WEATHER ALERT
Mayor Whitmire announces inaugural AAPI Convention in Houston
Read full article: Mayor Whitmire announces inaugural AAPI Convention in HoustonHouston Mayor John Whitmire and the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Advisory Board are hosting a press conference to address the launch of the AAPI National Convention in Houston.
Create authentic-ish Asian American dishes, as taught by KPRC 2 producers
Read full article: Create authentic-ish Asian American dishes, as taught by KPRC 2 producersHouston prides itself on having the most diverse cuisine in the world, but there's always that "authentic" factor that comes into play, that's why KPRC 2 producers show us how to make their favorite dishes THEIR way.
Asian American, Pacific Islander Latinos in the US see exponential growth, new analysis says
Read full article: Asian American, Pacific Islander Latinos in the US see exponential growth, new analysis saysThe number of people of both Latino and Asian American or Pacific Islander heritage has more than doubled in the last 20 years yet it remains an often ignored demographic, according to a new analysis.
Experience the art of Chinese calligraphy during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Read full article: Experience the art of Chinese calligraphy during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage MonthThe hosts are getting a lesson in Chinese calligraphy. Find out how you can learn this skillful art for free at this weekend's family-friendly event.
Houston nonprofit to hold conference, business expo supporting Vietnamese entrepreneurs
Read full article: Houston nonprofit to hold conference, business expo supporting Vietnamese entrepreneursIn honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, local nonprofit VBI Global is hosting a conference and business expo in support of Vietnamese entrepreneurs and businesses.
President Joe Biden calls Japan and India 'xenophobic' nations that do not welcome immigrants
Read full article: President Joe Biden calls Japan and India 'xenophobic' nations that do not welcome immigrantsPresident Joe Biden has called Japan and India “xenophobic” countries that do not welcome immigrants, lumping the two with adversaries China and Russia as he tried to explain the four countries’ economic circumstances and contrasted them with the U.S. on immigration.
The White House has a new curator. Donna Hayashi Smith is the first Asian American to hold the post
Read full article: The White House has a new curator. Donna Hayashi Smith is the first Asian American to hold the postThe White House has a new curator and Donna Hayashi Smith is the first Asian American to hold the post.
Local organization hosts PopUp Grocery Store, resource distribution addressing Asian and Immigrant Communities
Read full article: Local organization hosts PopUp Grocery Store, resource distribution addressing Asian and Immigrant CommunitiesAn organization is stepping up to help more than 100 Asian and immigrant families in the Houston area who are limited English speaking.
Averie Bishop, outspoken as Miss Texas 2022, announces run for state Legislature
Read full article: Averie Bishop, outspoken as Miss Texas 2022, announces run for state LegislatureAfter criticizing Republican leaders on abortion, guns and race, Bishop will run as a Democrat against Rep. Angie Chen Button in a competitive district in Dallas County.
Celebration at California dance ballroom a sign of healing following Lunar New Year shooting
Read full article: Celebration at California dance ballroom a sign of healing following Lunar New Year shootingA weekend celebration at a Southern California dance ballroom was hailed by organizers as the latest sign of healing within the Asian American community following the Lunar New Year shooting that killed 11 people at a nearby dance studio.
AAPI Spring Fashion Show with Anthony Pabillano and Tina Zulu
Read full article: AAPI Spring Fashion Show with Anthony Pabillano and Tina ZuluIn honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage month Houston Life is highlighting two talented local designers whose work is being showcased this weekend at the ASCEND AAPI Spring fashion show.
SHEIN hosting sample sale, Houston block party in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Read full article: SHEIN hosting sample sale, Houston block party in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage MonthSHEIN lovers, rejoice! The fashion giant is returning to Houston this month to host a sample sale and block party to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Island Heritage Month.
Barbie unveils Anna May Wong doll for AAPI Heritage Month
Read full article: Barbie unveils Anna May Wong doll for AAPI Heritage MonthSix months after she was immortalized with a U.S. quarter, Asian American Hollywood trailblazer Anna May Wong has received another accolade affirming her icon status — her own Barbie.
Asian American community members and elected officials speak out against Senate Bill 147
Read full article: Asian American community members and elected officials speak out against Senate Bill 147On Saturday, people in the Asian American community and leaders held a rally to express outrage for Senate Bill 147.
‘We will prosecute without favor, without fear’: Recently appointed Alamdar Hamdani is the 4th U.S. Attorney of South Asian descent in nation, 1st in district
Read full article: ‘We will prosecute without favor, without fear’: Recently appointed Alamdar Hamdani is the 4th U.S. Attorney of South Asian descent in nation, 1st in districtThe meeting started off with a simple introduction by the top law enforcement official in our area: “My name Alamdar Hamdani. I go by Al.”
Anna May Wong will be 1st Asian American featured on U.S. currency
Read full article: Anna May Wong will be 1st Asian American featured on U.S. currencyThe trailblazing Chinese American actress Anna May Wong will be the first Asian American featured on U.S. currency as part of a program that includes notable women on American quarters.
Seeking applications: Houston Health Foundation awarding $700K in grants to improve COVID-19 response in underserved communities
Read full article: Seeking applications: Houston Health Foundation awarding $700K in grants to improve COVID-19 response in underserved communities– Houston Health Foundation (HHF) is seeking applications from small community organizations that serve Hispanic, African American, Asian American, and other minority populations in the following zip codes: 77075, 77047, 77031, 77051, 77017, 77013, 77026, 77076, 77080, 77016, 77028, 77078, 77091, 77093, 77034, and 77092. This disbursement of grants will address inequities in COVID-19 outreach, expand health education, and increase testing and vaccinations.
Biden-Harris Administration launches national effort to support student success
Read full article: Biden-Harris Administration launches national effort to support student successPresident Biden calls on schools to leverage American Rescue Plan funds to expand programming and services to help students make up for lost learning time and succeed
Apply today! Houston Health Foundation awarding $2.1 million in grants to improve COVID-19 response in underserved communities
Read full article: Apply today! Houston Health Foundation awarding $2.1 million in grants to improve COVID-19 response in underserved communitiesHouston Health Foundation (HHF) is seeking applications from small community organizations that serve Hispanic, African American, Asian American, and other minority populations for the disbursement of grants that will address inequities in COVID-19 outreach, expand health education, and increase testing and vaccinations in Houston.
Vice President Kamala Harris meets with abortion providers as court ruling looms
Read full article: Vice President Kamala Harris meets with abortion providers as court ruling loomsVice President Kamala Harris will speak with abortion providers from states with some of the nation’s strictest restrictions on the procedure Thursday to thank them for their work, The White House said Harris will meet virtually meeting with medical professionals practicing in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Missouri and Montana.
Justices allow admissions policy at prestigious high school
Read full article: Justices allow admissions policy at prestigious high schoolThe Supreme Court has turned away a plea from parents to block a new admissions policy at a prestigious high school in northern Virginia that a lower court had found discriminates against Asian American students.
Justices to hear challenge to race in college admissions
Read full article: Justices to hear challenge to race in college admissionsThe conservative-dominated Supreme Court has agreed to hear a challenge to the consideration of race in college admissions, adding affirmative action to major cases on abortion, guns, religion and COVID-19 already on the agenda.
9,000 NYC workers on leave as vaccine mandate takes effect
Read full article: 9,000 NYC workers on leave as vaccine mandate takes effectAbout 9,000 New York City municipal workers were put on unpaid leave for refusing to comply with a COVID-19 vaccine mandate that took effect Monday and thousands of city firefighters have called out sick in an apparent protest over the requirement.
Houston’s Riyaaz Qawwali breaks barriers with music collaboration on Disney Junior
Read full article: Houston’s Riyaaz Qawwali breaks barriers with music collaboration on Disney JuniorA local ensemble making South Asian devotional music recently got the chance to collaborate on the soundtrack of a very special episode of Disney Junior’s ‘Mira, Royal Detective’
NYPD: Suspect in brutal attack on Asian American woman arrested and charged with felony assault as a hate crime
Read full article: NYPD: Suspect in brutal attack on Asian American woman arrested and charged with felony assault as a hate crimeThis image taken from surveillance video provided by the New York City Police Department shows a person of interest in connection with an assault of an Asian American woman, Monday, March 29, 2021, in New York. The NYPD is asking for the public's assistance in identifying the man. (Courtesy of New York Police Department via AP)
Suspect in attack on Asian American woman in NYC is arrested
Read full article: Suspect in attack on Asian American woman in NYC is arrestedPolice said Brandon Elliot, 38, is the man seen on surveillance video kicking and stomping the woman near Times Square on Monday. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio called the attack “absolutely disgusting and outrageous” and said it was “absolutely unacceptable” that witnesses didn’t help the woman. Two lobby workers, described by their union as doormen, were seen on video witnessing the attack but failing to help Kari. This year in New York City, there have been 33 hate crimes with an Asian victim as of Sunday, police said. Joo Han, the deputy director of the Asian American Federation, called the plainclothes patrols a “knee-jerk response” that ignored misgivings she said many people in Asian communities have about law enforcement.
Video shows vicious attack of Asian American woman in NYC
Read full article: Video shows vicious attack of Asian American woman in NYCOn Friday, in the same neighborhood as Monday's attack, a 65-year-old Asian American woman was accosted by a man waving an unknown object and shouting anti-Asian insults. He is not suspected in Monday's attack. Andrew Cuomo called Monday's attack “horrifying and repugnant" and he ordered a state police hate crimes task force to offer its assistance to the NYPD. The neighborhood where Monday's attack occurred, Hell's Kitchen, is predominantly white, with an Asian population of less than 20%, according to city demographic data. Shea called Monday's attack “disgusting," telling TV station NY1: “I don’t know who attacks a 65-year-old woman and leaves her on the street like that."
Atlanta police on shooting probe: ‘Nothing is off the table’
Read full article: Atlanta police on shooting probe: ‘Nothing is off the table’(AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)ATLANTA – Police said Thursday that “nothing is off the table” in the investigation of the deadly shootings at two Atlanta massage businesses, including whether the slayings were a hate crime. The pair postponed a political event in favor of meeting Friday with Asian American community leaders. “Our investigation is looking at everything, so nothing is off the table,” Deputy Atlanta Police Chief Charles Hampton Jr. said at a news conference. Investigators believe Long had previously visited two of the Atlanta massage parlors where four of the women were killed, Hampton said. Long’s statements spurred outrage and widespread skepticism in the Asian American community, which has increasingly been targeted for violence during the coronavirus pandemic.
Here is how to enjoy movie night at the Asia Society’s Front Lawn Film Nights
Read full article: Here is how to enjoy movie night at the Asia Society’s Front Lawn Film NightsThe Asia Society Texas Center is hosting the Front Lawn Film Nights, six outdoor film screenings in celebration of Asian and Asian American stars and filmmakers. HOUSTON – The Asia Society Texas Center is hosting six outdoor film screenings in celebration of Asian and Asian American stars and filmmakers. The Front Lawn Film Nights series will feature popular Asian movies, spanning decades, genres and cultures. Pricing for the pods starts at $30 for Asia Society members and $40 for nonmembers. The Asia Society Texas Center is at 1370 Southmore in Houston’s Museum District.
US population growth smallest in at least 120 years
Read full article: US population growth smallest in at least 120 years(AP Photo/Donald King, file)The U.S. population grew by the smallest rate in at least 120 years from 2019 to 2020, according to figures released Tuesday by the U.S. Census Bureau — a trend that demographers say provides a glimpse of the coronavirus pandemic’s toll. Population growth in the U.S. already was stagnant over the past several years due to immigration restrictions and a dip in fertility, but coronavirus-related deaths exacerbated that lethargic-growth trend, said William Frey, a senior fellow at The Brooking Institution’s Metropolitan Policy Program. “I think it’s a first glimpse of where we may be heading as far as low population growth," Frey said. Among the states, Idaho had the largest single-year population increase, growing 2.1% to 1.8 million residents. Sixteen states lost population, including California, the nation’s most populous state, which declined 0.18% to 39.3 million residents.
White House Rose Garden adds Japanese American's sculpture
Read full article: White House Rose Garden adds Japanese American's sculptureJapanese American sculptor Isamu Noguchi's piece, titled "Floor Frame," is displayed in the White House Rose Garden on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Washington. Noguchi is the first Asian American artist to be featured in the White House collection, according to the first lady and the White House Historical Association. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)WASHINGTON – The White House Rose Garden has a new addition, but it isn't a floral variety. Noguchi is the first Asian American artist to be featured in the White House collection, according to the first lady and the White House Historical Association. Noguchi's work was installed on the east terrace of the Rose Garden to complement the power symbolized by the Oval Office at the west end of the expanse, the White House said.
Breakthrough for women: Miami Marlins hire Kim Ng as GM
Read full article: Breakthrough for women: Miami Marlins hire Kim Ng as GMMIAMI – Kim Ng started her Major League Baseball career as an intern, and three decades later she’s still on the rise while shattering ceilings. Ng became the majors' highest-ranking woman in baseball operations when she was hired Friday as general manager of the Miami Marlins. “After decades of determination, it is the honor of my career to lead the Miami Marlins,” Ng said in a statement. “We look forward to Kim bringing a wealth of knowledge and championship-level experience to the Miami Marlins,” Jeter said in a statement. “All of us at Major League Baseball are thrilled for Kim and the opportunity she has earned with the Marlins,” baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.
Feds sue Yale, allege discrimination against applicants
Read full article: Feds sue Yale, allege discrimination against applicantsWASHINGTON – The Justice Department sued Yale University on Thursday, weeks after prosecutors found the university was illegally discriminating against Asian American and white applicants, in violation of federal civil rights law. A statement from the university president said Yale will not change its admissions practices as a result of the suit. The action from the Justice Department is the latest by the Trump administration in a long-running effort aimed at rooting out discrimination in the college application process, following complaints from students about the application process at some Ivy League colleges. The Justice Department’s investigation — which stemmed from a 2016 complaint against Yale, Brown and Dartmouth — also found that Yale uses race as a factor in multiple steps of the admissions process and that Yale “racially balances its classes," officials said. Schools also bear the burden of showing why their consideration of race is appropriate.
Kamala Harris' selection as VP resonates with Black women
Read full article: Kamala Harris' selection as VP resonates with Black womenBlack women in particular helped rescue Biden's campaign earlier this year by delivering a resounding victory in the South Carolina primary, powering him to the Democratic nomination. That will hinge on Black voters in battleground states like Michigan to turn out in force in November. But for Black women, the freedom to vote didnt come until much later, part of a historical pattern of being denied justice offered to others. It took an additional 45 years of organizing to secure the rights to vote for Black women and other women of color, Ufot said. It affirms Black women and all we did for this country.
Texas organizers and candidates hope to engage a key voting bloc in 2020: South Asian Americans
Read full article: Texas organizers and candidates hope to engage a key voting bloc in 2020: South Asian AmericansSouth Asian Americans have emerged as an influential voting bloc in congressional districts across the state. The group seeks to educate candidates in districts where there are a substantial number of South Asian American voters. The community is not monolithic, Shah said; a large share of South Asian Americans in Texas are Republicans, and many are pro-Trump. He and Shah are working to mobilize South Asian Americans of all political backgrounds in Central Texas this election cycle. The South Asian American community in her hometown leans heavily Republican, she said.