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VOL 40 NO 17 APRIL 24 – APRIL 30, 2021
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AAPI leaders Chinese American history react to Chauvin month bill snags over intent guilty verdict
Rep. My-Linh Thai
By Mahlon Meyer NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY
was rarely taught in schools. Now, there seems to be a solution. Washington State House Bill 5246 calls on the state to deem January “Chinese American history month” and encourages schools to “designate time for appropriate activities” to commemorate “the
If you have been reading this paper long enough, you probably know that during the 19th and 20th centuries, Chinese Americans faced appalling mistreatment at various times in this country. You probably also know that the subject
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Virtual Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration
AAPI Against Hate youth-led group protests racism against Asians
Photo by Rod Mar.
Linda Yang of WA Asians for Equality, argues that racism against Asian Americans includes affirmative action in education.
and commitment to A jury on April 20 meaningful reform. found former MinneWe must continue apolis Police officer our work, not just by Derek Chauvin guilty acknowledging the of murder and manexistence of systemic slaughter in the death racism and bias, but of George Floyd. by fighting every day Chauvin knelt on to forever eradicate Floyd's neck for more this impediment to than 9 minutes last Derek Chauvin health, justice, and year in one of the most consequential trials of the equal opportunity for all.” — Black Lives Matter era. The ju- Kim-Khanh Van , Renton City rors deliberated for more than 10 Councilmember hours over two days before com“It is a testament to the power ing to their decision. The verdict sparked immediate of mass action with multiracial, reaction from Asian American working-class solidarity. All and Pacific Islander (AAPI) advo- credit goes to the rank-and-file cacy groups and lawmakers. activists in the Black Lives Matter “George Floyd’s life mattered movement for this victory.” — and Black Lives Matter. Guilty Kshama Sawant, Seattle City verdicts are steps toward justice, Councilmember but we cannot expect real change see CHAUVIN on 2 without sustained accountability
Virtual API Heritage Month celebration in 2020.
Seattle Center Festál presents Asian Pacific Islander (API) Heritage Month Celebration in partnership with the Asian Pacific Directors Coalition. The event, from 12–2 p.m on May 2, will be broadcast online at facebook.com/apiheritage. It seeks to preserve and promote the culture, heritage, and contributions of APIs in the Pacific Northwest region. This streaming event is free and open to the public. Organizers have packed the two-hour celebration with traditional music, dance, and interactive activities reflective of the 26 ethnic cultures that comprise the API community. The Filipino Youth Activities Drill Team will perform, along with the International Lion Dance Team. The stream also features Huraiti Mana, a
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Polynesian Dance Troupe based in Seattle; a Laotian traditional dance troupe called Kinnaly; Northwest Wushu, the Chinese art of fighting; Te Fare O Tamatoa, showcasing music dance and culture of Tahiti; and Hālau Hula Ka Lei Mokihana I Ka Ua Noe, perpetuating Hawaiian culture through Hula. University of Washington student-based groups Sayaw Filipino Folk Dance and K-pop dance group The Kompany will also join in the celebration. The day offers community conversations addressing #StopAAPIHate and COVID-19 vaccinations. The celebration will also include the ever popular Alan Sugiyama Hum Bow Eating Contest, along with an API food demonstration. View the program details at seattlecenter.com/ events/featured-events/festal/api-heritage-monthcelebration.
Anson Huang and Madeleine Magana speaking as part of AAPI Against Hate at Hing Hay Park on March 13
By Kai Curry NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY How do you start a movement? The youth leaders of the newly formed organization, AAPI Against Hate, are finding out. Spurred by the recent rise in antiAsian crime across the nation, several local young people have come together to lend a hand and make a difference.
“If you feel really impassioned about something that’s going on, you’ve got to get involved, especially with issues like this concerning human rights and human wellness. There’s nothing that’s going to change if nobody gets involved,” stated Nathan Duong, one of the five founding members of the group. “We all get involved in different see AAPI on 13
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