42nd Annual ACCESS Dinner

So pleased to be able to attend the annual ACCESS Dinner and meet lots of allies and catch up with lots of friends. The stories of honorees Dr. Marwan Abouljoud and Diane Rehm are so inspiring. ACCESS does great work, check them out!

http://www.accesscommunity.org/site/PageServer

Information session on Affordable Care Act, Friday, April 26

Today! Information session on Affordable Care Act on Friday, April 26, 7:30pm, at Northside School in Ann Arbor. Sponsored by Ann Arbor Chinese Center of Michigan (密西根安娜堡中文學校) Healthy Asian Americans Project (HAAP), Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission, The Michigan Korean Weekly

Video of Michele Norris' Race Card Project Ensemble at University of Michigan

So pleased to be a part of NPR's Michele Norris' Race Card Project Ensemble at University of Michigan Rackham Auditorium, Thursday, April 18, 2013, as part of the Umich LS&A Theme Year on Understanding Race. (Disregard the subtitles, a lot of them are wrong.)

Teaching at the University of Hawaii this summer: Jumpstart your Memoir

oh look who's teaching at the university of hawaii this summer :) Jumpstart your Memoir

Jumpstart Your Memoir:

UHH Home > Academics > College of Continuing Education and Community Service

Do you have a memoir you have been meaning to write, either for publication or just for your grandchildren, but are having difficulty getting started? Why not start here, one chapter at a time? In this short workshop, students will learn short writing exercises as well as tips and tricks—including creating a space for writing, writing every day, reading aloud, training your mind to see detail, taking chances with emotion, having fun with humor and flourishes, writing from the heart, cultivating consistency, and overcoming barriers to writing—that will start you on your way. Leave with beginning drafts of several chapters. Frances Kai-Hwa Wang, a writer, speaker, activist and multicultural educator who teaches at the University of Michigan, and is the author of “Where Lava Meets the Sea—Asian Pacific American Postcards from Hawaii” instructs this dynamic workshop that is open to anyone. Students will need a notebook and pen.

Aug 6 & 8, TTh, 5-8pm, UCB 111, 2 classes, $40

http://hilo.hawaii.edu/academics/ccecs/fitness/JumpstartMemoir.php

Hanging out with NPR's Michele Norris and The Race Card Project

Hanging out with NPR's Michele Norris and The Race Card Project after the ensemble reading of The Race Card Project at University of Michigan, Rackham Auditorium, April 18, 2013, for UM Understanding Race Project.

Action shot at Race Card Project participants speak out in town hall at Rackham http://www.ur.umich.edu/update/archives/130419/racecard

More info at UnderstandingRaceProject.org.

Race Card Project participants speak out in town hall at Rackham

Proud to be a part of the ensemble reading of NPR's Michele Norris' Race Card Project Thursday night at University of Michigan.

Race Card Project participants speak out in town hall at Rackham

Today: Join NPR's Michele Norris and the Race Card Project Ensemble for a Reading and Town Hall Discussion!

Excited to be a part of the ensemble! We're going to be on NPR (LIVE!) and Michigan TV! Today! 4:00-6:00 p.m. at University of Michigan Rackham Auditorium, with reception following at Institute for the Humanitites. Come and join us!

Join NPR's Michele Norris and the Race Card Project Ensemble for a Reading and Town Hall Discussion!

The Race Card Project at Michigan asked you for six words. Now it's time to hear what others have to say!

4 pm. Rackham Auditorium.

The Race Card Project Ensemble is Naomi Andre, Kelly Cunningham, Andrew Dalack, Chanel de Guzman, Phil Deloria,Scott Ellsworth, Aston Gonzalez, Aliza Harani, Elizabeth James, Pilar Koopman, Deborah Labelle, Salma Moosa, Ravi Noori, Esrold Nurse, Morgan Peterson, Sukee Ramawickrama, Daniel Schorin, Celine Smith, Mike Spencer, Danielle Thesiger, Frances Wang, Sahr Yazdani, Jennifer Yim.

More information at understandingraceproject.org.

An Evening With Tim Wise, "Colorblind: The Rise of Post-Racial Politics and the Retreat from Racial Equity."

Anti-racist activist Tim Wise will speak at the University of Michigan on Wednesday, April 17 at 5:00 PM at the Michigan League Ballroom, 911 North University Ave. in Ann Arbor. This event is FREE to the public. His talk is entitled “Colorblind: The Rise of Post-Racial Politics and the Retreat from Racial Equity.” Following his talk will be a Q&A session, and then a reception. 

An Evening With Tim Wise, "Colorblind: The Rise of Post-Racial Politics and the Retreat from Racial Equity."

Reading at University of Michigan Race Card Town Hall this Thursday April 18

So excited to be invited to take part in NPR's Michele Norris University of Michigan Race Card Town Hall Reading as part of U-M Understanding RACE Project Understanding Race in This Place: A Community Conversation this Thursday, april 18, 4-6, Rackham Auditorium h/t Martha Jones

Second Chapbook, "Where the Lava Meets the Sea," available NOW at Blacklava.net

Hurrah! My second chapbook is now available for purchase online from my good friend, Ryan Suda (whose birthday it was yesterday--Happy Birthday, Ryan!) at Blacklava.net.

Where the Lava Meets the Sea--Asian Pacific American Postcards from Hawaii, a collection of essays, prose poems, and short short stories

Far from where the tourists go and passing for local, Frances Kai-Hwa Wang and her children go to Hawai‘i every summer to visit grandparents and explore the Big Island’s natural wonders, many cultures, and interesting characters. Where the Lava Meets the Sea—Asian Pacific American Postcards from Hawai‘i is a collection of essays, prose poems, and short short stories through which they search for home in Hawai‘i, and they discover an Asian Pacific American sense of belonging, one that does not simply allow them to belong, but one that presumes they belong.

The binding is hand-sewn...all by myself...in the dark...during a blackout...in the middle of a snowstorm...while watching the Lord of Rings trilogy for the first time...and while listing to MLK Day lectures...

Available NOW at:
Blacklava - A store for all things Asian American

Poetry Reading: Navigating the underCurrents, May 15 — SOMArts

I've been called an activist scholar, a freelance intellectual, and now I'm an activist poet. I like it! Thanks to author May-lee Chai for inviting me to be a part. Now to write (after I finish my taxes!)...

What: Poetry Reading: Navigating the underCurrents
When: Wednesday, May 15, 7–8:30pm
Where: 934 Brannan St. (between 8th & 9th)
How Much: Free admission.
Bay Area author and international journalist, May-lee Chai curates this poetry reading inspired and surrounded by the socio-political visual art works during the underCurrents & the Quest for Spaceart exhibition at SOMArts Cultural Center, as part of Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center’s (APICC’s) Annual United States of Asian American Art Festival.
The activist poets read their original poems in reaction to specific art pieces, challenging the status quo and proposing new aesthetic spaces. The reading, which will take place in front of the art piece that inspired each poet, will question our concepts and assumptions of gender, race, class, nationality, and the constructed femininity used to silence Asian American women throughout history.

Poetry Reading: Navigating the underCurrents, May 15 — SOMArts

First Early-Bird V3con Registrants 2013: Nelson Wong | V3 Digital Media Conference presented by AAJA-LA

Hey, it's Nelson Wong!

V3con’s next featured early registrant is music blogger Nelson Wong. He manages his own blog about Asian Americans in the entertainment industry, called AARisings, which had its origins in 1990. Nelson is a past V3con attendee and is returning to the conference for another weekend of reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones.

First Early-Bird V3con Registrants 2013: Nelson Wong | V3 Digital Media Conference presented by AAJA-LA

"We Can End Racism," multi-media performance by damali ayo at Umich April 11

this looks really cool. at UMich for Understanding Race Project.

Thursday, April 11, 2013, 7:00pm until 8:30pm
Rackham Amphitheatre, Rackham Graduate School, 915 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor, MI 49109

Multi-media artist damali ayo (lower case is intentional) has a fresh
take on diversity like none you’ve ever seen. Using art, photos,
videos, humor, and unforgettable stories, ayo shows the solutions to
one of our culture’s toughest topics and leaves her audiences
energized and feeling empowered and hopeful.

more here:
"We Can End Racism," multi-media performance by damali ayo

First Early-Bird V3con Registrants 2013: Frances and Hao Hao Wang | V3 Digital Media Conference presented by AAJA-LA

V3con sends UCLA The Daily Bruin reporter and AAJA member Kristen Takeda to interview me and Hao Hao! Although what I actually said was that we kissed National Film Society Patrick Mendoza Epino and Stephen Dypiangco and made them cry. But I think she thought I was joking.

She doesn't know I never joke about kissing the boys and making them cry.

Thanks to Eric Ignacio at Viz Media for the beautiful photograph!

First Early-Bird V3con Registrants 2013: Frances and Hao Hao Wang | V3 Digital Media Conference presented by AAJA-LA

Michigan Center for Empowerment and Economic Development (CEED) 29th Annual Awards Celebration

Looking forward to meeting the good folks at the Michigan Center for Empowerment and Economic Development (CEED) 29th Annual Awards Celebration coming up Thursday April 11 in Novi, Michigan.

The Center for Empowerment and Economic Development (CEED) takes pride in recognizing those that have empowered others or received empowerment from CEED and demonstrated outstanding achievement while yet is supporting the small business community....It is easy to continually face forward, but it is courageous to also lend a hand to someone behind you or beside you.  These are the individuals who truly inspire the creation of community and help maintain economic stability for all.

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FestiFools: Ann Arbor’s Annual Street Festival of Huge Puppets & Random Acts of April Foolishness

More and more normal people at Festifools every year. Not sure if that's a good thing. Yep, it's a good thing.

FestiFools: Ann Arbor’s Annual Street Festival of Huge Puppets & Random Acts of April Foolishness

Speaking today at MAASU Spring Conference 2013

Speaking today at Midwest Asian American Student Union (MAASU) Spring Conference 2013. Running three DIFFERENT workshops! Also looking forward to hanging out with Steve Nguyen who is bringing his new film, Hibakusha!

Workshop Title: Multicultural Nature of Hawaii

Session: 1

Time Slot: 10:45am-12:00pm

Room Location: Mason Hall 1436

Check-in time: 10:00am

Check in room: Mason Hall 3440

Workshop Title: Status of the APIA Civil Rights Movement: from Vincent Chin, to Danny Chen, and Beyond (with Roland Hwang and Ron Aramaki)

Session: 2

Time Slot: 01:45pm-03:00pm

Room Location: Angell Hall Auditorium B

Check-in time: 01:00pm

Check in room: Mason Hall 3440

Workshop Title: Becoming Badass: Forging an Asian American identity in the space between History, Stereotype, and Family

Session: 3

Time Slot: 03:15pm-04:30pm

Room Location: Mason Hall 1436

Check-in time: 02:30pm

Check in room: Mason Hall 3440

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MAASU: Viewpoint: Activate your inner activist - The Michigan Daily

Encouraging. Sweet. The power of student organizations and conferences like Midwest Asian American Student Union (MAASU) Spring Conference, starting tonight at University of Michigan.

Viewpoint: Activate your inner activist - The Michigan Daily

More info on the conference:
https://www.facebook.com/events/258439210957142/?fref=ts

Today at UMich: Minkah Makalani, "The Union of All Oppressed Peoples: Black and Asian Radicals on Empire and Coloniality"

Sounds fierce. Today at UMich.

The University of Michigan Department of Afroamerican and African Studies and Asian/Pacific Islander American Studies Program Present 

Minkah Makalani, Department of African and African Diaspora Studies University of Texas Austin

"The Union of All Oppressed Peoples: Black and Asian Radicals on Empire and Coloniality"

DAAS Haven Hall 4700
Thursday, April 4
1:00 to 2:30pm

This talk will focus on the important yet often neglected role that black-Asian interactions during the 1920s and 1930s played in shaping black radicalism and Marxist organizing in the U.S., Europe, the Caribbean, and Africa. Through the 1927 meeting of the League against Imperialism in Brussels, Belgium and other encounters, black and Asian radicals charted a political genealogy outside the institutional and theoretical corridors of organized Marxism. They saw in the struggles of the African and Asian worlds the basis for world liberation and an end not only to capitalism, imperialism, and Empire, but more fundamentally, to coloniality.

Bio: Minkah Makalani is the author of In the Cause of Freedom: Radical Black Internationalism from Harlem to London, 1917-1939 (UNC Press, 2011). He is currently working on a book titled Calypso Conquered the World: C. L. R. James and the Unimaginable Democracy in Trinidadian Postcolonyand a second project on Anglophone, African American, and Afro-Dominican interactions during the second U.S. military occupation of the Dominican Republic in 1965-1966.

http://mesa.umich.edu/article/minkah-makalani-black-asian-radicals-empire


And don't forget Museum of Chinese in American (MOCA) founder Jack Tchen today at University of Michigan too for the Understanding Race Project! He is beyond cool!

Events | Theme Semester | University of Michigan

Asian American art exhibit in San Francisco SOMArts

So excited to be reading at the poetry reading held in conjunction with this exciting Asian American art exhibit in San Francisco and curated by my good friend May-lee Chai May-lee Chai. Great article about it in Psychology Today! Now to write!

http://www.psychologytoday.com/em/121347

Evocative exhibit, town hall foster conversation about race

April 18 Town Hall Meeting on Race at Rackham at University of Michigan.

Evocative exhibit, town hall foster conversation about race

Omar Borkan Al Gala identified as one of the men deported for being too handsome

eyecandy to start the week right

Omar Borkan Al Gala identified as one of the men deported for being too handsome

MAASU Spring Conference 2013 FB Event Page

Midwest Asian American Student Union (MAASU) Facebook Event Page is up. Coming to University of Michigan April 5-6, 2013.

• • April 5 at 6:30pm until April 6 at 10:30pm

• maasu2013.org

• MAASU's annual Spring Conference is here at the University of Michigan! Invite your friends and get excited! With nearly a thousand attendants each year, MAASU is the biggest university student-run A/PIA (Asian/Pacific-Islander American) conference in the Midwest. It's something everyone looks forward to each year! Our theme this year is "Magnify/Explore Yourself; Amplify/Inspire Others". What does that mean? Through the lens of self-evaluation, a person can look inside to find the power of their own identity. Our vision for the MAASU Spring Conference 2013 is to provide a medium through which participants can explore themselves and others in order to develop a way to impact their community and motivate peers to do the same. In our community today, many students have difficultly creating a solid identify for themselves. Without identity, a sense of community is evasive. As a result of this obstacle, becoming civically engaged is increasingly difficult. Through the keynote speakers, workshops, and facilitated discussions at MAASU SC 2013, conference participants will have an unparalleled opportunity to gain valuable knowledge about themselves and establish their own identity. Upon returning to their respective communities, we hope participants will use what they have gained in order to create a meaningful impact and inspire others to take their own initiative. Small groups, night market, career fair, banquet, exciting performances - MAASU has it all. With over 50 workshops, you'll have both a fun and meaningful time here! We promise. So once again, invite your friends! We'll ensure that you'll thoroughly enjoy MAASU SC 2013! Visit our website for more information regarding logistics (maps, lodging information, transportation)! https://www.maasu2013.org/ Like our Facebook page for updates and more! https://www.facebook.com/MAASU2013 Follow us on Twitter! https://www.twitter.com/MAASU2013 Watch our fun promotional videos on our YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/MAASUSC2013 We're excited to see you all here in Ann Arbor in April!

MAASU Spring Conference 2013