Sikh WWII Veteran Who Fought to Wear Turban in Royal Canadian Legion Dies - NBC News

my article for NBC Asian America

"Lt.Col Pritam Singh's story is an example of service; service as a soldier and as a member of the community," wrote the current Canadian Minister of National Defense, Harjit Singh Sajjan, in the forward of Jauhal's 2013 memoir, "A Soldier Remembers." "He witnessed the ferocity and cruelty of war and earned his right to be called a combat veteran. Lt.Col Pritam Singh earned this right as a soldier from India serving the British, but he did this as a Sikh wearing his turban proudly."

Sikh WWII Veteran Who Fought to Wear Turban in Royal Canadian Legion Dies - NBC News

California Won't Apply for Federal Data Disaggregation Grant: Report - NBC News

my article for NBC Asian America

"It is very important that California apply for this historic grant from the U.S. Department of Education, given the large and diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) population in our state,"

California Won't Apply for Federal Data Disaggregation Grant: Report - NBC News

July writing workshops offered | Hawaii Tribune-Herald

  

UH Hilo College of Continuing Education & Community Service (UHH CCECS) says my summer writing workshops are a go! So if you know anyone on Big Island who wants to try "finding your voice" or "dare to dream" (aka the midlife crisis writing workshop) or "writing to change the world" send them my way. 4 weeks of summer writing fun!

apparently I'm in today's Hawaii Tribune-Herald
July writing workshops offered | Hawaii Tribune-Herald

and earlier in the month
CCECS hosts writing workshops in July | Hawaii Tribune-Herald

and last month too
CCECS slates writing workshops in July | Hawaii Tribune-Herald

V3 Digital Media Conference presented by AAJA-LA

Looking forward to hanging out w NBC Asian America team and friends at V3con: V3 Digital Media Conference presented by AAJA-LA today (and really looking forward to not speaking on any panels so I can listen)Homepage - V3 Digital Media Conference presented by AAJA-LA

Congressional Leaders Urge Dept. of Education to Enforce 'Supplement not Supplant' - NBC News

my article for NBC Asian America

"It is time to stand up for students of color, and honor the civil rights legacy of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. 'Supplement Not Supplant' will go a long way towards educational equity by ensuring that federal dollars are used to combat educational disparities."

Congressional Leaders Urge Dept. of Education to Enforce 'Supplement not Supplant' - NBC News

Asian-American Advocates Speak Out in Favor of Gun Control As Dems Hold Sit-In - NBC News

My article for NBC Asian America

"We are deeply disappointed that Senate Republicans continue to choose special interests over public health and safety, but this is only the beginning of NCAPA's advocacy on gun control," NCAPA National Director Christopher Kang told NBC News. "More than 20 of our national AAPI organizations have joined this debate, representing the voices of nearly four in every five Asian American voters who support stricter gun laws. Although we did not prevail last night, we will not stop until we do."

Asian-American Advocates Speak Out in Favor of Gun Control As Dems Hold Sit-In - NBC News

Essay: Finding the Courage to Cross the Street Again After Orlando - NBC News

My essay for NBC Asian America, remembering Vincent Chin, Joseph Ileto, Stockton School Shooting, and Orlando. (wow what a depressing sentence).

I remember the courage it took to take my children to Chinese summer camp the next morning. What if our visibly minority summer camp was targeted next? Is going to Chinese summer camp an act of bravery or an act of foolishness?

Essay: Finding the Courage to Cross the Street Again After Orlando - NBC News

Mosque Attacks, Apparent Anti-Islam Spending Up: Report - NBC News

My article for NBC Asian America

"The last two months of 2015 saw 34 incidents in which mosques were targeted by vandals or those who want to intimidate worshippers," Nihad Awad, CAIR executive director, writes in the introduction. "This is more incidents than we usually record in an entire year. This report makes a case that those who value constitutional ideals like equal protection, freedom of worship, or an absence of religious tests for those seeking public office no longer have the luxury of just opposing the U.S. Islamophobia network's biased messaging."

Mosque Attacks, Apparent Anti-Islam Spending Up: Report - NBC News

New Sentencing Date, Attorney for Dylan Yang, Teen Convicted of Homicide - NBC News

my article for nbc asian america

"Considering the overwhelming amount of support from around the country in the form of letters to the judge, petitions, and editorials, it is no surprise that court officials are taking extra time to review them and pushing the sentencing date back,"

New Sentencing Date, Attorney for Dylan Yang, Teen Convicted of Homicide - NBC News

Maui Makes a Mile-Long Lei for Orlando - NBC News

my article for NBC Asian America

"We have so many hands that came together to weave this lei of love to remember those that were killed," Tolbe said. "It represents all the different cultures and beliefs here. It's a small memorial from Hawaii that we send to the families to say they are remembered and loved."

Maui Makes a Mile-Long Lei for Orlando - NBC News

Remembering Vincent Chin 34 years later

Powerful video: "Jubilee Project: Voices" is part of "NBC Asian America Presents...," a new video channel that will feature documentaries centered around themes and voices found in Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

ft. Phil Yu Angry Asian Man, Tanzila Ahmed #GoodMuslimBadMuslim, Jenny Yang, etc

Voices: Who Is Vincent Chin? - NBC News

Watch Free Documentaries Online | Documentary Heaven

omg what is this. how i'll be spending my summer...

Watch Free Documentaries Online | Documentary Heaven

Adoptees' Push for Citizenship Reaches House of Representatives - NBC News

my article for nbc asian america

"Significantly, the circumstances behind why and how international adoptees come to the U.S. is distinguishable from other communities who wish to obtain U.S. citizenship," Yoon said. "International adoptees are selected and approved by the U.S. government to enter into this country for the sole purpose of becoming part of an American family. Indeed, adoption laws mandate complete legal severance with first families so that an adoptee can become an American. The purpose of U.S. adoption laws must be at the forefront of all discussions surrounding the ACA; and when that happens, the U.S. will have no alternative but to recognize all international adoptees as U.S. citizens."

Adoptees' Push for Citizenship Reaches House of Representatives - NBC News

Muslim Organizations Raise Funds for Leadership Program Inspired by Muhammad Ali - NBC News

my article for nbc asian america

"This effort is a small token to ensure that future generations of youth continue to be inspired by Muhammad Ali and the example he set for the way humanity engages with each other."

Muslim Organizations Raise Funds for Leadership Program Inspired by Muhammad Ali - NBC News

Bloody shoes worn by Orlando doctor reveal power of detail – Poynter

for writing class--details

Bloody shoes worn by Orlando doctor reveal power of detail – Poynter

Muslim Organizations Raise Funds for Victims of Orlando Massacre - NBC News

my article for NBC Asian America

"We wish to respond to evil w/ good & send a powerful message of compassion through action.#Muslims4Pulse"

Muslim Organizations Raise Funds for Victims of Orlando Massacre - NBC News

Young Writer's Workshop | Chelsea District Library

Teaching at Chelsea District Library tomorrow!

Thursday, June 16, 2016
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Chelsea District Library - McKune Room

Young Writer's Workshop
Explore writing from many angles in this special multi-week writing workshop! Writer and WCC instructor Frances Kai-Wha Wang will facilitate the first two sessions, and YA Author Kelly Barson will present the last two sessions. Students registering for this program should come to the Youth Desk to pick up a free copy of Kelly Barson's book.

Young Writer's Workshop

Hawaii Celebrates 144th King Kamehameha Day with Flowers, Parades - NBC News

My article for NBC Asian America

"Each island is represented in the color and the flora and fauna of that island. The princesses are adorned in beautiful lei, as are the horses. They are known for their skilled horsemanship. This year, we reunited the pa'u queens of yesteryear going back to 1968."

Hawaii Celebrates 144th King Kamehameha Day with Flowers, Parades - NBC News

Muslim, Asian-American LGBTQ Advocates Call for Love, Solidarity After Orlando Shooting - NBC News

my article for NBC Asian America

"We will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder to speak out, demand policy change, expect law enforcement to protect our communities, and lift up each other's humanity. We cannot allow tragedy to divide our communities when solidarity is more important than ever. And, for everyone who stands at the intersection of Muslim and LGBTQIA identities, we offer you extra love and support. We see you and we stand with you."

Muslim, Asian-American LGBTQ Advocates Call for Love, Solidarity After Orlando Shooting - NBC News

upcoming book festivals

looking ahead to some upcoming book festivals

Ann Arbor Book Festival | aabookfestival.org/ June 16, 17, 18, 2016

Reading by Zilka Joseph!

Kerrytown BookFest | www.kerrytownbookfest.org/ September 11, 2016

Discussion with Ava Chin, Eating Wildly

TC Children's Book Festival | www.tcchildrensbookfestival.com/ November 12, 2016