During the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of Asian professionals in Baltimore founded the local chapter of the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) to address social isolation and rising anti-Asian hate. Officially launched in May 2021, NAAAP Baltimore now has about 100 members and prioritizes community-building over professional networking. With Asians comprising less than […]

Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga had an impressive rookie MLB season in 2024, finishing with a 15-3 record, 174 strikeouts, and a 2.91 ERA after years playing in Japan. Alongside fellow Japanese player Seiya Suzuki, Imanaga has helped lead the Cubs’ turnaround following two losing seasons. Together, they represent a growing Japanese influence in Major […]

Ben Wang stars in Karate Kid: Legends, becoming the franchise’s first Asian American lead. Historically, the Karate Kid series featured minimal Asian American representation, with Pat Morita as the only main Asian American character in the original films. Wang’s casting marks a step forward for Asian American visibility in mainstream media. He hopes his role […]

Weonhee Shin, a Decatur parent and former educator, co-founded Asian American Voices for Education (AAVEd). AAVEd offers free curriculum kits—including books, lesson plans, and artwork—aligned with state standards to help K–12 students learn Asian American history. Since 2022, over 400 kits have been distributed, reaching more than 15,000 students and 800 educators across 30 school […]

Asian American journalists Michelle Hoffman and Jane Kathleen Gregorio, based in Corpus Christi, Texas, are often the only Asian Americans in their newsrooms. Their experiences highlight the underrepresentation of AAPI individuals in local TV news, where they make up only about 3% nationally compared to 7% of the U.S. population. Both believe that increased representation […]

The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) has launched Asian American Voices in San Francisco, a new initiative that invests over $1 million in grassroots organizations serving Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in the city. The initiative aims to strengthen small, community-based nonprofits that foster safety, belonging, and prosperity organizations that are often under-resourced despite […]

A recent Pew study found that about 86 percent of American adults say they “at least sometimes” get news from a smartphone. Current research often overlooks the distinct habits of Asian Americans particularly first-generation immigrants and individuals with limited English proficiency. The report highlights the need for culturally competent media tailored to specific Asian American […]

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has established the Janet Yang Endowment in honor of its first Asian American president and advocate for global diversity, Janet Yang. Since making history in 2022, Yang has played a transformative role in expanding the Academy’s international outreach, elevating the visibility of non-U.S. filmmakers, and championing authentic […]

Round Rock High School in Texas offers the state’s only high school-level Asian American Studies (AAS) course, now entering its third year as a pilot program. Despite growing anti-DEI sentiments in Texas, the course continues with district support but still does not count toward graduation requirements. The course empowers students and encourages open dialogue about […]

Francis Allen-Palenske is making history as the first Asian American woman elected to both the Nevada state legislature and the Las Vegas City Council. Elected at just 25, Allen-Palenske reflects on the early challenges she faced and expresses her determination to build a legacy beyond simply being the “first.” She praises the diversity of the […]

Lucy Liu, Stephanie Hsu, and Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé will be honored at The Asian American Foundation’s (TAAF) Heritage Summit and Awards Dinner, taking place May 21–22. The event celebrates the leadership and cultural contributions of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community through a series of panels and discussions featuring […]

Daniel Dae Kim made history as the first Asian American nominated for Best Leading Actor in a Play at the Tonys for his role in Yellow Face. His performance and advocacy against anti-Asian hate have made him a key voice for diversity on Broadway. Playwright David Henry Hwang, a four-time Tony nominee, praised breaking barriers, […]