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| Honored at the White House, from left: Mindy Kaling, Joan Shigekawa, Vera Wang and Amy Tan. |
Four Asian American creatives were awarded with national medals for the arts or humanities at the White House Tuesday:
Actor and producer Mindy Kaling, fashion designer Vera Wang and film producer Joan Shigekawa were each awarded the 2021 National Medal of Arts, while author Amy Tan was given a 2021 National Humanities Medal.
“We’re a nation, a great nation, in large part because of the power of the arts and humanities. That’s stamped into the DNA of America,” President Biden said during the ceremony in the East Room. “Today … (we) continue the legacy of awarding two of our nation’s highest honors to 23 extraordinary Americans,” that included celebrities such as rocker Bruce Springsteen, singer Gladys Knight and actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
Actor and producer Mindy Kaling, fashion designer Vera Wang and film producer Joan Shigekawa were each awarded the 2021 National Medal of Arts, while author Amy Tan was given a 2021 National Humanities Medal.
“We’re a nation, a great nation, in large part because of the power of the arts and humanities. That’s stamped into the DNA of America,” President Biden said during the ceremony in the East Room. “Today … (we) continue the legacy of awarding two of our nation’s highest honors to 23 extraordinary Americans,” that included celebrities such as rocker Bruce Springsteen, singer Gladys Knight and actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
"The work of our honorees is as diverse as the nation that celebrates with them today," said Biden. "But — but common threads weave them together in many ways in the very fabric of America: the pursuit of excellence, the drive to create, the yearning to connect, and the boldness to be truthtellers, bridge builders, and change seekers."
He introduced Mindy Kaling, "The first woman of color to create, write, and star in a primetime sitcom, she empowers a new generation to tell their stories with their own irreverence and sincerity. The daughter of Indian immigrants ..."
About fashion designer Vera Wang, Biden said: You’re one of the greats, Vera. You really are. And I know your dresses always look beautiful on my wife, God love her. (Laughter.) Your designs are timeless. Her vision, her influence in industry. Her business became an empire. A name that’s synonymous with artistry, excellence: Vera Wang.
Biden evoked laughter when he stumbled on the last name of Joan Shigekawa. When Shigekawa helped him with the pronunciation, Biden, "I have trouble pronouncing. You can call me 'Bid-en.'"
He introduced Mindy Kaling, "The first woman of color to create, write, and star in a primetime sitcom, she empowers a new generation to tell their stories with their own irreverence and sincerity. The daughter of Indian immigrants ..."
About fashion designer Vera Wang, Biden said: You’re one of the greats, Vera. You really are. And I know your dresses always look beautiful on my wife, God love her. (Laughter.) Your designs are timeless. Her vision, her influence in industry. Her business became an empire. A name that’s synonymous with artistry, excellence: Vera Wang.
Biden evoked laughter when he stumbled on the last name of Joan Shigekawa. When Shigekawa helped him with the pronunciation, Biden, "I have trouble pronouncing. You can call me 'Bid-en.'"
"Shigekawa," he corrected himself. "Your contributions to art in America is legendary and is lasting. And the head of the National Endowment for the Arts, she’s lifted rural and urban artists, created programs for military families, and helped measure how the art grows the economy — arts grow the economy. And she proves that art makes our country stronger.
Amy Tan, the fourth Asian American awardee was introduced, "The daughter of Chinese immigrants, Amy Tan’s books capture the courage, the pain, and the joy — and the joy — of the immigra- — of the immigrant experience, and how their legacy and memory fulfill the promise of America for all Americans."
The National Medal of Arts is the highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the U.S. president. The National Endowment for the Arts oversees a nomination process on behalf of the White House.
The National Humanities Medal, on the other hand, honors an individual or organization “whose work has deepened the nation’s understanding of the human experience, broadened citizens’ engagement with history or literature, or helped preserve and expand Americans’ access to cultural resources.”
Amy Tan, the fourth Asian American awardee was introduced, "The daughter of Chinese immigrants, Amy Tan’s books capture the courage, the pain, and the joy — and the joy — of the immigra- — of the immigrant experience, and how their legacy and memory fulfill the promise of America for all Americans."
The National Medal of Arts is the highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the U.S. president. The National Endowment for the Arts oversees a nomination process on behalf of the White House.
The National Humanities Medal, on the other hand, honors an individual or organization “whose work has deepened the nation’s understanding of the human experience, broadened citizens’ engagement with history or literature, or helped preserve and expand Americans’ access to cultural resources.”
After the ceremony, Kaling messaged her fans via social media: "Yesterday, I went with my family to receive the medal at the White House," Kaling wrote in the post. "To hear the President speak about my parents, their journey to the United States, my late mother's dreams for me, and the power of comedy to make people understand each other was almost too much to take in. It didn't feel real!"
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD, said, “The National Medal of Arts recipients have helped to define and enrich our nation’s cultural legacy through their life long passionate commitment. We are a better nation because of their contributions. Their work helps us see the world in different ways. It inspires us to reach our full potential and recognize our common humanity."
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD, said, “The National Medal of Arts recipients have helped to define and enrich our nation’s cultural legacy through their life long passionate commitment. We are a better nation because of their contributions. Their work helps us see the world in different ways. It inspires us to reach our full potential and recognize our common humanity."
EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow @DioknoEd on Twitter.
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