#aapihm2016

Kindred Journey 13 - Duke Kahanamoku

Duke Kahanamoku was born in Hawaii in 1890. He was one of nine children born at a time when Hawaii was still a kingdom, before the overthrow by the United States. He was taught at a very early age how to swim and became an incredible swimmer. So much so that he began competing in the olympics and winning several medals shattering records as he went. He first competed as part of the US swim team in 1912 at the Stockholm Sweden competitions. Then again in 1920 and 1932. After he won several competitions he then ventured into acting (staring in over 20 films/shows), and later became a police officer. When he first came on the scene in surfing and acting he was discriminated against, and although many loved him he was not featured prominently in Hollywood films. But, he is credited for is giving surfing to audiences in Australia in the early 1900's which no one outside of Hawaii had ever seen. He inspired many young people in Hawaii and across the world. It is said that he would perform tricks such as standing on his head, walking the board, and surfing with power and grace. His contribution brought surfing to the world and it exploded. He has been recognized as a pioneer, a kind man, a hero, and has been inducted into both the swimming and surfing hall of fame. To this day there is a surfing competition named in his honor.

Kindred Journey 12 - Animated Characters

If you have children, care for them, or are a big grown up kid you recognize some of these characters right? I want to ask you the viewer about the reach and impact animated films/TV have on kids and culture. Beyond these five Disney characters, what cartoon series or animated film do you know of with an Asian American main character? Got one? Good, now look up the highest grossing 100 animated films/shows via wikipedia. How many of Asian American characters are present? Are the stories fun, silly, serious, preachy, informative, realistic, visible, or invisible? How do you feel about people challenging Hollywood (animated studios make blockbusters too) for whitewashing characters based on Asian or Asian American stories or not including Asians at all if it's not an animal? If all children could see themselves represented prominently in billboards, bus ads, backpacks, toys, and films would that make a difference? More directly, how would films/shows about Asian American life, culture, and backgrounds help our kids feel understood, loved, or proud when they are not in our presence? PLEASE do me a favor and watch the most recent of these "Sanjay's Super Team". I think it speaks volumes about these questions without trying to preach or put anyone down. 

Kindred Journey 10-Peggy Oki

Why We Chose Them for AAPIHM:

The man behind Korematsu v. United States, which challenged the constitutionality of Executive Order 9066 that called for the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II,  Fred Korematsu waited nearly 40 years before his conviction was finally overturned. His case of civil disobedience helped shed light on the failed decision making and racial hysteria on the part of the United States government during the war. His legacy lives on, and more and more states are beginning to recognize January 30th as Fred Korematsu Day.

[Photo: Black & White campaign poster with a white background featuring a headshot of an elderly smiling East Asian man wearing glasses and the following black text on the left: “One person can make a difference even if it takes 40 years.” Below the black text, teal-colored text with the words “Fred Korematsu” and white text below that with a teal background reads “More Than Just Yellow”. A black banner at the bottom with white text reads “Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2016″ and grey text below it reads “By APAA”]

Why We Chose Them for AAPIHM:

The Kominas​ are one of the most vocal voices from the Taqwacore movement. When they came to Cornell last fall, it felt amazing to hear their experiences as Muslim Americans being translated into punk rock music. Through their work, the Kominas address issues in the Muslim American community such as police surveillance and Islamophobia. 

[Photo: Black & White campaign poster with a white background featuring 4 South Asian men, one of whom is playing a guitar, and the following black text on the left: “I am an Islamist / I am the antichrist / Most squares can’t make Most Wanted lists / but my my how I stay in style.” Below the black text, red text with the words “The Kominas” and white text below that with a red background reads “More Than Just Yellow”. A black banner at the bottom with white text reads “Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2016″ and grey text below it reads “By APAA”]

Kindred Journey 7- Hmong Bboys

Why We Chose Them for AAPIHM:

Silme Domingo and Gene Viernes were Seattle-based Filipino American labor activists. They were crucial members of Local 37 of the International Longshoremen's and Warehousemen's Union (ILWU), pushing for better working conditions in canneries and reform of the corrupt union. Silme fought to save Seattle's International District in the 1970’s and helped establish social services for people in the district. Silme also formed the Seattle Union of Democratic Filipino (KDP) chapter, which organized the first protest in Seattle against the Marcos dictatorship. In the 1970’s, Silme and Gene met and became close friends, later forming the famous Alaska Cannery Workers’ Association, a workers’ legal advocacy group. They were murdered by the Filipino street gang “Tulisan,” cutting their lives too short. Silme Domingo and Gene Viernes represent the significant Filipinx American labor activism of the 70’s and 80’s, an inspiring and important movement that’s often forgotten.

[Photo: Black & White campaign poster with a white background featuring a smiling Southeast Asian man and a smiling Southeast Asian woman wearing glasses and the following black text on the right: “We will continue to fight as cannery workers, and fight we will until such time that our people can shout with the human courage and dignity of real workers!” - Chris Mensalvas, Sr., president of Local 37, mentor of Silme Domingo. Below the black text, blue text with the words “Silme Domingo and Gene Viernes” and white text below that with a blue background reads “More Than Just Yellow”. A black banner at the bottom with white text reads “Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2016″ and grey text below it reads “By APAA”]

Why We Chose Them for AAPIHM:

There are many reasons to celebrate intellectual historian, journalist and social commentator, Vijay Prashad. Prashad was one of the first professors of Asian American Studies at Cornell. His book, "The Karma of Brown Folk", opened the way for many future scholars in South Asian American Studies. In the book, Prashad describes the intertwined destinies of the Asian American and African American communities and emphasizes solidarity between the two.