Fresno State’s inaugural Hmong Heritage Education Day on December 14, 2024, will be a meaningful celebration of the Hmong Community’s history and contributions. The events will feature 14 cultural workshops, Hmong dance performances, food trucks, and a resource fair. It aims to honor Hmong heritage in anticipation of the 50th anniversary of Hmong immigration to […]

A year-end community luncheon brought warmth and support to approximately 150 Korean seniors in Koreatown on December 12, 2024. Held monthly since 2010, the luncheon fosters community connection for seniors who often face isolation and financial challenges. Attendees expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to gather, enjoy a mean, and receive thoughtful gifts. Over the […]

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts celebrated a landmark year by returning to his birthplace, Naha, Okinawa, to accept an honorary award after leading his team to a World Series victory over the New York Yankees. Naha’s mayor commended Roberts for inspiring Okinawans to embrace their identity. Roberts, a two-time World Series winning manager, expressed his […]

North Crowley offensive coordinator Eli Reinhart has guided the Panthers to an impressive 55.6 points per game as they head into their state semifinal against Duncanville. As one of the few Asian American football coaches, Reinhart reflects on overcoming stereotypes and doubts about his expertise. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Reinhart faced challenges tied related […]

Long Beach, home to the largest Cambodian American population in the U.S., has long had limited representation of its Khmer community in local schools. A new Southeast Asian Studies Model Curriculum in California now provides K-12 teachers with resources to teach about the histories of Hmong, Vietnamese, and Cambodian Americans, helping to fill gaps in […]

Ali Wong and Echo Wu’s new animated series, Jentry Chau vs. the Underworld, uses Chinese folklore monsters to represent the challenges of adolescence. The story follows Jentry Chau, a Chinese American teen voiced by Wong, who battles supernatural beings while confronting her biggest fears rooted in the struggles of being a teen. Wu and Wong […]

Stephen Gong, the outgoing executive director of the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM), was honored at a retirement celebration in San Francisco on December 6, 2024. Gong, who led CAAM for 18 years, was recognized for his pivotal role in advocating for Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) stories in film and media. His work […]

Simu Liu, Marvel’s first Asian superhero star, shared his journey from a failed career as an accountant to finding success as an actor.  After losing his job, Liu went through an “existential crisis” that inspired him to redefine success on his own terms. In addition to his acting career, Liu is an investor who supports businesses that […]

Pasadena High School Asian Studies students are exploring historic Asian neighborhoods in Los Angeles as part of their curriculum. They are researching the cultural and historical significance of these areas and leading peer tours to share their findings. The first student led tour took place in Chinatown, as they visit the Chinese American Museum. This […]

The Dallas Asian American Art Collective hosted its first art show at the Cedars Union, showcasing a diverse range of works by established Asian American artists from North Texas. The exhibition aimed to highlight the unique experiences of Asian American and Pacific Islander artists in the U.S. It featured a variety of mediums, including printmaking, animation, […]

Auli’i Cravalho, who voiced Moana at 16, returns for the sequel “Moana 2.” Cravalho, of Native Hawaiian descent, takes pride in showcasing Pacific Island culture and celebrating Moana as a Polynesian hero. In the sequel, Moana takes on the challenge of uniting Island communities while c continuing to honor ancient arts and traditions. Cravalho highlights Moana’s influence in […]

Hoang Nguyen made history as Utah’s first Vietnamese American state legislator, winning 71% of the vote to represent District 23. Born in Vietnam and a refugee, Nguyen’s victory reflects her resilience and her community’s desire for better representation. Despite Utah’s predominantly Republican landscape, her platform resonated with voters as she advocates for greater representation for marginalized communities, […]