NEWS
NEW CLUB GIVES VOICE TO ASIAN-AMERICAN STUDENTS Marisa Tarica
Alex Clark
S
we’re doing club bonding activities having fun and being open and free about their expression, because it serves as a club [and] also as a safe space for all individuals,” said Sam Chen. Additionally, to address and combat Asian-American and Pacific Islander stereotypes, informational presentations are given every meeting by the leadership team. “I wanted to focus on helping to enrich the LHS community and the greater community API Unite members Nico Adriano and Danielle Lam sell candy grams about education about to fundraise for the Lunar New Year. Asian Americans and continue to raise awareget to know each other and see other kids ness about how our who are going through similar things that experiences are unique experiences,” stated they are, it’s healthy for the kids that might Sam Chen. “It is a sad reality that there’s still want to be involved,” Ms. Greenswag said. Asian Americans being killed today.” “I have heard kids say, I made so many new Club participation has nearly doubled friends at API Unite. I’ve met so many people in size since the club’s start, from 15 to like me. And I think that that’s so affirming 29 people. As the club sponsor alongside and huge.” Mr. Paul Lecaroz, Ms. Sarah So far, the club has successfully brought Greenswag has helped with together the API Unite community to bond the club’s development from and celebrate their culture. the beginning. Melody Chen stated, “I think it’s a great “The mission of the club opportunity, not just for me, but also for is to build community everyone else to come together because first and foremost among in my experience, I haven’t really met a lot Asian-American students of people from the same culture as me and at LHS,” Ms. Greenswag said. have the same traditions and heritage as I “And I think the longer term do.” goals are around raising In the future, Sam Chen hopes the orawareness and activism, [and] ganization leaves a legacy that continues to taking a stance on certain issues and promoting fundrais- celebrate diversity and create safe spaces in the LHS community. ers to help organizations that “I want to continue to keep this movesupport Asian Americans.” ment of Asian American empowerment and As well as providing a solidarity and unity and make sure that I can means for students to tackle educate everyone as much as I possibly can prevalent social issues, API about these issues,” Sam Chen explained. “I Unite also allows students to come together and be them- know there’s still [negative] experiences at Sam Chen, Melody Chen, DOI staff member Sarah Wuh and Ellie Chen celebrate the Lunar New Year Fundraiser Success. API LHS that go under the radar... So I just know selves without judgment. Unite made at total of $309 during the fundraiser. we can always do better and I hope this club “Anytime we can create a can help.” place and a way for kids to tarted on Nov. 13 2021, Asian Pacific Islanders Unite is a new club at LHS dedicated to raising cultural awareness. The goal of the organization is to empower Asians and Pacific Islanders through education, celebration and advocacy. API Unite focuses on connecting Asian-American students with their heritage while also encouraging LHS to collectively face issues relevant to Asian-American community. Junior Sam Chen, founder of API, explained, “In light of the rising rates of Asian violence, hate crimes, microaggressions and racism, this organization was formed to hopefully empower the youth and other individuals about the Asian-American experiences and hopes to prevent future Asian based racism.” Anyone is welcome to attend API Unite meetings, which are held every other Thursday in room 223 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:10 p.m. Twins Ellie and Melody Chen, along with Sarah Wuh a DOI Staff Member help head the meetings with Sam Chen. The meetings have included activities such as playing Mahjong, a game with tiles that originated in China; creating a spotify playlist featuring API Unite artists and the decoration of LHS’s halls celebrating Lunar New Year. “It’s really nice just seeing everyone while
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