I started my journalism career decades ago and have tried to focus on minorities and marginalized people, especially in recent years. But I only started writing about Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic when I realized how the media, policymakers and researchers were neglecting AAPI issues. This was especially so of vulnerable low-income, limited English, and undocumented AAPIs. Here’s a list of AAPI stories I’ve written since 2020.
Members and supporters of the Asian American community attend a “rally against hate” at Columbus Park in New York on March 21. Photographer: Ed Jones/AFP/Getty Images
If your time is limited, read these four articles from my AAPI Opinion ‘series’ from 2021.
They distill a lot of info about the neglect of AAPIs. Article #4 focuses on solutions.
1). It’s a Myth That Asian-Americans Are Doing Well in the Pandemic
Statistics suggest they are—but numbers often don’t include the most vulnerable with limited English
Scientific American.com
March 2, 2021
2). COVID’s Outsized Impact on Asian Americans Is Being Ignored
Along with Pacific Islanders, they suffer from disproportionately high death rates and hospitalizations and low testing—but their suffering remains invisible
May 6, 2021
3). Research on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Is Being Stifled
Funders and peer reviewers are contributing to systemic racism through their biases about members of these populations
Scientific American
July 8, 2021
4). Stop Viewing Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders as a Monolith
Better data can spotlight social problems and identify those in need.
Bloomberg BusinessWeek
August 17, 2021
My AAPI stories since 2021:
New Chinese Canadian Museum Spotlights Hidden Histories
A cultural landmark in Vancouver Chinatown opens July 1, the 100th anniversary of Canada’s Chinese Exclusion Act.
Bloomberg CityLab
June 30, 2023
A Push to Save North America’s Chinatowns
Advocates from New York, San Francisco, Chicago and 15 other cities met in Vancouver for the first time to share their challenges with racism and gentrification in Asian communities.
Bloomberg CityLab
June 20, 2023
New Surveys of Asian Americans Show Persistent Racism and Hardship
Research released for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month reveals that anti-Asian sentiment has not abated with the end of the pandemic, and safety is a top concern.
Bloomberg CityLab
May 9, 2023
A Forgotten Murder Case Offers Lessons in Asian American Activism
The documentary Free Chol Soo Lee revisits the death row case of a Korean American immigrant in San Francisco that sparked a pan-Asian social movement.
Bloomberg CityLab
Refers to two Asian health centers in Seattle and San Francisco:
Millions to Lose Health Insurance as US Covid Emergency Ends
Community health centers served more low-income and vulnerable patients during the pandemic. Now they may have to cut staff and scale back services.
Bloomberg CityLab
April 12, 2023
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-04-12/as-millions-face-loss-of-medicaid-community-health-centers-strained
Refers to SF Chinatown:
How San Francisco Is Making Small Businesses More Accessible
The city is offering $10,000 grants amid a wave of lawsuits challenging disability access.
Bloomberg CityLab
March 6, 2023
Why Asian Americans Are Moving to NYC’s East Harlem
More low-income residents are moving into the traditionally Latino neighborhood. Nonprofits have stepped up, but more services are needed.
February 3, 2023
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2023-02-03/why-asian-americans-are-moving-to-nyc-s-east-harlem
How to Reach New Asian American Voters? Local Groups and Languages
Under federal law, Philadelphia offered Chinese-language help in midterm elections as community organizations worked to boost turnout of AAPI voters.
Bloomberg CityLab
November 15, 2022
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2022-11-15/grassroots-groups-key-to-asian-american-turnout-in-midterm-elections
Asian Americans Set to Play Decisive Role in Midterm Elections
Asian Americans are shifting from being marginalized to becoming the margin of victory in US elections after their votes helped Democrats secure the presidency.
Bloomberg CityLab
November 4, 2022
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-11-04/asian-americans-could-take-decisive-role-in-us-midterm-elections?srnd=citylab-government
Vancouver Pays Tribute to Chinese Canadian History Amid Spike in Anti-Asian Racism:
One Chinatown museum has opened as part of Canada’s redress for past discrimination, while another nearby fosters “hope for the future.”
Bloomberg CityLab
October 25, 2022
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-10-25/vancouver-pays-tribute-to-chinese-canadian-history-amid-spike-in-anti-asian-racism
Refers to Asian victims in flooding:
In NYC’s Basement Apartments, Deadly Flood Risks Remain
One year after Hurricane Ida, tenants in below-ground units are still vulnerable to storm flooding — as are 25% of the city’s residential lots.
Bloomberg CityLab
September 1, 2022
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-01/in-new-york-city-s-basement-apartments-flood-dangers-remain-a-year-after-ida
Amid a Weekend of Demonstrations, Asian Americans Will Have Their First National Rally
Groups representing Asian American and Pacific Islanders have organized the Unity March to fight back against a growing number of hate crimes.
CityLab
June 24, 2022
Refers to SF Chinatown:
U.S. Businesses Get Hit With Record Numbers of Disability Lawsuits
Some serial plaintiffs file dozens of cases asking for monetary settlements, and authorities in California have started to crack down.
Bloomberg
April 14, 2022
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-04-14/u-s-small-businesses-get-hit-with-record-numbers-of-disability-lawsuits
When Asian-American Seniors Are Too Scared to Leave Home, Getting Food on the Table Is a Struggle
Even a short trip to the grocery store or visiting a local center with hot-meal services can mean racist harassment – or worse.
Bloomberg News
February 1, 2022
Refers to Asian American victim:
NYC Subway Death Renews Debate Over City’s Response to Crime
Killing highlights the mayor’s struggle to address crime, mental health challenges, and rising violence against the Asian community
Bloomberg
January 17, 2022
New York’s Once-Thriving Asian Businesses Struggle to Recover From 4,000% Unemployment Spike
Mom-and-pop shops have an uphill road to recovery.
Bloomberg
October 28, 2021
https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2021-nyc-asian-american-recovery/
Film Spotlights Landmark Asian American Civil Rights Case
A new and timely restoration documents the 1982 murder of Vincent Chin
Bloomberg
October 9, 2021
Stop Viewing Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders as a Monolith
Better data can spotlight social problems and identify those in need.
Bloomberg BusinessWeek
August 17, 2021
Asian Americans Are Poorly Represented in Hollywood, Study Shows
Bloomberg
August 4, 2021
Illinois Bets on Teaching Asian American History to Fight Racism
The state passed a landmark law this month amid a surge in anti-Asian hate and debates on critical race theory
Bloomberg News
July 21, 2021
Asian American food aid expands to address hidden hunger during pandemic
As Asian Americans experience high rates of poverty and unemployment, community groups are providing free groceries and meals to thousands every day.
NBC News
February 24, 2021
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/asian-american-food-aid-expands-address-hidden-hunger-during-pandemic-n1258628Covering anti-Asian hate crimes and incidents: Tips and resources for journalists
Journalist’s Resource (Harvard Kennedy School)
March 26, 2021
https://journalistsresource.org/home/covering-anti-asian-hate-crimes/
How US cities fixed violations to Asian Americans’ voting rights in 2020
Cities such as Malden, Massachusetts are working to comply with rights laws to accommodate a growing voting bloc The Guardian December 22, 2020
How a Boston suburb corrected voter rights violations against Asian Americans
NBCNews.com
December 10, 2020
Amy Yee 