APAP Calendar

AAPI Empowerment Dinner - St. Louis

Sunday, March 14 at 6:00 pm
Buffalo Brewing Co., 300 Olive Street
rsvp to curtis @ apaforprogress.org

APAP/Colorado Chapter Launch

Thursday, March 18th at 7:00 pm
Asian Pacific Development Center, York Street
1825 York Street, Denver
rsvp to curtis at apaforprogress.org

Join Us on Twitter - http://twitter.com/apaforprogress

Items tagged: japanese american

My Japanese American Identity

I get asked time and again if I speak Japanese. I suppose it is a natural question from those that see my full Asian face, and think “she must speak her native tongue”. But, to answer the question, I don’t speak Japanese. My parents don’t speak it. Oh, and to add to the shock and awe, my grandparents don’t speak it, either. This surprises everyone, sometimes even my Asian American acquaintances.

I am fifth generation Japanese American.


Kendee Yamaguchi to lead commission on Asian Pacific Americans

Here's some cool news out of Washington state. Long-time community leader Kendee Yamaguchi has been named the executive director of the Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs. Here is the official press release:


Colleen Hanabusa set to run for Congress

Here's some exciting news out of Hawaii. Democrat Colleen Hanabusa, the state Senate president, is expected to soon announce her candidacy for the First Congressional District in Hawaii. That's the seat being vacated by current Representative Neil Abercrombie who is stepping down to run for Governor.


Alaska Hearts Dan Inouye

When it comes to Washington, the Congressional delegations of Hawaii and Alaska have always been close. Perhaps it has something to do with the two of them being the new kids on the block. For instance, when former Senator Ted Stevens was taking heat for his Bridge to Nowhere up in Alaska, it was Senator Dan Inouye who came to his support. Now it seems the state is returning the favor.


Warren Furutani elected Chair of API Legislative Caucus

Starting Sept. 11, California Assemblymember Warren Furutani takes over as the new Chair of the Asian Pacific Islander (API) Legislative Caucus in Sacremento. Founded just nine years ago, it's the second largest ethnic Caucus in the California legislature. From an email Warren just sent us:


Lloyd Hara running for King County Assessor

In Seattle, former City Treasurer Lloyd Hara has filed for the vacant King County Assessor post. From his press release, Hara, who is a moderate Democrat, stressed the need for new leadership:

“I pride myself on being a watchdog, not a lapdog,” said Hara.  “For nearly 20 years, the same folks have run the Assessor’s office.  It is time for a change and some proven leadership.”


Dear Pixar, Thanks for an Asian American hero!

See video

(picture credit: Michael Tran, FilmMagic)

As a long time feminist, I was totally feelin' Linda Holmes' plea to Pixar for a female heroine that wasn't a princess, entitled Dear Pixar, From all the Girls with Band-Aids on their Knees.  True that it would be really great for girls to be able to go to a Pixar or Disney flick and relate to the main character as a girl.