Graphic novel wins Pulitzer for Chinese American artist/aurthor

Tessa Hulls chronicled her family's mental health journey and immigration journey to the US.

The story of an immigrant family spanning three generations and the journey from China to the US earned a Pulitzer Prize for the author, Chinese American author Tessa Hulls.

In her acclaimed graphic memoir debut, Feeding Ghosts, Hulls traces the reverberations of Chinese history across three generations of women in her family.

“Sometimes I wonder if my parents simply reached the Pacific Ocean and, finding a barrier not easily crossed, stopped,” she writes in her graphic memoir, Feeding Ghosts.

The Pulitzer Prize committee called Hulls' work “an affecting work of literary art and discovery whose illustrations bring to life three generations of Chinese women — the author, her mother and grandmother, and the experience of trauma handed down with family histories.”

 Tessa’s grandmother, Sun Yi, was a Shanghai journalist swept up by the turmoil of the 1949 Communist victory. After fleeing to Hong Kong, she wrote a bestselling memoir about her persecution and survival—then promptly had a mental breakdown from which she never recovered.

Growing up with Sun Yi, Tessa watches both her mother and grandmother struggle beneath the weight of unexamined trauma and mental illness, and bolts to the most remote corners of the globe. But once she turns thirty, roaming begins to feel less like freedom and more like running away. 

It took Huls ten years to write and draw her memoir

“I didn’t feel like I had a choice,” she told Alaska NPR. “My family ghosts literally told me I had to do this.”

She lives in Juneu, Alaska where she works at the state capitol.

Feeding Ghosts is Tessa’s homecoming, a vivid, heartbreaking journey into history that exposes the fear and trauma that haunt generations, and the love that holds them together.

In addition to winning the Pulitzer Prize, Feeding Ghosts has received many accolades since its publication, including both the Libby Award for Best Graphic Novel and the National Book Critics Circle’s John Leonard Prize, as well as being named a “Best Book of the Year” by Time magazine, NPR, Publishers Weekly and others.

Hull joins another Asian American in winning this year's honor. Susie Ibarra, a Filipino American, also won the Pulitzer Prize for Music. Her composition Sky Islands, drew inspiration from the Philippines rain forest and mountains.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X or at the blog Views From the Edge.

New endowment celebrates and preserves AAPI filmmaking

COURTESY OF THE ACADEMY OF MOTION PICTURE ARTS & SCIENCES.

Janet Yang is the first Asian American of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Oh, how I wish I was a young filmmaker today.  Compared to 60 years ago, today there is so much more support and opportunities for Asian American would-be filmmakers.

The barriers of discrimination and stereotypes facing AAPIs that still exist today, were in full flower back then. The Gold House and the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment and other supporting infrastructure didn't exist yet.

Despite the new opportunities, there still are some institutional and cultural hurdles that make it more difficult for AAPI filmmakers to break into the motion picture industry

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced recently the creation of the Janet Yang Endowment to Celebrate and Preserve Asian and AAPI filmmaking as part of Academy100, a global revenue diversification and outreach campaign designed to expand the Academy’s worldwide scope, ensure the success of its next 100 years, and connect audiences through their shared love of cinema.

“As the Academy continues to expand its global presence, the future of our non-profit cultural institution is strengthened by deepening our reach and impact with the international film community, including Asian and AAPI communities,” said Academy President Janet Yang. “I am so honored that this endowment will support the preservation of international cinema and the education of future generations of filmmakers, cinephiles, and filmgoers.”

This endowment will, in perpetuity, celebrate the legacy, impact, and contributions of Asian and AAPI filmmakers and provide essential funding and resources to support Asian and AAPI programming at the Academy Museum, as well as the acquisition and preservation of Asian and AAPI-related film items in the Academy Collection. The endowment honors the legacy of Yang, the first Asian American president of the Academy, whose dedication to advancing diversity has helped pave the way for greater representation in entertainment and beyond.

Yang is best known as an award-winning movie producer. She came to prominence through her collaboration with Steven Spielberg on Empire of the Sun. That was followed by a long partnership with multiple Academy Award-winner Oliver Stone—where she served as Executive Producer on the iconic The Joy Luck Club, and as a Producer on the Golden Globe-winning The People vs. Larry Flynt.

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures advances the understanding, celebration, and preservation of cinema through inclusive and accessible exhibitions, screenings, programs, initiatives, and collections. Since opening, objects on view from Asian and AAPI films have included costumes from Eiko Ishioka’s collection and Jessica Yu’s powerful Oscar® acceptance speech.

The museum has also featured a gallery devoted to the iconic work of Bruce Lee, and the museum’s inaugural temporary exhibition, Hayao Miyazaki, was the first major North American museum retrospective dedicated to the Japanese animator and filmmaker. In March 2025, the museum opened Director’s Inspiration: Bong Joon Ho, the first exhibition dedicated to the internationally acclaimed, Oscar-winning film director. It is on view now through January 10, 2027.

The Academy Museum also features Asian and AAPI films through year-round film programming from notable filmmakers such as Gregg Araki, Joan Chen, Arthur Dong, Bong Joon Ho, Sammo Hung, Song Kang-ho, Lisa Lu, Yasujirō Ozu, S.S. Rajamouli, Satyajit Ray, Yim Soon-rye, and Youn Yuh-jung. Programs often feature special in-person appearances.

The success of  having my short film shown in the San Francisco International Film Festival and winning praise at the Berkeley Film Festival and the Ann Arbor Film Festival, encouraged me to consider filmmaker as a career to the deep disappointment of my parents. To their credit, they never criticized my choice.

After a few years, writing scripts and propossals I found myself as a producer and actor in a findependent eature, that was good technically but a failure in so many other ways that made me make another career detour into journalism.

Studios were gracious enough to screen the movie, but there were no offers. That chapter in my life ended after a couple of hungry years supporting myself  in Los ANgeles as a bartender and a hamburger flipper.

I finally had to tell  the executive producer for that failed venture, "I guess all we can say is we have one hell of a home movie."

The Janet Yang Endowment is made possible in part by leadership support from Cindy Huang. Major support provided by the Mark and Anla Cheng Kingdon Foundation, East West Bank and its Foundation, and Lulu C. and Anthony W. Wang. Significant support provided by Chris Quintos and Will Cathcart, Tim Headington and Theresa Steele Page on behalf of Ley Line Entertainment, and Sheldon and Hong Pang. Additional support provided by David Chan, Cyndie M. Chang, Ernie Liang and Leelila Strogov, and Yashih Wu and John Lyie.

“As a proud Asian American, it has been a privilege to serve alongside Janet Yang in support and celebration of Asian and AAPI filmmakers.” said Academy Museum Director and President Amy Homma. “This endowment builds upon the work the Academy has been doing for decades through our Academy Collection and now through the museum, to share Asian cinema through preservation, public programming, and exhibition.”

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X or at the blog Views From the Edge.
  

Memorial Day, 2025: Remembering and honoring the Philippine Scouts

 

Today, Memorial Day of 2025, with the Donald Trujmp administration doing all it can to eliminate government and corporate programs touting DEI (Diversity, Equality, Inclusion), it is even more important for us to honor those soldiers, sailors and airmen and airwomen, many who gave their lives to protect America's democracy.

My father, Major Melchor V. Diokno, began his military career as a member of the Philippine Scouts, a speical unit of the US Army. He was in the 14th Engineering Regiment that fought in the battle of Bataan during WWII. He survived the Bataan Death March after US forces surrendered to the larger and better equipped Japanese Imperial army.

While much is being written about the Filipino immigrants who arrived after the 1965 immigration reform that allowed people from countries other than Europe to migrate to the US; and the manongs who arrived  in the early part of the 20th century, many of whom wound up working the agricultural fields of Hawaii and California and the canneeries of Alaska. However, little has been written about the men of the Philippine Scouts, an elite unit of the US Army. 

After World War II, the Philippine Scouts was disbanded. Following WWII, the U.S. Army reconstructed the Philippine Scouts around the approximately 6,000 Scouts who survived combat, prison camp and the Japanese occupation, says the website of the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society. This reconstructed force peaked at about 36,000 and was used in occupation duty on Okinawa and some other Japanese islands and in reconstruction and guard duty assignments elsewhere.

FYI: Much of the following information is from the website of the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society.

Here are some of the highlight, courtesy of the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society): :

In 1946, the US Army reorganized the Philippine Scouts into “New” Philippine Scout units. One such organization was the 56th Engineer Construction Battalion (PS) and eventually redesignated the 514th Engineer Construction Battalion (PS) until disbanded in 1953.

After disbanding the Philippine Scout units, many Philippine Scouts reenlisted in the US Army, some serving for decades. One such soldier, Technical Sergeant Melchor V. Diokno of B Company, 14th Engineers (PS), fought on Bataan, survived the Death March, fought with the guerrillas, and reenlisted after the war. He was eventually commissioned as an officer in the US Army, rising to the rank of Major, retiring in 1957. His story exemplifies one of the many Scouts that continued to serve even after the disbandment of the 14th Engineers (PS) and the rest of the Philippine Scouts.

        RELATED: 

• Unsung heroes: Dad, the Major
• Remembering the 1st and 2nds Filipino Infantry
• Veterans call for repeal of the Recission Acts

In the 1960s, though he already had American citizenship by virtue of his service in the US Army, as a leader in several Filipino American organizations in Northern California, as a civilian, he continued to fight for his former compatriots who were denied US citizenshp and military benefits because of the Recission Acts.

A popular saying goes: "Old soldiers never die, they just fade away." As we celebrate Asian American, Native American, Pacific Islander Heritage Month and observe Memorail Day, our ancestors deserve to be honored. We owe them so much.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X or at the blog Views From the Edge.

Hirono, Meng Introduce Congressional resolution recognizing May as AANHPI Heritage Month

As the Donald Trump administration is doing everything it can to minimize the history and role of Americans of color, it becomes more important to highlight the often ignored, and forgotten stories and individuals that make America great.

Back on May 8 United States Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Grace Meng (D-NY), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), introduced a bicameral, bipartisan resolution to mark May 2025 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. The resolution recognizes the significant contributions that Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities have made to this country.

        RELATED: Meng, Hirono introduced bill promoting AANHPI history in schools

“During Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we celebrate the diversity and historic contributions of our communities, while also recognizing the challenges we have overcome,” said Senator Hirono. 

“At a time when diversity is under attack and immigrant communities are being targeted across the country, I’m proud to join Chair Meng in introducing this resolution and reaffirming our commitment in this fight to build a more inclusive and equitable future for all,” said Hirono, one of three Asian American US Senators.

        FYI: The full text of the resolution is available here.

A week later on May 16, the White House issued a similar proclamation making May as AANHPI Heritage Month.

Trump has led and in many ways, encouraged the backlash against reforms that champion diversity, equaity and inclusion that provide opportunities long denied or thwarted by the white-dominated culture and institutions of America.

The Washington Post listed some of actions of this administration that could turn America back to the country that existed before the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.

• DEI: On his first day in office, President Trump ordered a government-wide purge of DEI programs and offices.
• Civil rights: The Trump administration has moved aggressively to unravelPresident Lyndon Johnson's civil rights legacy, including by reorienting DOJ priorities to focus on "anti-white racism."
• History: Trump ordered a federal review of Confederate monuments toppled during the 2020 protests.
• Police reform: Days before the anniversary of Floyd's murder, the Justice Department scrapped proposed consent decrees for the Minneapolis and Louisville police departments — and dropped nearly a dozen other investigations into alleged police abuse.
• Refugee policy: The administration has effectively ended most refugee programs, except for one tailored to white South African farmers.

In the Senate, this resolution is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Susan Collins (R-ME), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

In the House, this resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Ami Bera (D-CA), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Ed Case (D-HI), Judy Chu (D-CA), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX), Valerie Foushee (D-NC), Robert Garcia (D-CA), Dan Goldman (D-NY), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Al Green (D-TX), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-CNMI), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Susie Lee (D-NV), Ted Lieu (D-CA), April McClain Delaney (D-MD), Rob Menendez (D-NJ), Dave Min (D-CA), Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Linda Sánchez (D-CA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), Tom Suozzi (D-NY), Mark Takano (D-CA), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Norma Torres (D-CA), Derek Tran (D-CA), Juan Vargas (D-CA), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ).

The civil rights policies that was born out of the Civil Rights Movement was led the Black community but they benefitted Asian Americans, Hispanics and women as well.

“Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have made invaluable contributions to our country and continue to play a vital role in shaping America for the better,” said Rep. Meng, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

 “In the face of recent efforts to erase our community's achievements, Senator Hirono and I remain steadfast in our support for the AANHPI community and will continue to champion our stories of triumph, sacrifice, and resilience that are integral to the story of America.”

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X or at the blog Views From the Edge.

Congressional bill would promote teaching AANHPI history in US schools

EMILY NAKAJIMA

Most US tudents rarely hear about the contributions of AANHPI to American history.

It is often said that history is written by the victors. In the case of the United States, the "victors" stole land from the indigenous peoples, enslaved Blacks, grabbed land from Mexico and banned immigrants from Asia.

Large parts of America's story was written from the white viewpoint often ignoring, short shrifting and even erasing the stories of non-white communities and individuals, the accomplishments, contributions and stories of Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island Americans.

US Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), and US Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) on Wednesday  introduced a bill that would partially tell the missing chapters about Asian Americans Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islander. According to recent surveys, thy are still thought of as "foreigners," despite having a presence in the US and making American history for centuries.

“Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have made invaluable contributions to our nation – yet for far too long, our history has been ignored and overlooked in the classroom,” said Meng, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

The Teaching Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander History Act introduced by the two lawmakers, is bicameral legislation to promote the teaching of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) history in schools across the country.

AANHPI have made and continue to make immeasurable contributions to our nation, including in sports, arts, government, science, business, and military service. However, the K-12 education system and social studies textbooks have poorly represented how AANHPIs have played pivotal roles in shaping America for the better. In a recent survey by The Asian American Foundation, 42% of respondents were unable to name a famous Asian American, and 42% were unable to name a famous Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.

 “The Teaching Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander History Act aims to change that. I am proud to reintroduce this legislation with Senator Hirono to ensure that our stories are taught in schools and textbooks, especially at a time when AANHPI communities are under attack by those who wish to erase our achievements and sacrifices. AANHPI history is American history, and it deserves to be honored for generations to come.”

“Teaching Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history is critical to gaining a better understanding of the discrimination and prejudice endured by the AANHPI community, as well as our community’s many accomplishments,” added  Hirono. 

“As diversity, equity, and inclusion continue to be attacked by the Trump administration, this legislation would help increase awareness of the history, contributions, and experiences of the AANHPI community. I am proud to reintroduce the Teaching Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander History Act with Representative Meng to give our students a better understanding of the roles the AANHPI community has played in history and help dismantle harmful stereotypes and discrimination.”

Rep. Grace Meng (left) and Sen. Mazie Hirono introduced legislation in support of teaching
AANHPI contributions and achievements to US history.

Specifically, the Teaching Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander History Act would:

• Require grant applications from Presidential and Congressional Academies to include AANHPI history as part of their American history and civics programs offered to students and teachers;

• Encourage the inclusion of AANHPI history in national and state tests administered through the National Assessment of Educational Progress; and

• Promote collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution's Asian Pacific American Center to develop innovative programming regarding AANHPI history.

The bill faces an uphill climb as it must pass the GOP-dominated Senate and House, both of which have shown its Republican members to succumb to Trump's anti-diversity edicts. Even those Republicans representing large AANHPI communities, such as California's Rep. Young Kim, who represents Orange and San Bernardino counties, home to  substantial Asian American communities, has been consistent in voting against her community interests by going along with Trump's anti-DEI policies.

Nevertheless, the legislation drew praise and support from leaders in the AANHPI communities.

“Ensuring that Asian Pacific American History is taught in our classrooms across the country is critical for the progress of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities,” said Gregg Orton, National Director of the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA). 

“The continued disregard of APA history - including the stories, experiences, and contributions from our AANHPI communities in curriculum has led to the erasure of many generations," Orton continued. "This key bill would allow our students across the country to see themselves, while educating others on the importance of understanding our roots and cultural history. Stories of our communities' resilience and perseverance are integral to the cultural fabric of our nation.”

“This bill is needed today more than ever given the ongoing attacks on inclusive education," said John C. Yang, President and Executive Director at Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC. “Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander histories should be taught in every classroom along with other underrepresented histories, including African American, Latino, and Native American histories. We are doing a grave disservice to the next generation if they do not learn the whole history of our nation. Teaching diverse curricula is critical to building a better, more inclusive future.”

“Ensuring that the rich and vital history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders is taught in our schools isn’t just about representation, it’s about providing all students with a complete and accurate understanding of American history,” said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). “The Teaching Asian Pacific American History Act is an important step toward acknowledging the immeasurable contributions of AANHPI communities, addressing the roots of discrimination and fostering a more inclusive and informed future for all our students so that they can navigate an increasingly diverse and complex world.”

“Every student deserves to see themselves reflected in their education, and to learn about the experiences and cultures of the diverse communities that make up our nation's history,” said Mannirmal Kaur, Senior Federal Policy Manager of the Sikh Coalition. 

“Diverse educational materials don’t just instill a sense of belonging and empowerment in students from marginalized communities—they cultivate empathy and awareness and among all students, providing a more well-rounded education for every child," continued Kaur. "It is our duty to provide all of our children with a meaningful and holistic education so that they may better understand the world they live in, and the Teaching AANHPI History Act will bring us one step closer towards that goal.”

“OCA proudly endorses Senator Hirono and Representative Meng’s Teaching AANHPI History Act,” said Thu Nguyen, Executive Director of OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates. “This bill represents a historic step in uplifting AANHPI communities by ensuring our stories and presence are included in our nation’s school curricula. 

"For years, OCA has advocated for the inclusion of AANHPI narratives in K-12 education because our history is American history, and it deserves to be taught as such," said Thu Nguyen, Executive Director of OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates. "Incorporating these stories is essential to combating discrimination and fostering greater understanding and empathy. We appreciate Senator Hirono and Representative Meng’s continued leadership in advancing this bill and look forward to seeing its impact.”

“Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history is marked by tremendous contributions to our nation’s progress, alongside painful experiences of exclusion and discrimination,” said Gary Locke, former US Ambassador to China and Chair of the Chinese American nonprofit Committee of 100. “It’s essential that students learn the full story—from the challenges to the triumphs.”

“We strongly support the Teaching Asian Pacific American History Act,” said Huy Pham, Executive Director of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation (APIAHiP). “At APIAHiP, we know that history lives not just in textbooks, but in the places, memories, and lived experiences of our communities. This bill is a critical step toward ensuring that Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander stories are not erased, but rightfully included in our national narrative. By expanding access to AANHPI history in classrooms, we help students of all backgrounds understand the full complexity of America’s past — and empower the next generation to preserve, honor, and protect the places that carry those histories.”

“For our children to appreciate the diverse tapestry of this Nation, they must learn the full breadth of the American experience, which inextricably includes the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA). “Our history is not an elective; it is essential."

“The National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship (National ACE) proudly supports the Teaching AANHPI History Act,” said Chiling Tong, President and CEO of National ACE. “Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders are a vital part of America’s story. Recognizing their contributions and challenges is essential for fostering a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of our history. We extend our gratitude to CAPAC Chair Meng for her leadership in advancing this important effort.”

“The Indian Diaspora Council International expresses its full support for ‘Teaching Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander History,’ which is integral to understanding the origins, history, traditions and culture of a significant segment of our population, thereby enhancing our diversity and strength,” said Ashook Ramsaran, President of the Indian Diaspora Council.

Several states have recently implemented mandates for public schools to teach Asian American history, recognizing the need to include diverse perspectives in American history curricula. Illinois was the first state to require a unit on Asian American history in 2021, and since then, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Florida have followed suit. Other states are considering similar measures including California, home to the largest number of AANHPI, and Hawaii, the only state where AANHPI are in the majority.

These mandates aim to prevent anti-Asian hate and provide all students with a more comprehensive understanding of US history and a broader perspective that includes viewing the AANHPI peoples as fellow Americans.

From the building of the railroads to Silicon Valley, ffrom the Chinese Exclusion Act to military heroism defending democracy, from scientific discoveries to Olympic championships, from the fields of Hawaii and California to the White House, AANHPI have been active in making America's story and those stories  must be told.

“At a time when the Trump administration is actively working to undermine the teaching of accurate history by minimizing the deep, lasting harms of slavery and attempting to erase the contributions of people of color, this legislation is essential,” said Margaret Huang, president and CEO of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). “The SPLC strongly denounces the president’s efforts to mask racism and white supremacy as patriotism.”

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X or at the blog Views From the Edge.

Facts are facts; Asian Americans are, well, complicated

PEW ILLUSTRATION

In the 1970s when the Japanese, Chinese and Filipino students on US campuses coalasced around being Asian American, little did they foresee the hurdles they would encounter in their own fast-changing ethnic communities.

Fast forward to today, because of the population shift from US-born Asians as the majority to a population where recent immigrants are in the majority, the more than two-dozen nationalities and ethnic groups would prefer to do away with the umbrella, all-inclusive term "Asian American" and be seen as separate communities such as Chinese Americans, Indian Americans, Filipino Americans, etc. -- each with unique history, cultures, languages and other characteristics.

        FYI: Read Pew's findings about Asian Americans

When combined, US-born and recent immigrants, the Asian population is nearly 25 million, or 7% of the US population.

An annual survey released in conjunction with Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Pew Research Center found that the ethnic and national communities in the Asian American communities with roots in Central, East, South and Southeast Asia, is more complicated, more diverse representing more than two dozen countries of origin.

Unfortunately, the Pew analysis did not include Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders.

The differences between Americanized Asians (those born in the US and those who have lived here for more than 10 years is constantly changing as a constant stream of newcomers arrive on US shores and earlier immigrants become more accustomed to the America's realities such as race relations, family values and political realities.

Recent immigrants are more likely than US-born Asians to describe themselves using specific ethnic labels and are less likely to use some form of "American" when referring to their identities. To them, their country of origin is more central to their identity than identifying as "American."

        RELATED: Asian communities may have outgrown the term "Asian American"

Despite the diffeerences in self-identity, both new immigrants and US-born Asians see commonalities with other Asians. About 60% of Asians say what happens to other Asians affects them, and more than two-thirds believe it's very or extremely important to have a national leader advocating for Asians in the US.

The AAPI populations continues to grow. The 25 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders now making up to 7% of the US population. The majority of AAPI is made up the six largest groups with Chinese Americans still  the largest group with 5.5 million making up 22% of the total Asian population.

The next five largest groups are: Indian Americans, 5.2 million (21% of the Asian population); Filipino Americans, 4.6 million (19%); Vietnamese Americans, 2.3 million (9%); Korean Americans, 2.0 million (8%) and Japanese Americans, 1.6 million (7%).

The Pew Research Center created fmore detailed act sheets for the six largest ethnic Asian American communities: Chinese Americans,  Indian Americans, Filipino Americans, Vietnamese Americans, Korean Americans and Japanese Americans.

In the Pew treasure trove of AAPI facts, another interesting trend appears to be happening. Immigration, which made AAPI the fastest growing segment of the US population for the last few decades appears to be slowing down. In several groups, such as Filipino Americans and Hmong Americans, immigrants are no longer are in the majority. Japanese Americans have historically dominated by the US-born. The downward trend, however, can be seen in all groups as AAPI immigrants settle into the US and establish communities, businesses and and feel more economically secure, they establish families. The children of those immigrants join the ranks of the US-born. 

If the trend continues and the AAPI communities become more assimilated, and as the second-generation become more influential and dominant, there might be a shift back to identifying Asian American for the sake of gaining political clout and cultural  prominence.

Nevertheless, as of 2025, immigrants still make up the majority of AAPI. Taking into account the natural birth rate of the combined US-born and immigrant population adding to the AAPI newcomers traveling across the Pacific or as immigrants through a third country, the AAPI community  is still the fastest growing ethnic segment of the US population, surpassing the growth rate of Latino Americans, or Hispanic Americans.

The diversity among AAPI groups is also notably reflected in household income. While overall, AAPI households, immigrant and US-born,  have higher incomes ($105,600) than other Americans ($75,500) the AAPI also have the widest income gap. Indian American households have the hihghest median income ($151,200), Mongolians median household income is only $54,200.

Part of the wide diversity in household income is due to the United States' immigration policies that prefers  highly-educated, high-skill immigrants and -- up until the Trump administration -- was lenient towards refugees. 

Besides income potential, the results also shows up in education attainment. AAPI have the largest percentage of adults, immigrants and US-born, with a bachelor degrees, (57% and 56% respectively) compared to other Americans, US-born (38%)  and immigrants (35%).

RELATED: Despite the wealth of information provided the Pew Research Center, available for the general public, journalists, academics, marketers  and pollsters, the Social Tracking of Asian Americans in the US, (STAATUSindex) a separate survey commissisoned by The Asian American Foundation, found that stereotypes continue to persist as the general image of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.

The annually updated Pew fact sheet for AAPI goes on to provide useful information on the population centers, political, gender, generational and religion proclivities of the AAPI communities.. 

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X or at the blog Views From the Edge.

 

Trump issues AANHPI Heritage Month proclamation

Tulsi Gabbard, left and Usha Vance.

On May 16, Donald Trump chose to highlight the Vice President's Indian American wife and Samoan American Tulsi Gabbard in his proclation for Asian American, Native American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

"In the 1980s, Lakshmi and Radhakrishna Chilukuri immigrated from India to the United States and dedicated their lives to higher education.  They built a life in America and raised a family, their daughters Usha and Shreya, instilling in them the values of hard work, perseverance, and a love of learning.  Their daughter, Usha, now serves as the Second Lady of the United States," the proclamation stated. 

"Tulsi Gabbard, a native of American Samoa, has dedicated her career to protecting our Republic, serving in the military and now as the Director of National Intelligence," continued the statement.  

"Today, more than 77,000 Asian American and Pacific Islanders heroically serve our Nation in the Armed Forces.  Their stories, along with many others, have helped build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous country."

        FYI: Read the entire proclamation here.

It is noteworthy that both Usha Vance and Tulsi Gabbard were both Democrats and only recently switched politicalpaarties.

"This month, we honor the proud legacy of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and their contributions to the vast constellation of all our national triumphs.  They are woven into the fabric of our Republic, reminding us that the American spirit is one of resilience, independence, and relentless pursuit of freedom and opportunity," the proclamation continued.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X or at the blog Views From the Edge.

  

FilAm rapper Ruby Ibarra wins Tiny Desk competition; plans include a national tour

Ruby Ibarra

Ruby Ibarra, a Filipino American rapper, is  taking a major step in her music career after learning that she won the 11th annual Tiny Desk Contest.

On Tuesday's Morning Edition, NPR Music announced the winner of the 11th annual Tiny Desk Contest. 

"Tiny Desk is one of the few platforms where music is truly celebrated and artists get to uncompromisingly showcase their artistry, lyrics and stories," Ibarra tells NPR. "I'm grateful and overjoyed to be able to share my music in a space where so many of my musical influences have performed. To me, winning this Contest means to be recognized as a songwriter, and is an affirmation that I'm on the right path as an independent artist from the Bay Area."

The performance of  "Bakunawa," a combination of rap and singing in English and Tagalog, was chosen from nearly 7,500 submissions from independent artists across the country, the Bay Area artist captivated the judges with her striking originality, lyrical depth and commanding presence.

"Ruby's stunning Tiny Desk contest submission was the very first to be featured on our top shelf and the last one standing." 

Tiny Desk producer Bobby Carter tells NPR,  "'Bakunawa' covers all the bases: beautifully arranged music, passion and above all authenticity. We've never seen or heard anything like Ruby Ibarra. She's special and she's ready."

FYI: Watch her perform the winning entry, "Bakunawa," here.

IIbarra, who worked as a health scientist in the Bay Area, took the leap to full-time musician and performer in a few years ago.

Her raps often switches between Tagalog and English with the overriding themes of Pinoy Pride and empowerment, which makes her unique. She's been on the verge of "breaking out," for several years. Her Filipino American raps provided the background music for The Cleaning Lady television series, which centers around an undocumented immigrant Filipino family.

RELATED: From Fanny To Madam Wong's & The GRAMMYs: How The Asian Community Has Impacted Rock

Ibarra says about "Bakunawa: "The song's title is in reference to the Philippine mythology about a bakunawa (dragon) who swallows the moon; similarly, this song interprets the story as a metaphor for resistance and a battlecry against erasure. This song, for me, is a statement that my daughter is my revolution and my hope that she will be liberated from the effects of our cultural history."

She continues to tell Grammy.com, the song "features these amazing, incredible artists who are all Filipinos as well. Han Han, who’s a singer and an MC, Ouida from San Francisco, who is this amazing vocalist, and last but, of course, not least June Millington, who’s just a badass rock guitarist and singer. She was part of this incredible band from the 1970s called Fanny, an all-female band. To have done a collaboration with such a powerhouse of a lineup was just a dream come true. The music video and the live performance video… was just the icing on the cake for me to be able to come together in person."

As this year's winner, Ibarra will perform an intimate concert behind NPR's iconic Tiny Desk in Washington, D.C., joining the ranks of artists like Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii and Usher, as well as acclaimed past Tiny Desk Contest winners, such as Fantastic Negrito, Gaelynn Lea and last year's winner, The Philharmonik.

Following her Washington D.C. showcase, Ibarra will embark on the Tiny Desk Contest On The Road tour, bringing her music to audiences across the country.

TINY DESK CONTEST TOUR

The Tiny Desk Contest On The Road tour, which brings the winner to stages around the country, will be bigger and better than ever this year. Audiences will have an opportunity to see this year's winner perform live in 10 cities, alongside a showcase of vibrant local music at each stop. And, new this year, each city will also feature a special surprise Tiny Desk alum as the headlining act.

        FYI: Tickets for the tour are on sale now at our Tiny Desk Contest tour page.

Curiously, the performances in Texas and Colorado are already sold out. Below are the scheduled stops along the 2025 Tiny Desk Contest On The Road tour:

June 11: The Regent Theater , Los Angeles (Station partners: KCRW, LAist)

June 13: Lagunitas Brewing Company, Petaluma, Calif. (Station partners: KQED, KALW, NorCal )

June 16: The Wonder Ballroom, Portland, Ore. (Station partner: OPB)

June 23: Thalia Hall, Chicago (Station partner: WBEZ)

June 25: The Basement East, Nashville (Station partner: WNXP)

June 27: Mohawk , Austin, Texas (Station partner: KUTX) — Sold Out

June 29: Bluebird Theater, Denver (Stations partner: KUVO) — Sold Out

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X or at the blog Views From the Edge.