National Spelling Bee crowns eight co-champions

NATIONAL SPELLING BEE

Seven of the eight co-champions of the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee are Indian Americans.

In an unprecedented finish, the 92nd Scripps National Spelling Bee was one for the ages, ending in an eight-way tie. 

South Asian youngsters continued their domination of the annual bee. Seven of the eight co-champions are Indian Americans.

The winners, who dubbed themselves "octo-champs," were: Rishik Gandhasri of San Jose, California; Saketh Sundar of Clarksville, Maryland; Shruthika Padhy of Cherry Hill, New Jersey; Sohum Sukhatankar of Dallas, Texas; Abhijay Kodali of Flower Mound, Texas; Rohan Raja of Irving, Texas; Christopher Serrao of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey; and Erin Howard of Huntsville, Alabama.

After three days of winnowing the 550 contestants in Washington DC, by the time they reached 17 rounds, only eight spellers remained. The eight spelled all the words correctly through the next two rounds. Never before had so many remained this late into the contest.

With victory in sight for the final eight, all were up to the task. Co-champion Gandhasri spelled auslaut; Howard spelled erysipelas correctly; Sundar spelled bougainvillea correctly for his victory; Padhy became the next co-champion spelling aiguillette correctly; Sukhatankar spelled pendeloque before doing his victory walk back to his seat; Kodali spelled palama correctly to redeem his third-place tie in 2018 with a co-championship; Serrao spelled cernuous to win his title; and Raja spelled odylic correctly to wrap up the bee on a high note.

"Champion spellers, we are now in uncharted territory," bee pronouncer Jacques Bailly told them in announcing the decision to allow up to eight winners. "We do have plenty of words remaining on our list. But we will soon run out of words that will possibly challenge you, the most phenomenal collection of super spellers in the history of this competition."

Although there's a rule that no more than three co-champions could share the spelling bee crown, organizers  felt the final eight were so well prepared that winnowing them down even further would be fruitless and declared the remaining eight co-champions.

"When we began to comprehend the mettle of our finalists, we began to think about what could possibly happen this evening," said Paige Kimble, the bee's executive director. "We went into the evening with the plan that we executed on this evening."

By winning the bee, each of the winners will receive a $50,000 cash prize; an engraved Scripps National Spelling Bee trophy; a $2,500 cash prize and reference library from Merriam-Webster; $400 of reference works from Encyclopedia Britannica.

Dating back to 2008, spanning 12 bees, a total of 21 Indian Americans have been declared champions or co-champions, according to India West.

The prowess of Indian Americans in spelling bees in recent years can be attributed to the spelling bees held in the South Asian American community, which some say, are more competitive than the Scripps contest and the use of professional coaches to prepare for the rigors of the spelling contest.

____________________________________________________________________

Missing Hawaiian hiker's body found

MINA OHANA

Noah 'Kekai' Mina's body was found Wednesday off a Maui trail.

The body of Noah "Kekai" Mina was discovered by a crew of rescuers Wednesday (May 29), nine days after he was reported missing on Monday, May 20.

Mina, 35, had left at around at 8 a.m. 10 days ago to "seek clarity" while hiking the Kapilau Ridge Trail, known locally as Saint Anthony Cross, in Maui's Iao Valley. A helicopter spotted Mina's body 300 feet below the trail in an area that is described by searchers as "treacherous and dangerous."

Mina's father, Vincent, mother Irene, and sister Kahanulani said in a statement, “We are so very sorry that Kekai has passed from this realm, he meant the world to us as a son, brother and friend.

“We find solace that he was found, and ask all those that extended their hearts and love to Kekai and to us, that you pause, and take a moment to love and hold those that are dear to you a moment longer than you would normally do.”

The three said they are fortunate to have had the time here physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, with him. “Those that know Kekai understand what we’re talking about. He made a profound difference in ours and many other’s lives. He is our sunshine.

"We want to thank everyone from the depths of our hearts and souls, that have been here to support us, while praying to bring him home. We appreciate you and can’t thank you enough. Mahalo nui loa pumehana to one and all.”

Mina was the second hiker lost on Maui this week. In the other case, Amanda Eller was rescued after she was missing for 17 days during which she subsisted on berries and drank water from a stream.

_________________________________________________________________

TGIF Feature: Asian American stars draw from their own personal experince for Netflix romantic comedy

Randall Park and Ali Park star in 'Always Be My Maybe.'

By Louis Chan

ASAM NEWS

Randall Park and Ali Wong made a surprise appearance at a special screening this week of Neflix’s movie Always By My Maybe in San Francisco.

The sneak preview put on by the Center for Asian American Media, the Asian American Journalists Association, San Francisco and the Ed Lee Asian Pacific Democratic Club attracted a mostly young, female skewing audience in a theater filled to capacity.

The crowd hooted and cheered when Wong, a native San Franciscan and Park, made their appearance. They were joined by director Nanahchka Khan who was also the executive producer of Fresh Off the Boat for its first five seasons. The trio is also a reunion of FOTB cast and crew. Randall stars as Eddie Huang’s dad on the program and Wong wrote for the show in its first four seasons.

The romantic comedy stars Park as Marcus and Wong as Sasha-two inseparable childhood friends who did everything together and I mean everything. As often happens in real life, the two go their separate ways until a chance meeting orchestrated by Sasha’s girlfriend and special assistant, Veronica, as played by Michelle Buteau. The chemistry begins to ignite, but Marcus doesn’t quite know how to tell Sasha he loves her after being friends for so many years.

Wong and Park, who actually have been friends since attending UCLA together, wrote the script, along with Michael Golamco.

“I love Marcus’ character, ” said Wong. “He was inspired by a lot of guys you grew up with and dated-guys who didn’t want to move out of their parent’s home because its so expensive, but still manage to have incredible lives.”

Park, just like his character, also had a band out of college. The paintings in the movie were those of his real mom, he shared with the audience.

Khan described Sasha’s character perfectly, calling her “successful, but still vulnerable, like woman you actually know.”

Park shared the movie was inspired by something Wong said during an interview with the New Yorker in 2016, saying the two have been wanted to do their version of Harry Met Sally for years.

“That made it into the article and got picked up by a bunch of online, like Vulture,” he said. “It just kind of caught fire online. Then we started getting all these calls for this script. People wanted to read the script and we didn’t even have a script. So Ali and I were like, well, let’s write the script.”

Also joining the cast are Daniel Dae Kim and Keanu Reeves.

“Daniel Dae Kim is so funny, so handsome,” said Khan as Ali let out a squeal. “When he shows up at the restaurant and he greets Ali, we had to do a bunch of different take and Ali was experiencing pure adult women joy,” she said to laughter.

For Keanu Reeves part, Wong said they envisioned “an Asian American icon who could act and who is also funny and willing to make fun of himself.”

People forget that superstar Keanu Reeves has coedic credits and AAPI heritage.

They sent Reeves the script and he made some suggestions. They then wrote some of his suggestions into the script and he agreed to do the film. Some of the funniest scenes in the movie involve Park, Reeves and Wong.

Khan described Park as self-deprecating, recalling the scene when Sasha and Marcus have sex.

Turning to Park she said “Remember that scene after you guys had sex and you’re like ‘Do you want to airbrush some abs on me?’ I was like no. We’re OK. I think you look good. Randall is a snack in these treats. So sexy in this movie,” she said.

Always Be My Maybe hit theaters nationwide on Thursday, May 30. a day before it begins streaming on Netflix Friday, May 31.

___________________________________________________________________

AAPI women speak out for women's right to healthcare choices

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson (R) last week signed a bill banning abortion at eight weeks. In addition, the state's only abortion clinic could be closed by the end of the week because the state is threatening to not renew its license. Laws introduced by Missouri, Indiana and Georgia drew strong reaction from AAPI women.

“What they are doing is to weaponize the inspection process and to politicize it,” said Dr. Leana  Wen, President/CEO of Planned Parenthood, noting requirements that have been placed on abortion clinics such as wider hallways and required pelvic exams.

“All of these regulations have only one purpose, which is to shut down the ability of health centers to provide safe, legal abortions, which is not going to stop abortion, but it will stop safe, legal abortions,” Wen added while appearing Wednesday on "CBS This Morning."

Planned Parenthood is suing to keep providing abortions at that clinic, A judge is expected to announce his ruling today (May 30).

"We hope that the court will see exactly what's happening, which is that over the last 10 years the state of Missouri has imposed regulation upon regulation that has no basis in medicine," Wen said. "We've complied with all of them because we want to keep our health center open. These are things like making our hallways extra wide, forcing women to wait 72 hours — even having unnecessary, invasive pelvic exams."

At a press conference Wednesday, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson said Planned Parenthood’s license would be renewed if the clinic resolved “deficiencies” uncovered by state investigators by Friday, adding that the organization was aware of the renewal deadline months in advance.

“This is not…a pro-life issue at all. This is about a standard of care,

Planned Parenthood's legal action comes as a series of states have passed laws to restrict abortion rights.

National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum Executive Director Sung Yeon Choimorrow issued the following statement:

“On the heels of Georgia and Alabama, Missouri politicians have chosen yet again to attack our agency to make decisions about our lives by introducing legislation that would ban abortion after 8 weeks and so-called “sex-selective abortions.” 

Sex-selective abortion bans target Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women in particular by promoting dangerous, false racial stereotypes: proponents of the bill misleadingly claim, using overt racism, that these bans on abortions are necessary to prevent AAPI pregnant people from propagating “backwards” cultural preferences for male babies. A study completed in 2014 found that Asian Americans in the United States are actually giving birth to more girls on average than white Americans are.

“Make no mistake: these bans do not promote gender equity, and instead do the extreme opposite, limiting the ability of AAPIs to make crucial decisions with regard to our own health and well-being. Anti-abortion legislators cannot be allowed to hide behind the mantle of “saving” women of color to advance racist, sexist legislation that impedes the rights of all women.

“Abortion will remain legal in Missouri until this ban goes into effect, unless the courts do the right thing and act to stop this racist, sexist policy in its tracks. We refuse to allow our communities to be scapegoated so that politicians can continue to trample our agency and dignity, and AAPI women will continue to resist and powerfully oppose bans like these with even more intensity, persistence, and resolve.”

Missouri's actions is just the latest attempt of some states to severely limit access to clinics like Planned Parenthoodd that offers abortion as one of its healthcare services.

In various states whose state legislatures are controlled by Republicans, conservative lawmakers are trying to eliminate funding for family planning or block Planned Parenthood's participation in public health programs. While state attacks on Planned Parenthood patients vary, the outcome would be the same: women's ability to receive basic health care -— including cancer screenings, well-woman exams, and birth control — from their trusted health care provider would be severely undermined.

In a decision Tuesday, the Supreme Court denied petition for review of an Indiana law banning abortion on the basis of sex, race, or disability of the fetus. 

The federal appeals court for the Seventh Circuit found the law to be unconstitutional, and Indiana appealed  that decision to the Supreme Court. Because the Supreme Court has denied Indiana’s petition, the appeals court’s decision stands, and the law remains unconstitutional. In its opinion, the Supreme Court explained that it was not ruling on the constitutionality of these types of abortion bans and was denying the petition because no other federal appeals court other than the Seventh Circuit has considered this issue. 

The normally reticent Justice Clarence Thomas issued a 20-page opinion on the case indicating how he would vote if ever a challenge to Roe v. Wade were to reach the High Court. Part of his statement, which was riddled with half-truths and many of his assertions were without evidence, raised the spectre of a stereotiype about some Asian countries and he made no distinction between those countries and Asian Americans.

"Thomas points to data on “widespread sex-selective abortions” in Asia and asserts that “recent evidence suggests that sex-selective abortions of girls are common among certain populations in the United States as well,” said Choimorrow in a statement. The racist myth being perpetuated by the states limited access to abortion is that families from these ethnic groups prefer sons over daughters.

“Thomas’ statements promote dangerous, false stereotypes about AAPI women, perpetuating ludicrous claims that these bans are necessary to prevent AAPI pregnant people, particularly Asian immigrants, who they claim have 'backwards' cultural values preferring male babies, from having sex-selective abortions," continued Choimorrow. "In truth, a study completed in 2014 found that Asian Americans are actually giving birth to more girls on average than their white American counterparts.

“Using overt racism and xenophobia, these bans send the dangerous message that AAPIs cannot be trusted to make our own reproductive decisions .... Indiana’s ban was deeply concerning to our communities because the only two women who have ever been criminally prosecuted by the state for their pregnancy outcomes have been AAPI."

In fact, analysis from the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum has shown that foreign-born Chinese American, Korean American, and Indian American women are having more daughters than white American women, on average.

PADMA LAKSHIMI

Support for women's right to make their own healthcare decisions is strong among Asian-American women, even as it has recently waned in the American population at large. The National Asian Women’s Health Organization found that nearly 70 percent of Asian-American women back the decision to abort; 90 percent support it in cases of rape or incest.

As support for abortion has risen, so has the rate at which Asian-American women undergo the procedure. In 2000, about 35 percent of Asian-American pregnancies ended in abortion, the second highest rate for all racial and ethnic groups behind blacks, and almost double the 18 percent rate for whites. 

As the debate over the right for women to make decisions about their healthcare, several AAPI celebrities have come forth to speak out.

Spurred by Trump's appointment of conservative activist judges, including his two appointments to the Supreme Court, states with conservative legislatures and governors have passed laws that will likely be challenged in the courts. Their hope is that if enough of these cases are appealed to the Supreme Court that Roe v. Wade would be overturned. 

Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio and Georgia to ban abortion once a heartbeat is detected, which can occur in the sixth week of pregnancy.

Padma Lakshimi, in addition to hosting the Top Chef television show, has been an outspoken social activist.

Georgia imposed the most extreme version of the law, meaning women who get the procedure could face the death penalty.

Jameela Jamil, costar in The Good Place, tweetd about her own abortion following the introduction of Georgia's ban on Monday.

She revealed: "I had an abortion when I was young, and it was the best decision I have ever made.

________________________________________________________________

How did Jonathan Xie end up getting linked to toerrorists?

ASAM NEWS

A 20-year-old New Jersey man from a wealthy suburb is facing charges of supporting Hamas and making threats on line.

JONATHAN XIE

Authorities accuse Jonathan Xie of saying ” “I want to shoot the pro-Israel demonstrators…you can get a gun and shoot your way through or use a vehicle and ram people… all you need is a gun or a vehicle to go on a rampage,” according to Heavy. The FBI also accuses him of expressing support for North Korea and Saddam Hussein on social media.

If the charges are correct, one has to wonder how did a man who has no religious or cultural ties to Palestine become so fascinated with the extremist group Hamas.

NJ.com reports Xie recently graduated from high school and played in a school band and was active on social media. The FBI arrested him on Wednesday. He is in prison on charges of providing material support to a designated terror group, making false statements and transmitting threats against Jews and Trump Tower.

Prosecutors describe Xie as an “homegrown violent extremist.”

“Today, in so many of our cases you just have someone online who’s just interested,” said Jon Lewis, a research fellow at the George Washington University’s Program on Extremism. “It’s very difficult to say with authority what that first step is, but once that door is opened, it’s wide open. It’s very easy to find more information that furthers those beliefs that you’re developing.”

NBC New York , quoting an unnamed source, reports Xie has a history of mental illness, and had three guns in his family’s home. He also tried to enlist in the army earlier this year and answered “no” when asked if he had ever associated with terrorists.

_________________________________________________________________

Report: USC was warned about accused gynecologist prior to misconduct allegations

SCREEN CAPTURE

During a press conference last spring, Daniella Mohazab described her examination by Dr. George Tyndall.

Previously sealed records of the University of Southern California reveal that an evaluation of a campus gynecologist reported there was evidence he preyed on Asian students and had signs of "psychopathy," reports the Los Angeles Times.

The confidential report by medical experts was among USC records concerning Dr. George Tyndall that were made public last Thursday by U.S. District Judge Stephen V. Wilson at the newspaper's request.

The sealed records had been filed as a part of a class-action lawsuit by former patients against Tyndall and USC, following an L.A. Times investigation into claims of sexual abuse or harassment of patients by the gynecologist.

"Providing the public with all available nonprivileged information furthers the public narrative about inappropriate sexual behavior and ensures for longer-lasting changes beyond the case at hand," wrote the judge

Since news of the allegations and USC's handling of them over many years surfaced last year, university President C.L. Max Nikias was ousted, most top administrators have left or will soon, more than 650 lawsuits have been filed, and Los Angeles police have been conducting an extensive sex crimes investigation, according to the LAT.

Tyndall was suspended but still has not been charged. He left his position with a substantial payout, reports the LAT. He denies the allegations by at least 100 former patients.

Among the newly released records are documents handed over to lawyers for plaintiffs 

and another set of records given to the judge for his decision on whether to approve a $215 million settlement with some former patients in the class action.

In a letter to the USC community, the university explained that the settlement was $215 million. The letter said: "The settlement provides all class members (former patients who received women’s health services from Tyndall) compensation of $2,500. Patients who are willing to provide further details about their experience could be eligible for additional compensation up to $250,000."

“He told me that Filipinas are good in bed,” said Daniella Mohazab at a news conference last year. “He also said that Filipinas are devoted to their partners and they don’t sleep with many people in their lifetime. He asked intimate sexual details about me and then related my answers to my being Filipina and saying I guess that’s because you’re mixed. He had a creepy smile. He told me to undress from the bottom down and he stood there watching while I did so. And he smiled.”

Among the allegations filed against Tyndall, are:

Improperly photographing patient’s private parts;

Asking patients to remove all of their clothing for an exam;

Making inappropriate comments about patients’ bodies;

Conducting pelvic exams without using gloves;

Asking invasive questions about patients’ sexual backgrounds;

Making racially insensitive remarks; and

Touching other parts of patients’ bodies.

Tyndall is also accused of racial harassment. He allegedly made inappropriate racial comments toward Chinese international students and appeared fixated on the heritage and virginity of students of Asian and Middle East descent. 

__________________________________________________________________

First look at the new 'Blues Clues' with its Filipino American host

SCREEN CAPTURE / NICKOLODEON

Josh dela Cruz will host the new 'Blues Clues & You' show for children.

To all you AAPI parents of young children, are you tired of singing that "Baby Shark" song, over and over again to your toddler? Relief is on the way and you get the added bonus of having your children idolize someone who looks like them.

 
Nickolodean is bringing back Blues Clues, that old cartoon mainstay that premiered in 1996 and continued to entertain and educate millions of youngsters who are today's Millennials and possibly having children of their own.

The original host Steve Burns, who is helping produce this reincarnation for a new generation of kids, helped select his replacement, none other than Filipino American Josh dela Cruz. The production company released its first sneak look at the new show, which has been renamed Blues Clues and You! featuring Dela Curz and all his animated friends.

Growing up “I didn’t see anyone who looked like me on American film and television. More specifically, there weren’t any Asian actors that played Americans,” he told Huffpost. “I had always felt that if you wanted to be on television, you had to know how to fight or have an accent. It was incredibly alienating.”

If lack of relatable role models on television has a huge impact. Recently there have been a spate of stories how established stars -- Harry Shum, Jr., Kumail Nanjiani, Randall Park --  

suffered with their identity because there was no one on TV that looked like them.

The original Blue’s Clues series launched in September 1996 to critical praise from educators, parents, and preschoolers and ran for six groundbreaking seasons. Created by Traci Paige Johnson, Todd Kessler, and Angela C. Santomero, Blue’s Clues drew acclaim and high ratings for its unique interactivity that helped change the way kids watch television and has remained one of the most popular preschool shows of all time. The landmark series also raised the bar in preschool television by exploring advanced subject matter such as sign language, geography, physics, emotions, and anatomy.

Dela Cruz played the understudy of Aladdin and a member of the ensemble in Broadway’s stage musical of the Disney animated movie. He also appeared in theater roles for Here Lies Love and Encores!: Merrily We Roll Along, and television roles on CBS’ Bull and ABC’s Time After Time.

“From the moment we decided to make a new version of the series, we knew that so much of the energy and magic of the show comes from the host’s ability to bring preschoolers into the colorfully animated world of Blue and her friends,” said Cathy Galeota, Nickelodeon Group’s senior vice president of preschool content. “Josh’s wonderful theater background and his natural charisma checked all the boxes for us, and of course Steve’s stamp of approval only solidified our decision.”

“I give Josh two thumbs up! ," says Burns. "He can definitely fill my shoes, and the rugby shirt.”

“What they did, which was wonderful for me, was that they gave me some coaching time with Steve. So Steve was my Jedi master in the auditions and he was helping me, prepping me, making sure I actually talked to the person on the other side of the camera," says Dela Cruz.

“It was one of the most mind-blowing things when he said, ‘When you’re asking a question you’re not asking the kid because they’re there. You’re asking the kid because if you’re talking about skateboarding, they’re the Tony Hawk.’ I remember my mind just exploded. Oh, my gosh, that makes so much sense. That’s the importance. We’re usually talked down to as kids or told to be quiet, but to really be asked by an adult, “Well, what do you think?” That’s so, so powerful, and Steve being my Yoda throughout this entire thing has been such a gift, so we’ll see what the season has in store.”

The problem is, it won't debut until November this year. So you've got all summer and fall to sing "Baby shark. Dut, dut. Dut, du dut du du...

Four years ago, Views From the Edge featured Josh when he proposed to his fiance in New York's Central Park. Watch the delightful surprise proposal here.

____________________________________________________

Apparent inaction of Congress frustrating voting public

UPDATED 10:35 a.m. May 29 PDT to include Mueller statement.

More and more, I'm feeling frustrated by Congress' apparent inaction. I know that there are political reasons for not proceeding with the impeachment process, but the message being sent to the public is that the Democrats are doing nothing. Nothing!

I believe, this latest commercial produced by billionaire Tom Steyer encompasses the feeling by the general public and the hundreds of former DOJ prosecutors who sent out a letter about the evidence provided by the Mueller Report.

Mueller clarified this morning (May 29) basically said that although he, the Special Prosecutor, couldn't indict Trump (a sitting president), but Congress can and, oh yeah, Russia definitely interfered in the 2016 election on behalf of Trump (even, if there is no smoking-gun evidence of collusion) and will do so again in 2020.

Indian American presidential candidate, Sen. Kamala Harris, argued that Mueller's report makes it "very clear" that there's "a lot of good evidence pointing to obstruction of justice" committed by the president.

"There is an investigation that has been conducted which has produced evidence that tells us that this president and his administration engaged in obstruction of justice. I believe Congress should take steps toward impeachment," Harris said during a CNN town hall last month.

For more information, click here.

_________________________________________________________________

Memorial Day: 2020 candidates came together to help send this message

Nothing much more can be said as these Democratic candidates for POTUS remind us why we have a Memorial Day.

AAPI candidates Sen. Kamala Harris, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Andrew Yang take part in this intentionally nonpolitical video put together by VoteVets PAC.

OK. I couldn't let this pass: What you don't do is wish anyone a "Happy Memorial Day," as someone, who shall remain nameless, did while visiting Japan. Nothing happy about it.

_________________________________________________________________________

AANHPI Heritage Month:: The 8-year old Chinese American girl whose 1885 case led to the desegregation of U.S. schools

SMITH COLLECTION

The Tape family, including Mamie, second from left, circa 1884.

In September of 1884, 8-year-old Mamie Tape was ready to begin her studies at Spring Valley Primary School in San Francisco, but the principal refused to admit her because of her Chinese heritage. 

Little did the principle know the series of events that she started would lead to eventual desegregation of public schools. What is even more amazing is this drama was occurring when anti-Chinese sentiment was high. The Chinese Exclusion Act was passed in 1882.

Mamie’s parents, who were affluent, fully assimilated middle-class immigrants, and well connected, decided to fight back in a suit against the Spring Valley School principal Jennie Hurley,  known as Tape v. Hurley.

The Tapes were well educated and not without political connections. They were part of household of Leland Stanford, one of the Big Four so-called  railroad "robber barons." The Stanfords, paid for the Tape's wedding, according to the obituary of Joseph Tape. By the time the Tapes filed their suit, Stanford, who was a U.S. Senator then, had endowed the university named after his son who died at age 15.

According to a  History article, the Tape case was one of the most significant civil rights decisions of all time. Even American-born Chinese students were denied access to public schools in San Francisco despite a California law that entitled all children a right to public education.

Because Mamie’s parents had lived in predominantly white communities for so long, it seemed only natural to send their child to nearest primary school. Tape v. Hurley had made it to the Supreme Court in March 1885. Yet, the court ruled against Mamie’s parents, stating that the “separate but equal” doctrine justified the segregation taking place.

In the case of Plessy v. Ferguson in 1896, the Supreme Court ruled that segregation was not unconstitutional as long as the facilities were equivalent in nature. Since the court did not find any significant differences between schools, it did not find merit in the discriminatory claim.

Furious with the injustice, Mamie’s mother, Mary, wrote a letter to the Alta California newspaper. Highlighted in a San Francisco Chronicle article, Mary Tape’s letter furiously asks, “Is it a disgrace to be born a Chinese?”

READ the entire letter written by Mary Tape.

Tape’s letter did not help Mary’s daughter. Nonetheless, the outcome was still a triumph for the Chinese American community because of the public outcry at the injustice of the decision. 

Five days after her letter was published, the school district opened the Chinese Primary School in Chinatown. Later, more Chinese enrolled at other public schools and fewer complaints came from white parents.

The separate but equal doctrine would finally be repealed in 1947, seven years before the U.S. Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling in Brown v. Board of Education that school segregation was unconstitutional.

Mamie and her siblings were among the first students to enroll in the Chinese Primary School in San Francisco's Chinatown. 

Ten years later, the Tapes moved across the Bay to Berkeley, where schools were integrated and, unlike San Francisco's racist real estate practices, Chinese were allowed to buy homes.

In the East Bay, the Tape family continued to make history. The Tape's immigrant story is a quintessential story of America. Mary gained a reputation as an outstanding photographer  and painter and Joseph, who worked for Southern Pacific Railroad, continued to engage in civic affairs and was one of the founders of the Knox Presbyterian Church in Berkeley, across the street where the Tapes lived.

Read more about the Tapes of Russell Steet here.

AsAm News contributed to this article. 

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AAPI perspective, follow @DioknoEd on Twitter.

______________________________________________________________________

Returning 'home,' Toronto Raptor's Jeremy Lin still invisible,

ASAM NEWS

When the Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors meet this Thursday in the National Basketball Association's champiionship best-of-seven games series, Jeremy Lin will have completed a circle. The Bay Area native went undrafted after graduating from Harvard before the Warriors signed him.

That was nine seasons ago. Since then movies have been made about Lin. He’s been on the cover of Sports Illustrated and he makes millions as one of the few Asian American to play in the NBA. Yet, like so many Asian Americans, he remains invisible.

Sportsnaut reports a security guard stopped Jeremy Lin from boarding the team bus of the Toronto Raptors after a recent playoff game in Milwaukee.

RELATED: Are the Golden State Warriors Asian America's team?

He’s like, ‘Where do you think you’re going?!’And I’m like, ‘Uh, I’m trying to get to the team bus,’ Lin recalled on the Bill Michaels Sports Talk Network. “He’s like, ‘What?! Where’s your pass?’ I was like, ‘I don’t have a pass. I don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t have a pass.’”

It’s the same type of story Lin recalled in the movie Linsanity during his first few weeks playing for the New York Knicks in 2011. That was eight years ago. You’d think people hired to provide security for an NBA sports team would have heard about Lin by now.

Lin is headed to the NBA finals with the Toronto Raptors. Barring injury, he’s not expected to get much playing time. He’s only played a total of 26 minutes for the Raptors during this playoff run.

The South China Morning Post reports Lin is getting encouragement from fans, telling him they hope he gets more playing time.

Lin made his NBA debut in 2010 and as the first AsianA merican to play in the NBA. When he checked in he received a warm ovation at Oracle Arena. Lin hardly played, appearing in just 29 games for the Warriors, who at the time dwelled near the cellar of the NBA. 

Lin was later traded to the New York Knicks and went on a dynamic six-week run of high scoring games and dramatic moments, dubbed “Linsanity.”

Views From the Edge contributed to this report.

_________________________________________________________________

Chinese American WWII vets: Remember my dad on Memorial Day

YIP FAMILY

LEONARD YIP

By Randall Yip

ASAM NEWS

For a professional journalist, I did a horrible job talking to my dad, Leonard, about his family history. I vaguely remember him telling me he joined the Army in WWII and was assigned to the Signal Corp. Beyond that, I knew nothing and I never really asked him about it.
When the Chinese American Citizen League launched its drive to win recognition for Chinese Americans who fought for the US in WWII despite facing segregation, discrimination and bigotry, I watched with interest.

As Congress moved closer to passing a bill awarding a Congressional Gold Medal to these veterans, Samantha Cheng, the project director, and Shirley Lew, a project volunteer and writer for AsAmNews, encouraged me to register my dad as a WWII veteran with the project. My dad had died years ago and the memory of his last surviving sibling had pretty much faded. I told them I didn’t have much information, but they told me to register him anyway.

I did, and suspected, what I knew wasn’t enough. I barely answered a third of the questions on the registration form and left the rest blank. Successfully registering my dad would mean he would qualify to get a replica of the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian honors in the country. When Congress finally passed the Congressional Gold Medal Act for Chinese American WWII Veterans in December, I assumed my application for my late dad would be rejected.

I was right. I received an email urging me to get more information. They told me even pictures of my dad from WWII would help. That triggered my memory. I vaguely recalled finding a cigar box with photos of my dad from that era. I rummaged through my dad’s bedroom and located the cigar box. Inside the box were not only photos, but a tattered war bond that my grandma bought her son.

That war bond identified by father as part of the TC5 26th Signal Center Team, CP Crowder, MO.

YIP FAMILY

Leonard Yip with the TC5 26th Signal Center Team, CP Crowder, MO.

From the photos, I surmised my father was part of a segregated unit comprised of Chinese American soldiers overseen by White officers.

From what I found on Wikipedia, I learned Camp Crowder was one of four training facilities in the US for the Signal Corp. They were responsible for maintaining the communication system for Amy Ground Forces and Army Air Forces. I thought my dad had told me as a member of the Signal Corp that he signaled enemy locations to those on the battleground, but none of the research I have done has confirmed that.

I submitted the photos along with a copy of the War Bond identifying my dad with the TC5 26th Signal Center Team at Camp Crowder. That was enough. I received notification that my dad was officially registered as a veteran of WWII. I plan to purchase a replica of the Congressional Gold Medal once it is produced. The original medal will be place in the Smithsonian Museum-I assume the American History Museum. I hope to pass on the medal to my children who will hopefully carry their family history with them.

You too can register your parent or grandparent for this honor as well. Don’t assume you will be rejected. As I found out, you can find out anything if you dig enough. You can register here.

________________________________________________________________

In Memoriam: The Fiiipino American veterans who raised us

OPINION

Memorial Day, 2019 -- I remember the small group of Filipino American veterans who helped raise me. 

They came to California after World War II as young men, full of hope and optimism. They didn't know each other in the Philippines but here, they banded together sharing their experiences and supporting each other. Some brought their wives and families. 

They have all passed away. The last veteran died three years ago and buried in his uniform. They were not perfect. Some suffered from what we now call PTSD. Some never fully adjusted to this country. Some drank too much. At least one went amok (ironically, a Filipino word) that has become part of America's vocabulary.

They made up the so-called Second Wave of Filipino immigrants, squeezed between the farmworkers and those who came to the U.S. after the 1965 Immigration Reform Act replaced the immigration policy that gave preference to Europeans..

RELATED: Unsung heroes: My dad, the Major

However, the Filipino American veterans were survivors in more ways than one. They were:

• Brave to have fought and survived several wars on behalf of the U.S. Armed Forces, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War;
• Patriotic -- almost to a fault -- and believed fervently in the US of A even as they were denied home ownership in certain neighborhoods;
• Courageous to choose to leave family and country they knew so well to venture to the unknown, to a new culture, a new community;
• Persistent in believing the American Dream despite suffering the slings of discrimination and broken promises of citizenship and military benefits for some of them; and
• Patient, as their children became more Americanized and flouted the traditions of the old country.

There's a bronze plaque with the names of the survivors of Bataan and Corrigidor at the Veterans Memorial in a small town in California where they established roots, raised their families and formed the nucleus of  a community. Every family knew every family and knew the children by name. None of us kids got away with anything with our greater community family of uncles and aunts watching over us.

We remain indebted to that generation of fathers, grandfathers and uncles -- and their wives who put up for so much and were often left to raise their families on their own as the menfolk went to war. That generation paved the way for us. 

The Filipino American veterans were shorter in stature than most Americans, but as time goes by, they are remembered as giants. They had brown skin and most spoke with a heavy accent, but in many ways, they were more American than those who were born here.

They may have passed away but their family names remain around town. Their descendants are teachers, civil servants, doctors, lawyers, journalists, artists and entrepreneurs. Many joined one of the branches of the U.S. Armed Services and some gave their lives for our country. The WWII veterans' children, their children's children and their great, great grandchildren have grown and mostly prospered. They are the veterans' legacy. 

Hopefully, we made them proud.  

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow @DioknoEd on Twitter.

____________________________________________________________________

Judge suspended for joking about Trump

SCREEN CAPTURE

JUDGE MICHAEL KWAN

ASAM NEWS

While Donald Trump goes uncensored on Twitter, calling people names, lying, posting fake videos, attacking our government institutions, a Utah judge has been suspended for joking about Trump.

Municipal Court Judge Michael Kwan has been suspended for six months without pay by the Utah State Supreme Court for comments he made about President Trump.

The New York Times reports Kwan came under scrutiny for remarks he made both in court and on his Facebook and LinkedIn accounts.

Kwan is well known in Utah’s Asian American community. He has been a leader in bringing recognition to the role of Chinese Americans in building the Transcontinental Railroad. Last week, he emceed the banquet put on by the Chinese Railroad Workers Descendants Association to mark the 150th anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. 

He also was also outspoken about a recent yellowface television performance by the Odyssey Dance Company.

The judge made a joke in court about tax reform under Trump and the use of tax dollars to build a wall at the Mexican border. Some saw the joke as critical of the president.

Kwan wrote on social media “Think I’ll go to the shelter to adopt a cat before the President-Elect grabs them all.” Then in a separate post he wrote in direct reference to the Trump.  “Will you continue to demonstrate your inability to govern and political incompetence?”

The Hill reports the comments on social media were made in his private account. Kwan defended his posts as protected under the First Amendment and said his comments in court were meant to be funny in an effort to ease the tension.

The Supreme Court said the judge was suspended for the “improper use of judicial authority and his inappropriate political commentary.”

______________________________________________________________________