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SCREEN CAPTURE Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan introduced President Joe Biden May 8. |
President Biden hosted the largest AANHPI event ever held at the White House with Hollywood celebrities in attendance alongside community leaders and Washington politicians to attend a screening of "American Born Chinese," a new television series based on the graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang.
The May 8 screening doubled as a celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month. "Across America we see the community give life to our cities, our small towns, our rural communities in every part of America," said Biden.
"You know, together you embody the truth that our diversity is our strength as a nation. And that’s not hyperbole. That’s a fact."
“American Born Chinese” chronicles the trials and tribulations of a regular American teenager whose life is forever changed when he befriends the son of a mythological god. This is the coming-of-age tale of a young Chinese American's battle for his own identity, told through family, comedy and action-packed kung fu.
"You know, together you embody the truth that our diversity is our strength as a nation. And that’s not hyperbole. That’s a fact."
“American Born Chinese” chronicles the trials and tribulations of a regular American teenager whose life is forever changed when he befriends the son of a mythological god. This is the coming-of-age tale of a young Chinese American's battle for his own identity, told through family, comedy and action-packed kung fu.
Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan, who is part of the American Born Chinese cast, introduced the President. "It is with profound humility and gratitude that I stand before you tonight. I do not take this moment lightly, because I know this building is a monument to a country that opened its arms to me once upon a time," Quan said.
Also in attendance were stars of the Disney series, including: Ben Wang, Yeo Yann Yann, Chin Han, Daniel Wu, Jimmy Liu and Sydney Taylor, as well as the series’ creative team, including executive producer and author of the graphic novel Gene Luen Yang, executive producer and director Destin Daniel Cretton, series creator and showrunner Kelvin Yu, and executive producers Melvin Mar, Jake Kasdan and Erin O’Malley. Peyton Elizabeth Lee and Alex Aiono, stars of the Disney+ Original series “Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.” were also in attendance.
Also in attendance were stars of the Disney series, including: Ben Wang, Yeo Yann Yann, Chin Han, Daniel Wu, Jimmy Liu and Sydney Taylor, as well as the series’ creative team, including executive producer and author of the graphic novel Gene Luen Yang, executive producer and director Destin Daniel Cretton, series creator and showrunner Kelvin Yu, and executive producers Melvin Mar, Jake Kasdan and Erin O’Malley. Peyton Elizabeth Lee and Alex Aiono, stars of the Disney+ Original series “Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.” were also in attendance.
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FACEBOOK The cast and producers of "American Born Chinese" were at the White House screening. |
Biden reminded the audience acts his administration has taken to combat anti-Asian hate and gun control, two subjects atop AANHPI concerns, according to recent polls.
Speaking about representation and a Hollywood producing more series and movies about AANHPI, Biden continued: "We see groundbreaking works that capture courage, character, and the imagination and spirit of this remarkable community — diverse, remarkable community.
"When I think about this story, (of 'American Born Chinese') I think about the courage it took for so many of you and your ancestors to start the journey in America and continue the traditions of Native Hawaiians who have been engaged in that process for centuries; to adopt the old traditions anew and tell the ongoing story of America, stories of possibilities."
"When I think about this story, (of 'American Born Chinese') I think about the courage it took for so many of you and your ancestors to start the journey in America and continue the traditions of Native Hawaiians who have been engaged in that process for centuries; to adopt the old traditions anew and tell the ongoing story of America, stories of possibilities."
FYI: "American Born Chinese," will premiere with all episodes on May 24 on Disney+.
EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow @DioknoEd on Twitter or at his blog Views From the Edge.
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