): High SchoolCollege Application Essay Writing Workshop

Laughter, tears as excited audiences pack theaters to support 'Crazy Rich Asians'

My article with NBC Asian America team

Laughter, tears as excited audiences pack theaters to support 'Crazy Rich Asians'

Literary Reading at Mokupapapa next summer

Confirmed: We'll be having a literary reading next summer at Mokupapapa Discovery Center in Hilo on Thursday, July 18, 2019! Mark your calendars!

Jumpstart Your College Essay at Washtenaw Community College

Jumpstart Your College Essay
Washtenaw Community College

Technical and Industrial Bldg

2 Saturdays, August 18 and 25, 2018, 1-4 pm

Have you been meaning to start your college application essays all summer? What do those questions mean? Where do you even start? How do you fit it all into the word count? This college application essay boot camp prompts you to sit down and just get it done. Using timed writings and discussion, we will inventory your high school experiences, analyze application essay questions, write a good first draft and discuss editing techniques. Bring a laptop, notebook and pen. Bring a friend too!

Please read: Lunch is not provided. For ages 15-18.

Register now: https://washtenaw.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&int_class_id=17975&int_category_id=12&int_sub_category_id=0&int_catalog_id=0

Writing the Stories of Your Life

Big Island friends! Come write with me! Starting this thursday, July 12, for four weeks at UHH. It will be fun (esp since my my mom may sit in on the class with us!) There is still room because of the lava so register now and bring/send friends xoxo see you soon

Writing the Stories of Your Life

The Customs & Culture of Chinese Food at AADL

The Customs & Culture of Chinese Food with Cooking Demonstration

Ann Arbor District Library
Downtown Library: Secret Lab
Thursday September 27, 2018: 6:30pm to 8:00pm

For Whom
Grade 6 - Adult

Explore the customs, traditions, and stories surrounding Chinese food and festivals.
What do Chinese people eat at Chinese New Year and the Chinese moon festival, and why?
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?

Afterward, watch Frances Kai-Hwa Wang demonstrate how to make a smashed cucumber salad and discover your fortune in a cookie!

https://aadl.org/node/378442

Jumpstart Your College Essay at Chelsea District Library

Jumpstart Your College Essay
Chelsea District Library
Saturday, September 29, 2-4 pm

Have you been meaning to start your college application essays all summer? What do those questions mean? Where do you even start? How do you fit it all into the word count? This college application essay boot camp prompts you to sit down and just get it done. Using timed writings and discussion, we will inventory your high school experiences, analyze application essay questions, write a good first draft and discuss editing techniques. Bring a laptop, notebook and pen.

Link coming soon

Writing from the Heart at Volcano Art Center | Volcano Art Center

Big island friends! Come write with me! One-day workshop up at the summit of the volcano! Sat July 21 9:30-4:00.at Volcano Art Center. Bring/send friends

Writing from the Heart at Volcano Art Center | Volcano Art Center

Stargazers: A Cracked Walnut poetry reading

Thanks for inviting me to be a part of
Stargazers: A Cracked Walnut reading,
Friday, June 22 at 7 PM – 8:30 PM, at
East Side Freedom Library, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Cracked Walnut presents an evening of original literature by local authors presented with the theme of “Stargazers” which they may use to alter their own reality as they see fit. This reading will feature Josh Brown, Emylisa Warrick, Riawa Thomas-Smith, Mike Finley, Frances Kai-Hwa Wang and Bryan Thao Worra. Hosted by Bryan Thao Worra. https://www.facebook.com/events/189864468502744/

Stargazers: A Cracked Walnut reading

And a report
Reading Report: Cracked Walnut’s “Stargazers,” June 22, 2018 – SPECPO

And pictures too

Asian American playwright Young Jean Lee makes Broadway history - Women’s Media Center

My article for on Korean American playwright Young Jean Lee in Women's Media Center!

Asian American playwright Young Jean Lee makes Broadway history - Women’s Media Center

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

June 19, 2018...36 years ago now...

We're all in this together. A Vincent Chin Reader I put together for NBC Asian America last year

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

"Racists are not very smart. Don’t count on them being able to tell any of us apart (not that that would make it ok). Don’t assume that you or your children or your elders are safe because you are not from that other group."

An interview I did with Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles re Vincent Chin case last year that resonates painfully today

Q&A with Frances Kai-Hwa Wang | Asian Americans Advancing Justice - LA

Asian Heritage Street Celebration Newspaper by cccsanfrancisco - issuu

I curated the essays and poetry for "Without Walls," May 2018, Issue 1, published by Chinese Culture Center San Francisco with Tamiko Wong for San Francisco's Asian Heritage Street Celebration

Asian Heritage Street Celebration Newspaper by cccsanfrancisco - issuu

ONA Detroit Local Summit

Making new friends at ONA Detroit Local Summit! 

Writing with Style: Finding Your Voice WCC

We are Writing with Style today Saturday 6/2/2018 at this fun weekend workshop at Washtenaw Community College. Come join us! Bring a notebook and a pen (and a lunch!)

Writing with Style: Finding Your Voice - Washtenaw Community College Division of Economic & Community Development