Asian Avenue magazine - August 2016

magazine

asian avenue Connecting Cultures Linking Lives

August 2016 Volume 11 Issue 8

BLACK LIVES MATTER TO US, TOO

METRO DENVER FARMERS’ MARKETS ARE COLORADO PROUD

RESTAURANT PEEK East Moon Asian Bistro

WHY THE ASIAN AMERICAN VOTE MATTERS IN 2016

DUNTON COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE COMPANY DANCHEN ASTLE Senior Investment Broker Knowledge, Experience, Results Serving Denver since 2000

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1. Denver, Capitol Hill Neighborhood,Turn Key Korean and Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar Business Opportunity; Under market long term lease in place.

2. Longmont, Convey Belt Style Sushi Bar and Restaurant Business Opportunity; Across from busy shopping center; Perfect for owner/operator.

3. Ft. Collins, Mediterranean Fast Casual Restaurant, in the heart of CSU; Can be turned into many other concepts.

4. Denver, Turn Key Wings & Things Restaurant; Great exposure on busy revitalized East

Colfax; Corner location/Endcap Space; Favorable lease in place; Possible patio opportunities.

Offer beautiful eyewear that nicely fit Asian faces Provide five star care and services

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Greetings from Taipei 101!

magazine

Last month, I had the pleasure of visiting Taiwan, my birthplace, on a weeklong media tour of the country. Thank you to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Denver and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan) for this exciting opportunity! Stay tuned for our October issue, in which we will feature the beautiful island of Taiwan.

Now with the Democratic and Republican National Conventions behind us, we look on toward the general election this November. In this issue, we share the growing importance of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) vote. As stated by APIAVote, “AAPIs as business owners, consumers, and active members of America’s economy have an important role in shaping the future of our collective communities. The decisions made by today’s leaders must reflect the growing needs and roles of AAPIs in American society, beginning with appreciating the power of our votes.” That being said, we urge you to check that you are registered to vote

by October 31, in order to cast your ballot on November 8, 2016. In Colorado, you can visit this website to register: www.govotecolorado.com.

Did you know that Black Lives Matter to Asian Americans too? We’ve printed the viral online letter written by hundreds of Asian Americans to educate their relatives about the importance of the Black Lives Matter movement. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to read and share this letter with your friends and family. Translated letters can be found at: lettersforblacklives.com.

“Letters for Black Lives is a set of crowdsourced, multilingual, and culturally-aware resources aimed at creating a space for open and honest conversations about racial justice, police violence, and anti-Blackness in our families and communities.”

Thank you for all of the congratulatory messages in celebration of our 10th anniversary last month. Again, we invite you to join us to celebrate on August 20, 2016 at our new office (pg. 24).

Annie Guo, President Asian Avenue magazine | www.asianavemag.com | aguo@asianavemag.com

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August 2016 | President’s Note

asian avenue staff & support Publisher & Founder: Christina Yutai Guo President: Annie Guo Senior Designer: C.G. Yao Copy Editor: Jaime Marston Cook Staff Writer: Patricia Kaowthumrong Staff Writer: Mary Jeneverre Schultz Marketing Coordinator: Samantha Quee Marketing Coordinator: Chun Guo Photographer: Trang Luong

advisors group General Counsel: Michael C. Song Patty Coutts, Donna LaVigne, Nestor J. Mercado, Sum C. Nguyen, Alok Sarwal, Tom Shieh, John Yee, Nai-Li Yee, George N. Yoshida

contributing writers Jules Nadeau, Tom Shieh, John Webber

contributing photographers Asian Pacific Development Center, Marie Verrett

on the cover The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) electorate has the power to shape and influence elections throughout the country. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders remain the fastest growing populations in the U.S., at a rate of 46% and 40%, respectively, between the year of 2000 and 2010.

The decisions made by today’s leaders must reflect the growing needs and roles of AAPIs in American society, but AAPIs must get out there and vote.

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To subscribe, e-mail info@asianavemag.com or visit asianavemag.com/subscribe. A oneyear subscription is $25 for 12 issues, a two-year subscription is 40 for 24 issues. Please make checks or money orders payable to Asian Avenue magazine.

For details about special corporate or group rates, please call during business hours: Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm. Shipping/handling included.

advertising Asian Avenue magazine offers businesses the most cost-effective way to reach consumers in the Denver/Boulder metro areas and beyond. For more information, call during business hours or e-mail us at marketing@asianavemag.com for our media kit and ad rates.

editorial To submit story ideas, letters to the editor or calendar events, e-mail info@asianavemag.com.

Asian Avenue magazine (ISSN 1932-1449) reserves all copyrights to this issue. No parts of this edition can be reproduced in any manner without written permission. The views expressed in articles are the authors’ and not necessarily those of Asian Avenue magazine. Authors may have consulting or other business relationships with the companies they discuss.

Published by Asian Avenue Magazine, Inc. P.O. Box 221748 Denver, CO 80222-1748 Tel: 303.937.6888 | info@asianavemag.com

www.asianavemag.com Asian Avenue magazine is in association with the Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network.

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Check out our great recipes online!

For more information call the Metro Denver Farmers’ Market Hotline

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CONTENTS EVENTS

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Event calendar

INSIDE STORY

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august2016

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Find Colorado Proud produce and food at the Metro Denver Farmers’ Markets

FEATURE

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Learn more about the Ghost Month in Chinese tradition, when restless spirits roam the earth

BOOK REVIEWS

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Asians in Colorado by William Wei

One Flew Over the Banyan Tree by Allan Jansen

RISING STAR

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At the age of 15, Tiffany Chang has lived a life of international travel

APIAVote staff in Washington D.C., a national organization that works with partners to mobilize Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in electoral and civic participation.

COVER STORY

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WHY ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER VOTES MATTER IN 2016?

CHEF’S MENU

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How to make a Thai green curry

RESTAURANT PEEK

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East Moon Asian Bistro serves of fresh sushi and Asian dishes in Centennial

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Asian Pacific Development Center assists students in becoming American citizens Denver Sister Cities International wins the 2016 Best Overall Program Award for a city with a population greater than 500,000

30 NATIONAL NEWS

BETTER LIVING

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Parenting tips from our very own, Tom Shieh, that will be helpful this summer

FEATURE

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Hundreds of Asian Americans have come together to explain why “Black Lives Matter” to other family members

ON SCENE

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2016 Lion Dance Competition in Colorado is one to remember

ASIAN AVENUE MAGAZINE, INC. P.O. Box 221748 Denver, CO 80222-1748 | Tel: 303.937.6888 E-mail: info@asianavemag.com | www.asianavemag.com 6

August 2016 | Table of Contents

22 Find us @AsianAveMag

#AsianAveMag

FRI 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM SAT-SUN 10:30 AM - 10:0 MON 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM 0 PM

OVER 50 RESTAURANTS MAIN STAGE WITH NATIONAL ACTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON 6 STAGES OVER 250 ARTS & CRAFTS MARKETPLACE BOOTHS KIDS’ ACTIVITIES & MUSIC CULINARY DEMONSTRATIONS EDUCATIONAL & INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS CARNIVAL RIDES & MORE

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AuroraGlobalFest.org

Saturday, Aug. 20 1-7 p.m.

A Showcase of Cultures & Traditions Global Flavors, Music and Dance International Fashion Show

Sponsored by: Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn 15151 E. Alameda Parkway

events upcoming 22nd Annual Boulder Asian Festival

Weekend of August 13-14, 11am to 5pm

1300 Block of Pearl Street, Boulder, CO Cost: Free and open to the public For more information, visit www.bapaweb.org.

Join the 20,500 expected attendance at the annual Boulder Asian Festival on the world-famous Pearl Street Mall in downtown Boulder. The festival will feature Asian and Pacific Island themed booths, live cultural performances, martial arts and crafts.

The Boulder Asian Festival is an eco-friendly, “zero-waste” event. Join in on the fun of the music, dance and food now in its 22nd year.

Mountain Kung Fu Alliance has a special treat for you all! Sifu Kisu and Sifu Manny will be in Denver soon.

Come and train with the ones who made The Avatar possible and brought you the awesomeness of Toph.

Win awesome prizes and get pics and autographs!!!

ers from Kunming and access to History Colorado museum exhibits. The attire is business/cocktail.

The event’s honorary chair is Mr. John H. Yee.

2016 Aurora Global Fest

Saturday, August 20, 1pm to 7pm

Aurora Municipal Center, Great Lawn 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO Cost: Free For more information, visit www.auroragov.org/ things_to_do/events/global_fest.

Fantastic flavors, cultural experiences and artistic expression abound at Global Fest in Aurora presented by the City of Aurora. Come thirsty! The World Beer Market will offer five different beverages with brewing techniques and flavors from around the world.

All beers are globally inspired... and locally made.

2016 Worldwide Gala

Saturday, August 27, 7pm to 11pm

Kevin Taylor’s at the Opera House 1345 Champa St, Denver, CO 80202 Cost: DSCI Members $150; Non-Members $200 More information at: denversistercities.org/2016-worldwide-gala Please join the Denver Sister Cities and our Global Friends at the 2016 Worldwide Gala featuring jazz, open bar, elegant dinner, global friends, local government, and a celebration of Denver’s worldwide connections.

Aurora Symphony Orchestra Auditions

Thursday, August 11, 6:45pm to 9pm Saturday, August 13, 12pm to 3pm

Aurora Central Library 14949 E Alameda Pkwy, Aurora, CO 80012 E-mail ASOPersonnel@gmail.com to schedule a time.

The Aurora Symphony Orchestra is hosting auditions for the 2016-2017 season. ASO has openings for 2nd clarinet, 3rd flute/piccolo, 3rd horn, percussion, trumpet [all positions], tuba, bass trombone, oboe, allstrings, and substitutes for all instruments. ASO is a volunteer community orchestra. Please consider joining us if you are an accomplished amateur, a professional looking to build repertoire, a music educator, advanced student, or retired professional and would like to make music with friendly colleagues in an environment that is challenging yet positive.

Avatar and Toph Martial Arts Training August 12-14

LaKai Taekwondo- KAT Littleton 621 Southpark Dr, Ste 1100, Littleton, CO 80120 Cost: $40 per day or $70 for all days For more information, contact Rocky Mountain Kung Fu Alliance at rockymountainkfa@gmail.com.

Calling all Avatar the Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra fans and martial arts fans! The Rocky

Asian Avenue’s 10th Anniversary Celebration Saturday, August 20, 2pm to 6pm

New! Asian Avenue magazine office 12201 E Mississippi Ave. #101 Aurora, Colorado 80012 Free and open to the public to attend RSVP to asianavemag@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/asianavemag for more information.

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Asian Avenue magazine with food and cultural performances at our new office in Aurora! Lets take a walk down memory lane celebrating the past ten years of bringing Asian cultural news and insights to Colorado.

Happy 10!

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Asian Avenue magazine with food and cultural performances at our new office in Aurora!

Saturday, August 20, 2016 2pm to 6pm FREE TO ATTEND 12201 E Mississippi Ave. #101 Aurora, Colorado 80012 RSVP to asianavemag@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/asianavemag for more information.

Denver-Kunming 30th Anniversary Celebration

Friday, August 26, 6pm to 9pm

History Colorado Center 1200 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203 Cost: Members $45; Non-Members $55 Registration Deadline: August 19 For more information, visit denversistercities.org/kunming.

Join the Denver-Kunming Sister Cities in celebrating this milestone of 30 years with special perform-

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August 2016 | Upcoming Events

Nan Desu Kan Anime Convention Weekend of September 2-4

Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel 1550 Court Place, Denver, CO 80202 Cost: $45 pre-registration; $50 at the door For more information, visit www.ndkdenver.org.

Nan Desu Kan began in 1997 as a fan-run convention. With a total weekend attendance of more than 21,000, it’s now the largest convention in Colorado and surrounding states, as well as one of the top 15 largest anime conventions in the country. The convention offers live gaming, J-pop dance, art shows, video rooms, panels with experts in the field and of course, lots of cosplay! There is a costume contest each year that awards best craftsmanship, presentation and audience favorite.

You must be pre-registered with the convention to enter in the costume contest.

g Visit Metro Denver Farmers’ Markets From spring to late fall for the last 39 years, you’ll find Metro Denver Farmers’ Markets dotted throughout the city selling fresh fruits and vegetables, even some unusual culinary curiosities, as well as flowers, crafts and gifts. Take a peek at some of the Metro Denver Farmers’ Markets favored by locals and visitors alike:

O

ur large and lively markets offer a fine selection of produce from Colorado Proud growers. “Good eats” are always just around the corner at a Metro Denver Farmers’ Market. Our markets are the place to go to locate some fabulous food finds for everyone in the family.

Southwest Plaza Farmers’ Market

Southeast Parking Lot on Wadsworth & Bowles - Saturdays, May through October, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The fruits and vegetables you buy at our farmers’ markets are the freshest and tastiest available. Produce is allowed to ripen fully in the field and are brought directly to you. Our fruits and vegetables are as real as it gets— fresh from the farm daily.

Highlands Ranch Farmers’ Market

9288 Dorchester St. - Sundays, May through October, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Open rain or shine, the markets provide fresh fruit and veggies, steaks for the BBQ, baked goods and preserves, among other culinary delights. A regular trip to our market is one of the best ways to connect with where your food comes from. Meeting and talking to farmers and food artisans is a great opportunity to learn more about how and where food is produced.

Lakewood Farmers’ Market

9077 W. Alameda Avenue - Saturdays,

June through October 1, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

At our farmers’ market you find an amazing array of produce that you don’t see in your average supermarket. It is a wonderful opportunity to savor the flavors of just picked produce.

Littleton Farmers’ Market

7301 S. Santa Fe Drive - Wednesdays, June through October 12, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Farmers, ranchers, and artisans at the farmers’ market are often passionate cooks with plenty of free advice about how to cook the foods they are selling. Check out our fresh recipes on our website www.denverfarmersmarket.com/ fresh-recipes.html.

Broadridge Plaza Farmers’ Market

6905 S. Broadway - Thursdays, June through October 13, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Wouldn’t you rather be outdoor picking fresh produce on a sunny day than rolling a shopping cart around a grocery store? Come to your area farmers’ market and make shopping a pleasure rather than a chore. The farmers’ market is a place to meet up with your friends, bring your children, or just get a taste of smalltown life in the midst of our wonderful big city.

If you would like further information about the Metro Denver Farmers’ Market, please call the Farm Line at 303.887.FARM or visit their website at www.denverfarmersmarket.com. To speak to someone personally, call our market manager John Herian at 303-809-2865.

Inside Story | asian avenue magazine

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Colorado Alliance for Health Equity and Practice Physical Exams For: • Department of transportation (TNC: UBER, LYFT, SMART) • Immigration and citizenship • Sports, school, work and camp

Women’s Wellness Services 2016-17 ACA/Obamacare enrollment in partnership with Connect For Health Colorado has begun!

We provide FREE breast and cervical cancer screenings to women who qualify: • Ages 40-64 • Lawfully present in the United States • Uninsured or Underinsured (cannot afford the deductible) • Some income guidelines

Appointments for Medicaid and insurance applications are open!

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The Hungry Ghost Festival

By Samantha Quee

H

alloween is familiar to most people who grew up in the U.S. Largely a festival known for groups of children wandering local neighborhoods dressed up in colorful, themed costumes and feasting on candy, adults also spend time draping artificial cobwebs over front doors and fences, carving pumpkins and decorating haunted houses all to help set the stage. Asian culture has a similar festival, and food is likewise an essential part of the event. However, in the Asian version of Halloween, those present to the feast are invisible to the human eye!

This “Chinese Halloween” is known as the Hungry Ghost Festival. Also known as Zhong yuan jie or Yu lan jie, the holiday falls on the 15th day of the 7th month in the lunar calendar.

The 7th month is regarded as the Ghost Month (Gui jie), when restless spirits roam the earth. Commonly celebrated in Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Taiwan, the Ghost Month runs from August 3 - August 31 on the western calendar this year.

The Chinese tradition shares the belief that a “hungry ghost” was sent to the underworld to suffer an eternal state of hunger for his or her misdeeds during life, or for not having a proper burial. Once a year, the gates of hell are opened and these spirits are given the opportunity to satisfy some of their cravings through offerings from the living. Many people also believe that this holiday is a time for deceased family members to return for a visit, similar to Dia de los Muertos in Mexican culture.

Many Chinese people make efforts to appease these transient ghosts. This includes observing superstitions and make offerings of food, money, and entertainment all month long.

Leave food offerings for the hungry ghosts Small plates of food, including fruits, tea leaves and candies can be seen along the roadside for passing ghosts. Children are warned not to touch these items.

Attend a Chinese Opera or Getai Performances such as the Chinese Opera or the Getai (Song stage) are held in large Chinese communities to praise various Chinese deities and provide entertainment to the dead.

Warning! Do not take the empty front row seats as they are reserved for the ghosts.

Prepare a Hungry Ghost Festival feast It is believed that the bridge between the living and the dead is strongest on the night of the Hungry Ghost Festival’s full moon, which is on August 18th this year. Prepare a large meal to please the ghosts and leave empty seats at the table for deceased family members.

What are some Ghost Month taboos?

Avoid swimming It is considered dangerous to go swimming because it is believed that evil spirits that drowned may try to drown the swimmer for a chance at rebirth.

Avoid going out alone at night Young people in particular should avoid going out alone after sunset as it is believed that the young are more susceptible to being kidnapped by a Hungry Ghost.

What do the living do to appease the dead?

Do not pick up incense paper and food offerings on the street Picking up a hell bank note (incense paper) is considered an insult to the spirits and also a bad omen. As for food offerings, it is considered rude and invasive to touch, steal, or misplace gifts for the dead.

Burn incense paper and paper replicas of daily needs and wants Burning piles of fake money and paper replicas of the houses, electronics, and cars needed by ghosts in their afterlife are common sights during the Ghost Month. Fires are started along streets and roadsides, though in recent years several countries have assigned designated places for safety and environmental reasons.

Though the “Chinese Halloween” is associated with many superstitions and taboos, it actually offers a great opportunity to teach the younger generation about caring for those less fortunate. The Chinese tradition belief of “filial piety” is greatly showcased during this holiday. The Hungry Ghost Festival is a time to remind young people to always honor the dead; both elderly family members who have passed on, as well as total strangers deserve respect.

Feature | asian avenue magazine

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bookreviews F

Asians in Colorado A History of Persecution and Perseverance in the Centennial State

WILLIAM WEI 384 pp., 36 illus., 4 maps. $40.00 hardcover, 9780295995434 April 2016 WILLIAM WEI is a professor of history at the University of Colorado. He is the author of The Asian American Movement.

TO ORDER AT 30% DISCOUNT Call Hopkins Fulfillment Service at 1-800-537-5487 or order online.

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August 2016 | Book Review

Reviewed by Jules Nadeau

or all Asians in Colorado, this is a must-read book written by a Boulder professor of history at the Colorado University (CU).

Born in China (Jiangxi) and raised in New York, William Wei successfully scrutinizes both the Chinese and the Japanese communities. How the Pacific War helped the American Chinese find acceptance yet alienated the American Japanese following their captivity. An in-depth research about long ugly years of racism in the Centennial State.

The long time student of his own minority unearths the forgotten existence of the Chinatown of Denver. With cartoons, drawings and thirty amazing pictures, William Wei adeptly puts faces and names on the 1880 riot. When Denver had a population of 40,000, a mob of 3,000 to 5,000 angry men went on rampage against an enclave of 450 Chinese.

Miraculously, only one death (28-years-old laundryman Look Young) was deplored--compared to 28 in the Wyoming riot of 1885.

The chapter “History of Persecution and Perseverance in Colorado” reminds us of the reality of the eight “concentration camps” (term used at the time) for a total of 120,000 Japanese Americans, including the desolate Amache camp (228 miles southeast of Denver). This was a traumatic experience with overall material dispossession of $942 million to $1,6 billion (in 2012 value). In spite of such discrimination, 33,000 Japanese Americans served in the military during WWII. In the chapter “Importing Chinese prostitutes, Excluding Chinese Wives”, one can read that--together with gambling and opium--the main moral complaint against “Orientals” was the importation of “flower girls”. Laws barring spouses from US soil were intended to wipe out all Chinatowns; by 1940 only 110 Chinese remained in Denver. In contrast, the practice of Japanese “picture brides” enabled the first immigrants to found families and give birth to the Nisei generation. Fascinating pages recount the “untold story” of the Shitara sisters. Helping Germans POW escape a Colorado camp earned the three girls a “treason trial” that polarized opinions.

“I think racism is the root cause of it all. It is part and parcel of the fact that from America’s beginnings it has been a race driven country”, e-mailed the author to this journalist.

In the past, reporters of the Rocky Montain News, the Denver Times and the Denver Post (nearly 30 titles in the bibliography) have used supremacist fallacies of all sorts to argue that “The Chinese must go”. (I am reluctant to repeat some of their racial slurs.) Republicans and Democrats have a similar record of bigotry. In this context, Governor Ralph L. Carr stands out as a real hero. Thanks to this progressive lawyer, 505 Japanese students were admitted to institutions like CU and DU. In 1999 the Denver Post finally declared him Colorado’s “Person of the Century”. A tall human being in the small Sakura square of the Mile-High City.

William Wei (whose real surname is Lin) is the son of Ling Ching-wei, a quartermaster on a German vessel who was stranded in New York after Pearl Harbor and went on to become a sergeant in the US army. In the 60’s, youthful William participated in the Asian American movement and penned his first book: The Asian American Movement (1993).

He explains: “I became a historian in part to learn what it was that made me an American or, to be more precise, an Asian American.” His conclusion regarding the “fastest growing racial group” here and nationwide: “To achieve equality, Asian Coloradans and their fellow Americans will need to actively challenge entrenched racial divisions that continue to impede social progress.”

Reviewed by Mary Jeneverre Schultz

I

f it weren’t for long-time family friends Father Walter Fernando and Father Damien Fernando, I would not have a clue about Sri Lanka, the island nation just south of India. Unless readers are really looking, Sri Lankan authors can be hard to find in the United States. Coming across One Flew Over the Banyan Tree was like finding a treasure.

In his debut novel, Alan Jansen keeps his characters in this enjoyable book close to his heart and mind.

Jansen was born in British Colonial Ceylon, now known as Sri Lanka.

His parents were Burghers, or descendants of European settlers, who made Sri Lanka their permanent home. He says, “I had the story in my head for a long time. It’s a kind of hybrid novel, both humorous and historical. I wanted people to know about life on a specific tropical island after it was occupied and ruled for more than a century by the British, and how much it was affected by British culture, presence, and influence.

Much of my inspiration was gathered from my own experiences.”

The community surrounds a popular breakfast café called Nameless that sits next to a banyan tree. Readers are captivated by the stories that include crazy family disputes, hauntings, romances gone wrong, skeleton-in-the-closet rumors, and political risings.

Perhaps the most resonant tale in the book is the quest for eternal youth desired by so many. Rumors fly throughout the village community regarding a poisonous plant consumed during an eclipse of the moon.

Even a local livestock farmer believes the plant would lengthen the lives of his sheep.

Jensen shares, “The events of the book take place in the early sixties in a fictional former British colony. I hope that readers will get an insight into a lost world – a magical sort of world – standing out in its simplicity and free from modern day international strife and technical advancement.

It also offers insight into the heritage and culture that followed and developed in the wake of an archetypical British colonization process.”

Memorable characters include: • Grandmummy is a cantankerous matriarch who steam-rolls her extended family.

• Rohan is the clever grandson.

• Bellakay, an intellectual, improverished raconteur, miraculously ends up being elected member of Parliament.

• Strangellow is an anthropomorphized canine philosopher.

• Sonny runs the illegal restaurant called Nameless with an iron fist.

“It’s a feel-good sort of book filled with comical characters, yet sometimes deeply touching,” says Jansen.

Now living in Sweden, Jansen’s life is full. When he isn’t writing, he enjoys the Scandinavian Solstice, classical music and contemporary science fiction and films. An engineer by trade, he is also very passionate about the ongoing refugee situation in the Middle East. He says, “There is a major humanitarian problem played out before the eyes of the world, where very often, young children pay the supreme price. It’s our duty as human beings to help as much as possible. No one should ignore this situation and look the other way.”

One Flew Over the Banyan Tree ALLAN JANSEN

ISBN: 978-1-4917-6896-9 Publisher: iUniverse (www.iuniverse.com)

Allan Jansen

Follow Mary Jeneverre Schultz on Twitter @Jeneverre Readers can keep in touch with Alan Jansen via email at alan.j@ownit.nu

Book Review | asian avenue magazine

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Tiffany Chang adds Denver to her list of international cities lived

By Samantha Quee

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August 2016 | Rising Star

T

iffany Chang spends her free time hanging out with her friends at the mall and catching the latest action flick at the movie theater like most teenagers. However, unlike most of her peers, she has already lived in five different international locations with Denver being the latest addition to her list.

Tiffany is the daughter of Director General Jerry Chang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Denver. Due to her father’s work arrangement, travelling and moving to different countries has become her permanent lifestyle. Born in New York, Tiffany has lived in Taiwan, Hungary, and Singapore before relocating to Denver. Mr. Chang’s schedule demands six years of overseas placement and three years in their home country, Taiwan. Then, the entire cycle repeats itself and the family is off on another round of adventure.

I met Tiffany and her mother, Jennifer Chen, at a café in Englewood. The first word that crossed my mind when I saw Tiffany was maturity. This young lady exudes an air of steadiness in her speech and presentation, something not all 15-year-olds possess. Indeed, she chuckled and said, “Most of my friends find me a little too mature for my age.”

Moving from country to country means that Tiffany has limited time to develop strong friendships. When asked about her thoughts on this issue, she said, “Over the years, I’ve learned to just go with the flow and not to latch on to negativity. Traveling widely is not something that everyone gets to enjoy. Social media helps me to keep in contact with my friends through Facebook and I chat with them on Skype.”

Jennifer attributes Tiffany’s maturity to her extensive worldview and frequent travels.

“Since she was much younger, Tiffany has been very independent and we never have had to

worry about her. She is also very thoughtful and understanding. I think we are more like friends rather than the traditional Asian relationship between mother and child.”

Additionally, Tiffany has to be adaptable to her ever-changing education curriculum. “Usually I take about one or two months to settle into my new school. However, when I first transferred from an international school in Singapore back to a local school in Taiwan, it was difficult as the language of instruction changed from English to Mandarin.

It took me a while, but I eventually overcame it.”

When asked what is her strongest subject, she giggled and said, “Well, it really has got to be math!

It is quite a stereotype but Asians do excel in this subject.”

Tiffany will start the next school year in 10th grade at Cherry Creek High School and has been selected as the chief violinist for the string orchestra. She said, “I started learning the violin when I was six years old. It is a lot of hard work, and I would not like to put additional stress on myself by envisioning a future career in music. Nonetheless, I enjoy playing the violin and intend to keep working on it.”

Being effectively bilingual in English and Mandarin Chinese, Tiffany hopes to carve out a career using her language skills. “I haven’t really decided on the exact ambition, but it will have to be something related to language.”

During this summer vacation, Tiffany visited the Rocky Mountain National Park and Great Sand Dunes with her parents. She said, “Travelling has widened my horizons and shown me the different lifestyles of each and every community. It has taught me to never have a myopic view about life and to always consider different perspectives.”

For now, Tiffany relays that the one thing she anticipates about living in the U.S. is attending prom. She says, “I’ve missed graduation ceremonies and class trips before which was not that big of a deal, but I have never attended prom, so I’m really looking forward to it!”

NARRATED BY

8801 N. Pecos St. Federal Heights, CO 80260 (303) 427-SURF (7873)

ROBERT RED FORD

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AAPI VOTES MATTER IN 2016 Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) electorate is a formidable community with the power to shape and influence elections.

T

he ability to participate in the democratic process by casting one’s vote is a profound right of every American citizen over the age of 18. Every vote matters, especially in an election year like 2016. It is the voter’s responsibility to register to vote, to become educated about the candidates and the issues at stake, and to either vote by mail or get to the polls in time to contribute to the future of the United States.

According to a Pew Research Center analysis of Census Bureau data, people with higher levels of education and people with greater income are more likely to vote in U.S. elections.

This is true of Asian-Americans as well. Among the college educated, Asian-American voter turnout (40%) still lags behind that of whites (64%), blacks (57%) and Hispanics (50%).

Spread the word, get involved, and participate in this year’s election to increase those numbers in the Asian-American community and make a difference.

A recent US News and World Report article by Lynda Tran relays that, “Asian-American voters have been steadily moving towards the Democratic Party over the past several presidential elections.” Tran goes on to acknowledge that the Republican National Committee has taken notice of this shift and attempted to attract Asian-American and Pacific Islander millennials through the Republican Leadership Initiative, a program aimed at training young Asian-Americans to recruit other young Asian-Americans into the Republican Party.

Still, 46% of Asian-Americans identify as independent.

Whether voters identify as Democrat, Republican or Independent, this is a critical election year to get involved and make a choice for the benefit of this nation’s future.

Stickers from the Asian Pacific American Legal Center

16

August 2016 | Cover Story

By Jaime Marston Cook

Both graphs show data from the Spring 2016 Asian American Voter Survey of 1212 registered Asian-American voters.

WHY ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER (AAPI) VOTERS? ELECTION DAY:

November 8, 2016 ​In Colorado, Voter Registration Deadline for 2016 General Election is October 31, 2016.

Colorado is a vote-by-mail state, although Election Day voting is still available.

MAKE SURE YOU ARE REGISTERED TO VOTE!

govotecolorado.com Information provided by:

www.apiavote.org Vote 2016 | asian avenue magazine

17

A Snapshot Look at the Political Landscape in 10 Asian Countries The Economist Intelligence Unit publishes a report each year ranking every nation according to a number of factors that contribute to a democracy, or a government by the people. Last year’s “Democracy Index 2015 – Democracy in an age of anxiety” is the source for the ratings listed with each country below, with the United States ranked 20th and last among “full democracies,” and North Korea coming in last among “authoritarian regimes” at 167.

These rankings are based upon five categories: the electoral process, civil liberties, how well a government functions, political participation, and political culture. Each nation’s scores are then based upon indicators within each category, ultimately determining if a country is a “full democracy,” a “flawed democracy,” a “hybrid regime,” or an “authoritarian regime.”

The descriptions of each type of government that follows are compiled from Wikipedia.

18

August 2016 | Cover Story

Rallies took place in Taiwan leading up to its presidential election.

President Tsai Ing-wen (pictured) was inaugurated on May 20, 2016.

SOUTH KOREA, a flawed democracy (22nd). Elections in South Korea are held on a national level to select the President and the National Assembly. Local elections are held every four years to elect governors, metropolitan mayors, municipal mayors, and provincial and municipal legislatures. The president is directly elected for a single five-year term. South Korea has a three-party system, with two dominant parties and one major third party.

JAPAN, a flawed democracy (23rd).

The Japanese political system has three types of elections: general elections to the House held every four years, elections to the House of Councilors held every three years, and local elections held every four years for offices in prefectures, cities, and villages. The minimum voting age was reduced from 20 to 18 in June 2016. Voters must satisfy a three-month residency requirement before being allowed to cast a ballot.

TAIWAN, a flawed democracy (31st).

General elections were held in Taiwan (officially the Republic of China) on January 16, 2016 to elect the 14th President and Vice President of the Republic of China, and all 113 members of the 9th Legislative Yuan. Tsai Ing-wen of the

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was elected Taiwan’s first female President with 56% of the vote. The Central Election Commission reported that turnout for the presidential election was 66.27% of voters, the lowest turnout since the office was first directly elected in 1996, and yet still significantly higher than voter turnout in the US.

INDIA, a flawed democracy (35th).

India elects officials at the federal, state and local levels. At the national level, the head of government, the Prime Minister, is selected by members of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the parliament of India. Members of the Lok Sabha are selected in general elections that take place every five years. The 2014 general election included more than 863 million people over the age of 18, which is a higher voter turnout than both European Union and US elections combined.

INDONESIA, a flawed democracy (49th). Elections in Indonesia have taken place since 1955 to elect a legislature.

Indonesian people did not elect their own president until 2004. Since then, the president is elected for a five-year term, as are the 560-member Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat, DPR, or People’s Representative Council, and the 128-seat Dewan Perwakilan Daerah, or Regional Representative Council. The voting age in Indonesia is 17 but anyone who has an ID card can vote.

uled for April 2008. The 2008 election transitioned Nepal from a monarchy to a parliamentary republic and gave an overwhelming victory to the Maoist Communist Party of Nepal, effectively ending the civil war.

MONGOLIA, a flawed democracy (62nd). Mongolia’s people elect their president for a four-year term. The Ulsyn Ikh Khural, or State Great Assembly, has 76 members. The dominant parties are the Mongolian People’s Party (MPP), the Democratic Party (DP or AН), The Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party (MPRP), and the Civil Will – Green Party (CWGP).

THAILAND, a hybrid regime (98th).

Elections in Thailand are a democratic process in which some parts of the government are selected. These include the House of Representatives and the Senate, which together make up the National Assembly of Thailand. Thailand has had 25 general elections since 1933 when a peaceful military coup overthrew the government. Today, voting in elections in Thailand is compulsory for those over the age of 18. Members of the sangha or clergy, detainees under legal or court orders, and people of unsound mind or of mental infirmity are barred from the voting process.

NEPAL, a hybrid regime (105th). Nepal’s king dissolved the Parliament in 2002 on the grounds that it was incapable of handling the Maoists rebels. The country’s seven main political parties staged protests against the king, arguing that the parliament be reinstated and elections held. An interim parliament was formed in 2006, abolishing the two chambers, and elections were sched-

VIETNAM, an authoritarian regime (128th). Vietnamese people elect a legislature called the National (Quốc Hội) which has 500 delegates who are elected for a five-year term. The Chairman is elected from delegates of the National Assembly. Vietnam has one political party, meaning Communism is legally allowed to hold effective power.

The PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, an authoritarian regime (136th). The Communist Party of China (CPC) is the sole governing party of China, although it coexists alongside eight other legal parties that make up the United Front.

Elections in the People’s Republic of China are based on a hierarchical electoral system. Governors, mayors, and heads of counties, districts, townships and towns are in turn elected by the respective local People’s Congresses.

Voting booths in Nepal.

Vote 2016 | asian avenue magazine

19

Golden Shanghai Asian Restaurant

● The Best Chinese Restaurant by 710 AM Restaurant Show ● The Best Chinese Restaurant by the 1430 KEZW Restaurant Show ● Voted 2007 Top 100 Chinese Restaurant in the US

1412 S. Parker Rd. A-134 Denver, CO 80231 (303) 743-7666 (303)743-9079 (303)743-8210

T hai Green Curry M

aking curry at home allows you to control the spiciness of the dish, whether you’re in the mood for something wildly hot or mild. A wide array of aromatic spices and Thai chilies (available at specialty and Asian grocery stores) are key ingredients in the signature Thai dish, and you can adjust the recipe to your own taste. My mom always serves her green curry with steamed jasmine rice — often paired with a comforting clear soup, crispy fried or steamed fish or sautéed vegetables.

Ingredients

(serves 4)

• 1 lb. sliced chicken breast

• 1 tbsp. vegetable or peanut oil

• 2 tbsp. green curry paste (recipe below) • 2 1/2 cups coconut milk • 2 whole kaffir lime leaves or the zest of half a lime • 1 eggplant, cut into 1-inch cubes or 6 to • 8 small Thai eggplants, quartered (available at Asian grocery stores) • 1 tbsp. fish sauce • 1 1/2 tsp. sugar • 2–4 Thai chilies, halved (optional) • 1/4 c. basil leaves

Green Curry Paste

• 1/2 bunch fresh coriander • 1/4 tsp. roasted cumin seeds

• 1/2 tsp. roasted coriander seeds • 1 tbsp. thinly sliced or frozen galangal • 4–6 thinly sliced kaffir lime leaves (remove stems) • 1 tbsp. thinly sliced lemongrass • 8–10 thinly sliced cloves of garlic • 1 thinly sliced shallot • 1 tsp. shrimp paste • 15 fresh green Thai chilies (Add as many as you’d like, but beware — they’re hot!)

By Patricia Kaowthumrong

Method

#1 Heat pan to medium high and add oil; sauté curry paste for a few seconds until fragrant. Reduce the heat and slowly stir in half of coconut milk.

#2 Add chicken and kaffir lime leaves and stir until chicken is cooked through (about 3–5 minutes).

#3 Transfer to a large pot and bring to a boil. Add

remaining portion of coconut milk, sugar, fish sauce, chilies and eggplant. Slower heat and let mixture simmer until eggplants are done (about 10 minutes).

#4 Remove from heat, fish out the kaffir lime leaves and stir in basil. Substitute with pork, beef or fish, if you prefer.

Method #1 Blend the fresh coriander in a food processor until smooth; strain to remove liquid and transfer to a bowl.

#2 Use a mortar and pestle, if you have one, to crush

the ingredients into a fine paste. If you don’t have one, a food processor works great.

The paste will keep in the refrigerator for up to one week and can be frozen for up to six months. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

Chef’s Menu | asian avenue magazine

21

Pumpkin Roll

East Moon Asian Bistro 8162 S Holly St. Centennial, CO 80122 Tel: 303.779.9999

East Moon Asian Bistro

By Samantha Quee | Asian Avenue magazine

I have always been an ardent fan of Japanese cuisines, not only for their delicate taste and exquisite presentation but first and foremost, the freshness of the ingredients used. In Japan, it is common to find restaurants offering omakase, which is a meal consisting of dishes specially selected by the chef, made from the freshest ingredient of the day.

If you are as much a fan of omakase as me, East Moon Asian Bistro, an Asian restaurant with a contemporary decor located in Centennial might just be the place for you.

At the age of 30, owner and head chef Steven Chen already has 14 years of culinary skills and experience. He started his career in New York City by attending culinary school where he learned the techniques and skills for Japanese cooking.

In November 2011, he opened East Moon Asian Bistro, which has been a favorite among the locals in Centennial and all over Colorado.

22

August 2016 | Restaurant Peek

To Chen, using fresh ingredients is the key philosophy of his establishment. “If a certain kind of fish is fresh for the day, I will buy it and add it on to our menu. It is very much omakase-style here.�

Sashimi lovers should not miss the Kampachi ($11). The fresh thinly sliced baby yellowtail sashimi topped with jalapeno and cilantro and drenched in yuzu garlic sauce is a wonderful start to a meal. This melt-in-the-mouth Kampachi has a more tender texture than the usual yellowtail sashimi, and marries perfectly with their summer special drink, the Coconut Mango Mojito ($7), a refreshing drink for the summer weather.

The restaurant also offers the Orange Salmon ($10), which is a creative combination of fresh salmon sashimi coupled with yuzu tobiko and orange to give it a citrus flavor.

Popular dishes also include special rolls such as the Pumpkin Roll ($15) and the Vegas Roll ($12). Wrapped in soy paper, the Pumpkin Roll (consists of crunchy

tempura salmon, shrimp tempura, spicy tuna and mango, paired with cream cheesy to give a unique punch to the palate. It is then drizzled with a special combination of mango sauce and eel sauce.

The Vegas Roll is a deep fried roll, with spicy white fish and spicy yellowtail on the inside. It is then topped with seaweed salad and spicy crab meat, providing a gentle heat to the taste buds.

Beyond sushi rolls and sashimi, East Moon also offers a range of Thai and Chinese dishes. The Thai Sweet Basil Duck, for example, offers a true blue southeast Asian flavor. The tenderness of the duck meat is emphasized with the myriad flavors of sweet, sour and spicy.

Remember to order a Lychee Martini ($8) to go with this dish.

East Moon is a fantastic testament that quality food does not always carry a heavy price tag. If you are a fan of fresh Japanese and Asian food, pay a visit to East Moon Asian Bistro in Centennial.

You might just get hooked.

Photos by Annie Guo

Specials

Happy Hour Special Saturday and Sunday Open – 7pm $1 SUSHI including tuna, yellowtail, mackerel and more!

Kampachi Sashimi

Monday to Friday 3pm – 7pm Spend $40+ and get a special roll for free! (up to $13)

Cocktails: Coconut Mango Mojito (left) and Lychee Martini (right)

OPEN HOURS Mon to Sun: 11:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Sample Menu

Seafood Sashimi Salad $10 Ahi Tuna Tataki $10 Sesame Tofu $10 Yakisoba Noodles $10 Lobster Tempura Roll $11 Thai Spicy Mango Beef $13 Black Pepper Red Snapper $15

Thai Sweet Basil Duck

Vegas Roll

www.eastmooncentennial.com | www.facebook.com/eastmoonsushi

Orange Salmon

East Moon Asian Bistro | asian avenue magazine

23

Happy 10!

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Asian Avenue magazine with food and cultural performances at our new office in Aurora!

Saturday, August 20, 2016 2pm to 6pm FREE TO ATTEND 12201 E Mississippi Ave. #101 Aurora, Colorado 80012 RSVP to asianavemag@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/asianavemag for more information.

Five Parenting Tips for Summer

By Tom Shieh

Once again, summer break is here with us and if you are like most parents, you could use a few parenting tips on how to better your kids’ summer vacation in a fun and healthy way.

Research shows that children need a combination of relaxed time to destress from school but also need structure in their week to give it shape so they also know what to expect.

The goal is to find that perfect combination of free time to promote creativity and self-reliance, with those scheduled activities that are learning moments in your summer weeks.

1 2 3

Involve them in decision making and planning.

Involving your children in making some of your decisions and plans is a great way to instill cooperation. You can let them decide simple things as when to go shopping or what to have for dinner. Give them choices that are win/win. (Do you want to go swimming in the morning or afternoon? Would you like to take the craft class at summer camp or would you prefer to learn archery?)

After seeing that their input was considered, they will certainly feel empowered.

Teach them to fish. Don’t fish for them.

A number of parents nowadays do everything for their youngsters. What many don’t realize is that this robs them of the opportunity to master self-reliance. Assist your kids to do things for themselves. Household chores like doing the laundry, making dinner, tidying up will, for instance, impart them with the necessary life skills. You will also be making them feel part of the household in a meaningful and positive way.

Exercise discipline.

Discipline involves among other things, maintaining a routine, having rules, being consistent, offering them praise/compliments as well as consequences for misbehaving. When kids are in an environment where such aspects are present and active, it helps them to feel safe. You can even let them create the rules, with your assistance of course. In the end, they will be guided by all these listed aspects and not necessarily you.

4 5

Tom Shieh and his family enjoy their summers together.

Use healthy practices.

You may not have much control on what they eat during school time but over summer holidays, you have a chance to keep your kids healthy and happy.

Summer is actually the perfect season to include them in making snacks that offer good nutritional choices.

This can start at the grocery store.

Have fun together.

Set aside some time every day to have fun with your child. Whether it’s running through the sprinkler together on a hot afternoon, biking to the park or counting the stars on a blanket in the backyard before bedtime, do at least one thing a day to connect and have fun.

“Summer will end soon enough and childhood as well.”

- George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones Better Living | asian avenue magazine

25

lettersforblacklives.com

Asian Americans speaking out in solidarity with

BLACK LIVES MATTER Hundreds of Asian Americans came together online to co-author an open letter to “Mom, Dad, Uncle, Auntie, Grandfather, Grandmother,” explaining #BlackLivesMatter and the importance of solidarity with African Americans and other communities of color.

Since its conception on July 7, 2016, this open letter was drafted collaboratively by dozens of contributors on a public Google Document — and translated by hundreds more into over 21 languages. The intent of this letter is to serve as a multilingual resource for Asian Americans who wanted to talk to their immigrant parents about anti-Blackness and police violence, started by Christina Xu of New York.

Xu wrote that she worried about how the shooting might lead to divisiveness within the community, similar to when thousands of Chinese Americans across the country protested in support of former police officer Peter Liang who shot and killed Akai Gurley in 2014, while many other Asian Americans advocated in favor of police accountability and solidarity.

The letter was sparked by the shootings of Alton Sterling in Louisiana and Philando Castile in Minnesota. The authors were largely anonymous to one another. But together, they took advantage of Google Documents’ ability to edit a document, in unison, in real time — something that could not have been achieved a decade ago.

In addition to the letter, Asian Americans have organized across the country with the Black Lives Matter movement, including #Asians4BlackLives organized in the Bay area. Their website says, “We know that our own struggles for freedom and liberation have been deeply influenced by Black American struggles that preceded us. Black communities have paid dearly for resisting their own oppression.”

#Asians4BlackLives, based in the Bay area, formed after the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO in 2014.

26

August 2016 | Feature

According to the website, organizers say: “This is the first letter in the Letters for Black Lives project, a set of crowdsourced, multilingual, and culturally-aware resources aimed at creating a space for open and honest conversations about racial justice, police violence, and anti-Blackness in our families and communities.

All contributors to this project are united around one common goal: speaking empathetically, kindly, and earnestly to our elders about why Black lives matter to us. As many of us are first- and second-generation immigrants ourselves, we know first-hand that it can be difficult to find the words to talk about this complex issue, especially in the languages that resonate most with our elders. Our hope with this letter and its translations is to make it easier for people to craft their own starting points, and serve as a first step towards more difficult intergenerational conversations about race and police violence.

We are not looking to center ourselves in the conversation about anti-Blackness, but rather to serve as responsible allies — to educate, organize, and spread awareness in our own communities without further burdening Black activists, who are already doing so much. Please visit the #BlackLivesMatter site for more information on the core movement.

We wanted to write a letter — not a think piece or an explainer or a history lesson — because changing hearts and minds in our community requires time and trust, and is best shaped with dialogue. We know that this letter is far from perfect: it’s a bit homogenized, not comprehensive, and even excludes perspectives. Most of the important work of the letter is not being done in the English version, which was meant to be a basic template for translators, but in the translations themselves. Because we view translation as a cultural and not just linguistic process, many of the translations have changed portions of the letter to better address particular experiences, whether it’s the role of imperialism in their immigration or specific incidents in their community.

Even beyond that, we encourage each individual to adapt this letter to their own needs to best reach their families.

Our hope with this letter is to make it easier for people to start difficult conversations, build empathy and understanding, and move us forward to real change.” Learn more about the project and get involved at lettersforblacklives.com.

Dear Mom, Dad, Uncle, Auntie: Black Lives Matter to Us, Too Mom, Dad, Uncle, Auntie, Grandfather, Grandmother: We need to talk.

You may not have grown up around people who are Black, but I have. Black people are a fundamental part of my life: they are my friends, my classmates and teammates, my roommates, my family. Today, I’m scared for them.

This year, the American police have already killed more than 500 people. Of those, 25% have been Black, even though Black people make up only 13% of the population. Earlier this week in Louisiana, two White police officers killed a Black man named Alton Sterling while he sold CDs on the street. The very next day in Minnesota, a police officer shot and killed a Black man named Philando Castile in his car during a traffic stop while his girlfriend and her four-year-old daughter looked on. Overwhelmingly, the police do not face any consequences for ending these lives.

This is a terrifying reality that some of my closest friends live with every day.

Even as we hear about the dangers Black Americans face, our instinct is sometimes to point at all the ways we are different from them. To shield ourselves from their reality instead of empathizing. When a policeman shoots a Black person, you might think it’s the victim’s fault because you see so many images of them in the media as thugs and criminals. After all, you might say, we managed to come to America with nothing and build good lives for ourselves despite discrimination, so why can’t they?

I want to share with you how I see things.

It’s true that we face discrimination for being Asian in this country. Sometimes people are rude to us about our accents, or withhold promotions because they don’t think of us as “leadership material.” Some of us are told we’re terrorists. But for the most part, nobody thinks “dangerous criminal” when we are walking down the street. The police do not gun down our children and parents for simply existing.

This is not the case for our Black friends. Many Black people were brought to America as slaves against their will. For centuries, their communities, families, and bodies were ripped apart for profit. Even after slavery, they had to build back their lives by themselves, with no institutional support—not allowed to vote or own homes, and constantly under threat of violence that continues to this day.

In fighting for their own rights, Black activists have led the movement for opportunities not just for themselves, but for us as well. Black people have been beaten, jailed, even killed fighting for many of the rights that Asian Americans enjoy today. We owe them so much in return. We are all fighting against the same unfair system that prefers we compete against each other.

When someone is walking home and gets shot by a sworn protector of the peace—even if that officer’s last name is Liang—that is an assault on all of us, and on all of our hopes for equality and fairness under the law.

For all of these reasons, I support the Black Lives Matter movement. Part of that support means speaking up when I see people in my community—or even my own family—say or do things that diminish the humanity of Black Americans in this country. I am telling you this out of love, because I don’t want this issue to divide us. I’m asking that you try to empathize with the anger and grief of the fathers, mothers, and children who have lost their loved ones to police violence. To empathize with my anger and grief, and support me if I choose to be vocal, to protest. To share this letter with your friends, and encourage them to be empathetic, too.

As your child, I am proud and eternally grateful that you made the long, hard journey to this country, that you’ve lived decades in a place that has not always been kind to you. You’ve never wished your struggles upon me. Instead, you’ve suffered through a prejudiced America, to bring me closer to the American Dream.

But I hope you can consider this: the American Dream cannot exist for only your children. We are all in this together, and we cannot feel safe until ALL our friends, loved ones, and neighbors are safe. The American Dream that we seek is a place where all Americans can live without fear of police violence. This is the future that I want—and one that I hope you want, too.

With love and hope, Your children

Black Lives Matter To Us, Too | asian avenue magazine

27

2016 COLORADO LION DANCE COMPETITION IN THE BOOKS!

O

n July 2, Chinese lion dancers invigorated Regis University for eight educational and breath-taking hours.

Starting right in the afternoon, 10 lion dance teams from California, Massachusetts, Nebraska, and Colorado competed vigorously for the title of Colorado Lion Dance Competition Champion.

Each lion dance team danced various routines and props to impress the judges.

As the judges scored them on the difficulty of their stunts and deducting points for mistakes made throughout their performances. The result was a beautiful competition with amazing stories,

Citizenship Celebration at APDC

H

ard work, persistence, and the dream of a brighter future have motivated several students to pursue citizenship at the Asian Pacific Development Center (APDC). Last quarter, 79 students attended APDC’s citizenship classes and 24 have now become citizens! The 24 new citizens represent seven countries and nine languages.

28

August 2016 | On Scene

By John Webber

routines, and decorative props presented by the competing teams. However, more importantly, the audience was able to embrace a very educational and eyeopening experience. The audience learned the difference between a dragon and lion, more important the strength and endurance it takes to lion dance. Even for the lion dance teams, they had an educational, emotional, and remarkable experience.

One of lion dance team members from California stated, “this competition was a learning experience, brought lion dance team together as a community, and

20 are refugees and eight children have also derived citizenship with approximately 30 more applications being processed and more successful results expected!

gave lion dance teams around the world something to look forward to every year.”

“Something to look forward to” is indeed true as many lion dance teams already thought of competing again next year.

There is a possibility that some teams are already preparing to compete with this year’s defending champions Colorado Asian Cultural Heritage Center, with the highest score of 8.73 out of 10.

For more information of the competition, visit the Colorado Lion Dance Competition Facebook page at www. facebook.com/Colorado-Lion-DanceCompetition-995585137138049.

APDC would like to thank U.S. Congressman Mike Coffman for officiating the citizenship celebration and his continual support of APDC and its programs.

A

s a follow up to Asian Avenue magazine’s cover story from March 2016, “Sister Cities Link Colorado Communities with the World,” we recognize and congratulate Denver Sister Cities International (DSCI) for winning the 2016 Best Overall Program Award for a city with a population greater than 500,000. Awards are presented to six communities among more than 570 programs according to population size.

According to the DSCI newsletter The Envoy, “the 2016 Sister Cities International (SCI) Best Overall Award recognizes sister city programs that demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in 2015 in advancing the goals and mission of the sister cities movement. This award recognizes the overall program, including all sister city partnerships and affiliations.”

The award also takes into account all committee work done with communities around the world. Award winners were recognized recently at the Sister Cities International 60th Annual Conference in Washington, DC in mid-July.

This is not the first time our local sister cities program has won an award. In addition to winning the Best Overall Award in 1988, the Denver-Ulaanbaatar program won the Arts and Culture Innovation Award for bringing a Mongolian ethno-jazz group, including throat singers, to Denver in 2014. In 2015, the Denver-Axum program won the Humanitarian Innovation Award for donating and sending a septic pumping truck to Axum, Ethiopia. The Innovation Awards recognize the accomplishments of outstanding community and individual sister city programs that promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation.

Currently sharing space in the GeoTech building in north Denver, Denver Sister Cities International looks forward to moving into the new World Trade Center that is set to open in RiNo in 2019. According to the World Trade Center’s website, “The World Trade Center Denver, a trade association with a million dollar brand and global recognition, selects the Transit-Oriented Development site located at 38th and Blake Street in the revitalized River North Art District (RiNo) neighborhood for a New World Trade Center Global Campus. The site is located just one commuter rail stop from Union Station downtown on the route to Denver International Airport.”

Mayor Michael Hancock anticipates the opening, too. He is quoted, “The proposed site of the new World Trade Center Denver will create a transit-oriented community that will be like no other in the city. It will allow us to easily showcase the best of Denver on a global scale.”

And the Winner is... Denver Sister Cities International

By Jaime Marston Cook

Please join us for

DENVER SISTER CITIES INTERNATIONAL GALA

Saturday, August 27, 2016

Kevin Taylor’s at the Opera House 14th Street & Curtis in the Denver Performing Arts Complex 5:30pm VIP Reception 7:00pm Gala Dinner, Cocktails & Jazz Purchase tickets now at www.denversistercities.org/ 2016-worldwide-gala.

You are also invited to

DENVER SISTER CITIES INTERNATIONAL’S WORLDWIDE FESTIVAL with food, two

stages of music, dance and fashion, as well as delegations from various nations hosting educational talks.

Sunday, August 28, 2016

Tivoli and Commons at the Auraria Campus in Denver Free to the public Vendor registrations accepted now

Photos by Marie Verrett from the 2015 Worldwide Festival at the Denver Center for Performing Arts.

Mile-High Events | asian avenue magazine

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Asian-American athletes to watch in the 2016 Rio Olympics

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elow are 10 Asian-American athletes to watch during the Rio Olympics. Keep their names in mind, as there’s a good chance that some of them will be leaving Rio with new medals.

Alexander Massialas

Senate passes bill to honor Filipino WWII veterans

T

he U.S. Senate voted unanimously to award Congressional Gold Medals to the Filipino and Filipino American soldiers who fought in World War II. The bill was pushed through by Senator Mazie K. Hirano (D-Hi).

“Today, the Senate provided recognition to Filipino World War II veterans for their brave and courageous service to the United States,” said Senator Hirono after the passage of the bill.

“These veterans were instrumental to an Allied victory in the Pacific theater, but their fight didn’t end with the war. For decades, they have continued to fight for the benefits they have earned and to be reunited with their families in the United States. I thank my Senate colleagues for joining me in recognizing these veterans’ service and sacrifice with the Congressional Gold Medal, one of our nation’s highest civilian honors.”

New poll found Asian American and Latino voters lag in political participation

Born to a Greek father and a Taiwanese mother, San Francisco native Alexander Massialas is currently ranked the number one male foil fencer in the world, Massialas was also the youngest male member of the 2012 U.S. Olympics team.

Gerek Meinhardt

Like Massialas, Gerek Meindhart is also a Taiwanese-American fencer. The two are good friends since their mothers are good friends too.

Lee Kiefer

Filipino-American fencer Lee Kiefer is currently ranked third in women’s foil and was the first athlete to ever win seven consecutive individual titles at the Pan American Championships.

Nathan Adrian

This three-time Olympic swimming gold medalist will be back in 2016 to compete in the 50 meter and 100 meter freestyle events. Adrian is half-Chinese and was honored at the Robert Chinn Foundation’s Asian Hall of Fame.

Paige McPherson

Paige McPherson is an Olympic taekwondo competitor of Filipino and African-American descent. She won a bronze medal in the women’s 67 kilogram taekwondo event in 2012.

Lia Neal

T

he survey conducted by the University of California, Riverside School of Public Policy and the Advancement Project found Asian American and Latino voters lag in political participation when compared to White and Black voters.

“Our political system is in trouble when some groups have significantly more say than others,” said political scientist Karthick Ramakrishnan, co-author of the report and associate dean of the UC Riverside School of Public Policy. “This election cycle rightly has brought heightened awareness about class inequality, but our report raises the alarm about racial disparities in political participation that persist even after taking class into account.”

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August 2016 | National News

Olympic swimmer Lia Neal identifies as both African American and Chinese American. She won a bronze medal at the London Games in the 4 by 100-meter freestyle relay.

Jay Litherland

Jay has triple citizenship in the U.S., Japan, and New Zealand.

At this year’s U.S. Olympic Team Trials, he won the second of two U.S. Olympic spots.

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