June 2022
Volume 17 | Issue 6
Grand Openings for Wild Taco and bb.q Chicken
Denver’s 48th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival
Governor Polis visits Asian businesses
Bayan Wang joins Denver7 News
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PRESIDENT’S NOTE
Annie Guo VanDan, President Asian Avenue magazine Connect with us! hello@asianavemag.com @asianavemag This June, please join us at the 27th annual Philippine Festival and 48th annual Cherry Blossom Festival—two of Denver’s longest running Asian events!
Happy Pride Month! I am honored to have interviewed Andrew Ahn, director of Fire Island and to share our Q&A session in this issue. Based in Los Angeles, Andrew collaborated with comedians Joel Kim Booster and Colorado’s very own Bowen Yang on this film, which premieres June 3 on Hulu. A celebration of Asian American and LGBTQ+ friendships, we highly recommend everyone watch Fire Island for this much needed representation. As we welcome the summer months, we take a breather from the busy month of May. With dozens of AAPI events, performances, and panels, this year’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month was one to remember! We are grateful so many organizations and companies organized programs to celebrate Asian heritage, discuss Asian American history, and of course, incorporate delicious Asian foods and cultural performances. Thank you to Governor Polis for visiting with our Asian business owners in May. We also honored seven Asian American heroes at an awards ceremony emceed by Bayan Wang, who recently joined the Denver7 News team last year. We are excited to welcome Bayan and his wife Nicole to our Denver community! Coming up in June and July will be our cultural festivals: Philippine Festival (Edgewater), Cherry Blossom Festival (Downtown Denver), Lei Day (Castle Rock) and Colorado Dragon Boat Festival (Edgewater). Asian art exhibits are also currently on display at Union Hall in Denver, Dairy Arts Center in Boulder, and Global Village Museum in Fort Collins. Wherever you are, we hope you continue to celebrate and champion Asian heritage, which includes supporting, loving, and advocating for our queer Asian communities and friends!
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June 2022 | President’s Note
History Colorado
We Are Colorado Explore seven museums and four historic sites across Colorado. Flexible memberships start at only $20. Join now and discover history connected to where you call home today.
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c o nJUNE te n t s 2022
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EVENT: June events SPOTLIGHT: Bayan Wang joins the Denver7 News team
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COVER STORY: 48th annual Cherry Blossom Festival releases new locations and activities for 2022
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FOOD: Wild Taco brings something new and something wild to Cap Hill
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FOOD: bb.q Chicken celebrates the grand opening of its first Colorado location in Aurora
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ART: inVISIBLE | hyperVISIBLE: New Visual Arts Exhibit at Dairy Arts Center
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President ANNIE GUO VANDAN Editorial Director MARY JENEVERRE SCHULTZ Graphic Designer/Videographer LIJIN ZHAO Web Designer JASON ZHANG Marketing Manager JOIE HA
ART: ‘Aura’ challenges the possibilities of creative innovation ART: Visions of Rural China opens at the Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures in Fort Collins
MOVIE: Fire Island celebrates the Asian LGBTQ+ experience, premiering this month on Hulu
Publisher & Founder CHRISTINA YUTAI GUO
ON SCENE: Asian Education Advisory Council awards Denver Public School students and adults ON SCENE: Governor Polis visits with Asian businesses in Denver and Aurora ON SCENE: Asian American heroes awarded during heritage month ON SCENE: Next Generation Voices host AAPI Festival at Smoky Hill High TAIWAN UPDATE: COVID-19 containment strategies
Editor DAMIAN SIU Staff Writer PATRICIA KAOWTHUMRONG
Contact us at hello@asianavemag.com or visit our new office at 14015 E. Evans Avenue Aurora, CO 80014 on the cover The 48th annual Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the Japanese heritage and culture at Sakura Square through live entertainment, food and drink, a marketplace and informative exhibits and demonstrations. Photo Credit: Dillon Hinchcliffe 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.
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June 2022 | Table of Contents
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upcoming events Philippine Festival
Sat and Sun, June 11 and 12 Filipino American Community of Colorado 1900 N. Harlan St, Edgewater Free and open to the public More information at: colorado-filipinos.org
tion debut with Colorado’s own Insight Colab Theatre. Sheung Min, a Korean immigrant, faces a crucial moment in her life—becoming an American citizen. While preparing for her citizenship test, she is haunted by ghosts day and night—the ghosts of pioneering female immigrants who all made a contribution to Asian American history but were never recognized as American citizens.
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and Christine Howland, a Certified Military Police Instructor with 35 years of experience in law enforcement.
Cherry Blossom Festival Sat and Sun, June 25 and 26 The 27th Annual Philippine Festival, which commemorates Philippine Independence from Spain in 1898, features the best our local Filipino community has to offer: delicious food, exciting music and dance; all with the famous Filipino hospitality! The festival will showcase performances from guest artist, concession vendors, and fun youth activities. The festival’s theme is Dakilang Parangal, which means to Lift Up and Elevate.
Say My Name Musical June 16-19 The People’s Building, Aurora Arts District 9995 E. Colfax Ave, Aurora More information at: insightcolab.org Say My Name, written and directed by Pang Yuan Yuan with original music by David Nehls, is an original musical making its full produc-
Sakura Square, 1255 19th Street, Denver Free and open to the public More information at: cherryblossomdenver.org
Saturday, June 18, 1pm to 4pm Simpson United Methodist Church 6001 Wolff Street, Arvada Cost: Free june18selfdefense.eventbrite.com Women of all abilities are welcome to join this self-defense workshop! Wear comfortable clothing that allows for movement and tennis shoes that will allow you to maneuver on tiled floor. Also, bring an purse or tote for demonstration purposes. The instructors are: Jocelyn Meesenburg, a 10th Dan Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu with 16 years of experience teaching women’s, children’s and disabled self defense;
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The 48th annual Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the Japanese heritage and culture through live entertainment, food and drink, a marketplace and informative exhibits and demonstrations. Fans of taiko drumming, teriyaki chicken, sake and Japanese artwork and wares won’t want to miss the Cherry Blossom Festival – “Sakura Matsuri” in Japanese.
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Event Calendar | Asian Avenue Magazine
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The Denver Channel welcomes Bayan Wang to the mile high city From California, Wang joined the Denver7 News team as an anchor and reporter in June 2021.
He grew up in Aliso Viejo, California, a suburb in Orange County, where he graduated from Aliso Niguel High School. He loved spending his summers bodyboarding, hanging out with friends and playing basketball at Laguna Beach. After graduating from Arizona State University with a degree in journalism and mass communication, he served as a weekend anchor and weekday reporter for 23ABC News in Bakersfield, California until 2021 when he moved to Denver. While he loves his career now, he did not grow up wanting to be a journalist. Instead, he was interested in law. “From childhood, I knew I wanted to contribute to the world through the means of providing a voice for people who faced any form of oppression, prejudice or injustice,” said Wang. After graduating high school, he interned at a law firm while in community college and realized that it wasn’t the path that would be most suited for him to contribute to the world the way he wanted to. After taking a few journalism courses, he was hooked. He said: “I was engaged in a classroom like never before and I hustled to get to the position I am today. I’m living the dream I’ve always had and serving my community the way I always wished to.” One aspect of journalism that he admires is its ability to spur important conversations and actions that can result in change, unity, awareness and accountability. Now in Denver, as a general assignment reporter during the week and an evening weekend anchor during the weekend, he is mostly assigned to hard news—including homicides, public safety matters, and dangerous weather. Most notably, he cov-
ered the Marshall Fire in Boulder County and was on scene for more than ten hours providing the community with live updates of wind conditions, fire direction, fire size, and impacted communities. Growing up in a multicultural home, his parents met in their early 20s at Santa Monica College in Los Angeles. His father Richard Wang was born in Taiwan and moved to the US in the 70s and grew up in New York. His mother Mehri Wang was born in a province of Tabriz, Iran. As one of six children, she moved to Germany as a refugee during the revolution and then to US in the early 80s. After a few years of marriage, they had Wang and his younger brother in the early 90s. When reflecting on his parents’ journey, Wang said: “Many people have fought and strived for the American dream. It’s a dream that my parents had the privilege of achieving and a place where so many others strive to do the same.”
Bayan and his mother Mehri Wang “I hope this beautiful country that offered so many opportunities for my parents and I continues to be the same place, hold the same sentiments and stand for the same values for generations to come.” Five years ago, Wang met the love of his life, Nicole, back in Aliso Viejo. At the time, she was a barista at Starbucks. “I was a confused customer trying to order a coffee, but had no idea what to get,” he said. “A disgruntled customer behind me became impatient as a line was forming and thought I was flirting with Nicole (I wasn’t). The customer blurted out ‘we are all trying to get coffee behind you,
please just give her your number so the rest of us can get coffee.’ I was so embarrassed, but heck, that person was right! I wrote my phone number down on a torn piece of paper and handed it to Nicole.”
Bayan and Nicole Wang with their dog Cedar A few days later, he received a text from Nicole. They went to Laguna Beach for their first date and quickly fell in love. They were married two years later in 2019, and will celebrate their three year anniversary this July. Nicole is currently an EMS in the ER of Denver Health and studying to be a Physician Assistant. Now, Denver is their home, and Wang notes how the city is by far one of the nicest places he’s ever lived. “The vibrant communities here are among the most special I’ve ever been a part of,” Wang said. “I embrace diversity and since being here, I’ve really appreciated the inclusiveness that I’ve felt and have seen across the metro.” Gazing at massive mountains also has a spiritual impact on him. It helps him realize how artificial, insignificant and small the issues and predicaments of his life can be. Some of the most memorable moments in his life have been through the reflections he’s had about himself while confronted by Earth’s natural creations. That being said, he misses the beach and the 24/7 summer season in California. “Like my experiences with mountains— the beach, sound of the waves, warm sand, bright sun has always captivated me and been a space of meditation and reflection,” he said. Spotlight | Asian Avenue Magazine
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Colorado celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Since 1990, the US government has designated the month of May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, celebrating the history, culture, and achievements of AAPIs in the US.
May 14
AAPI Festival with performances at Denver Zoo Organized by
Filipino-American
Community of Colorado @coloradofilipinos
May 7
Mudra Dance Studio UTSAV XIV Show at Lakewood Cultural Center
AAPI Wellness Day at History Colorado @historycolorado
@mudradance
May 15
May 15
Culture Collab with local organizations and businesses at Pagoda Lab @pagodalab
Let’s Get Uncomfortable Talking About Racism Discussion Organized by Asian American Pacific Bar
Association & Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network and other sponsors
@apabacolo | @cacendenver | @dearwhitewomenpodcast
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June 2022 | Feature
May 31
Q&A
WITH ANDREW AHN, DIRECTOR OF FIRE ISLAND Andrew Ahn on the set of the film FIRE ISLAND.
Set in the iconic Pines, Andrew Ahn’s FIRE ISLAND is an unapologetic, modern day rom-com showcasing a diverse, multicultural examination of queerness and romance. Inspired by the timeless pursuits from Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice, the story centers around two best friends (Joel Kim Booster and Bowen Yang) who set out to have a legendary summer adventure with the help of cheap rosé and their cadre of eclectic friends. It premieres on June 3, 2022 on Hulu.
(From L-R): Tomas Matos, Matt Rogers, Joel Kim Booster, Margaret Cho and Torian Miller.
How did you bring your own lived experiences into directing Fire Island? When I read the script, I loved the focus on Asian American friendship and the celebration of queer joy. That was meaningful and special to me, and I wanted to bring it to life on screen. My experiences, coming of age as a gay man, building a group of queer friends — were all lovely material for me to draw upon to really make this film feel personal and specific in the way that I love to do in my film work. Which character do you relate to or connect with most? As the director, I think about who I am with all the characters. A lot of queer people will ask themselves if you are more a Noah or a Howie when it comes to love and relationships. I’m definitely more of the romantic, so I’m more the Howie, but I see parts of me in everyone. What was it like directing a comedy compared to dramas? My first two features were more dramatic, but I loved directing a
(From L-R): Matt Rogers, Zane Phillips, Tomas Matos, Joel Kim Booster, Torian Miller and Bowen Yang. All photos by Jeong Park. Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2022 20th Century Studios All Rights Reserved
“
comedy. I think it’s a lot harder than directing a dramatic film. I loved getting to work with the talent on this film: Joel, Bowen, Margaret, Matt - they are all so funny. We definitely really loved Joel’s script, but the actors also improvised and ad libbed. They had fun with the scenes. How can we combat the hate targeting Asian and LGBTQ+ communities? As a queer Asian American, I’m really proud of the work that I’ve made and the collaborations I’ve created with other queer Asian American artists. I really encourage people to tackle the discrimination head on. I recommend supporting mutual aid funds, engaging in civics, volunteeering, voting, protesting; these are all an important part to how we build a more equitable world for queer people, for Asian Americans. Art is really great in allowing us to create strength and then we have to show that strength and use it. It’s something I feel very passionate about in conjunction with the art that I do.
I loved the focus on Asian American friendship and the celebration of queer joy. That was meaningful and special to me, and I wanted to bring it to life on screen. - ANDREW AHN, DIRECTOR OF FIRE ISLAND Movie | Asian Avenue Magazine
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WE’RE BACK!
It’s the 48th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival!
By: Stacey Shigaya
Saturday, June 25, 11am to 6pm Sunday, June 26, 11am to 4pm
Photos by: Dillon Hinchliffe
Free Admission | Open to the Public Location: Sakura Square, Downtown Denver, Larimer and 19th Streets
C H E R RY B L O S S O M D E N V E R . O R G There are a lot of uncertainties in the world today, but one thing you can count on is that the 48th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival is back and ready to celebrate Japanese and Japanese American culture with everyone! Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple (DBT) and Sakura Foundation, proud co-presenters of the festival, are elated to be back after a twoyear hiatus due to the pandemic. As the largest fundraiser for both organizations, the festival will be blooming with culture, food, entertainment, and shopping. Here’s a sneak peek of the NEW elements: NEW Larimer Street Marketplace Location: Due to construction in the area, the Marketplace has a new location! Larimer Street between 19th and 20th Streets will be brimming with Japanese-themed products from a variety of vendors. You’ll find colorful clothing, tote bags, jewelry, plants, incense, anime figures, Japanese artwork, and much more! Includ-
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June 2022 | Cover Story
ed are eight brand new vendors, a sushi food truck, and the delectable Temple-run food booth! 9Health: 365 will host a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic in the Marketplace where you can get a free vaccine or booster, and the National Park Service inform festival goers about their project to archive historic Sakura Square. NEW Spot for Beer and Sake: Thirst-quenching Asahi beer and Jagged Mountain Brewery’s craft beer will be back and conveniently located in the Larimer Street Marketplace near the food booths. Other beverages available are limited-edition Cherry Blossom La Croix sparkling water, assorted pop, and bottled water. The popular sake booth from JFC International (Japanese rice wine) has also moved to the Marketplace. NEW Dining Locations: Once you have your scrumptious food in hand, there are three areas to sit and dine – in the Live Stage area, in the open plaza facing 19th Street,
and under the Temple using the 20th Street alley entrance (in the cool shade). The Temple gym will be open to purchase food, beverages, beer, and festival-branded tote bags but will not be open for seating. Temple-prepared food can also be purchased in the Marketplace and in front of the Temple on Lawrence Street. Temple food, beer, and beverage booths will accept credit cards. There will also be two ATMs available on-site. Many beloved favorite elements will be back! The Live Stage will be dazzling audiences again with dancing, music, martial arts demonstration and the popular exhilarating beats of taiko drums from Denver Taiko, One World Taiko, Mirai Daiko, and Taiko with Toni! It’s not a festival without the tasty Japanese food prepared by the talented and dedicated Temple volunteers! Mouth-watering grilled
teriyaki chicken, beef bowls, SPAM musubi, gyoza, inari sushi, edamame (salted soybeans), and manju and mochi desserts will be waiting for you! The Sakura Foundation Booth will also be a great place for you to learn more about our new membership program! Among the many benefits are member-only invitations to gatherings (The first event will be on July
26 at History Colorado!) and fun volunteer opportunities, advance notice and special discount pricing to upcoming events, and charter membership status for those who join before Dec. 31, 2022. But the most important benefit of a Sakura Foundation membership is knowing you are supporting the Foundation’s mission to celebrate Japanese and Japanese American heritage and culture, and are making a positive impact on the community! Individual memberships are $25 per year, household memberships are $40 per year. Members will receive a $10 discount on one Fukubukuro bag! The Cherry Blossom Festival has been the largest outdoor Japanese/ Japanese American festival in the region for the past 50 years. Its longevity is attributed to the loyal volunteers, festival partners, sponsors and attendees. We welcome everyone back to the Cherry Blossom Festival for a lively weekend of culture and community!
See the 2022 festival map for the new locations for the marketplace, beer and sake, and dining! It’s Your “Lucky” Day!
Last year, we introduced Fukubukuro or “Lucky” Bags since we could not hold an in-person festival. In Japan, these bags are a New Year’s custom and are very popular with patrons who buy them up quickly. Fukubukuro bags ($45 each) will contain a festival-branded bandana, a dining coupon to Sushi-Rama restaurants, and a greeting card featuring our 2022 festival artwork by Michelle Jing Chan. The unknown or “lucky” items could be any of the following: insulated wine tumblers, masu (traditional wooden sake cups), tickets to Denver Botanic Gardens, silver turtle necklace, handcrafted greeting card sets, traditional Japanese decorations, desk top Japanese garden set, and more! In keeping with our sustainability efforts, some lucky bags will contain one-of-a-kind tote bags crafted from recycled 2019 Cherry Blossom Festival banners! Fukubukuro bags can be ordered in advance at Cherry BlossomDenver.org or purchased at the Sakura Foundation booth in the Larimer Marketplace.
Festival Artwork by Artist:
Michelle Jing Chan @michellieart
I am a queer Chinese-American artist and children’s book illustrator. Born and raised in Colorado, I now live in the Pacific Northwest, where I work on picture books and covers for middle grade/young adult novels. My debut book will be released in 2023 (by author Amanda Davis, published by WorthyKids/Hachette). As an adult, I am fiercely proud of being Asian, but for most of childhood, I felt ashamed of my culture. As one of the only Asian students at school, other kids bullied me for my eyes, my lunches, and my family members’ accents. It wasn’t until college when I moved to a new city and met other Asian American students that I learned to be proud of my culture and of who I am. Today, I feel lucky to illustrate stories that play a part in shaping how young people view the world. My Asian American identity influences all my art. I am a lifelong lover of fantasy and often draw inspiration from Chinese mythology. As a child of immigrants, I also illustrate themes related to the diasporic experience and navigating cultural identity. Being Asian has also made me passionate about incidental representation: stories with characters who have historically been part of marginalized groups but that celebrate the characters’ joy instead of focusing on their trauma.
Cherry Blossom Festival | Asian Avenue Magazine
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WILD TACO IS BRINGING SOMETHING NEW AND SOMETHING WILD WildTacoDenver.com | Instagram: @wildtacodenver
Wild Taco Restaurant 215 E. 7th Avenue Denver, CO 80203 Tel: (303) 856-7145
Wild Taco is a new casual, urban restaurant-bar-patio from the BWR Restaurant Group, that draws inspiration from the eclectic neighborhood of restaurants found on or around the soon to be all pedestrian-only street on E. 7th Street, between Grant Street and Sherman Street in Governor’s Park. Designed to replicate the feel of a Mexican taquerias, Wild Taco offers up an array of fresh tacos, margaritas, and creative cocktails to allow patrons the leisure of enjoying both food and drink inside and outside, at the same time. Co-owners Rico Aragon, Flor Aragon and Yoon Terry recently took over the previous home to “Tacos, Tequila, Whiskey” with the desire to implement design changes and freshen up the space for this entirely new concept. The team worked diligently to create a naturally fun interior and patio. “This is another goal we had when I initially began my food truck business, then a stand alone Barbed Wire Reef restaurant followed by two food stalls at Edgewater Public Marketplace, Carnivore and Barbed Wire Reef,” said Rico, “and we were correct that Denver can support this and needs it, especially af-
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June 2022 | New Restaurant
ter so many great restaurants closed during the pandemic.” With the location on E. 7th Street located close to so many new residential buildings and other new or thriving restaurants, Wild Taco offers a lounge and dining atmosphere ideally suited for this neighborhood. These three experienced industry veterans have capitalized on their love of Mexican food with a twist, maximizing on its popularity and potential for the future. Terry, originally from South Korea is well-known in Denver for working with great restaurateurs the likes of Frank Bonanno, Troy Guard and Josh Wolkon of Secret Sauce F&B, on multiple projects. The Aragon brother and sister team originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, have both the back and front of the house expertise creating the opportunity for maximum success and a steady flow of customers that want to experience the wildest tacos in Denver. A modern influenced restaurantbar-patio, where the traditions of Mexican cuisine meets the flavors of innovation with a menu reflecting dishes that focus on the simplicity of fine ingredi-
Co-owners: Rico Aragon, Yoon Terry, Flor Aragon ents. Creating a perfect harmony of bold flavors, sophisticated textures and artful presentation with the familiarity of beloved tacos. The menu features Korean-influenced flavors including beef bulgogi, Korean fried tofu, and even, vegan kimchi. On the Share menu, the poke nacho highlights ahi, fried wonton, scallion, jalapeño, pineapple, avocado, sesame seed, pickled red onion, cucumber, and chipotle aioli. At Wild Taco, a full-sized custom wall mural from local artist A.Michel Velazquez welcomes guests. Authentic tin hearts in a variety of sizes, meticulously handmade by a family friend in Mexico adorn the bar area. Further towards the back, a trendy all rose stepand-repeat wall installation with Wild Taco’s tagline shines in neon: “Go Wild for a While.”
bb.q Chicken celebrates the grand opening of its first Colorado location in Aurora On May 26, bb.q Chicken in Aurora’s Village on the Park held a grand opening event and ribbon cutting ceremony. Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman congratulated the franchise owner Jay Park and thanked him for opening his new business in the city of Aurora. Established in 1995, bb.q Chicken is known for its signature item, Korean Fried Chicken, as well as other Korean dishes, including ddeok bokki and kimchi fried rice. Aurora City Councilmembers Alison Coombs and Danielle Jurinsky also attended and gave their best wishes to Park. Garrett Walls, president of the Havana Business Improvement District (BID), welcomed the bb.q Chicken to the Havana Street corridor. Becky Hogan, chair of the Aurora Sister City Korea Committee, organized a project for guests to sign origami cranes with messages of hope to send to the Korean community in Dallas after the recent
shooting at a Korean salon. Special guests gathered outside for the ribbon cutting and then enjoyed a delicious lunch. The Aurora location is the first to bb.q Chicken to open in Colorado with plans for a Denver and Lone Tree location to open later this year. bb.q Chicken’s vision is to always provide the most delicious and healthiest premium chicken in the world. Top photo from left: Alex Lee (Havana BID director), Sang Lee (KoreaTown Aurora director), Sean Shim (KoreaTown Aurora member), Garrett Walls (Havana BID president), Danielle Jurinsky (Aurora City Council), Jay Park (bb.q Chicken owner), Mike Coffman (Aurora Mayor), Becky Hogan (Aurora Sister City Korea Committee chair), Charlene Welch (owner of NAPA Havana Auto Parts), Donovan Welch (Havana BID director), and Alison Coombs (Aurora City Council).
Mayor Mike Coffman enjoys the Korean Fried Chicken
New Restaurant | Asian Avenue Magazine
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inVISIBLE | hyperVISIBLE: New Visual Arts Exhibit at the Dairy Arts Center Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St, Boulder On View: May 20 — July 16, 2022 Curated by Boram Jeong, Boyung Lee, Sammy Lee, and Chad Shomura
The theme inVISIBLE | hyperVISIBLE captures the struggles of Asians and Asian Americans to survive and thrive in the face of strong anti-Asian sentiment. Asians/Asian Americans are alternately made invisible and hypervisible through stereotypes such as “model minorities,” “honorary whites,” “perpetual foreigners,” and “enemy aliens.” Yet, Asian America is remarkably complex due to cultural diversity, various migration routes, and different socioeconomic circumstances. To reflect this complexity, inVISIBLE | hyperVISIBLE showcases Asian/Asian American artists, scholars, performers, and community organizers from different ethnic, gender, and geographic backgrounds. This exhibit was curated in 2021 at the RedLine Contemporary Art Center in Denver as a way for public conversation and an invitation to learn about the complex histories and status of Asian/Americans. Artists and academics came together to intervene against heightening violence targeting people of Asian descent, which
increased by 340% during the pandemic, by offering a solidarity-building platform through arts among diverse Asian/Americans, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) people, and allies. Despite some visible “success” of the exhibit and public education programs in 2021, the team was is heartbroken by the steadily growing number of hate crimes against Asian/Asian Americans, including the recent shooting of three Korean American women in a Dallas hair salon. As we hear news about violence against Asian/Asian Americans, the immediate reaction people often have is fear and indifference. However, we refuse to dwell in that space. Instead, we choose to build a beloved community for ALL people and invite you to join us in (re)imagining a better future together. inVISIBLE | hyperVISIBLE showcases Asian/Asian American artists, scholars, performers, and community organizers from different ethnic, gender, and geographic backgrounds. inVISIBLE | hyper-
VISIBLE features works by: Jennifer Ling Datchuk, Yikui (Coy) Gu, Sammy Seungmin Lee, Maryrose Cobarrubias Mendoza, Tsogo Mijid, Yong Soon Min, Tuan Andrew Nguyen, Scott Tsuchitani, Joo Yeon Woo, Ren Pan and five Boulder-based artists, Erin Hyunhee Kang, Renluka Maharaj, Liz Quan, Chinn Wang, and Thomas Yi. inVISIBLE | hyperVISIBLE opened on May 20th with a public artist talk from participating local artists held in the Grace Gamm Theater and will be on display through July 16, 2022. The Dairy Arts Center is a non-profit organization that connects a dynamic and diverse community to create inspiring and engaging experiences in the performing, cinematic, and visual arts. The Dairy is open to the public from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Galleries are free and open to the public, with a suggested donation of $5. Parking is available in the front of the building, and in the northwest parking lot, access available in both locations.
Learn more at: thedairy.org/invisible-hypervisible
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June 2022 | Art
Photo Credit: Drew Austin
‘Aura’ challenges the possibilities of creative innovation
AURA
Current exhibition at Union Hall 1750 Wewatta St, Ste 144, Denver May 13 — July 9, 2022 A partnership between Denver Film x Union Hall x Eriko Tsogo/Hilitehead LLC AURA explores the interdisciplinary territory of art and technology – presenting a mix of traditional and experimental art forms that challenge the possibilities of creative innovation to enlist technology as new modes of valuation and expression in cultural production and critique. AURA seeks to challenge the preconceptions about art on the forefront of innovation, in what is next and to inspire new ways of creative thinking. The artists in
this exhibition explore the ways that we live in digital worlds and physical ones, challenging the idea that only “real” objects possess an aura. A collaboration between Denver Film and Union Hall, AURA is a prescient to our current moment, as the pandemic is changing how art is being created, seen, and sold. With the oversaturation of digital communication platforms and the increasing dissonance of the impersonal, these artists are questioning and bridging these gaps in their practice. As we observe the art industry embracing a massive shift towards technological space, artists are coping and pivoting with technology shift in their individual practices, and reevaluating what it means to possess an aura.
Learn more at: unionhalldenver.org/aura
Christine Nguyen, Dark Matter and Algae
Alex Branch, Fallen Tree
Visions of Rural China opens at the Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures in Fort Collins
Visions of Rural China Current exhibit at Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures 200 W. Mountain Ave, Fort Collins June 3 — September 24, 2022
Photo of Stubborn Ox
Learn more at: globalvillagemuseum.org
Visions of Rural China opens Friday, June 3, at the Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures. Admission to the Museum is free from 5-8 p.m. as part of Fort Collins Art Walk. The Main Gallery exhibit features paintings from Huxian County in central China. The folk art, created by villagers and farmers, portrays the life, culture, and society in China from 1973 to 2000. “During this time period, the Chinese Communist Party secretly sent professional artists to train peasants to paint idyllic images of rural life,” said Sophi Wulff, the Museum’s Administrative Assistant. “The CCP showcased the peasant art and then reproduced the paintings as posters for mass distribution. The goal
of the propaganda was to educate, influence, and unite the masses to believe that communism equated with a good and beneficial life. Wulff and Ollie Bode, the Museum’s Collections Manager, are co-curating the exhibit. The exhibit represents a donation to the Museum of paintings collected by Irv Green and Andrea Gross. The two spent years crisscrossing Huxian County, talking with villagers, photographing the artists, and recording their stories in their own words. The exhibition runs through Sept. 24, 2022. The Global Village Museum is located at 200 W. Mountain Avenue, and Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, visit globalvillagemuseum.org or call 970-221-4600. The Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures is a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to foster and celebrate international connections between Northern Colorado and the world through exhibits of folk art, fine arts, and artifacts from around the globe.
Current Exhibits | Asian Avenue Magazine
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Asian Education Advisory Council awards Denver Public School students and adults On Sunday, May 15, the Denver Public Schools (DPS) Asian Education Advisory Council (AEAC) celebrated 36 years! It was the first time since 2019 AEAC met in person to celebrate student and adult winners. Typically, AEAC is celebrated on the first Sunday in May and the awards breakfast is usually attended by 350-400 people. This year about 50 people gathered to honor the top winners in Academics, Leadership and Special Talent at a Maggiano’s. AEAC is chaired by DPS teacher, Priscilla Shaw-Rahn. Special guests in attendance were DPS Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero, Consul General Mikami Yoichi of Japan, and DPS School Board member Dr. Carrie Olson. Each year, students and adults are nominated by either a teacher or a peer. All nominators and nominees submit an extensive application that includes work samples and essays. Top winners are selected by a panel of judges and awarded scholarships.
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June 2022 | On Scene
2022 Award Recipients Academic: Elem: Minh Nguyen, Grant Ranch Middle: Safa Yesir, Hamilton MS HS: Benjamin Wu, Denver Online Leadership: Elem: Emily Tran, DCIS Fairmont HS: Thaw Paw, MLK Jr. College Special Talent: Elem: Samantha Bui, Willow Elementary Middle: Kenna Jae Murakami, Hamilton MS HS: Grace Arakawa, Denver Online Adult: Special Service Provider: YuHsin Lien, Denver Language School Teacher: Katherina Lei, Place Bridge Academy Principal: Esther Mathoka, Place Bridge Academy
AEAC boardmembers were pleased to celebrate in person. Thank you to boardmembers: Tom Migaki, Ryan Fune, Hazuki Tochihara, Joy Jensen, Steve Kohuth, Khoa Nguyen, Elvina Htoo, Stan Kobayashi. For more information on AEAC, visit aeac.dpsk12.org.
Governor Polis visits with Asian businesses during Heritage Month to discuss funding and resource needs
Governor Polis and his son Caspian visit the businesses at the Far East Center in Denver on May 26. On May 26, Colorado Governor Jared Polis visited the Far East Center meeting the local business owners with his son Caspian. They spoke with community leaders about how the Little Saigon District is not only a retail space but a cultural and community destination. “Having a good relationship with our Governor will help bridge the gap for AAPI businesses in the Little Saigon District,” said Mimi Luong, owner of Truong An Gifts. “As a small business owner, I feel it is essential that the city continuously offer resources and funding to help family-owned businesses in the area. We hope that the Far East Center and other businesses along the corridor will grow and prosper for many years to come.” Polis met with the owners of Viet’s Restaurant, Saigon Bowl, and Truong An Gifts, enjoyed Asian fruits and bubble tea, and sat down for an outdoor meal at Saigon Bowl. “I really enjoyed visiting the Far East Center in Denver to meet with entrepreneurs and small business owners who support jobs and Colorado’s rapidly growing econ-
omy and share how our administration is focused on saving people and small businesses money, cutting property taxes, and sending $500 out in tax rebates to Coloradans this summer,” said Governor Jared Polis. “We enjoyed it so much we brought our kids back the next day to experience all the amazing food and culture.” Fran Campbell, President of Asian Chamber of Commerce, also greeted the Governor and discussed the current needs of the business community. “We spoke to the Governor about the importance of making sure that the information for funding opportunities from the State be culturally competent and respectful of the AAPI immigrant and refugee small business owners,” said Campbell. “There are many great programs available from the State for small business relief, recovery and growth – we have to work together to make sure our community can access these programs.” A week prior, the Governor, along with Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera, also visited with the diverse business own-
ers in Aurora at Tous les Jours, a Korean bakery, on May 18. Chance Horiuchi, Executive Director of Havana Business Improvement District, explained that challenges for minority-owned businesses included workforce shortages and barriers to accessing grant funding. Andrés Carrera, Deputy Director of Community Engagement for the Governor’s Office said the office “aims to be accessible and approachable,” and encouraged the community and businesses to reach out with community news and policy ideas.
Polis and Lieutenant Governor Primavera met with Aurora business owners on May 18.
On Scene | Asian Avenue Magazine
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13TH ANNUAL ASIAN AMERICAN HEROES OF COLORADO
Photos Credit: Michael Ye
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On Saturday, May 21, Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network honored the 2022 Asian American Heroes of Colorado at Happy Living Center in Aurora. The 13th annual awards ceremony recognized outstanding leaders in the Asian American community, who each received a congratulatory letter from Governor Polis that was presented by Andrés Carrera. Each awardee was welcomed to the stage by their nominator. Award recipients then each shared words of gratitude to those who have supported them and advice for the younger generations.
This year’s Young Hero Award was given to Alyssa Nilemo, executive director of Asian Chamber Foundation of Colorado. The other recipients included: Joanne Liu, co-founder and CEO of Asian Girls Ignite; Mimi Luong Ye, owner of Truong An Gifts in Far East Center; Dr. William Wei, history professor at University of Colorado-Boulder; Gary Yamashita, Chief Executive Officer of Sakura Square and Executive Director of Sakura Foundation; and Deborah Yim, president-elect of Asian Pacific American Bar Association. The event concluded with a special
recognition of the Lifetime Achievement Award, which was given to Dr. Sumiko Tanaka Hennessy. As a founding boardmember and former Executive Director of Asian Pacific Development Center, her colleague Ivy Hontz introduced her by sharing stories of her perseverance to secure funding for the nonprofit organization in the 1980s. Hennessy received a standing ovation after her heartwarming acceptance speech. The event was emceed by Denver7’s Bayan Wang and catered by No Ke Aloha and Taku Sushi.
Andrés Carrera, Mary Schultz (nominator), and Annie VanDan award Dr. William Wei (second from right).
A leader in Colorado’s Japanese American community, Alyssa Nilemo received the Young Hero Award recognition.
Stacey Shigaya and Gary Yamashita, colleagues at Sakura Square, hug after she introduces him for his award.
Mimi Luong Ye thanked her parents for their inspiration and entrepreneurial spirit.
Mehgan Yen introduces award recipient Joanne Liu, co-founder and CEO of Asian Girls Ignite.
Carrera, Harry Budisidharta, and VanDan award Deborah Yim (second from right).
June 2022 | On Scene
Celebrating the 13th year of the awards program, 17 past award recipients attended this year’s ceremony to honor the 2022 awardees.
Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Dr. Sumiko Tanaka Hennessy (left) was nominated by Angela Cho (middle) and Ivy Honyz (right).
2022 Asian American Heroes of Colorado Award recipients were honored on May 21. From left: Dr. William Wei, Mimi Luong Ye, Deborah Yim, Dr. Sumiko Tanaka Hennessy, Gary Yamashita, and Alyssa Nilemo Back: Joanne Liu
Awardees were selected by Asian Chamber of Commerce, Asian Pacific American Bar Association, Asian Pacific Development Center, Aurora Asian/Pacific Community Partnership, Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network, Colorado Dragon Boat, Community Organizing for Radical Empathy, Sakura Foundation, Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, National Association of Asian American Professionals Colorado.Organized by: Colorado Asian Culture & Education Network Learn more about the Asian American Hero Awards and nominate individuals next year at cacendenver.org. Hero Awards | Asian Avenue Magazine
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Next Generation Voices host AAPI Festival at Smoky Hill High School
In celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, student leaders with the Smoky Hill High School organization Next Generation Voices (NGV) hosted an AAPI Festival on May 4. With more than 350 attendees, Aurora City Councilmember Alison Coombs commended NGV for their efforts organizing the festival. NGV leader Maya Roberson said, “Smoky Hill is a majority minority school, so having clubs like ours help encourage other ethnic groups to embrace their individuality. The presence of familiarity, during events like the AAPI Festival, brings a stronger sense of belonging and strengthens the bond that we have with each other at school.” The National Martial Arts Studio per-
formed a lion dance, which was quite a spectacle. Christina Heinicke, a rising senior at the school said, “All other events paused once they started as everyone was focused on the dancers.” Heinicke and Roberson presented a dragon ribbon performance. Vallencia Lasut and Christabelle Deeng taught people how to play krupuk so they could experience Indonesian culture. While most attendees were fellow students, Heinicke said, “Our outreach team did an amazing job reaching out to other schools in the Aurora and Cherry Creek School districts to attend.” She added, “This event was important to me as I moved to Colorado from Texas, where I was privileged to be surrounded by my own culture and able to celebrate
holidays, mainly the Lunar New Year.” “The Asian community here is significantly smaller than what I was used, so seeing my culture represented again in such a large space was an extremely emotional experience. Representation is important, especially in communities where some groups of people may not be as visible. Seeing the lion dancers perform brought me tears of joy.” Food for the festival was catered by Angry Chicken and family restaurants of the students. However, most of the food was homemade with love by NGV members. “Sharing a slice of different cultures really introduces people to a whole new world that they may have never been exposed to, if not for festivals and events like NGV holds,” said Heinicke.
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June 2022 | On Scene
Taiwan’s COVID-19 containment strategy utilizing innovative technology and universal health coverage
By: Dr. Shih-Chung Chen Minister of Health and Welfare Republic of China (Taiwan)
Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 510 million confirmed cases and more than 6.25 million deaths have been reported around the world. As nations continue to battle the pandemic, Taiwan’s achievements have been widely recognized. As of May 10, 2022, about 390,000 confirmed cases and 931 deaths had been reported in Taiwan, which has a population of 23.5 million. And thanks to a joint effort by the government and the people, Taiwan’s economic growth rate for 2021 reached 6.45 percent. Universal health coverage Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) system, which was launched in 1995, has played an important role in the fight against the pandemic. The NHI system provides comprehensive and high-quality health services, achieving universal (99.9 percent) coverage. Taiwan’s robust healthcare and NHI systems have safeguarded the people and ensured social stability during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the NHI’s comprehensive database and other up-to-date information systems have been critical in ensuring the successful application of digital technology for disease prevention. Taiwan’s healthcare system was ranked second in the world in 2021 by CEOWorld.
Technology for epidemic prevention During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in February 2020, to reduce the risk of community transmission, the government implemented the Quarantine System for Entry by integrating NHI, immigration, and customs databases to allow for big data analysis. Data was introduced to the Digital Fencing Tracking System, which used the positioning system on mobile phones to monitor the whereabouts of people under home quarantine or isolation. Moreover, to ensure privacy, personal data captured was stored for a maximum of 28 days and then deleted. Vaccinations and digital certificates To digitalize health care services, the NHI Express App was launched. It offers such features as vaccination appointments, personal health data, medical records, COVID-19 vaccination records, and test results. Taiwan joined the EU Digital COVID Certificate program and allowed citizens to apply for digital vaccination certificates and test certificates. This program was one of the first global standards developed. It was adopted by many states and was the first one to be applied for international travel. Taiwan’s people can enter 64 countries, including EU member states, with such certificates.
Electronic medical records and telemedicine Taiwan has been building health information infrastructure since 2010. Since May 2021, Taiwan has expanded its telemedicine services in healthcare institutions and included such services into NHI coverage as a means of reducing the risk of cluster infections at such institutions. Using the NHI MediCloud and electronic medical records systems, zero-contact telemedicine allows medical personnel to obtain patients’ medical records and offer people in remote areas appropriate and comprehensive services, in turn helping to realize the World Health Organization (WHO) goal of health for all. Taiwan can help, and Taiwan is helping The world today continues to face challenges of the pandemic, vaccine supply, and the postpandemic recovery. Taiwan has cooperated with other countries on the research and development of COVID-19 vaccines and drugs and has donated medical supplies to countries in need. This has demonstrated that Taiwan can help, and Taiwan is helping. The 75th World Health Assembly (WHA) was held in May. For the past five years, Taiwan has not been invited to participate in the WHA. To ensure that Taiwan is not left behind and there is no coverage gap in global health, Taiwan seeks to participate in the WHA in a professional and pragmatic manner, so that it can make contributions as part of the global effort to realize WHO’s vision of a seamless global disease prevention network. We urge WHO and related parties to support Taiwan’s inclusion in WHO. Taiwan will continue to work with the rest of the world to ensure that all enjoy the fundamental human right to health as stipulated in the WHO Constitution. In the spirit of the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, no one should be left behind.
Taiwan Update | Asian Avenue Magazine
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Colorado General Election Day Tuesday, November 8, 2022 Register to vote and get voter resources at: coloradosos.gov/go/vote E-mail cacendenver@gmail.com if you have questions or need support to better understand Colorado’s election process.
To register in Colorado you must:
Colorado voter registration deadlines
- Be a citizen of the United States; - Be a resident of Colorado 22 days prior to Election Day; - Be 18 years old on or before Election Day; and - Not be serving a sentence of detention, confinement, or parole for a felony conviction.
- In Person: Election Day - By Mail: Postmarked 8 days before Election Day - Online: 8 days before Election Day.
Election Day Registration: You can register and cast a ballot up through Election Day by appearing in-person at a Voter Service and Polling Center during the Early Voting period or on Election Day.
YOUR VOTE COUNTS! Join CACEN at upcoming events and trainings to get our community registered! And to educate the AAPI community about the voting process. Learn more at cacendenver.org.
