Education on Sikhism Takes Focus in 'They Called Me Osama' Documentary - NBC News

my article for NBC Asian America

Speaking from first-hand experience, it is clear that the majority of the public does not know what the Sikh religion is or why we look the way we do. I hope my film will help spread awareness and answer some of the basic questions people have when they first see a Sikh."

Education on Sikhism Takes Focus in 'They Called Me Osama' Documentary - NBC News

George Takei and John Cho want you to vote!

George Takei and John Cho want you to vote!

Essay: Carrying Our Courage, From Immigrant Stories to Refugee Stories - NBC News

I always think of my grandfather on Memorial Day, who trained in Texas (w Connie Chung's dad!) and flew with Chennault's Flying Tigers in WW2 and told me the stories of sun wu kong. recalling this essay from november 2015 at nbc asian america.

Essay: Carrying Our Courage, From Immigrant Stories to Refugee Stories - NBC News

2016 Livonia Public Library Summer Reading Program ... Parkour! - YouTube

lol love libraries

2016 Livonia Public Library Summer Reading Program ... Parkour! - YouTube

9 ways to review and revise your writing – Poynter

great tips for writing class

9 ways to review and revise your writing – Poynter

Actually, decided to gather together some articles tagged "writing advice" into one "Resources" page here--for writing, for AAPI issues, and for AAPI writing!
http://www.franceskaihwawang.com/p/resources.html

Community Leaders Urge Senate GOP To Act on Supreme Court, Other Judicial Nominations - NBC News

my article for NBC Asian America

"By delaying this process, Republicans are preventing Asian Pacific Americans from serving on the highest courts of this country, and by doing so, they are standing in the way of these qualified Asian Pacific Americans from having a future shot at being selected for our first Asian Pacific-American Supreme Court Justice," Chu said.

Community Leaders Urge Senate GOP To Act on Supreme Court, Other Judicial Nominations - NBC News

'Mele Murals' Explores Native Hawaiian Identity through Urban Street Art - NBC News

my article for NBC Asian America

"We wanted to create a story that opens the veil for the viewer to get an intimate look into a genuine modern Native Hawaiian experience — resilience in the face of colonization, revitalization of the Hawaiian language and culture, and reconnecting and remembering an identity as Native Hawaiians," filmmaker Tadashi Nakamura told NBC News. "At the core of 'Mele Murals' is the resurgence of Hawaiian culture and language that is being led by a new generation of Native Hawaiian artists, educators, and youth."

'Mele Murals' Explores Native Hawaiian Identity through Urban Street Art - NBC News

OMG Rahul Kohli looked at us!

omg Keith Chow and I got our wish

Haha, thanks @TheNerdsofColor for suggesting me as an option for James Bond. The whole story can be found here...https://t.co/JwPlj0BNVR

— Rahul Kohli (@RahulKohli13) May 24, 2016

https://twitter.com/RahulKohli13/status/735140943305789440

(and NYT copied us lol http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/29/movies/asian-american-actors-are-fighting-for-visibility-they-will-not-be-ignored.html?_r=0 )

Asian-American Actors Are Fighting for Visibility. They Will Not Be Ignored. - The New York Times

lol. I feel like I did all the preliminary research for this article. It's almost like being published by the NY Times, isn't it?

Asian-American Actors Are Fighting for Visibility. They Will Not Be Ignored. - The New York Times

Advocates Rally for Indiana Woman Appealing Feticide Conviction - NBC News

My article for NBC Asian America re Purvi Patel's appeals hearing. #FreePurvi

"Even though only two percent of Indiana's population is Asian American, the only women ever charged with feticide in that state are Asian American,"

Advocates Rally for Indiana Woman Appealing Feticide Conviction - NBC News

Muslim Americans Read 'Letters from Camp' to WWII-Incarcerated Japanese Americans - NBC News

My article for NBC Asian America

"Making this film was for me, an act of love. Over the past year, I've heard Japanese-American camp survivors talk about how the hate they hear targeted at Muslim Americans reminds them of what they heard when they were young. I made this video because we should remember the mistakes of our past and make sure it never happens again."

Muslim Americans Read 'Letters from Camp' to WWII-Incarcerated Japanese Americans - NBC News

Twitter's Quest to Find a New Bond, #AsianBond - NBC News

My article for NBC Asian America re #AsianBond

"I also was interested in exploring the plethora of Asian British actors who could be Bond (sorry John Cho) because I feel like a Bond actor should at least be from the UK and unfortunately, like in America, too many people do not equate Asian with British. But mostly I wanted Rahul Kohli to retweet me."

Twitter's Quest to Find a New Bond, #AsianBond - NBC News

Native Hawaiian Graduates Wearing Nothing but Cultural Pride - NBC News

Originally published Jan 12, 2015, this article is back! May 23, 2016

"I think I'm gonna take my robe off and just go malo."

Native Hawaiian Graduates Wearing Nothing but Cultural Pride - NBC News

I WAN JAN PUPPET THEATER OF TAIWAN at AADL in May

NEWS RELEASE

April 8, 2016

I WAN JAN PUPPET THEATER OF TAIWAN

SPECIAL PRESENTATION (TUESDAY, MAY 24)

AND

RELATED EDUCATIONAL EVENT (MONDAY, MAY 23)

BOTH AT 7 PM AT THE DOWNTOWN LIBRARY

Co-Sponsored By The Ann Arbor District Library; the Michigan Taiwanese American Organization; The University of Michigan Lieberthal-Rogel Center for Chinese Studies and the Stearns Collection of Musical Instruments.

Tuesday, May 24

• 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Special International Puppetry Event: I Wan Jan Puppet Theater of Taiwan performs "A Chance Encounter Leads to Marriage" at Downtown Library: 1st Floor Lobby

Founded by Tien-Lu Li in 1931, I Wan Jan is one of the finest hand puppet troupes in Taiwan and around the world.  The name I Wan Jan describes the vivid, life-like hand puppet movements when controlled by their skillful masters. 

I Wan Jan has performed on an invitation-basis around the globe since 1971, most recently in11 Mexico cities in 2015.  Their performances are often seen at international puppet festivals. In 2016, I Wan Jan will visit New York, Houston, and Ann Arbor for this special performance for the public at the Ann Arbor District Library. 

The troupe will perform the acclaimed “A Chance Encounter Leads to Marriage.”  This event is cosponsored by the Ann Arbor District Library; the Michigan Taiwanese American Organization; The University of Michigan Lieberthal-Rogel Center for Chinese Studies and the Stearns Collection of Musical Instruments. 

Live music is an integral part to an authentic, traditional hand puppet performance. Besides two puppeteers, the visiting troupe consists of eight musicians performing drums (single skin drum, flat drum), gong, cymbals, erhu, Chinese flute, dulcimer, and suona (Chinese double­reeded horn).  A Q & A with the audience will follow.

This classic performance will showcase the puppets’ fine movements, such as the young male character folding a fan, the female character holding an umbrella, older male smoking, the clown decking chair, and street entertainers’ bustling martial arts and acrobatic acts.

The story begins with the play boy, DU-Xing, and his servants going into the market to watch street entertainment. PAN-Rong also arrives at the market with his daughter, PAN Yu-Zhi, to watch the show. DU Xing falls head-over-heels at PAN Yu-Zhi’s beauty and decides to kidnap her for himself. PAN-Rong’s cries for help attract XIAO Jin-Jun, a scholar well-versed in martial arts who comes flying to the rescue. 

Although he was fluent in both southern and northern styles of folk drama music, Master Li was also credited for creating a new style of music called Wai Jiang School by blending rich Beijing Opera elements with the traditional Northern Style of folk drama music.  After his passing in 1998, many of Master Li’s works have been digitized for future generations to enjoy (http://ltl.gac.ntnu.edu.tw/).  His vision, persistence, and efforts in the authentic, traditional puppetry have kept this art form alive today.

For more information about this event, call the Library at 327-4555 or visit our website at aadl.org.

Monday, May 23

• 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Lecture: The Art of Taiwanese Glove Puppet Theater at Downtown Library: Secret Lab – grades 6 - adult

This presentation will explore the history, styles, and main themes of glove puppet theatre in Taiwan as well as its relationship to other Chinese theatrical and artistic forms.  This event is in coordination with the glove puppet theatre performance by the I Wan Jan Puppet Theater on Tuesday, May 24 at 7pm at the Downtown Library.

Glove puppet (also called hand puppet) theatre is a traditional theatrical art form that combines aspects of folk arts such as woodcarving and embroidery with traditional music and Chinese dramatic forms based on famous historical novels.

This form of puppet theatre has been practiced in Taiwan since it was introduced by immigrants from the southeastern coastal provinces of Fujian and Guangzhou in about the 18th century. Overtime in Taiwan, it developed some distinctive Taiwanese characteristics with the use of the local dialects and artistic styles, as well as theatrical and technical innovations to engage an ever-changing audience.

Ann Arbor residents and Eastern Michigan University Professors, Guey-Meei Yang and Tom Suchan, will lead this presentation. Guey-Meei Yang is a Professor of Visual Art Education with a specialization in multicultural art education and technology integration. Tom Suchan researches medieval Chinese religious art. In addition to their individual fields they have collaborated on a number of joint publications and research projects.

For more information about this event, call the Library at 327-4555 or visit our website at aadl.org.  The Downtown Library is located at 343 South Fifth Avenue in Ann Arbor.

*******

found video: Maya Lin talking about the Wave Field at UMich

just found this while poking around in the archives of the Smithsonian (love the Smithsonian) Maya Lin talking about the Wave Field at UMich. Starts at 6:45

Maya Lin at Smithsonian American Art - Updated Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNQUQLzKRk0

City Council President Forgives Man for Calling Him 'Terrorist' - NBC News

my article for nbc asian america

"With a lot of the rhetoric we're hearing from people like Donald Trump about Muslim Americans and people who are perceived to be from a Muslim background, I think the spread of Islamophobia from our national leaders sends the wrong message," Bhalla told NBC News. "I hope this episode shows people that words can be hurtful and that discriminating based on how someone looks shouldn't just be ignored. People should be educated on different faiths and backgrounds so that diversity is celebrated. America is, after all, a nation of immigrants. And if we work together instead of against each other, we'll accomplish so much more."

City Council President Forgives Man for Calling Him 'Terrorist' - NBC News

Hawaii Congressman Mark Takai to Retire to Focus on Cancer Battle - NBC News

Best wishes to Hawaii @RepMarkTakai as he focuses on cancer battle

"I had envisioned a long career in the U.S. House of Representatives, building up the seniority and influence that were key to Senator Inouye's ability to deliver for Hawaii. But as often happens, we find ourselves on a different journey than what we had planned,"

Hawaii Congressman Mark Takai to Retire to Focus on Cancer Battle - NBC News

Only Real Teachers Need Apply: Hawaii State Department of Education - NBC News

My article for NBC Asian America

false reporting and inaccurate blogging on social media led to a major influx of applications from people who just want to move to Hawaii. Many of these inquiries came from individuals who are not interested in teaching, but who just want to move to Hawaii under the false impression that the Department will pay for people to move here to live and work."

Only Real Teachers Need Apply: Hawaii State Department of Education - NBC News

Essay 5: With Great Privilege Comes Great Responsibility - NBC News

Essay 5: My AAPI Heritage Month Essay at NBC Asian America

"Ever since the day after September 11, 2001, I have taught my children the importance of watching out for their friends and standing up for their friends. Because they can....But I sometimes feel sad about some of what my children know."

Essay: With Great Privilege Comes Great Responsibility - NBC News

Appreciating @fkwang for writing this, we need more stories on depth of being Asian American, incl. privilege https://t.co/ZOrogVFHRx

— Eric Shih (@eshih) May 18, 2016

Another poignant, personal essay by @fkwang. We need more of these-by her & other AAPI voices telling their stories. https://t.co/seNqjqY2yv

— Christopher Kang (@ChrisNCAPA) May 18, 2016

Author @fkwang tells her children, "remember to always use your superpowers for good, never evil." https://t.co/Cr1R9ZVAgG via @nbcnews

— GeekGirlCon (@GeekGirlCon) May 22, 2016

Powerful essay on teaching our kids the language of race and rights, and to fight hate, by Frances Kai-Hwa Wang... https://t.co/33dRnTLtb2

— Katherine Lewis (@KatherineLewis) May 18, 2016

Thoughtful piece by Frances Kai-Hwa Wang abt the responsibility to use our superpowers as #AAPIs for good https://t.co/s4ffMcVKvG #AAPIHM

— AARP AAPI Community (@AARPAAPI) May 18, 2016

and from a friend whose twitter is locked:

1. 18 hours ago

   speaking of! @fkwang, we are overdue for another feast at your place. 18 hours ago
2. so much of this essay encapsulates what makes @fkwang such an extraordinary teacher, friend, artist, and mother.18 hours ago
3. you guys, please read this fantastic essay by @fkwang

#StarringConstanceWu Continues the Conversation on Hollywood Whitewashing - NBC News

my article for NBC Asian America

"When Asian roles are being appropriated, whitewashed and erased from their own narratives, it further exposes Hollywood's deep-seated prejudice and its historic xenophobic designs that were prevalent long before Asian actors were permitted in Hollywood. As a Tibetan, I take profound offense on the whitewashing of the Ancient One in 'Dr. Strange.' Hollywood wants me to celebrate it as a victory on gender bending — but at the cost of quashing the identity of a marginalized group of people facing genocide?"

#StarringConstanceWu Continues the Conversation on Hollywood Whitewashing - NBC News

@fkwang @NBCAsianAmerica This piece in particular is profound cuz of @JigmeUgen being Tibetan & his words are incisive. #StarringConstanceWu

— Sinakhone Keodara (@dirkeodara) May 17, 2016

New Essay coming soon for AAPI Heritage Month

awww....

Every time I edit one of @fkwang's essays, I always find myself wishing aloud to be adopted into her family for at least a day.

— Traci Lee (@traciglee) May 16, 2016

California University to Offer Hmong Minor Starting Fall 2016 - NBC News

My article for NBC Asian America

"The Hmong minor at Fresno State will focus more on language skills development," Yang said. "It is a language program that will answer the needs of the Hmong population in the Central Valley of bilingual professionals and leaders in the Hmong community."

California University to Offer Hmong Minor Starting Fall 2016 - NBC News

New Smithsonian Digital Exhibition Honors Japanese-American WWII Veterans - NBC News

My article for NBC Asian America

"Ted Fujioka was my mother's second-youngest brother," Darrell Kunitomi told NBC News. "Time and time again he repeated it in his letters, that he would 'fight for his family's future this country, for the Issei, the Nisei and for the generation to come, the Sansei.' That's my generation, the third, so he was indeed fighting for me,"

New Smithsonian Digital Exhibition Honors Japanese-American WWII Veterans - NBC News

Agreement Reached in San Francisco Hunger Strike to Fund Ethnic Studies - NBC News

my article for nbc asian america

"These four students are not only brave, they are also sacred gifts to the many communities they come from and represent," professor Andrew Jolivette, chair of the American Indian Studies Department, told NBC News. "Their sacrifice was a selfless act that such make us all proud of them. This is a huge step in advancing the healthy growth of the College of Ethnic Studies, and I look forward to the next phases of planning to bring the students demands into fruition in the coming years."

Agreement Reached in San Francisco Hunger Strike to Fund Ethnic Studies - NBC News

Islamophobia: Why Are More Journalists Using This Word?

Curious to be mentioned by name, along with Chuck Todd, Nicholas Kristof, and John Kerry. Does this mean I'm famous yet? lol

Major outlets like New York Times and Washington Post have started using “Islamophobia” more often, and do in similar ways — in op-ed headlines and in the text of articles. We’ve also seen it recently employed in headlines elsewhere: op-eds in TIMEand Newsweek, pieces from CNN, CBS, and the BBC. Frances Kai-Hwa Wang and other NBC reporters use “Islamophobia,” as does MSNBC, which covered Islamophobia in-depth even before the major jump in incidents in late 2015.

Islamophobia: Why Are More Journalists Using This Word?


Jordan Denari ‏@jordandenari 14h14 hours ago
https://twitter.com/jordandenari/status/730568142011936768
Shoutout to @chucktodd @NickKristof @fkwang @JohnKerry & Dem candidates for giving a name to prejudice+discrim facing Muslims. @bridgeinit

Update: After a few days, this is still just so funny to me...

John Cho, Starring in Every Movie Ever Made? A Diversity Hashtag Is Born - The New York Times

omg New York Times referenced my article (4 days later lol)
John Cho, Starring in Every Movie Ever Made? A Diversity Hashtag Is Born - The New York Times

My article from last week
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/new-twitter-account-hashtag-re-imagines-films-starringjohncho-n569566 

"Chinese Food: Customs and Cultures" cancelled

Washtenaw Community College has cancelled "Chinese Food: Customs and Cultures," scheduled to begin Wednesday, May 11, 2016.

"Dumpling Days" by Grace Lin

Saw an AAPI 5th grader reading "Dumpling Days" on a streetcorner today and told her Grace Lin was a White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Champion of Change. She even looked up from the book one moment (while crossing street) to say tell Grace Lin it's a great book! #weneeddiversebooks

Voices: Who Is Vincent Chin? - NBC News

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.

Voices: Who Is Vincent Chin? - NBC News

New Data Disaggregation Initiative Announced by Dept. of Education - NBC News

My article for nbc asian america

"I am pleased to announce that we are launching a new federal grant program that will be a foundational step in identifying educational opportunity gaps and targeting support to improve the college-and career-readiness of underserved AAPI students and English learners," King said in a video posted Wednesday.

New Data Disaggregation Initiative Announced by Dept. of Education - NBC News



w s/o to APAICS dinner

Crowdfunding Star Greg Pak Is Sharing His 'Kickstarter Secrets' - NBC News

My article for NBC Asian America

"One of the glories of crowdfunding is that if it goes well, it enables you to make your project the way you envisioned it from the beginning," Pak said. "We never had to deal with an executive who didn't get it, who might question why the Princess [in 'The Princess Who Saved Herself'] was named Gloria Cheng Epstein Takahara de la Garza Champion or who might balk at the kids in 'ABC Disgusting' being Asian. We felt pretty sure there was an audience out there for books and characters like this. Kickstarter gave us the tools to help prove it."

Crowdfunding Star Greg Pak Is Sharing His 'Kickstarter Secrets' - NBC News

Ivy League economist ethnically profiled, interrogated for doing math on American Airlines flight - The Washington Post

Luckily I'm not that kind of Asian, but awkward academic friends take note:

Ivy League economist ethnically profiled, interrogated for doing math on American Airlines flight - The Washington Post



The last sentence of this article is referring to AAPI civil rights advocates.

Professor: flight was delayed because my equations raised terror fears | US news | The Guardian



Which means my articles at NBC Asian America are being read!

Advocates Call on Southwest Airlines to Review Practices Amid Profiling Allegations - NBC News

Finding your Voice writing workshop cancelled

Finding your Voice writing workshop ENG 4290 starting on May 7, 2016 has been cancelled by Washtenaw Community College.

New Twitter Account, Hashtag Re-Imagines Films #StarringJohnCho - NBC News

my article for NBC Asian America. I will never be able to watch another film without thinking what if #StarringJohnCho

"Films with more diverse casts result in higher box office numbers and higher returns on investments for film companies, yet Hollywood won't cast lead actors to reflect this fact. Yu added, "I'm tired of hearing that a role can't be played by an Asian actor because people 'just don't see it. #StarringJohnCho is here to literally show you."

New Twitter Account, Hashtag Re-Imagines Films #StarringJohnCho - NBC News

Celebrating Asian-American Poets: Emerging Writers to Read - NBC News

AAPI Poets for NBC Asian America! my article

[these emerging] Asian-American poets who have just released their first book of poetry are forging "new territory in craft and risk, as they widen and deepen Asian American poetry for the twenty-first century."

Celebrating Asian-American Poets: Emerging Writers to Read - NBC News

POTUS at APAICS gala and in Flint

Love POTUS, wish I could have been there at APAICS gala yesterday.

"Ultimately our job is not just to fight for our own rights but to fight for the rights of all people, everywhere. That’s our job. To exercise our most precious inheritance of citizenship. And that means we have to be well informed, we have to engage with our government, and we have to vote. And not just when it’s time to elect a president, but every single election."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBNWOIToxDU


And POTUS in Flint, Michigan, too. Same day. Thank you!

"Could I have a glass of water?" lol

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2uuZig3c80

Asian Americans Show Impact of Being #WhitewashedOUT - NBC News

my article for NBC Asian America

"We are going to keep talking about this, and we are going to keep the pressure on Hollywood to finally acknowledge their own internalized racism," Ellen Oh, president of We Need Diverse Books, told NBC News. "Asians have been ignored, overlooked, rejected, dismissed, and condescended to for a very long time. But no longer. We will not stay quiet, we will not be ignored. Hollywood is fooling themselves if they think Asians don't have an effect on their bottom lines. Advertisers have been courting Asian wallets for years now, why aren't Hollywood producers and directors making that same connection?"

Asian Americans Show Impact of Being #WhitewashedOUT - NBC News

Portland Public Schools Board to Vote on Ethnic Studies in High Schools - NBC News

My article for NBC Asian America re APANO and APANO ALLY in Oregon

"I'd love ethnic studies to be implemented all across the nation!" APANO ALLY leader Y.N. Le told NBC News. "I love learning about U.S. history, and about European history. I bet white students would feel the same about my history, if they had a chance to see it in action. If we, people of color, can see ourselves reflected in our textbooks, I can't imagine just how many people would jump in excitement to hear their own name."

Portland Public Schools Board to Vote on Ethnic Studies in High Schools - NBC News

Asian Americans in Theater Speak Out with #MyYellowFaceStory - NBC News

My article for NBC Asian America (aka any chance to talk to DHH!)

"I think the general public is unaware how few opportunities are open to minority actors," Tony Award-winning playwright David Henry Hwang told NBC News. "Sharing these stories may help folks understand why it's so damaging when the few Asian roles that do exist end up going to white actors, two of the most publicized recent examples being Tilda Swinton and Scarlett Johansson. Moreover, since actors of color are routinely excluded from even auditioning for many roles, how can anyone believe that the white actors hired were truly the best men or women for those jobs?"

Asian Americans in Theater Speak Out with #MyYellowFaceStory - NBC News