June 2021
Volume 16 Issue 6
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PRESIDENT’S NOTE As we wind down Asian American and Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month (May), we welcome June, which is both Immigrant Heritage Month and Pride Month! Last month, there were numerous events, programs, proclamations, media requests, and fundraisers going on in Colorado’s Asian community. In this issue, we provide a recap on local events, such as Colorado elected officials visiting our Asian business districts, as well as national updates including President Biden’s proclamation of AANHPI Month and Congress’ bipartisan support of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, signed into law by President Biden on May 20. While we had much to celebrate during AANHPI Month, our community still faces challenges as shared in three features in this issue. 1. We still lack disaggregated data needed to fully understand health disparities in our AANHPI communities. For example, we currently do not have data on the AANHPI community about barriers to accessing COVID-19 vaccines. This is why we are teaming up with June Homdayjanakul, a doctoral student at the Colorado School of Public Health, to implement a research study focused on AANHPIs in Colorado. There may be generational differences, language and/or transportation challenges, and there may even be one Asian ethnic group less likely to get vaccinated than others. Email kamonthip.homdayjanakul@cuanschutz.edu to get involved. 2. We share a study by Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP) that examined the coverage of AAPIs in news media. The study entitled, “Invisible Ink” found that news coverage of Asian Americans was so sparse, it was as if it was written in invisible ink. AAPIP provides recommendations on what can be done. 3. We also invited Lee Arakawa to provide his assessment of the lack of diversity in sports coaching and why the sports industry lacks Asian American representation in general. Annie Guo VanDan, President | Asian Avenue magazine | asianavemag.com | @asianavemag
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June 2021 | President’s Note
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UPCOMING EVENT: Cherry Blossom Festival pivots in 2021
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SPOTLIGHT: Realtor Aurelia Grinstead receives 40 Under 40 Award
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FEATURE: Community members experience barriers and hesitancy to getting vaccinated
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COVER STORY: A special recap of events and happenings during Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Month TRIBUTE: In memory of Nai-Li Yee
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RESTAURANT PEEK: Mono Mono KFC takes center stage as the fried chicken to beat in Denver RESTAURANT PEEK: Adrift welcomes its new, colorful summer menu FEATURE: Philanthropy survey shows that Asians are practically invisible in news coverage SPORTS: Asian Americans lack representation in sports coaching as well as the sports field in general: Why is that?
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Table of Contents | Asian Avenue Magazine
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The Denver Cherry Blossom Festival Pivots for 2021
What’s in the Fukubukuro bag?
Find out soon at cherryblossomdenver.org!
By Stacey Shigaya
Like many others, Sakura Foundation sees the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel and is looking forward to creating connection with the community this year! Conditions in the spring were still not hopeful to move forward with planning the in-person festival at Sakura Square, but the Foundation has come up with creative and innovative ways to share the essence of the festival on their website as well as with a special never-before-offered treat for adults and kids alike! The History of the Cherry Blossom Festival The first Cherry Blossom Festival was held 49 years ago in downtown Denver at the grand opening of Sakura Square. In 2016, Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple was joined by Sakura Foundation to co-present the festival. This exciting weekend event highlights Japanese and Japanese American (JA) culture through music, dance, exhibits, arts and crafts, an outdoor marketplace, and food and is the only outdoor Japanese/JA cultural festival in the region. People who flock to this festival appreciate the rich culture of Japan and the contributions of the JA community in Denver. Admission to the festival is free and open the public. Special Plans for 2021 Sakura Foundation will be posting new and exciting content on cherryblossom denver.org throughout the year, which will allow the community to stay connected with the distinctive Japanese and JA culture. Original content will bring the festival into the homes of not just those in the Denver community, but to anyone with an Internet connection!
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June 2021 | Upcoming Event
Those who are unfamiliar with the festival can leisurely peruse the website and see what they have been missing all these years! Past attendees of the Cherry Blossom Festival will have the opportunity to share their fond memories with the community! Everyone is welcome to record a short video saying what they love about the festival! Share-outs can be about favorite foods, exciting festival performers, cool items purchased from one of the many Marketplace vendors, or any special meaning or memory that comes to mind. Video clips can be taken on a smart phone and these clips will be posted on the website. Submission details will be posted on June 7 at cherryblossomdenver.org and shared on social media. A new treat being introduced for the first time is Fukubukuro, or Lucky Bags! In Japan these bags are a New Year’s custom for many stores and are very popular with patrons who buy them up quickly. The Fukubukuro for adults ($45 each) will contain a number of Cherry Blossom Festival-oriented items such as tote bags, insulated wine tumblers, and masu (traditional wooden sake cups). In addition, each bag will have an unknown treat, which is
the lucky item! Your treat could be tickets to Denver Botanic Gardens where you can stroll through the Japanese gardens, a silver crane necklace, Snap remotes to take selfies, handcrafted chocolate bars, neck coolers, and much more! In keeping with our conservation efforts, some lucky bags will contain one-of-a-kind tote bags crafted from recycled 2019 Cherry Blossom Festival banners! The kid’s version of the Fukubukuro ($20 each) will contain items such as toys, Japanese sweet treats, and origami instructions. Both Fukubukuro bags will be sold in advance for purchasers to pick up at Sakura Square on a designated day. These bags will sell quickly as quantities are limited! Details on placing orders can be found starting June 7 at cherryblossomdenver.org. About Sakura Foundation Sakura Foundation (sakurafoundation. org) is a nonprofit whose charitable mission is to support and celebrate the Japanese and Japanese American heritage, culture and community. The Foundation supports a scholarship program, community grants, the Mirai Generations Leadership Program and cultural events throughout the year.
SPONSORS
Sakura Foundation thanks the generous Plum and Bamboo Level monetary and in-kind sponsors of the 2021 Cherry Blossom Festival endeavors, as well as: Sakura Level - $2000+ Anonymous Cornerstone Apartments Hiratsuka & Associates Kokoro Restaurant Bonsai Level: $1000 - $1999 Independent Bank
Filipina Realtor recognized with 40 Under 40 Award by Denver Business Journal
On May 4, 2021, the Denver Business Journal honored 40 outstanding professionals under the age of 40 for their business success and invaluable contributions to the local community. Among the awardees was Aurelia Grinstead, owner of AureliaGHomes LLC (formerly known as Fil-Am Property Connections) with Keller Williams Preferred Realty. Aurelia was born and raised in the Philippines. Fatherless at the age of 14 and living in a third-world country, the odds were stacked against her. At an early age, she was already exposed to the harsh realities of life. But embodying the qualities of hard work and dedication, which she is known for, she persevered beyond the limits of her circumstances. During her early years, Aurelia studied Hospitality at the Angeles University Foundation and then earned her associate’s degree from AMA Computer College. After graduating, she explored different fields, from doing research work for a local news organization, to working in a call center company. In 2009, she was able to immigrate to the US. Her first job was working as a “secret shopper” to help companies ensure quality of customer service in the food service industry. But it wasn’t until 2014 that Aurelia discovered her true vocation – real estate. Since she started in the field of real estate, Aurelia and her team has sold more than $50 million worth in real estate. But it isn’t all about the money for her. For more than seven years, her team has been helping immigrants secure properties in local communities where they will feel increasingly comfortable and accepted. More than 100 families and individual lives have changed positively through home ownership and transitioned smoothly into a new home with her team’s help. Aside from her successful career in real estate, Aurelia is also an active leader in the local business community. In 2015,
she co-founded the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Colorado, which ensures that minorities, particularly Filipino Americans, are represented in local business sectors. She is also the current membership director of the Greater Denver Chapter of the Asian Real Estate Association of America. This organization advocates for policy positions that will reduce homeownership barriers at the national level for Asian American and Pacific Islanders, all while increasing their real estate business opportunities. Even with all these engagements and responsibilities, Aurelia never forgets to give back. She is an active volunteer with Impact, a local Denver nonprofit that provides assistance to homeless families and individuals. Additionally, she is an advocate of Project Pearls and Global Seed Savers, nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life for some of the poorest people in the world. Aurelia’s involvement in the local Filipino-American civic groups in Colorado has encouraged more participation throughout the community in voting and exercising civil duties. Even during the height of the pandemic, she was heavily involved in translating COVID-19 public advisory documents for the federal government, materials for Denver special needs schools, and helping trauma patients communicate at Craig Hospital in
Englewood. Furthermore, Aurelia has also spearheaded several successful fundraising efforts for victims of natural disasters in the Philippines and all over the world. One cannot deny the impact that she has made in her community. With her continued pursuit of success and happiness, Aurelia aims to provide career opportunities for people in the Philippines. Determined to help reduce the carbon footprint and help people increase efficiency in their daily commutes, she founded Elevation Global Solutions (EGS), a virtual assistance company that provides back-end support to small business owners. Through this company, people can work from home, spend more time with family, reduce traffic, and earn a decent living. Learn more about EGS by visiting www.egsolutions.ph. Above all, Aurelia Jareño Grinstead is a mother to three beautiful boys and a wife to a successful real estate professional. She is a leader and professional businesswoman, inspiring her community through her actions and service to others. From extremely humble beginnings among the poor in the Philippines to a successful Denver businesswoman, she exemplifies what it means to live and achieve the American Dream. Contact Aurelia at 720-979-3049 or aureliag@kw.com
Aurelia’s office hosted a watch party for her online award ceremony on May 4.
Spotlight | Asian Avenue Magazine
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The causes of poor vaccine access and hesitancy in the Asian community By Kiana Marsan
Although people of color have disproportionally made up COVID-19 cases and deaths since the start of the pandemic, many Black, Brown, and Asian communities across the country are struggling to receive the vaccine support they need. “It’s tough when the states and the U.S. really did not lead with equity in terms of prioritizing certain populations that are most vulnerable, including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color),” said Dr. Oswaldo Grenardo, cochair of the Colorado Vaccine Equity Taskforce, for The Denver Post. “Now we’re in catch-up mode.” In Colorado, Asians make up 3.12% of the population with a vaccination rate of 3.05%. As for Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, they comprise 0.12% of the population and are being vaccinated at a rate of 0.25%. While the state appears to be successful in closing the racial health disparity between whites and Asians, these
statistics collapse the AAPI community into a monolith and do not reflect attitudes regarding vaccine access and hesitancy held by those who have yet to receive COVID-19 immunization. “Distinct groups are often lumped into a single ‘Asian’ category in public health databases, if they are counted at all,” writes Darius Tahir and Mohana Ravindranath for Politico. “Advocates say that could conceal disparities, prevent public health departments from mounting targeted outreach and even exclude some groups from vaccine research.” The barriers that Asians experience to accessible healthcare are numerous and rooted in histories of exploitation, colonization, and racism. Immigrants and refugees—such as Cambodians, Vietnamese, and Burmese—are the lowest-income groups in the AAPI community, making them least likely to receive the vaccine. Challenges include difficulty finding
Most Cited Barriers Were Logistics
Barriers to getting vaccinated, according to a COVIDCheck Colorado survey with 4,905 respondents in the state 8
June 2021 | Feature
access to transportation or not feeling safe enough to visit unfamiliar cities given the rise in police presence and anti-Asian violence. If they work a minimum wage job, they may not have the means to take time off for multiple doses or recover from side effects in the days after. Finding information about the vaccine may require English literacy which they do not have, and undocumented migrants may fear being turned over to ICE. “There are cultural and language barriers that can result in a potential lack of access to information,” said Stacey Shigaya. She is program director of Sakura Foundation, a nonprofit that sustains and celebrates Japanese American heritage, culture, and community. From her observations, efforts have been made by local health and Asian organizations to reach out to the Asian community by hosting vaccine clinics at Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple and Simpson United Methodist Church, whose congregation is predominantly Japanese American. These obstacles to vaccination mean that in places like Hawaii, where Asians make up 41% of positive cases, they initially received less than 9% of doses. In Alaska, Asians are 11% percent of deaths but 5% of vaccinations. Some states, like Florida, have collected no demographics at all on vaccination rates in Asian communities. These realities have deathly consequences when research has proven that Asians are twice as likely to test positive, 60% more likely to be hospitalized, and 50% more likely to die to COVID-19 than white folks. These statistics increase with age, putting unvaccinated Asian elders most at risk of contracting the virus. But even if Asians had widespread means to access the vaccine, this
wouldn’t necessarily promise higher immunization rates. Many are disillusioned with the U.S. medical system, as it has historically disenfranchised people of color. When an Asian immigrant has escaped violence and conflict that was backed by the American government, it makes sense for them to be wary of what was once their colonial power. “For people of color, there may be a lack of trust as a result of a history of betrayal,” said Shigaya. “This is one of the reasons why there has been a push to have family physicians provide the vaccine shots, so that families can have conversations with someone they trust.” For the US to reach herd immunity, people of color must be made a priority in local, state, and federal vaccination plans.
They must be provided with targeted, timely, and relevant information about what getting the vaccine looks like for them and their families. At present, Colorado has not made any tangible plans for outreach to BIPOC communities known. The vaccine is free for anyone to take, and it does not require proof of health insurance or any form of identification. While some may experience side effects such as shortness of breath or headaches, it is unlikely to result in long-term health consequences. Anyone is eligible to receive the Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccine, all of which feel similar to getting a flu shot. For a comprehensive list of vaccination sites in Colorado, visit covidcheckcolorado.org/ find-our-sites-vaccinations.
Recommendations to increase vaccination rates
Source: COVIDCheck Colorado, an initiative of Gary Community Investments.
Get Involved!
To better understand barriers to vaccine uptake in the AAPI community Data disaggregation remains the best approach to addressing inequity in the AAPI community. When all subgroups are combined, vulnerable populations continue to be hidden and disparities perpetuated. Asian Avenue Magazine is partnering with June Homdayjanakul from the Colorado School of Public Health to conduct research to fill this gap. Their work will address the gap in much needed data on barriers to vaccine uptake, sources of hesitancy, and opportunities to better reach the various subgroups within the AAPI community. The results of their research will be used to inform public health practice, develop messaging that is more salient to specific subgroups, and better direct resources to appropriate communities. If you are interested in learning more or want to partner in this research project, please contact June at Kamonthip.homday janakul@cuanschutz.edu.
COVID-19 Vaccines | Asian Avenue Magazine
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A Recap of an Impactful Asian American and Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month in Colorado Colorado proudly celebrated Asian American and Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month with programs, fundraisers, and proclamations! May 2021 was an impactful month, in which the local AANHPI community was active and visible! Under the leadership of Dr. DJ Ida and Dr. Rachele Espiritu, Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock proclaimed May 10, 2021 to be Asian American and Pacific Islander Mental Health Day.
Both proclamations recognized the need to raise awareness about mental health, particularly in Asian communities, to destigmatize seeking help, and to advocate for policies that increase accessibility of mental health services.
The Colorado Health Foundation organized a discussion with Denver AAPI leaders titled: At the Heart of the Matter: The Hate Stops Here: Addressing Anti-Asian Acts on May 20. The discussion centered around complexities within AAPI communities and what can be done to curb the rise of discrimination and support the health and well-being of AAPIs. The webinar opened with a special performance by the Japanese Arts Network’s Founder Courtney Ozaki. Foundation President and CEO, Karen McNeil-Miller then facilitated a discussion with: • Joie Ha - CORE: Community Organizing for Radical Empathy • DJ Ida, PhD - National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association • Clarence Low - Asian Chamber of Commerce Colorado • Chad Shomura, PhD - CU Denver, Department of Political Science View the recording at: coloradohealth.org/heart-matter
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June 2021 | Cover Story
Emerging AAPI leaders organized an AAPI Heritage Month celebration/rally on the steps of the Colorado State Capitol on May 22. High school students Aiden Reidy, 18, and Kai Vong, 17, felt a need to focus on anti-Asian hate with their greatest concern being the safety of elders in the community. AAPI community leaders and members shared their own stories or their family’s stories. Some shared their experiences with racism, and their hopes and goals to uplift more voices in the community. Vong is the youngest member of the Denver Asian American Pacific Islander Commission and helped form Colorado Asian Pacific Islander United.
A Proclamation on Asian American and Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander Heritage Month President Biden recognizes the contributions of AANHPIs while acknowledging the pain and fear in the AANHPI community.
This May, during Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we recognize the history and achievements of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) across our Nation. In the midst of a difficult year of pain and fear, we reflect on the tradition of leadership, resilience, and courage shown by AANHPI communities, and recommit to the struggle for AANHPI equity. Asian Americans, and Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders make our Nation more vibrant through diversity of cultures, languages, and religions. There is no single story of the AANHPI experience, but rather a diversity of contributions that enrich America’s culture and society and strengthen the United States’ role as a global leader. The American story as we know it would be impossible without the strength, contributions, and legacies of AANHPIs who have helped build and unite this country in each successive generation. From laying railroad tracks, tilling fields, and starting businesses, to caring for our loved ones and honorably serving our Nation in uniform, AANHPI communities are deeply rooted in the history of the United States. We also celebrate and honor the invaluable contributions the AANHPI communities have made to our Nation’s culture and the arts, law, science and technology, sports and public service — including the courageous AANHPIs who have served on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic as health care providers, first responders, teachers, and other essential workers. During this year’s Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month, our Nation celebrates the achievements of Vice President Harris, the first person of South Asian descent to hold the Office of the Vice President. Vice President Harris has blazed a trail and set an example for young people across the country to aspire to follow, including members of AANHPI communities and AANHPI women in particular. In spite of the strength shown and successes achieved, the American dream remains out of reach for far too many AANHPI families. AANHPI communities face systemic barriers to economic justice, health equity, educational attainment, and personal safety. These challenges are compounded by stark gaps in Federal data, which too often fails to reflect the diversity of AANHPI communities and the particular barriers that Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Southeast Asian, and South Asian communities in the United States continue to face. My Administration also recognizes the heightened fear felt by many Asian American communities in the wake of increasing rates of anti-Asian
harassment and violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the increasingly observable layers of hate now directed toward women and elders of Asian descent in particular. Our Nation continues to grieve the senseless killings of six women of Asian descent in Atlanta, and the unconscionable acts of violence victimizing our beloved Asian American seniors in cities across the country. Acts of anti-Asian bias are wrong, they are un-American, and they must stop. My Administration will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with AANHPI communities in condemning, denouncing, and preventing these acts of violence. We will continue to look for opportunities to heal together and fight against the racism and xenophobia that still exists in this country. Present-day inequities faced by AANHPI communities are rooted in our Nation’s history of exclusion, discrimination, racism, and xenophobia against Asian Americans. Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have endured a long history of injustice — including the Page Act of 1875, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, the incarceration of Japanese American citizens during World War II, the murder of Vincent Chin, the mass shooting of Southeast Asian refugee children in 1989, and the targeting of South Asian Americans, especially those who are Muslim, Hindu, or Sikh, after the national tragedy of 9/11. It is long past time for Federal leadership to advance inclusion, belonging, and acceptance for all AANHPI communities. My Administration is committed to a whole-of-government effort to advance equity, root out racial injustices in our Federal institutions, and finally deliver the promise of America for all Americans. Vice President Harris and I affirm that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders make our Nation stronger. I urge my fellow Americans to join us this month in celebrating AANHPI history, people, and cultures. NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2021 as Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month. I call upon the people of the United States to learn more about the history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, and to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities.
PRESIDENT JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR. President’s Proclamation | Asian Avenue Magazine
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What is the COVID–19 Hate Crimes Act? President Joe Biden signed into law the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act on May 20. The legislation would expand efforts to curtail the dramatic rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, by improving hate crime data collection and better reporting resources. Illustration by Julia Kestner Designs @juliakestnerdesigns
The COVID–19 Hate Crimes Act, introduced by Rep. Grace Meng (New York) and Sen. Mazie Hirono (Hawaii) instructs the Department of Justice to designate a point person to expedite the review of hate crimes related to COVID-19. The bill also expands efforts to make the reporting of hate crimes more accessible at the local and state levels, including providing online reporting resources that are available in multiple languages. Federal grants will be available to help local and state law enforcement agencies set up hotlines for reporting hate crimes and improve their investigation, identification and reporting of bias-driven incidents, which often go underreported. The bill also pushes judges involved in sentencing for hate crimes to include community service and education about the group that was affected as part of the penalties they assign. Some activists have opposed the legislation’s reliance on law
enforcement and the additional funds that would go to law enforcement agencies. Speaking on the House floor, Meng recalled how over the past year, the Asian American community has faced an “additional pandemic: the virus of hate and bigotry.” Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who is Black and Indian, discussed reports of stabbings, shootings and other attacks against Asian American and Pacific Islander individuals and their businesses since the start of the pandemic. Harris said such incidents had increased six-fold during that time. She added that “the work to address injustice, wherever it exists, remains the work ahead.” Several dozen lawmakers attended the bill signing ceremony, one of the largest groups to visit the Biden White House during the pandemic.
Check out Asian Avenue Magazine’s Special May Edition with a feature of 100 Asians To Know in Denver! View at: issuu.com/asianavemag/docs/may2021
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June 2021 | Cover Story
Colorado Elected Officials Visit Asian Businesses to Show Support During Heritage Month
Photos by: Michael Ye
On May 6, US Senator Michael Bennett and US Senator John Hickenlooper visited the Far East Center in Denver and met with small business owners to talk about the impact of COVID and provide support in regards to the hate and violence that has been directed at Asians this past year. In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, the Senators joined the businesses, the Asian Chamber of Commerce, and Asian Avenue Magazine for a meal provided by Viet’s Restaurant. They both purchased gifts at Truong An Gifts for Mother’s Day for their wives and ate durian for the first time at Little Saigon Market! Senator Hickenlooper said, “How often do you get a new experience and eat something you never knew existed?”
Both senators shared their proud support of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act which passed the US Senate on a 94-1 vote. The bill designates a specific employee within the U.S. Department of Justice fully dedicated to facilitating expedited reviews of COVID-19 hate crimes and requires federal guidance for state and local law enforcement agencies on expanding culturally competent, linguistically appropriate public education campaigns, data collection and public reporting of hate crimes. Senator Bennett said, “It tells us a lot that this was a bipartisan bill. We all agree that the violence against Asian Americans is unacceptable and we must do something about it. It’s very important that we act in a timely way.”
Lt. Governor Diane Primavera visited the Far East Center to recognize Asian Heritage Month and talk to the business owners and staff about the impacts of COVID and recovery efforts on May 20. Lt. Governor Primavera said, “I was overwhelmed by the hospitality of the store owners and community here!” She continued, “I’m also very impressed that these businesses are surviving COVID because of their strong family ties – the family that provides staff and funding support.” Follow her for updates at: fb.com/LtGovofCO.
US Representative Jason Crow met with Asian American leaders and Denver Health staff, while volunteering at a vaccine clinic on May 25. He met with Gary Yamashita, CEO of Sakura Square; Peggy Moore, Special Projects Coordinator for the Asian Chamber of Commerce; and Father Joseph Dang, Vietnamese community navigator for Denver Health. He also toured the Tri-State Denver Buddhist Temple and Sakura Square. While visiting with Jolie Noguchi at Pacific Mercantile, he learned that the supermarket is a 75-year-old, family-owned business. Follow him for updates at: fb.com/RepJasonCrow. Support from Officials | Asian Avenue Magazine
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Carolyn Nugent
Penelope Wong
Caroline Glover
Denver Chefs Raise $25,000 to Support the AAPI Community Launched by Penelope Wong of Yuan Wonton, Caroline Glover of Annette and Carolyn Nugent of Ulster Street Pastry, the Better Together - Colorado for AAPI fundraiser was established to support the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in light of recent attacks targeting AAPIs. Wong said, “This fundraiser has truly been one of the biggest and best team efforts I’ve seen from our community of chefs, restaurateurs, small businesses and local talents.” More than 50 local businesses participated in the cause by donating items for prize raffles to help drive the fundraiser. The fundraiser ran throughout the month of May and hit multiple goals. In less than four days, the initial fundraising goal of $10,000 was reached. Seven days later, the fundraiser reached their new goal of $20,000. All in all, the fundraiser raised more than $25,000 by the end of May. Funds raised will be donated to the AAPI Community Fund to help em-
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June 2021 | Cover Story
power, uplift, and protect AAPI communities and those who have been directly impacted by hate crimes, as well as to the new organization, TAAF (The Asian American Foundation) which is focusing on a more direct initiative to advance equity, opportunity, and justice to the AAPI community. According to Stop AAPI Hate, a national coalition that has been tracking anti-Asian hate during the pandemic, there have been more than 6,000 incident reports to the coalition from March 19, 2020 to March 31, 2021. In March 2021 alone, 2,808 hate incidents were reported which make up 42% of all reports over that period. For Wong, working on this fundraiser has been a much needed catharsis. “With the increase in hate crimes, I found myself going out in public with trepidation and anxiety. I was thoroughly concerned for my elderly aunties who are all very active and go out all the time,” she said. “Being able to help raise awareness is the ultimate goal. And having the
ability to use our platforms to help raise awareness has been amazing.” She continued, “I know there are some businesses out there who have chosen not to express or share viewpoints on societal and humanitarian issues on their business social media pages for fear of backlash from their customer base. But our belief is that it is time the parallels between business and personal intersect once again.” Connect with the businesses involved with Better Together - Colorado for AAPI fundraiser via Instagram: @yuanwonton, @ulsterstreet_pastry and @annette_scratchtotable.
Students of Nai-Li: Jonathan Yeh and Annie Guo VanDan
Jeanie Johnson, Co-Chair of Denver-Kunming Committee shares memories of Nai-Li and her husband John Yee
Nai-Li Yee Scholarship Fund
Community honors and celebrates the life of Nai-Li Yee In the 1940s, her family moved from mainland China to Taiwan, where Nai-Li grew up and became a teacher. In the 1970s she married John Yee and made Colorado her new home. She became a U.S. citizen and worked for the State of Colorado for nearly 30 years. From the 1980s through the early 2000s, she and John led numerous tours to China, with an emphasis on cultural themes for Colorado educators. Nai-Li helped found the Colorado Chinese Language School, where she taught for 35 years and was the principal for many years. She has also served in the following organizations: Colorado Chinese Club, Vice President; Denver Chinese Cultural Center, President; Double 10th Celebration Committee of Colorado, Chairwoman; Chinese American Council of Colorado (CACC), Chairwoman. In 2008, she received the CACC’s Lifetime Community Service Award and was their regional representative to Taiwan, where she met with then-President Ma Ying-jeou. In 2011, she received a Teacher’s Award from the Overseas Community Affairs Council of Taiwan. In 2014, she received the Asian American Hero of Colorado Award.
For more than a decade, Nai-Li served as the Board President of Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network (CACEN). In honor of her life and legacy as an educator, CACEN has created the Nai-Li Yee Scholarship Fund. Donations to the fund will provide annual scholarships to the students at Colorado Chinese Language School where she taught for 35 years. Donations can be made at: cacendenver.org/donate. Donations can also be made to Scleroderma Foundation at scleroderma.org. Nai-Li had been diagnosed with scleroderma, a chronic connective tissue disease.
Jason Chen, a family friend, speaks to the audience at Nai-Li’s reception
Fran Campbell and Patty Quinn
Sophia Cheng and Christina Yutai Guo
Special Tribute | Asian Avenue Magazine
15
By: Annie Guo VanDan Photos By: Lijin Zhao
Mono Mono Korean Fried Chicken is redefining “KFC.” If you’ve ever had Korean Fried Chicken, you know that it is the mother of all crispy chicken. At Mono Mono, they use an Asian frying technique that removes the fat from the skin, resulting in a thin, crackly and almost transparent crust. Located in downtown Denver, Mono Mono opened in midMarch of 2021 at the onset of the pandemic. Despite this, the restaurant has gained a wide following in this past year. The order to beat is the chicken wings, which remain their most popular menu item. For entrees, the bulgogi cheeseburger and gojujang chicken sandwich are well-loved, and the kimchi fries and shisito peppers are appetizer favorites. The restaurant’s concept was first founded by MJ Chung in New York and brought to Colorado by JW Lee. Lee is a long-time prolific restauranteur with more than 20 years of experience and a goal of introducing new cuisine to the Denver area. Prior to Mono Mono, he was running a Korean restaurant called Koba in the space.
The staff prides themselves on service that puts their customers at the center, being sure to give attention to aspects of Korean food and culture. Manager Paul Kim said, “Many of our customers enjoy learning about Korean food. For example, we serve daikon with our chicken wings. If served alone, customers may take a bite and not like it. However, if we tell them the reason behind it—that the daikon helps cleanse the palate and this is how it is eaten in Korea—it helps them appreciate the food more.” Mono Mono refuses to compromise on its quality and use the freshest ingredients. Their dishes are made with love by their talented chefs, including several small dishes invented by Lee that cannot be found at other fried chicken restaurants. Lastly, Mono Mono offers a full bar which includes Korean drinks and cocktails, as well as happy hour!
1550 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202 720.379.6567 | monomonokfc.com
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June 2021 | Restaurant Peek
Adrift Tiki Bar’s New Summer Menu is a Transportive Experience
Coming out of a tough year of shut down, social distancing and Covid Cocktails To-Go, Adrift Tiki Bar & Restaurant has launched a new summer menu. This thoughtfully curated menu seeks to take guests, via their taste buds, outside of landlocked Colorado. “We want our guests to be fully immersed into our vibrant space and transported to another world,” says Adrift Owner Loren Martinez. “Whether it’s through the tropics or wandering through street food corners, every bite and sip at Adrift should feel like a vacation that takes you on a culinary adventure.” On May 18, patrons began enjoying new Adrift eats and libations that focus on bringing people together once again at the Beach on South Broadway. Inspired by “Talk Story,” a Hawaiian expression that means “shoot the breeze” or to chat informally, Adrift Executive Chef Tyler Critchfield created shareable boards inspired by different parts of the world that are meant to be enjoyed with family, friends and good conversation. These next-level boards include, Tomahawk Vacation Ribeye Board, a plentiful platter that boasts an eye-pleasing and mouth-watering Tomahawk Ribeye, soy-glazed Shiitake mushrooms, grilled broccolini and watercress; Caribbean Jerk Chicken Board, featuring grilled jerk chicken thighs, plantain hash, Peri Peri slaw, coconut cardamom, pineapple salsa and Jasmine rice; and a Vietnamese Pork Belly Board, with Gochujang-glazed pork belly, butter lettuce cups and an assortment of Vietnamese pickles, Asian herbs, spicy Aioli, Peri Peri Slaw, coconut cardamom and jasmine rice. Helmed by Adrift General Manager Joshua Duncan on the bar side, Adrift continues to up the ante with their bar offerings by adding new cocktails with floral and aromatic flavors, such as Ka Diabolo, Adrift’s take on the El Diablo cocktail with the inclusion of Barillito 2 Star Rum and strawberry syrup to keep it tiki; The Dirty Dan, a dark piña colada is twisted with the addition of Mezcal, grapefruit, housemade Mole syrup and Fernet; and Flamingo Lingo, a refreshing cocktail with pineapple, Paranubes Rum, watermelon juice, guava, rhubarb, coconut and Aquavit. “We are all chomping at the bit to eat out and explore again”, says Martinez. “This menu does exactly that with rare spices and a nod to the tropical flavors of the Carribean, Vietnam, Hawaii, and even hints of Mexico.” Located in Denver’s South Broadway neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of live music venues, art-house movie theatres, bars and acclaimed restaurants, Adrift draws on the rich history of authentic Tiki lounges and modernizes the traditions borrowing from an array of island flavors and cultures. As part of Adrift’s social responsibility program, The Mana Immersion Fund provides financial assistance to humanitarians with a focus on medical, dental, construction and hunger relief, and a percentage of every sale at the restaurant benefits the cause.
ADRIFT TIKI BAR 218 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209
Photos by Jon Benson Photography
• Visit adriftbar.com, follow @AdriftBar (Facebook) and @AdriftDenver (Instagram), or call 303-778-TIKI • For more information about Adrift Tiki Bar or their new menu, contact Chea Franz at chea@indiecreativeco.com Restaurant Peek | Asian Avenue Magazine
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Invisible Ink:
Media Representation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Report finds that news coverage of Asian Americans was so sparse, it was as if it was written in invisible ink. During Asian Pacific Heritage Month last month, the Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP) released Invisible Ink: Media Representation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Invisible Ink explored news media coverage of AAPIs through a pre-pandemic snapshot, seeking to answer how often AAPIs are included in, or the focus of, stories related to economic inequality, and how they are portrayed. Invisible Ink found that news coverage of Asian Americans was so sparse, it was as if it was written in invisible ink. Given the power of the media to shape the perceptions and decisions of philanthropy, policy makers, and other key decision makers, it is critical for news media to accurately and robustly include AAPI people in the course of covering the full spectrum of issues, including economic inequality. “Our initial reaction to the report was one rooted in affirmation. There was a lack of surprise as the report reflects what we have heard from the AAPI community and also experienced firsthand. Traditionally tagged as the model minority group that has intentionally tried to blend into the background, it should come as no surprise that we are often not only left out of the conversation, but also the media,” said Chris Bui.
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June 2021 | Feature
Coverage reinforced underlying themes of the model minority myth and news coverage focused on Pacific Islanders was virtually nonexistent. In particular, for articles related to economic inequality and that mention at least one racial group, the report notes: • Less than a third of this set of news articles mention Asian Americans or Pacific Islanders.
• Only 2 percent of these news media articles feature disparities in Asian American/Pacific Islander communities.
• Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are the explicit focus of these articles less than 4 percent of the time.
According to Jin Tsuchiya, “The AAPI community becoming visible cannot take place overnight. It will involve both immediate and steady, big and small, as well as overt and strategic approaches to erode the systemic barriers that has made us invisible. Increased opportunities to tell stories, build trust from within the AAPI community, and inject financial and social resources into the AAPI ecosystems may be a start.” “Here in Colorado, funders, commu-
nity organizations, and AAPI community members will need to unlearn ‘what has always been’ and start fresh from a place of ‘what is possible,’” said Tsuchiya. Bui and Tsuchiya, co-founders of AAPIP Rocky Mountain, note that “support from philanthropy will require a shift in traditional and insufficient funding to AAPI communities and the organizations that serve them. While only 20 cents of every $100 philanthropy dollar has gone toward AAPI communities, an influx of financial support will not be the final answer to overcoming the inequities impacting our community.” “AAPI are resourceful, which is maybe why we’ve been able to subsist on miniscule philanthropic support, and we are resilient. We will require building up our community capacity, social capital, advocacy skills, and recognizing how to utilize and wield our inherent power together.” Bui is a Senior Program Officer and Tsuchiya is a Public Policy Officer for The Colorado Health Foundation.
Funders have an opportunity to invest in, leverage, and reform journalism as a core strategy to advancing equity and inclusion. Recommendations include:
See the full report at: aapip.org/ what-we-do/invisible-ink.
• Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are included in the data cited in these articles only slightly more than a quarter of the time.
• In some cases, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders were excluded from the data in these news articles because the original data sources did not include AAPI people. However, newsrooms omitted AAPI data 37 percent of the time, even when the data were available.
AAPIP Rocky Mountain Chapter serves as a regional hub for AAPIs in philanthropy, highlighting the importance of diversity within the vast AAPI communities. As an emerging chapter, the Rocky Mountain Chapter is not only seeking to engage funders, but also community organizations that are led by, or centered on, the AAPI community. We recognize the funding landscape is heavily reliant on both funder and nonprofit engagement in order to be effective at overcoming health inequities in our communities.
Invisible Ink | Asian Avenue Magazine
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Why is there a lack of Asian representation in sports coaches? A team told Eugene Chung, who is Korean American, that he’s “not the right minority we’re looking for” when he applied for a coaching position. Chung, 51, played guard for three teams after entering the NFL in 1992.
Getty Images As sports tend to be considered a mirror of society, it is often believed to represent a meritocratic and egalitarian space for which the rest of society should aspire towards. On the contrary, modern sports remain a site of exclusionary practices that operate on several levels. Racism is an issue that pervades all of culture and sports are no exception. Sports coaching remains as an arena in which interconnecting disparities of race create structured power relations, serving to reinforce patterns of inclusion and exclusion. This is perhaps most prevalent within sporting organizations where it has been well-documented that White men have historically dominated both the administrative and head coaching positions disproportionately; a trend that exists at both the professional and intercollegiate levels of organized sport. According to the United States Census Bureau (USCB) in 2018, 76.5% of the American population identifies as White, 13.4% as Black, and 5.9% as Asian. These population percentages are similar when compared to proportions by ethnicity in the American workforce, based on data from USCB. However, when it comes to coaching, the proportions differ. Every year, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) publishes demographic information on the coaches and athletes from various sports. In 2018, out of 58 to-
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June 2021 | Sports
tal sports across three divisions of men, women, and mixed competitions, 85.5% of head coaching positions were occupied by White coaches and only 1.01% of the same head coaching positions were occupied by Asian coaches. Perhaps the issue starts with the lack of Asian athletes, given that athletes tend to move on to coaching following their playing careers. If the trend is consistent with the majority of coaches being former athletes, then a lower percentage of Asian athletes could explain a lower percentage of Asian coaches. According to the NCAA database, here are the percentages of Asian athletes in sports in the U.S. in 2018: NCAA Sport
Total Athletes
Asian Athletes
Baseball
35,014
389 (1.1%)
Football
73,046
1,036 (1.4%)
Basketball
18,568
133 (0.7%)
Hockey
4,229
28 (0.6%)
If the low representation of Asian athletes is correlated to the lack of Asian coaches, then it is worth exploring the possible deterrents or barriers athletes of Asian descent face in joining the sports profession. In regards to cultural views on education and career, the data suggests that
Asian Americans prioritize their education and pursue careers that come with higher status and pay. According to 2017 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the percentage of the labor force with at least a high school diploma was more than 90% in the following groups: White (93%), Black (93%), and Asian (94%). However, Asians were the most likely of the groups to have graduated from college: 61% of Asians in the labor force had a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 40% of Whites, 30% of Black, and 20% of Hispanic. In terms of occupation, 52% of employed Asians worked in management, professional, and related occupations – the highest paying major occupational category, compared to 41% of employed White, 31% of employed Blacks, and 23% of employed Hispanic people. The median weekly earnings have Asians earning the most ($1,207) followed by White ($971), Black ($710), and Hispanic ($690). When looking at unemployment numbers, Asians had the lowest rate of unemployment of any ethnicity at 3.4%. According to data from U.S. News, the median annual salary for a sports coach in 2017 was $32,270 or $620 weekly, which is well below the weekly earnings of an average employed Asian American ($1,207). The association could be made that there are so few Asian coaches in sports because Asians tend to pursue different careers for cultural and financial reasons. Stereotypes also lead to barriers for Asian Americans to join professional sports as Asians are often viewed as being nonathletic, short in stature, and physically weak. These stereotypes not only affect self-perceptions and performance, but also influence the feelings, thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors of others. These racial stereotypes, and the way in which the media reinforces them, creates additional challenges for Asians in sports. Sporting organizations should respond effectively and sensitively to evolving cultural landscapes that exist:
Jeremy Lin spoke out in March 2021 about the recent attacks on Asian Americans and opened up about his personal experiences with racism on the court, including being called “coronavirus” during a game. He now plays for the Santa Cruz Warriors in the NBA G League.
Juan Ocampo / Getty Images • Are they addressing bias, discrimination, and unfairness that may exist in the organization? • Are they seizing opportunities to mentor athletes of color on and off the field? • Are they taking on the responsibility to educate and provide mentoring to students and early career professionals to help them overcome unique challenges
and guide them along the way? Bringing underrepresented individuals into sports can have many benefits as they can serve as role models and offer different perspectives based on their backgrounds and experiences. Such perspectives may be considered invaluable, especially those that continually aim to develop and bring awareness to issues of diversity within the coaching profession.
This feature was written and contributed by Lee Arakawa, a Ph.D. student at the University of Northern Colorado studying the Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity. His research interests focus primarily on issues surrounding diversity and culture in sport. Being fully immersed in sport throughout much of his life as an athlete and a coach, Lee noticed a lack of Asian American coaches within the youth, high school, college, and professional ranks. With very little research within the field of sport psychology and sociology being directed towards the absence of Asian Americans in sport coaching, Lee sought to shine some light on the topic and bring attention to it through this paper.
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Sports Coaching | Asian Avenue Magazine
21
Volunteers come together for annual clean up of City of Takayama Park By Gil Asakawa On Saturday, May 22, the Denver Takayama Sister City Committee held its annual cleanup of the City of Takayama Park, located at South Colorado Boulevard and North Cherry Creek Drive. The committee welcomed 22 volunteers, both members and non-members, who came out to pull weeds and trim the bonsai trees at the lovely Japanese Garden in the park. Experts from Denver’s Bonsai Club worked on the trees and trained other volunteers on how to maintain and “shape” the pines like artists making a sculpture. The committee will be hosting another park cleanup in the fall, and do it twice a year going forward. The Denver Takayama Sister City Committee is a group with Denver Sister Cities International that promotes citizen diplomacy between Denver and Takayama, Japan, through activities including cultural exchange events and trips. Learn more about the Denver Takayama Sister City Committee at: denvertakayama.org.
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ZOOM CALL WITH TAKAYAMA, JAPAN
A HEARTFELT RECONNECTION: DENVER & TAKAYAMA IN THE USA: JUNE 12TH (SATURDAY), 7PM MST IN JAPAN: JUNE 13TH (SUNDAY), 10 AM ENJOY VIA ZOOM: AN EXCHANGE OF CULTURE LEARN ABOUT DENVER TRADITIONAL COLORADO BBQ VISIT TO A MICRO BREWERY GREETINGS FROM DENVER MAYOR, MICHAEL HANCOCK & THE CONSUL GENERAL OF JAPAN IN DENVER, MIDORI TAKEUCHI QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
zoom call
http://bit.ly/takayamareconnection
denversistercities.org email
22
June 2021 | On Scene
takayama@denversistercities.org
hida.jp/english
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