05.08.08
Posted in Community Alerts at 1:24 pm by william_lee_intern
DIVERSITY ON PARADE… Pupils of Cherrytree
Public School celebrating Education Week with the
explained the network’s internship program that
theme: We Welcome the World. The children’s
rendition of the popular Bollywood number Om
Shanti Om (above), arranged by their teacher Saroj.
Puri, stole the show. The celebrations also included
a Dragon dance from China, a Gidda/ Bollywood
Bhangra from India, Reflections of the Caribbean,
and an Egyptian Play. Greenbriar Senior Public
School also celebrated the diversity of Education
Week with flags of different countries being put on
the peace symbol by students. A poster of the
Canadian flag on which there were different religious
symbols was also displayed. The event, which was
organized and produced by Baljeet Ratra, together
with the education committee and the students, also
included Japanese, Irish, Hawaiian, Punjabi and
Bollywood dances, and slideshows displaying various
cultures, such as an African folklore and Chinese
culture.
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The month of May is Asian Heritage month in Canada. The 411 Initiative for Change presented a multimedia and interactive group for the students to find out the vivacious Asian cultures that are with Canada. Asian Heritage events will determine issues of racism, integration and belonging from historical and contemporary perspectives.
… Spotlight on Asian Heritage is one of the many events that helps integrate heritage into everyday school life” says Jim Grieve, director of education.
Read more of the article…
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05.06.08
Posted in Community Alerts at 1:52 pm by william_lee_intern
American beef are said to be in danger and has mad cow disease. Korean-Americans are alarmed by the news that maybe the kind of beef they eat has a certain disease that could cause them to be sick. “We hope our brothers and sisters in Korea will recognize a possible backlash from American consumers against Korean products,” the statement said from the Korean-American Greater New York. They are experiencing harm not because of the beef they eat, but because of the bad reflection that Americans get from Korea.
As the organization said: “Beef products from cows aged over 20 months are not sold here. Is it logical that American beef is safe only because no Korean-American has had mad cow disease? Will the association head say it is not safe when a Korean-American dies from the disease?”
Read more…
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Posted in Community Alerts at 11:44 am by william_lee_intern
“Our country was built by representatives of many cultural communities, and Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity to better understand Canada’s rich diversity by learning more about the achievements of the Asian-Canadian community,” said Secretary of State Kenney.
Hon. Jason Kenney invited Canadians to celebrate Asian Heritage Month. Canadian government has formally designated May as Asian Heritage Month last 2001. Several organizations in t6he entire Canada have planned a mass of activities to commemorate Asian Heritage Month.
Read the original article…
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05.02.08
Posted in Community Alerts at 12:07 pm by william_lee_intern
State Senator Marty Golden (R-C, Brooklyn) today is announcing that he will
be hosting his 6th Annual Asian Pacific Heritage Festival at McKinley Park
on Sunday, May 4, 2008, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at McKinley Park,
located at Bay Ridge Parkway and Fort Hamilton Parkway, and is inviting the
community to join in this special event held in conjunction with the
national celebration of Asian American Heritage which is the month of May.
The program will include ethnic dances including the Chinese Lion Dance,
demonstration of Buddhist Monk Kung Fu, Japanese sword, Thai dance,
Malaysian dance, Tahitian Dance, Burma dance and Chinese dance. A wide array
of ethnic food, arts and crafts and prizes will be available as well.
This year, the event will feature highlights from Tourism Malaysia, the
Malaysian Consulate General and United Nations staff and their families
wearing traditional clothing.
Senator Marty Golden stated, “Millions of Americans trace their origins to
nations in the Asian/Pacific region and they enrich Brooklyn, New York and
our Nation. Each year, we celebrate the month of May as Asian/Pacific
American Heritage Month and we celebrate the achievements and the success of
this culture. I look forward to hosting this annual event that recognizes
the many important contributions that Asian/Pacific Americans have made to
our community.”
For more information on the event, contact Senator Golden’s office at(718)
238-6044.
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Posted in Community Alerts at 12:04 pm by william_lee_intern
Washington, DC – Congressman Michael Honda (CA-15), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statement today in celebration of Asian Pacific American (APA) Heritage Month, which takes place May of each year:
“Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is a time for us to take pride in the diversity of our nation, celebrate the contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islanders to this nation, and reaffirm our commit to the promise of America’s future for all Americans.
“This year marks the 30th anniversary of the first Asian Pacific American Heritage Week. Our country first celebrated this opportunity for reflection in 1978, thanks to the efforts of Representatives Norman Mineta and Frank Horton, and Senators Daniel Inouye and Spark Matsunaga. Now an annual event, the month of May gives both Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) and non-Asians around the nation a chance to celebrate the rich heritage of our community, reflect on the challenges overcome in our past, and look forward with hope and optimism toward our future.
“The first AAPI settlement in this country dates to 1763, when Filipinos escaped imprisonment aboard Spanish galleons and established a community near New Orleans. Chinese and Japanese immigrants likewise started communities in Hawai’i and California, where they sought labor and agricultural opportunities.
“From the time of these first settlements, AAPIs have experienced dual currents of discrimination and assimilation. In the difficult times, Asians were singled out for persecution by such acts as the Exclusion Laws of 1882 and 1924, and the Alien Land Act of 1913, which prohibited AAPI property ownership.
“From the legal fight against internment championed by Fred Korematsu, to the efforts in response to the 1982 murder of Vincent Chin in Detroit, to the current fight for full benefits for the thousands of Filipinos who fought for our country during World War II, the national AAPI community has stood ready to rally for justice and equality.
“Rather than withdraw, grow embittered, or be cowed by discrimination, the AAPI community has embraced and actively participated in American society. In addition to the tireless commitment of many AAPI families to raise their children as positive contributors to their various communities – by investing in education, businesses, and opportunities for the future – individual AAPIs have distinguished themselves for their service and vision.
“This list of notables includes Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianole, who in 1903 became the first Native Hawai’ian and Pacific Islander to serve in Congress; Dalip Singh Saund, who in 1956 became the first Asian American elected to Congress; Hiram Leong Fong, who in 1959 became the first AAPI member of the United States Senate; and Patsy Mink, who forty-three years ago became the first Asian American woman elected to the Congress. Congresswoman Mink’s historical efforts for educational gender equity through Title IX continue to make us proud of our history.
“Today this legacy continues. Under the Clinton Administration, Secretary Norman Mineta became the first AAPI appointed to a cabinet-level position and is the first AAPI to be a cabinet member under two different administrations. Congressman Robert Matsui was a member of the Democratic leadership serving as the highest-ranking AAPI in congressional history. Congresswoman Matsui now carries on the great work of her late husband. Congresswoman Mazie Hirono of Hawai’i joined our CAPAC ranks last year. On the gubernatorial front, former governor of Washington State, Gary Locke, the first AAPI elected as governor on the mainland, commands national attention. Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal followed suit last year, when he was elected as the first person of Indian descent to serve as governor of a state, and the first minority governor of Louisiana since Reconstruction.
“Today, we celebrate not only the individuals that have forged milestones throughout our proud history, but we also celebrate our growing community. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are a critical part of our nation’s growth and success. With more than 15 million Americans identifying themselves as Asian American or Pacific Islander, this community is one of the fastest growing in the United States. The individuals of this American community make up 16 major ethnic groups, speak over nine different languages in the U.S., and belong to a number of different religions and cultures. Their diversity reflects the richness and strength of our country.
“We are thankful to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and our current Democratic leadership, who have been vocal supporters of the AAPI community and recognize the contributions we have made and the struggles that continue.
“With increasing diversity, there are significant challenges due to cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic barriers. As Chair of the Congressional American Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), I am proud of the fierce advocacy of our Caucus members on important issues affecting the AAPI community. Through our CAPAC Task Forces, we have targeted such goals as eliminating racial and ethnic health disparities, protecting voting rights for racial, ethnic, and language minorities, enacting comprehensive immigration reform, fighting to create jobs, providing educational opportunities for the underserved, and ensuring full equity for the Filipino veterans who proudly served under the American flag during World War II. On the issue of the Filipino veterans, we have in the Senate, made great strides in securing the promised benefits for these brave veterans. Now is the time to fully recognize the services of these soldiers who fought for us in the Pacific theatre. I call on my colleagues in the House of Representatives to take urgent action and provide these veterans with the recognition and benefits they deserve.
“CAPAC has had the privilege to work with our colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and the Congressional Native American Caucus to advance the dialogue on these important issues.
“The many AAPI communities participating in this year’s APA Heritage Month should be proud of our diverse heritage. I look forward to continuing our work together as we remember where we have been and celebrate where we are going.”
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04.29.08
Posted in Community Alerts at 10:49 am by william_lee_intern
Washington, DC at the Washington Hilton
July 31 - August 3, 2008
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04.17.08
Posted in Community Alerts at 8:53 am by william_lee_intern
Today is the first anniversary of the Virginia Tech massacre that left 33 people dead, including the tormented shooter, a Korean American student named Seung-hui Cho. Following the shooting, hysteria and confusion engulfed Korean immigrants all over the country, including Los Angeles County, which has the largest Korean American community in the nation. The Council for Korean Churches in Southern California, a consortium of 1,200 Korean churches, is planning to hold a prayer vigil at 2 p.m. April 16 in the Korean American Federation’s office in Los Angeles’ Koreatown, to show their sympathy and support for the family members of the victims, as well as Cho’s parents.
Click here for the original article
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04.15.08
Posted in Community Alerts at 9:51 am by william_lee_intern
The new president of the Korean-American James Chongho Kim, caucus of The United Methodist Church has challenged pastors and lay leaders to launch 500 Korean-American churches in five years. The elected president issued the challenge during the national caucus meeting March 30-April 3.
Click here for the original article
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04.10.08
Posted in Activism and Empowerment, Community Alerts at 11:44 pm by admin
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Elizabeth R. OuYang, Executive Vice President, 718-596-0143
Vicki Shu Smolin, President, 646-263-6044
OCA-NY CONDEMNS ACTIONS BY NEW YORK CITY SPELLING BEE ORGANIZERS
April 10, 2008 - Today, the Organization of Chinese Americans, New York
Chapter (OCA-NY) condemned an incident where a Chinese American student
was denied the right to participate in a city-wide spelling bee, after
she was told she had qualified.
On January 29, 2008, Ariel Leung, a PS 124 student from District 2
qualified for the city-wide spelling bee, after having placed 7th in the
Manhattan borough spelling bee. The final 8 contestants were told they
had all qualified to advance to the city-wide spelling bee and parents
were told they would be notified once the details of the event were
finalized.
On March 5, 2008, PS 124 librarian, Ms. Albert, learned that the
spelling bee would be taking place on March 13 and asked Ariel’s mother,
Ms. Li Wen Mo, if she had received the notice of the event. As it
turned out, Ms. Mo was not notified and the spelling bee operation
manager simply said Ariel did not qualify. PS 124 Principal, Ms. Hom,
then contacted the spelling bee organizers to obtain to arrange for Ms.
Mo to listen to the tape. Mo found the exact location on the tape that
indicated her daughter’s qualification to compete. When confronted on
this fact, the operation manager stated that the organizer had made a
mistake and that the ultimate decision on who would move forward should
have been made by the judges and told Ms. Mo that Ariel would not be
able to compete as it would mean another student would have been kicked
off.
It was at this point that OCA-NY Executive Vice President, Elizabeth R.
OuYang, who also is a civil rights attorney, intervened. Ms. OuYang
contacted the attorney representing the spelling bee and insisted that
the tape of the January 29 competition be preserved and that given the
evidence on the tape, Ariel Leung should be allowed to compete in the
city-wide spelling bee. With one-days’ notice, the organizers of the
spelling bee allowed Ariel to compete. As it turned out, a student who
DID NOT finish in the top 8 at the Manhattan competition was competing
at the city-wide event, in addition to Ariel.
In an April 8, 2008 letter to Joel Klein, Chancellor of the Department
of Education, Vicki Shu Smolin, President of OCA-NY wrote, “As you and
Mayor Bloomberg both can agree, access to quality education,
participation by parents and a healthy spirit of competition, along with
support from the Department of Education and the community, are
essential to the academic and psychological growth of our city’s youth.
This incident highlighted the achievement of a student, the tenacity of
a parent, the support of the school and the backing of the community,
but the breakdown somewhere was somewhere in the administration.”
“The manner in which Ms. Mo was treated by the organizers was
appalling,” stated Liz OuYang, Executive Vice President of OCA-NY.
“They did not notify her of the date of the city-wide competition, then
they were trying to convince Ms. Mo her daughter did not make it when
she herself was at the competition and it was caught on tape. It sends
the wrong message to the Chinese American community, a message that
implies that Chinese immigrant parents are stupid and can be taken
advantage of. More Chinese parents like Ms. Mo must assert their rights
or they will be treated like second class citizens.”
Comments Ms. Mo, “They need to be more responsible. They need to treat
parents with respect and not with an attitude that they can do whatever
they want. It is not fair that anyone has to go through what I did. I
do not want it to happen to anyone else.”
-END-
Founded in 1973, OCA is a national non-profit, non-partisan organization
dedicated to advancing the social, political and economic well-being of
Asian Pacific Americans. With a national headquarters in Washington DC
and over 80 chapters and affiliates across the country, OCA embraces the
hopes and aspirations of the nearly 12 million Americans of Chinese and
Asian/Pacific Islander ancestry in the United States. The New York
Chapter was founded in 1976.
OCA-NY is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions are tax
deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.
OCA, “Embracing the Hopes and Aspirations of Asian Pacific Americans.”
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04.09.08
Posted in Community Alerts at 8:35 am by admin
If our mission statement is consistent with your beliefs, then perhaps you’d like to write for Fallout Central!
Drop us a line at comments@falloutcentral.com today!
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