Asian Avenue magazine - August 2018 by Asian Avenue magazine

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Connecting Cultures Linking Lives

August 2018 Volume 13 Issue 8

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Dear Asian Avenue readers,

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Welcome to the month of August—summer is winding down and our children are headed back to school! Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families have had a busy summer hosting cultural camps nearly every weekend. In this issue, we share the incredible impact these camps have had on the lives of adoptees and their families. Adoptees who grew up going to camp each summer are now leaders sharing their experience, participating on informative panels, and mentoring the younger generation of adoptees. We want to recognize Pam Sweetser, Founder and Executive Director of Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families for her unwavering dedication! Pam was also one of our Asian American Heroes of Colorado awardees in 2016. You may have heard the buzz about the upcoming movie, Crazy Rich Asians, featuring an all Asian cast. Can this be true? Yes! The film, based on Kevin Kwan’s books, will hit theaters August 15! We encourage our readers to support the film in theaters, in hopes that more opportunities for Asians and Asian Americans in film may flourish with the film’s success. Plan a girls’ night or a date—the romantic comedy is based on a couple planning to take their relationship to the next level by introductions to the family! Aurora is the place to be this month! From August 1st to 8th, restaurants on Havana Street will be participating in Restaurant Week. The city’s annual Global Fest on the 18th welcomes you to enjoy delicious cultural foods and festive performances. Lastly, beginning August 25th, the Colorado International Chinese Calligraphy Exhibition will be celebrating a week-long appreciation of Chinese calligraphy at the Aurora Public Library. Christina Yutai Guo, Publisher Asian Avenue magazine | www.asianavemag.com

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August 2018 | Publisher’s Note

asian avenue staff & support Publisher & Founder: Christina Yutai Guo President: Annie Guo VanDan Senior Designer: C.G. Yao Marketing Manager: Joie Ha Staff Writer: Patricia Kaowthumrong Staff Writer: Amy Ng Staff Writer: Mary Jeneverre Schultz Photographer: Trang Luong

contributing writers Wayne Chan, Shirley Chang, Nevan McCabe, John Shim

contributing photographers Nadra Ginting, Nevan McCabe

on the cover Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families has become an annual summer event for many adoptive families in Colorado and across the nation. The camps give adoptees and parents tools to communicate about their adoptive experience. Photo Courtesy of Marissa Tafura

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editorial To submit story ideas, letters to the editor or calendar events, e-mail info@asianavemag.com. Asian Avenue magazine (ISSN 1932-1449) reserves all copyrights to this issue. No parts of this edition can be reproduced in any manner without written permission. The views expressed in articles are the authors’ and not necessarily those of Asian Avenue magazine. Authors may have consulting or other business relationships with the companies they discuss.

Published by Asian Avenue Magazine, Inc. P.O. Box 221748 Denver, CO 80222-1748 Tel: 303.937.6888 | info@asianavemag.com

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Asian Avenue magazine is in association with the Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network.

CONTENTS

august 2018

EVENTS

8 10 11

Event calendar Aurora invites you to Global Fest

Dolce Academy of Music presents classical music up close and personal

COVER STORY

Adult adoptees, who grew up going to Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families, now help the next generation of adoptees.

MOVIE FEATURE

Crazy Rich Asians movie with all Asian cast opens in movie theaters on August 15

COMEDY COLUMN

Fusion Food and Fried Rice

Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families provide adoptees and parents with opportunities to share experiences and develop positive self-identities.

INSIDE STORY

FirstBank takes pride in serving Coloradoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Asian community

ASIAN AMERICAN NEWS

National news about Asian American people and communities

BOOK REVIEW

The Boat People by Sharon Bala depicts a touching and emotional journey for Sri Lankan refugees that arrive unwelcomed in Vancouver

Resource fair will provide educational resources to Asian Pacific Islander community

CU Denver Dragon Boat Team races in Hong Kon Dragon Boat Festival

CULTURAL TIDBITS

Celebrate the purple mountain majesties on August 11

Q&A interview with author Sharon Bala

ON SCENE

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office attends Outdoor Retailer Summer Market and hosts Taiwan Investment Seminar

ASIAN AVENUE MAGAZINE, INC. P.O. Box 221748 Denver, CO 80222-1748 | Tel: 303.937.6888 E-mail: info@asianavemag.com | www.asianavemag.com 6

August 2018 | Table of Contents

20 Find us @AsianAveMag

#AsianAveMag

2018 AUG. 25 – SEP. 1 AURORA PUBLIC LIBRARY

14949 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO 80012

303.739.6600 FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Exhibit Hours

Monday-Friday 10 am – 7 pm Saturday-Sunday 10 am – 5 pm

Saturday, AUG. 25 Opening Reception 2:00-3:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

Calligraphy Demostration 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Sunday, AUG. 26

Chinese Calligraphy Lecture Demostration/Participation

1:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, AUG. 29

Chinese Calligraphy for Kids

For more info, please contact:

4:00-5:00 p.m.

HARBER CHANG

(Seats are limited.) Pre-register at AuroraLibrary.org

Hnjchang@yahoo.com | 303.875.8872 JANE LIM

Jane.Lim@ccd.edu | 303.352.6510 BRITTNI EHRHART

Behrhart@auroragov.org | 303.739.6583

upcoming events Restaurant Week On Havana Street August 1-8

and artistic expressions from around the world at Global Fest. The Parade of Nations kicks of the event with community members holding flags that represent their country, signifying the diversity of the city of Aurora. There will also be multicultural performances on the main stage, as well as delicious food vendors.

Participating restaurants on Havana Street in Aurora, CO For more info, visit onhavanastreet.com Travel the world through global cuisines On Havana Street. Taste the most unique, traditional fare at an affordable cost. Celebrate On Havana Street’s Global corridor and experience cuisines all over the globe in just 4.3 miles. It’s all about discovering the most authentic, global cuisines and immersive experiences of On Havana Street.

Citizen Workshops

Saturday, August 4 | 10am to 4pm

Place Bridge Academy 7125 Cherry Creek N Dr. Denver, CO 80224 For more info, visit coloradoimmigrant.org/daapic

Saturday, August 25 | 10am to 4pm

away from a taboo topic, there are literally no subjects off limits. Her socially aware, no-holdsbarred brand of comedy has made her both a thought leader and a tolerant teacher to those with open minds and open hearts. An accomplished performer in all formats, Margaret has conquered the worlds of film, television, books, music and theatre. Having been nominated for three Grammy Awards and one Emmy Award, her comedy tours are a constant sell-out both here and abroad. Margaret’s comedy show releases have broken records, with I’m The One That I Want still holding the title for ‘Most Money Grossed Per Print’ for an independent film. Her other releases include Notorious C.H.O, Assassin, Revolution, Beautiful, Cho Dependent and most recently psyCHO.

How to Meditate with Kadam Lucy James Tuesday, August 21 | 7pm to 8:30pm

Washington Park Boathouse 701 S. Franklin St. Denver, CO 80209 Cost: Free and open to general public For more info, visit meditationincolorado.org. Anyone can learn to meditate and experience great peace of mind and relaxation. If we know how to meditate, we can always tap into the potential for deep happiness and bliss because its source is within our own minds. Even a simple meditation practice can help us to find our own natural high.

Filipino-American Community of Colorado 1900 Harlan St. Edgewater, CO 80214 For more info, visit coloradoimmigrant.org/faccworkshop The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition will offer citizenship workshops for Asian and Pacific Islander legal permanent residents. The workshop will include: 1) aid completing application; 2) immigration attorney application review; 3) information on how to file your application; 4) free study materials. Cost is $30. For questions, contact 720-593-2075 or stephanie@coloradoimmigrant.org.

Enjoy guided meditation and practical, inspiring advice from a teacher who has been meditating for over 30 years. Whether you are new to meditation or have some prior knowledge, you are sure to enjoy this wonderful evening at the beautiful Wash Park boathouse, overlooking the lake.

Aurora Global Fest 2018

Margaret Cho at Comedy Works

Aurora Municipal Center, Great Lawn 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO 80012 Cost: Free and open to general public For more info, visit auroragov.org/ things_to_do/events/global_fest

Comedy Works South 5345 Landmark Pl, Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Cost: $40 For more info or tickets, visit comedyworks.com/comedians/margaret-cho

The city of Aurora, Colorado, invites you to experience fantastic flavors, cultural experiences

Comedian Margaret Cho has always been the Agent Provocateur of stand-up. Never one to shy

Saturday, August 18 | 11am to 6pm

Send community events to info@asianavemag.com.

August 24 & 25 | 7:15pm & 9:45pm Shows

Colorado International Chinese Calligraphy Exhibition August 25 - September 1

Aurora Public Library 14949 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO 80012 Cost: Free and open to the public For more info, contact Jane Lim at 303-352-6510 or Jane.Lim@ccd.edu. Confucius Institute at Community College of Denver team up with community organizations to host the Colorado International Chinese Calligraphy Exhibition at Aurora Public Library. The exhibit will be open for one week, Monday-Friday from 10am to 7pm; Saturday-Sunday from 10am to 5pm. The opening reception on August 25 will be from 2pm to 3:30pm with refreshments served, followed by a calligraphy demostration from 3:30pm to 4:30pm. Children can join in the fun too with Chinese Calligraphy for Kids on August 29 from 4pm to 5pm. 2018 AUG. 25 – SEP. 1 AURORA PUBLIC LIBRARY

14949 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO 80012

303.739.6600 FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Exhibit Hours

Monday-Friday 10 am – 7 pm Saturday-Sunday 10 am – 5 pm

Saturday, AUG. 25 Opening Reception 2:00-3:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

Calligraphy Demostration 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Sunday, AUG. 26

Chinese Calligraphy Lecture Demostration/Participation

1:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, AUG. 29

Chinese Calligraphy for Kids

August 2018 | Event Calendar

4:00-5:00 p.m. (Seats are limited.) Pre-register at AuroraLibrary.org

For more info, please contact: HARBER CHANG

Hnjchang@yahoo.com | 303.875.8872 JANE LIM

Jane.Lim@ccd.edu | 303.352.6510 BRITTNI EHRHART

Behrhart@auroragov.org | 303.739.6583

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Global Fest 2018 Saturday, August 18, 2018 | 11am to 6pm Aurora Municipal Center, Great Lawn 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO 80012 The City of Aurora invites you to experience fantastic flavors, cultural experiences and artistic expressions from around the world at Global Fest. This free event includes two stages of performances, a Parade of Nations, an international fashion show, beer garden, food and merchandise vendors offering global tastes. Don’t want to drive or mess with event parking? Take RTD’s R Line to the Aurora Metro Center Station, a short walk from the event site.

VENDOR LINE UP Cody’s Café & Bar – Global Fusion Arepas House – Venezuela The Comforts of Home - American Dos Mares Co. – Panama (Empanadas) Happy Cones – New Zealand Kona Ice – Pacific Islands Lady Dee’s Authentic Nigerian Cuisine Msosi Kenyan Cuisine Repicci’s Italian Ice Ron & Zo Brotha’s Most Wanted - BBQ WeChef Kitchen - Southeast Asian

CONOCOPHILLIPS MAIN STAGE 11am - National Anthem 11:05am - Jubilee Ensemble 11:15 to 11:45am – Parade of Nations 12 to 1pm – Simba - African 1:25 to 2:25pm – Fashion Show 2:50 to 3:50pm – Grupo Kaoba – Hispanic 4:45 to 6pm - Jyemo Club – Multicultural

August 2018 | Spotlight

WHAT AN HONOR IT IS TO HAVE THESE CULTURES FROM AROUND THE WORLD HERE WITH US. AURORA TRULY IS WORTH DISCOVERING.

- RICARDO GAMBETTA Manager of Aurora’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs

Dolce Academy of Music

Sunday, Aug. 19 | Begins at 6:30pm Anna and John J. Sié International Relations Complex, Ste 4005 2201 S. Gaylord St. Denver,, CO 80208 Donations only

Dolce Academy student Cameron Suh looks up in amusement at John Shim.

On Sunday, Aug. 19, the founders of Dolce Academy of Music and their friends will present an evening of the most sublime musical works ever known to humanity. Using a casual environment opened graciously by Pardis Mahdavi, Dean of the University of Denver’s Korbel School, the attendees will be encouraged to relax and enjoy drinks and each other’s company as they watch and listen to fine classical music up close and personal. Classical music has become quite a respectable and solemn genre, but the original purpose of some of the most beautiful, romantic and enjoyable pieces within the ‘classical’ repertoire was to enjoy the sounds in an intimate setting. They were meant to be shared in smaller spaces in good company where the actual beauty of the music could be heard and admired. Respected violinist and teacher, Alexander Raab, and his best friend and studio mate, John Shim, will be joined by John’s sister, Maria Shim - a recent

graduate of the Juilliard School - Madoka Asari, Andrew Brown, Jordan Curry of the Curry Miranda Duo, and Tianjie Lu from the Houston Symphony. They will create different combinations of ensemble and perform the works of Schubert, Schumann, Dvorak, and many more. To carry on the tradition of great western music history, whether it be classical, rock, pop, dance, Latin, or jazz, Alexander Raab and John Shim have asked James Suh to partner with them in growing a world class conservatory that is still fun and accessible for the average, curious student. The fruit of this vision is Dolce Academy and attendees are encouraged to learn more about the various themes of upcoming concerts or shows (there is a collaboration coming up with the Attitude Dance Studio in mid-November) as well as music classes and lessons offered at an unparalleled level by our fun, passionate and professional faculty.

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Adoptees reflect on positive experiences growing up with Heritage Camps By Annie Guo VanDan Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families (HCAF) began in 1991 with one summer camp held for 60 families with children adopted from Korea. Executive Director Pam Sweetser never imagined HCAF would later grow to 11 camps. The culturally rich camp experiences bring adoptive families to Colorado from across the nation. The camps, which usually take place in Winter Park, have grown to include: two Chinese camps, African/ Caribbean, Cambodian, Indian/Nepalese, Korean, Latin American, Russian/Eastern European/Central Asian, Southeast Asian/ Pacific Islander, and a domestic adoption camp. While Sweetser initially founded the Korea and India camp for her own adoptive children, she said, “Every time someone else asked—a parent or an adoption agency—about a camp for their kids, I had to say yes, of course!” 27 years later, she reflects, “Being the Executive Director of a nonprofit organi-

August 2018 | Cover Story

zation such as this was really something I never planned on, and it has been such a tremendous joy in my life!” Adult Adoptees Give Back to the Camp They Grew Up Going To Every Summer HCAF has not only been life-changing for Sweeter, it has made a profound impact on the lives of adoptees. Sarah Quinn, Narmada Morris and Himani My Hoa Class are amongst those that grew up going to camp each summer. The three now participate on panels sharing their experiences as adult adoptees and helping answer questions for parents and high school students. Sarah Quinn first attended Chinese Heritage Camp in 1998 when her mom helped start the camp for adoptive families with children from China. She and her sister Emily have been attending ever since. As an alumna of HCAF, Quinn is now 26 and plans to be a role model for future campers.

“I hope to act as a good role model for the current generation of adoptees. I want them to feel empowered to volunteer for HCAF or other organizations that value the importance of adoption, culture, and family. Being one of the oldest Chinese Heritage Camp alumna, I feel it is my responsibility to give back to the camp in the same way that it benefitted me growing up.” Narmada Morris says, “I was 5 years old when I first attended. My earliest memory was as my mom pulled up to camp, I threw myself against the car window and screamed ‘mom, look at all these brown kids!’ For me being surrounded by a bunch of children that looked like me was the best experience ever. I was excited and loved that fact that I was part of the crowd.” Now at the age of 29, Morris serves as a counselor for several camps, is a counselor coordinator for the Indian/Nepalese camp, and sits on the advisory board.

SARAH QUINN (middle) AGE: 26 CHINESE

Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families, Inc. (HCAF) serves as a post- adoption resource and advocate for children, adults, and families with diverse heritages. HCAF’s goal is that all adoptees develop a knowledge of themselves and their culture of origin and that families will have a better awareness of, and sense of pride in, their adopted family member’s birth heritage.

I serve as a counselor coordinator for Chinese Heritage Camp and a counselor for other camps such as China Too Camp, Southeast Asian Pacific Islander Camp and Korean Heritage Camp. I feel that the future of HCAF is with leadership by adult adoptees that were camp alumni like myself. I want to give back to this organization that was such a huge part of my life. Growing up, HCAF was the only place where I could connect with people whose families looked like mine, which was a cool experience growing up in a predominantly Caucasian community. I feel lucky

to have been able to attend HCAF and have a family that was very invested in the organization because the camps are so important in figuring out about your culture, adoption, and identity.

NARMADA MORRIS (right) AGE: 29 INDIAN

I appreciate being able to connect and also feel connected to other families like my own. I don’t openly discuss my adoption on a daily basis, however at HCAF I can talk about my experiences in a bi-cultural, multiracial family and what has been positive for me growing up and in adulthood. HCAF provides a safe space to speak freely and openly and my hope is that it allows other families to do the same. I really

enjoy connecting with younger generations as I’ve become an adult that can provide support and love. I hope to build confidence and pride in their story. Adoption is beautiful, but can also have complexities that many who don’t experience it struggle to comprehend. I want to ensure adoptees own their story, all aspects of it.

HIMANI MY HOA CLASS (left) AGE: 21 VIETNAMESE

Being a transracial adoptee is difficult since fitting in seems impossible. There are things I had to come to terms with, and I hope that I can help others start that journey or acknowledge feelings they may have pushed away. When I started

to understand that I had some very deep rooted trust, abandonment and attachment issues, all in relation to being adopted, it opened a flood gate of things I never knew about myself. When you’re a kid, it’s hard to understand why you feel the way you do and sometimes you don’t know why. As I got older, I could understand more and reflect on how it was for me growing up. I was lucky to have a mother who was a therapist; I am forever grateful that she has been so understanding about mental illness and is always there to listen if I need help.

Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families | asian avenue magazine

“For me, I want to ensure that the younger generations and parents get the love and support from an adult adoptee who grew up in camp.” By participating on the panels, Morris answers questions for parents and older youth as they transition to adulthood. She says this is also a great time to connect so she can be a resource throughout the years and not only at camp. Discovering a Positive Self-Identity 21-year-old Himani “Mani” Class spent her summers at Vietnamese Heritage Camp. She grew up in Boulder, so she says “seeing people of my ethnicity was nice.” She acknowledges that she was shy, so didn’t make many close friends at HCAF, but enjoyed seeing the same people each year. For someone like Class, HCAF helped her unfold the emotions and feelings of being an adoptee. “Depression is incredibly common for adoptees. Being adopted kind of just comes with emotional baggage, unfortunately,” she said. “I found that a lot of it was feeling like I was never enough, that I

This Is Me™ presenter panel at at Indian Nepalese Heritage Camp 2017 with Fran Campbell (fourth from left) and Narmada Morris (second from right)

didn’t deserve to be where I was, that I didn’t fit in with anyone—not even the other Asian kids who weren’t adopted, that I didn’t know who I was growing up, etc. There were a lot of things!” “Of course, it’s different for everyone, but I find that it’s easy to forget adopted kids tend to have more trouble with attachment, trust, and abandonment.” Through participating on the adult adoptee panels, Class has created close bonds with other campers and been a part of many intimate discussions. She hopes to one day go to an orphanage or foster home in Vietnam to give back. This Is Me™ Program The This Is Me™ programs at HCAF were established in response to a study from the Donaldson Adoption Institute in 2009 that stated “...strategies that promote cultural socialization... and support on racial and cultural identification and comfort” are vitally important to young adoptees, especially as they prepare to leave home to go to college or to live on their own. It is clinically noted that adoptees who do not have an understanding of their own self-identity, which includes a connection to their ethnic heritage, will experience higher rates of depression and anxiety. HCAF staff, counselors and presenters are sensitive to adoptees that show signs of depression, anxiety or selfharm ideation; and are prepared to provide mental health support, resources and guidance during and after camp. Fran Campbell helped develop the This Is Me™ (TIM) workshop for high school campers, the Who I Am™ workshop for

August 2018 | Cover Story

Sarah Quinn (third from left) at Chinese Heritage Camp in 2009

Executive Director of Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families Pam Sweetser, Founder of Mudra Dance Studio Namita Khanna Nariani, and HCAF Cultural Advisory Boardmember Fran Campbell at Indian Nepalese Heritage Camp

More info at: www.heritagecamps.org middle school campers and the Courageous Conversations workshop for parents. With her background in mental health, she currently coordinates and co-facilitates these workshops at every camp, every summer, with her daughter, Taryn Johnson, MA LPC. Campbell volunteered for the very first Filipino Heritage Camp in 2000. “That was 18 years ago and I’ve not missed a camp yet!” she said. The This is Me™ program is a unique set of activities and discussion developed for high school campers that seek to assist each of them in development of a positive bicultural identity. During this workshop, high school campers are connected with mirror role models from their respective cultures. Together they discuss issues such as: What does it mean to be a minority in the community? How do you fit in as an adoptee? What happens when you leave home? Where can you find a support network of people who relate to your experience as a transracial adoptee? The purpose of “This is Me” is to help our campers go “beyond culture camp” and gain some tools to help them as they build their identities as teenagers and young adults. The Courageous Conversations for

Parents workshop is a carefully facilitated discussion about race and racism based on the “This Is Me™ curriculum; and shares the thoughts that the high school campers have on this subject. This discussion is a safe place for HCAF parents to discuss these hard hitting topics with cultural community volunteers and each other. Now that the TIM program is nine years old, Campbell has repeatedly heard adult adoptees say that HCAF has made a big impact on their lives. The camp and these workshops have made it easier to communicate with others about their adoption and ethnicity. They also feel better prepared to meet adult challenges; and they don’t feel disconnected or alone. Campbell said: “I’m really proud that these young adults tell me that “This Is Me™” is worth it—and some are now co-presenters with me including Sarah, Mani and Narmada!” As Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families approaches its 30th year, thousands of adoptees have participated in the camps, many of which are now in their 20s. Adult adoptees will now take the reins and serve as leaders and mentors, inspiring the next generation of young adoptees.

Narmada Morris (middle) with her mother Marcee Morris and daughter Inaya Morris-Emery

This Is Me™ presenter panel at the Southeast Asian Pacific Islander (SEAPI) Heritage Camp 2018 with Fran Campbell (left) and Mani Class (fourth from left)

Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families | asian avenue magazine

CRAZY RICH ASIANS

puts all Asian cast on the big screen Crazy Rich Asians hits theaters August 15! By Mary Jeneverre Schultz Premiering August 15, Kevin Kwan’s best-selling trilogy Crazy Rich Asians will come alive in movie theaters featuring an all Pan-Asian international cast. The $30 million movie marks the second time in Hollywood history for an all-Asian cast. Joy Luck Club, which premiered in 1993, was the first movie. Asians, Asian Americans, Asian Australians and Asian British will come together in this movie as a way to showcase the diversities in a multi-lingual, Pan-Asian ensemble. Potential in-laws, family historic culture and societal economic divisions will clash in a comedic and light-hearted manner. “It’s a love story, a love story with some obstacles,” said leading actress, Taiwanese-American Constance Wu, 36, during the interview on Good Morning America with Michael Strahan. Wu is also the main actress of the television weekly series, Fresh Off the Boat on ABC. Plot Wu plays the role of Rachel Chu, an Asian American professor of economics from New York University (NYU), who is dating ultra-rich Nicholas (Nick) Young. Nick, played by British-Malaysian actor Henry Golding, 31, invites Rachel to attend his best friend’s wedding in Singapore. Unbeknownst

August 2018 | Movie Feature

to Rachel, her humble boyfriend belongs to one of the top ten wealthiest families in Asia and is heir to the family’s great fortune. Rachel is thrown into a den of lions as she combats with Nick’s ex-girlfriends, Nick’s mother, Eleanor Young, who is obsessed with prestige and pride plus all the outliers of wealth. Simply, Nick didn’t think his family and friends would show such opposition, of course, in a comedic way. A huge wrench is thrown in Nick’s expectations of his family and friends accepting Rachel as his girlfriend, with the possibility of fiancé and wife. Behind the Scenes Produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, the movie also comprised a Singaporean author Kevin Kwan, Chinese-American director Jon M. Chu (“Now You See Me 2”) and Malaysian screenwriter Adele Lim. Henry Golding makes his feature film debut along with stars Gemma Chan (“Humans”); Awkwafina (upcoming “Ocean’s 8,” “Neighbors 2”); and Michelle Yeoh (upcoming “Star Trek: Discovery,” “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”). Other notable actors and actresses include: Korean American comedian Ken Jeong, British Japanese actress Sonoya Mizuno, Chinese American actor Harry Shum, Jr., Australian actor Chris Pang, Malaysian comedian Ronny Chieng, Hong Kong American actor Jimmy O. Yang, Australian actor Remy Hii, Filipino American Nico Santos, British Chinese actress Jing Lusi, and Chinese American actress Lisa Lu. Singaporean

Photos Courtesy of Warner Bros.

actresses Fiona Xie, Tan Kheng Hua, Selena Tan, Janice Koh, along with Singaporean actor Pierre Png also hit the screen. Filmed entirely on location in Singapore and Malaysia, the film will be distributed worldwide. Casting Controversy During negotiations and casting, the movie has already stirred controversies of attempting to white-wash a global cast. Kwan shared through many talks and YouTube interviews that potential directors wanted to cast the female lead as an American Caucasian girl. Kwan as the consultant to the movie, shared his obvious protest. Historians indicated that “less than 20 percent of films are people of color, while Asians represent 3.1 percent in leading roles in Hollywood as tracked in 2016.”

Other backlash included the leading male role being “not Asian enough.” Golding defends this criticism by challenging the litmus test for being Asian enough. He confessed to living half of his life in Asia and visiting every single Asian country, not including Myanmar, on work as a Southeast Asian travel presenter on BBC’s The Travel Show since 2014. Despite the criticism, the movie is garnering huge publicity and buzz among Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. If you’re not a movie buff, at least listen to the audio trilogy of Kevin Kwan’s books. It’s worth listening to all the unique, Pan-Asian and European accents. ---------------------------------------------------------------------Mary Jeneverre Schultz is planning a girls’ night out during the premiere week of Crazy Rich Asians. Follow her on Instagram @Jeneverre.

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Fusion and Fried Rice A Match Made in Heaven

By Wayne Chan

It’s such a simple dish, but I can count on one hand how many times I’ve truly had a great fried rice. 18

August 2018 | Comedy Column

Beef noodle soup, Asian tapas & sushi? Thanks, but no thanks. I try not to be a foodie elitist, but I’ve never been attracted to restaurants that mix and match cuisines from two or more cultures. And don’t even get me started on fusion restaurants. Szechuan tostadas topped with a green curry cole slaw? I think I’ll pass. My theory on fusion food is the entire menu was created by some chef in New York who was bored and just started experimenting with things. He wanted something new and suddenly he thought, “I wonder how Peking Duck would taste if I added chili sauce and put it in a tortilla?” And thus, “fusion” cuisine was born. It’s hard enough making one dish well. Who has the gumption or even the skills to make two or three cuisines at the same time? Well, I was about to find out. We stopped in to the restaurant which specialized in Taiwanese beef noodle soup as well as a wide range in sushi. To top it off, they had fried noodles, fried rice and Korean BBQ too. I knew which one I was going for first – fried rice. Basic fried rice – it’ll tell you everything you need to know. In the movie, “The Hundred Foot Journey”, the owner of the Michelin rated restaurant asked her apprentice to make a simple omelet. If he could prepare a simple omelet, that would tell her a lot about his basic cooking skills. Well, with Chinese food – it’s fried rice. It’s such a simple dish, but I can count on one hand how many times I’ve truly had a great fried rice. And if the fried rice is working, you can bet that everything else on the menu will probably work too. I’m not a food critic, but I know my fried rice. It needs to be glistening in oil – not swimming in it. The rice needs to be loose and not clumpy. If you can easily form fried rice into respectable looking snowballs, you might as well start a fried rice snowball fight because that rice is not worth eating. Getting back to my meal. I dug my chopsticks into my bowl of freshly made fried rice and gave it a little sniff – the steam from the shrimp and barbeque pork seemed enticing, but now for the real test – I took my first bite. It was awesome. It was probably one of the best fried rice I’ve had in years. And this, coming from a restaurant that served sushi along with this Asian taco thing that I’ve never seen before. Now, I don’t know if their sushi is any good, and I would not be the best judge of that since I’m not a huge sushi fan, but the beef noodle soup was amazing too. My friend even had the Asian taco and while it didn’t taste like any taco I’d ever eaten, whatever it was tasted pretty darn good. Apparently my whole disdain for Asian or fusion food may have been misplaced. Maybe I need to give this whole fusion culinary thing another try. I’m all in. Give me your best shot. Bibimpap pizza – I’d love a slice! Chicken fettucine kung pao style? Don’t mind if I do! Clam chowder with matzoh ball? Just try and stop me. But please, don’t mess around with that fried rice, OK? I’m a reasonable guy but don’t push me.

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FIRSTBANK TAKES PRIDE IN SERVING COLORADO’S ASIAN COMMUNITY

By Annie Guo VanDan

Over the past 25 years, FirstBank has developed a strong relationship with the Asian community—providing financial education and high-quality services to Asian bankers, employing staff that are bilingual in Asian languages, as well as sponsoring events in the Asian community.

If you have gazed at the night lights hanging in Larimer Square, rested on the benches at Union Station or enjoyed the restaurants at Stanley Marketplace, you can thank FirstBank for having a hand in developing these popular Denver spots. The privately owned local bank has always invested in the local community— helping to transform Colorado over the past decades. “We are not a huge national bank and so we really invest in Colorado and the communities we serve,” said Sean Choi,

August 2018 | Inside Story

Vice President of FirstBank’s Aurora market. Over the past 25 years, FirstBank has taken pride in serving the Asian community. Ken Chee, former FirstBank President, started reaching out to the Asian community in the early 90s. He educated new immigrants on the American banking system and began to build trust with the Asian community. “In the last ten years, we made a more concentrated effort as the Asian community in the Denver metro area continued to grow,” said Tony Oum, Senior Vice President of the Lakewood market. “Many in our minority population are underbanked, so we aim to educate them about using a bank account, saving money to buy their first home, purchasing a

business, and eventually owning investment properties.” He continued, “We’d like to create the American dream for all of our customers. We are proud to say that we have created many high net worth individuals including some who have limited English proficiency. It shows that if you work hard in America, you can be successful financially.” FirstBank’s goal is to be involved in the Asian community as much as possible. The bank has been able to grow its business in the Asian population by supporting and sponsoring various Asian events, such as: Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Lunar New Year banquets for OCA Colorado and Asian Avenue magazine. FirstBank has also

FIRSTBANK LOCATIONS WITH REPRESENTATIVES THAT SPEAK ASIAN LANGUAGES: 44th Ave and Wadsworth Blvd 120th Ave and Sheridan Blvd Hampden Ave and Yosemite St Kipling St and Jewell Ave

sponsored events for Asian Pacific Development Center, Denver Chinese School, Colorado Chinese Language School, Asian Chamber of Commerce, Asian Education Advisory Council, and Queen of Vietnamese Martyrs. Supporting these nonprofits have helped build FirstBank’s brand in the Asian community. With the motto “Banking for Good,” FirstBank does just that. “As a bank, we are really trying to do good,” Choi explains. “FirstBank encourages employees to volunteer and serve on boards. The bank is also a huge community corporate philanthropist and a leading sponsor of Colorado Gives Day.” “Growing up in Colorado, I was familiar with FirstBank and its TV commercials from the 90s starring Dave Logan,” he said. After seven years working at FirstBank, Choi appreciates the company’s values and culture such as promoting from within. This practice creates a strong sense of identity and culture in which employees

feel valued. He also recognizes how the company has embraced employee diversity and aims to have representation that reflects the communities served. As such, FirstBank employs bilingual staff that speak Asian languages, including Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Vietnamese, Korean, and Tagalog to name a few. FirstBank seeks to hire employees who are able to speak Asian languages and encourages those that are interested to apply for employment at efirstbank.jobs. FirstBank’s Asian Business Development Group, comprised of loan officers and staff that speak Asian languages, focuses on customer development in the Asian community. Soon, Asian Banking Centers will be available for customers to receive full banking service needs in their native language at certain branches. Over the past 25 years, the bank has developed a strong relationship with Denver’s Chinese community. Based upon

government monitoring data, FirstBank closes the most mortgages for Asian families compared to any other lender. Many buyers trust FirstBank because of their good reputation in the Asian community and refer family and friends after receiving exceptional customer service and experiencing an honest and transparent lending process. “We want to make sure we help our customers make the right decisions. Our officers and staff are not commissioned so we put our customer first,” says Oum, who has been with FirstBank for ten years. Understanding the community has been instrumental in the bank’s growth over the years. While there have been many bank mergers in the past months, FirstBank remains one of the only local banks going strong. This may be attributed to its culture that has been built on conservative decision making and putting their customers and employees first.

Kevin Negandhi

For more information, visit: www.efirstbank.com FirstBank | asian avenue magazine

AsAm Green Card Holders Vulnerable to Deportation under New Federal Guidelines

he federal government is going way beyond deporting criminal gangs or undocumented immigrants in Trump’s ever widening crackdown. Under new guidelines, green card holders will get a closer look and are even more vulnerable to being deported. New guidelines implemented say that immigrants who abuse “any program related to the reception of public benefits” will be summoned to appear before an immigration court. The main public benefits that immigrants with legal residence permits, known as Green Cards, can receive are: Medicaid for people with low income or disabilities; Temporary Assistance for Needy Families; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Supplemental Security Income; and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Receiving assistance from those programs could even harm an immigrant’s application for a Green Card under a proposal by the Homeland Security Department designed to block documented immigrants from obtaining residence if they or their children receive public benefits, including food stamps and early childhood education programs. Green card holders will also open themselves up for deportation if they break the law or their application for citizenship can be denied if they are not considered of good and moral character.

Immigrants Recruited with Promise of Citizenship Are Being Discharged from Military

he Associated Press reports some of these immigrants who enlisted with the promise and expectation that they would win a path to citizenship are now facing deportation. It’s not known how many are in this situation, but NPR talked to one Chinese recruit who is facing an uncertain future in the United States. Panshu Zhao is in the United States on a student visa attending Texas A&M. He enlisted two years ago, but is now being told that for unspecified reasons, he failed a background check. Zhao described Texas A&M as basically a “military school” with a strong ROTC program. “I feel joining the army is something I could do,” Zhao said. “I have a good degree but I want to do more than that. I want to contribute my effort and time into the military to payback to the community.” He says he has been given no reason for his discharge and says he has not had any chance for appeal. The AP reports at least 40 are in the same situation, but Zhao believes the numbers are much higher. He has the discharge has made his immigration status “uncertain.”

Poll Finds Majority Support DREAM Act, Immigration Reform and Democrats

new poll of 2,045 voters from Latino Decisions reveals the Republicans could be in trouble going into the 2018 Midterm elections. The poll finds the majority of those polled would vote for the Democratic candidate in 61 battleground districts that could determine if the House and Senate flips to the Democrats. Findings indicate a majority of Blacks, Asians, Latinos and Native Americans would vote for the Democratic candidate if the election were held today. 48 percent of Whites say they would vote for the Republican candidate versus 41 percent for the Democrats. Overall, 51 percent would vote for the Democrats. The poll has a margin of error of 2.1 percent and was conducted July 5 -14.

August 2018 | National News

79 percent overall, including 77 percent of Whites, support passage of the DREAM Act, which would allow undocumented immigrants who came as children to earn a path to citizenship. 64 percent overall, including 73 percent of Asians, think building a wall along the Mexican border, is a bad idea. Opposition is lowest among Whites, 59 percent. The separation of children from their parents makes 73 percent of those polled angry, including 79 percent of Asian voters and 69 percent of Whites. An overwhelming majority associate the policy with Republicans and the Trump administration. When asked to rate on a scale of 1 to 10 their likeliness to vote in the midterm

elections, with 10 being the most likely, Asians on average rate their likeliness to vote at an 8. “Going into these midterms, AAPI voter turnout will increase,” said Taeku Lee, Principal, Asian American Decisions. “The poll also shows upwards of 70% of AAPI voters are likely to support issues of democratic candidates.”

Source: asamnews.com

NEWS

New Study Finds Asians are the Most Economically Divided Group in US

ncome equality in the United States is greatest among Asians, a new study by the Pew Research Center found. According to the study, Asians have now replaced Blacks as the most economically divided group in the United States. The analysis found that income inequality has widened for all major racial groups, highlighting the severity of income inequality in the United States. The income gap between the top 10 percent of earners and the bottom 10 percent grew by 27 percent for all Americans from 1970 to 2016. Asians, however, saw the largest widening in the income gap. The gap between the top and bottom earners grew by 77 percent. On the surface, Asians may seem like the most well-off racial groups in the United States. According to the analysis by Rakesh Kochhar and Anthony Cilluffo, Asians enjoy the highest median annual income compared to other groups with a median annual income of $51,288. On average, Asians are the

highest-earning ethnic and racial group in the United States. Averages, however, do not tell the whole story. “No group is monolithic. Asians are often pictured as the highest-achieving group in America,” said Kochhar to USA Today. “There is plenty of economic division within each racial or ethnic group. But Asians are the most economically divided or diverse group in America.” The 77 percent growth in the income gap means that while Asians in the top 10 percent may be earning more than members of other racial groups, their peers in the bottom 10 percent could be earning a lot less. In fact, the analysis found that on average Asians earned more than all other racial groups except for in the 10th percentile. In 2016, Asians in the bottom 10 percent made less on average than whites in the bottom 10 percent. White adults in the bottom 10 percent earned $15,094, while Asian adults in the bottom 10 percent earned $12,478.

Kevin Na Captures Second Career PGA Tour Win

Chloe Kim Wins Best Female Athlete At 2018 ESPY Awards

orean American professional golfer Kevin Na is still riding high after winning his second career PGA Tour tournament at A Military Tribute at The Greenbrier, putting an end to a seven-year drought. The seven-year drought is not unfamiliar to the 34-year-old golfer who made his PGA Tour debut in 2004 but did not capture his first win until 2011 according to ESPN. “I wasn’t sure if it was going to come again. I was hoping it would — sooner than later,” Na told ESPN after his victory Sunday. “I’ve been close so many times, failed so many times.” Na finished 19 under par for the entire tournament, solidifying a five-stroke victory. There were almost 20 contenders heading into Sunday’s fourth round, but Na took the lead by birdieing six out of the first 10 holes.

hloe Kim is not about to forget the year 2018, during which she won a gold medal at the Winter Olympics, turned 18, and got accepted to Princeton. And she was named Best Female Athlete at the ESPYS. The Korean American California teenager earned the award during ESPN’s annual show in Los Angeles honoring the year’s best athletes and sports moments. Besides winning the top award for women, Kim was also picked as the Best Female Olympian and Best Female Action Sports Athlete. “This year has been filled with so many incredible memories that I will hold onto for the rest of my life,” Kim said as she held the silver trophy. “I really want to thank my family. They’ve sacrificed so much for me.”

AsAm News | asian avenue magazine

bookreview THE BOAT PEOPLE Author: Sharon Bala Price: $15.95 | Pages: 352 ISBN: 978-0385542296 | Publisher: Doubleday Connect with Sharon at: www.sharonbala.com instagram.com/sharon.bala linkedin.com/in/sharonbala Reviewed by Mary Jeneverre Schultz Follow her on Twitter and Instagram: @Jeneverre

With ongoing debate about immigration, especially the issue of separating children from parents, this book becomes a relevant topic in today’s political climate. In Sharon Bala’s debut novel, The Boat People stands as a touching and emotional journey from war-torn Sri Lanka to the coast of western Canada. Back in 2010, a ship carrying nearly 500 refugees from Sri Lanka sought asylum in Vancouver, Canada. Mahindan and his fellow refugees had escaped Sri Lanka’s bloody civil war on a rusty cargo boat. When they reach Vancouver’s shores, the young father thinks he and his six-year-old son can finally start a new life. Instead, the group is thrown into a detention processing center with government officials and news headlines speculating that among the “boat people” are members of a separatist militant organization responsible for countless suicide attacks—and that these terrorists now pose a threat to Canada’s national security. As the refugees become subject to heavy interrogation, Mahindan begins to fear that a desperate act taken in Sri Lanka to fund their escape may now jeopardize his and his son’s chance for asylum. Told through the alternating perspectives of Mahindan; his lawyer, Priya, a second-generation Sri Lankan-Canadian who reluctantly represents the refugees; and Grace, a third-generation Japanese-Canadian adjudicator who must decide Mahindan’s fate as evidence mounts against him, The Boat People is a spellbinding and timely novel that provokes a deeply compassionate lens through which to view the current refugee crisis. In addition, another layer conveys why cultural diversity is a powerful issue that links us all closer together. Based on true-life events, author Sharon Bala tells the story through the eyes of a mechanic as a histori-

August 2018 | Book Review

cal fiction. Through the three perspectives, she narrates the book with perspective on the red tape, the politics, the emotional and gut wrenching stories of the refugees, who out of desperation do what they need to do to survive and to save their families. A reader can feel the desperation of the refugees, who don’t want to be deported back to the hell they escaped—in this case a long civil war from the island nation of Sri Lanka. Don’t let the daunting size of the book sway you from reading it. The historical novel is a fast read and one can quickly dive in to understanding the three main characters plus their supporting family, friends and colleagues involved with the issues. It’s truly fascinating how Bala weaves into the story line the characters’ fears and dreams. While complex, the emotional toll is illustrated in this book. It is an ideal read for anyone trying to understand the layering issues of refugees. Each side of the process is examined, quite informative and thought provoking. The Boat People was a finalist for Canada Reads 2018 and the 2018 Amazon Canada First Novel Award. Published in January 2018, it is available worldwide with forthcoming translations in French, Arabic, and Turkish. In 2017, Sharon won the Journey Prize and had a second story long-listed in the anthology. A three-time recipient of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Arts and Letters award, she has stories published in Hazlitt, Grain, Maisonneuve, The Dalhousie Review, Riddle Fence, Room, Prism international, The New Quarterly, and in an anthology called Racket: New Writing From Newfoundland (Breakwater Books, Fall 2015). Sharon was born in Dubai, raised in Ontario, and now lives in St. John’s, Newfoundland with her husband Tom Baird, a mathemagician.

Photo Credit: Nadra Ginting

Asian Avenue: What inspired you to write this book? Sharon Bala (SB): I was inspired by the arrival of two cargo ships carrying Tamil asylum-seekers from Sri Lanka: the Ocean Lady and the MV Sun Sea. Canada has a reputation for being a generous and welcoming country for refugees but in reality how you are treated depends very much on when you arrive and the political mood of the country. When these two ships arrived - in 2009 and 2010 - our government wanted nothing to do with refugees and in particular didn’t like the optics of people arriving by ship. This is very different to the way other groups of so-called boat people have been treated over the years, such as the Vietnamese in the 70s and an earlier group of Tamils who arrived in the 80s. Both these groups were welcomed and have thrived in the country. Why are we generous to one group and not to another? And what is it like to be a person who has overcome war and violence and near-death only to arrive in a country that wants nothing to do with you? This is what I wanted to explore in my novel. When I began to research the two ships though, I found very little about the actual people on board or what they had been through. So I had to invent characters and imagine what their lives were like before and after they took their chance on a rickety cargo ship to a new land. Asian Avenue: What do you want readers to walk away with after reading your novel? SB: As I did my research, the thing that surprised me the most was how arbitrary the refugee process is, at least in Canada. I would imagine it’s not very different in the

q&a

US. Whether you are accepted or rejected as a refugee seems to have less to do with the circumstances of your life or your particular need or even your worthiness as a candidate for citizenship and more to do with factors outside of your control. What mood is our country in when you arrive? Who is in charge? What is the color of your skin? Do you arrive on a boat while the whole country is watching or do you arrive quietly on a plane? Are we on good or bad terms with the country you left? Since writing the book, I have personally become much more grateful for my own citizenship in a peaceful nation. I’ve done nothing to deserve this good fortune just as most asylumseekers have done nothing to deserve their bad luck.

with

Sharon Bala

Asian Avenue: When you’re not writing, what are your hobbies or interests? SB: I’m often working even when I’m not writing. Some gear is always turning in the back of my mind, spinning out a story or a character. Sometimes I’ll be on a walk or out with friends and an idea will come to me or I’ll hear a character say something interesting or funny or poignant. A writer is never alone. When the weather is good, I go for hikes. Also: travel, yoga, podcasts, wine, and reading. I’ve read so many great books lately. Mira T. Lee’s debut novel Everything Here is Beautiful is stunning. And Neel Mukherjee’s State of Freedom is fantastic too. His characters are, like mine, dislocated and forced to leave home, and he explores these themes with compassion and intensity. Both Lee and Mukherjee’s stories are told from multiple points of view and they both push the boundaries of form. As a reader and a writer, I found their novels nourishing. Asian Avenue: Anything else you’d like to share? SB: The Boat People is available as an audiobook. The actor who narrates (Athena Karkanis) is excellent and was really committed to getting her Tamil accent just right. I had the pleasure of sitting in on an hour of the taping and it was a surreal and really moving experience.

SHARON BALA Author of The Boat People The Boat People | asian avenue magazine

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Denver hosted the Taiwan Investment Seminar The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Denver hosted the Taiwan Investment Seminar with the Asian Chamber of Commerce on July 24 to promote trade opportunities in Taiwan. Many local political and business leaders attended the event. Director General Jerry Chang said in his welcome remarks that Taiwan is the United States’ 11th largest trading partner, and Taiwan plays a very important role in the supply chain of electronic products in the world. For example, Google set up its largest Asian research center and Microsoft established an artificial intelligence center

in Taiwan. Director General Chang also mentioned that the Taiwanese government is currently developing many strategic industries, including green energy, smart machinery, national defense, etc. He encouraged Colorado businesses to consider investing in Taiwan. Director David Wang of the Economic Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles then made a presentation titled “Taiwan— Your Excellent Trading Partner.” He introduced the U.S./Colorado economic and trade relations with Taiwan, and reported Taiwan sup-

Director General Jerry Chang attends the 2018 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market and the Taiwan New Products Launch More than 200 Taiwanese textile companies visited Denver to attend the 2018 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, which kicked off on July 23 at the Colorado Convention Center. They set up hundreds of booths to showcase Taiwanese high quality textile products, including outdoor clothing and backpacks. Director General Jerry Chang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Denver visited the Taiwanese companies on the first day of the show to express his support. He wished the companies to sign big contracts and fur-

August 2018 | On Scene

ther promote the U.S.-Taiwan trade relationship. Director General Chang also attended the Taiwan New Products Launch press conference held by the Taiwan Trade Center in Los Angeles. Four of Taiwan’s leading textile manufacturers presented innovative products, including Evertex Fabrinology, Singtex Industrial Company, Tex-Ray Industrial Co., and Toung Loong Textile. Director General Chang said that “we are fortunate to host four Taiwanese brands and are committed to being a key partner with U.S. businesses.”

Left to right: David Wang, Director of TECO-LA Economic Division; Clarence Low, President of Asian Chamber of Commerce; Director General Jerry Chang of TECO in Denver; Annie Larson, Regional Director for U.S. Senator Cory Gardner; Tom Kelly, Director for Congresswoman Diana DeGette; and Conner Murphy of Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.

ports around 322,728 U.S. jobs. He emphasized that there are many advantages to do business with Taiwan; Tai-

wan is the hub of Asia with well-developed industry clusters, strong innovation capabilities, as well as Asia-Pacific regional supply chain.

Director General Chang speaks at the Taiwan New Products Launch press conference.

Director General Jerry Chang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Denver (middle) shows his support at the 2018 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market.

Photo Credit: Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Denver

Resource fair will provide educational resources to Asian American Pacific Islander community RESOURCE FAIR

Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018 | 9 am to noon Place Bridge Academy 7125 Cherry Creek North Dr. Free and open to general public Healthcare, education, immigration, housing, and other resources available.

IN VALA T S

Contact Ken Arellano, Office of Economic Development at 720-913-1615 or ken.arellano@denvergov.org for more info.

The more work Denver can do to create those safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces for documented folks in general and also elevate a space for undocumented API’s would be immensely helpful.

- JUSTIN VALAS

Download the Denver Asian American Pacific Islanders Commission report at:

bit.ly/DAAPICReport

By Denver Asian American Pacific Islanders Commission

he Denver Asian American Pacific Islanders (DAAPIC) Commission organized a listening session in 2017 and discovered that “economic development, healthcare and immigration” were the top recommendations for action from 29 organizations that provide services to the Asian American Pacific Islander communities in Denver and its surrounding suburbs. DAAPIC members heard these concerns: “The biggest problem is that they are not aware of where to find good [healthcare] resources. Who can they trust?” asked Alok Sarwal, executive director of the Colorado Alliance for Health Equity and Practice. Families don’t have access to affordable healthcare, and there is a lack of education and resources available. DAAPIC members also heard the fear of Immigration, documentation and lack of knowledge of rights as stated by Justin Valas, organizer of Asian Communities Together. “[There are] an estimated 12,000 undocumented Asian American and Pacific Islanders here in Colorado... the more work Denver can do to create those safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces for documented folks in general and also elevate a space for undocumented API’s would be immensely helpful,” Valas said. Other community members voiced out their concerns. “Undocumented clients face a long list of challenges that I think grows longer each and every day in terms of trying to figure out how to navigate a system that is becoming increasingly unfriendly to undocumented immigrants,” said Brad Hendrick, Chair-elect of the American Immigration Lawyers Association of the Colorado Chapter. To address these issues, the Denver Asian American Pacific Islanders Commission is hosting an AAPI Resource Fair at Place Bridge Academy, 7125 Cherry Creek N. Dr. on September 8, 2018 from 9 a.m. to noon. This free resource fair will have healthcare, education, immigration, housing, and other resources available. For more information about DAAPIC visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DAAPIC or www.denvergov. org/content/denvergov/en/human-rights-and-community-partnerships/our-commissions/asian-pacific-american-commission.html. Mile High Happenings | asian avenue magazine

cu denver dragon boat team races in hong kong Article and photos by Nevan McCabe

The CU Denver Dragon Boat Team has returned from their international competition in Hong Kong. The team placed in to the semi-final rounds in two of the three divisions which they competed in. The Denver team was one of two teams representing the US, and one of only three teams from all of North America to compete in the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. “We had the opportunity to learn from some of the best teams across the world about the sport and took a lot of tips and pointers from the experience,” says Nevan McCabe, co-captain of the team. The other team from the US was from a dragon boat racing club in New York by the name of DCH Race Club. They served as a great mentor to the CU Denver team with this being their fourth year competing in the festival. “DCH showed us the ropes with the procedures which were brand new to our team and were integral in our ability to progress as far as we did,” says McCabe. One of the highlights for the team was the ability to bridge social and geographic obstacles in their interactions with teams from across the world. The American team made friends with teams from countries like South Korea, New Zealand, Canada,

France, and the Philippines, to name a few. McCabe reflects that they played games, danced, cheered each other on, and exchanged stories with other teams and cherished the opportunity to do so. The team had the opportunity to explore Hong Kong, learning more about its history and culture. Thanks to the support of the University, the team toured major historical sites and tourist areas. The goal to experience and learn more about Hong Kong’s history and culture was a major focus since the beginning of planning. “We are very proud to share that during our time abroad, we received an invitation to return to the festival next year and are in discussions about making this a recurring event for the University team!” said McCabe.

Only two teams from the US competed in the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival—CU Denver being one.

The CU Denver team was invited to return to the festival in Hong Kong again next year.

August 2018 | On Scene

CU Denver Dragon Boat Team stands in front of the Hong Kong Observation Wheel and International Finance Centre.

Living in Colorado, you can experience firsthand the majesty and beauty of the mountains. It’s no wonder why a public holiday would be dedicated to celebrate these natural wonders! Japan announced its newest civil holiday in 2014: Mountain Day (山の日 Yama no Hi). It wasn’t officially celebrated until 2016. Mountain Day is on August 11th because August is the eighth month, and the kanji for eight (八) looks like the two sides of a mountain, while the two ones of the 11 resemble two trees. Another reason was because there were no public holidays during that month and Mountain Day was a great opportunity for everyone to take a break.

Japanese Hot Spring (Onsen)

Celebrate the purple mountain By Amy Ng majesties On August 11, join the country of Japan in appreciation of the holiday Mountain Day (山の日 Yama no Hi). The new holiday is a day to celebrate nature, especially the mountains, and the blessings that they give to the people. The mountains of Japan have always been an important part of the traditional religion, Shinto. Nature plays a critical component in the religion, and the mountains are often seen as a sacred place. The island nation’s dynamic landscapes—including volcanoes, forests, and mountains—also play a part in how nature influences Japanese culture. But most importantly, Mountain Day encourages people to go outside to experience and enjoy Mother Nature.

Hiking, climbing, or even going to the hot springs are various ways to get to know the mountains and to participate in the holiday. And you don’t have to be athletic or travel far to partake in the festivities—painting the scenery, taking pictures, or simply relaxing outside are other great ways to join the celebration. As long as you are enjoying nature and all that it has to offer, the holiday is a success.

Mt. Fuji is considered one of Japan’s three sacred mountains

Hiking Trail on Mt. Koya This year is only the third year that Mountain Day is an official civil holiday. While there was excitement to introduce the new holiday, nearly one-third of Japan wasn’t aware of the holiday during its debut in 2016. Mountain Day is still in its infancy and it will take some time for it to become an established national holiday. Let’s help celebrate this new holiday by appreciating one of Colorado’s most distinguished and beloved features: the Rocky Mountains. Cultural Tidbits | asian avenue magazine

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