Viet Thanh Nguyen argues that “Asian Americans” are a chosen social identity to keep all Asian groups unified in alliances with other minority groups such as Black Americans, Muslims, Latinos, and LGBTQ people. Quote: “We should look to other ideals: solidarity, unity and decolonization. Colonization and racism divide and conquer, telling the subjugated that they have nothing in common. That’s why unity is crucial, and a broader unity can grow from the solidarity we have expressed with one another as Asian Americans, the force that pulled together such disparate peoples and experiences. That will to find kinship can be the …

Language access is a key to AAPI community’s political engagement. It is great news that more languages will be available during the NYC Primaries 2021. Quote: Translation will be provided in Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, (Cantonese, Mandarin), French, Haitian Creole, Italian, Korean, Polish, Russian, Urdu, and Yiddish. The program will run on the last weekend of early voting (June 19 and June 20) and on Election Day (Tuesday, June 22).

This Harvard Business Review article introduces historical analysis of the model minority myths and make several recommendations for institution/organization leaders.

President Biden will sign an Executive Order on Friday, May 28, 2021, establishing the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AA/NHPI), and delivering on the President’s commitment to reinstate and reinvigorate this historic Initiative.

This NPR article uses graphics and charts to debunk the model minority myth.

More and more Asian Americans are carrying items for personal defense and are taking self-defense trainings. Quote: “In April, [Kenji Jones] distributed nearly 3,000 canisters of pepper spray and more than 1,000 personal alarms. During another giveaway, he was met with throngs of people and ran out of supplies within 20 minutes. And last weekend, at a Chinatown event, thousands more devices — including kubotans (keychain weapons), whistles and more pepper spray — were distributed.”

Ken Jeong hosted this special TV show with other AAPI public figures such as Daniel Dae Kim and Lisa Ling on Friday, May 21, 2021. Quote: ‘One of the goals of the show and the overall campaign is to invite others to own the phrase “see us” and apply it to their own life. Tennis player Naomi Osaka, for example, has claimed “see us defy expectation,” while basketball player Jeremy Lin claimed “see us make history” and actor Daniel Dae Kim claimed “see us create change.”‘ The recording is available at different platforms, including Facebook at https://fb.watch/5EynOgO7br/.

NYC Parks is organizing a number of events in May 2021 to celebrate the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Title: NYC Parks AAPI Heritage Month URL: https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/asian-american-and-pacific-islander-heritage-month Description: May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Celebrate with the Urban Park Rangers on free history tours and fun activities around the city.

NYC Office of Citywide Equity and Inclusion (OCEI) is hosting the following Asian Pacific American Heritage Month event on Friday, May 21, 2021. Title: CityTalk Panel Discussion: Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Date: Friday, May 21, 2021 Time: 3:00pm – 4:30pm Place: Online URL: http://bit.ly/AAPI0521 Description: In recognition of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, DCAS and partner City agencies will be hosting a panel discussion to highlight various careers in City government. The Asian Pacific American Heritage Month CityTalk Panel will feature representatives from various City agencies who will discuss opportunities working for the City. Attendees will learn about the …

The House of Representatives passed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act by a vote of 364-62 and President Biden signed legislation on Thursday, May 20, 2021. The law addresses hate crimes throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, especially against Asian Americans.