Asian Avenue magazine - March 2020

March 2020 Volume 15 | Issue 3

Celebrating Asian American

Women WHO DO IT ALL

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The Confucius Institute at

Community College of Denver The Confucius Institute at Community College of Denver is a Chinese language and cultural learning center, established in 2007 with the support of the Chinese Language Council International (Hanban), to promote Chinese language training and intercultural understanding.

Our programs and services include: n Noncredit Chinese language and cultural workshops n Private Chinese language tutoring n Chinese language proficiency testing n Scholarships to study in China n China summer camps n Seasonal Chinese cultural events n Seasonal professional development training for Colorado K-12 Mandarin teachers n An educational resource center For more information about the Confucius Institute, contact: Jane Lim Jane.Lim@ccd.edu n 303-352-6510 CCD.edu/ci

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Don't miss this dance performance from Japan with their debut in the Denver / Boulder metropolitan area!

[enra]: Dreams March 25th, 2020 6:30 PM, Broomfield Auditorium

Buy Tickets at: www.jascolorado.org

$35 Reserved Seats $30 JASC Members

“Combining elements of dance, performance art, music, technology, light, music and more, the versatile Japanese troupe enra has stumbled upon magic.” – The Huffington Post

MAR CH

2020

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in this issue

In celebration of Women’s History Month, read about the passions of six Asian American women in Colorado who are killing it in their craft, including Penelope Wong, owner of Yuan Wonton Food Truck.

EVENTS

SPOTLIGHT

8

Event calendar

HEALTH

10

Lessons learned during one month of postpartum practicing the Chinese ritual of zuo yuezi

COVER STORY

14

Learn more about the Women’s Foundation of Colorado and also the work of six APIA women

OP-ED

18

Humanity First: How Andrew Yang Made Me New Friends and Changed my Life

21

Connecting people and volunteering come naturally to Realtor Sherry Cree

RESTAURANT PEEK

22

Now Pho welcomes you to enjoy morning porridge (chao) or a late night bowl of pho

BOOKS

24

Books to read for Women’s History Month - Books for all ages written by Asian American women

DAAPIC COLUMN

26

Fear fuels the fires of prejudice: Let’s talk about the coronavirus

ON SCENE

28

Making Sushi with a Master

OCA Celebrates the Year of the Rat

29

18 6

March 2020 | Table of Contents

21

2020 Chinese New Year celebration in Longmont, Colorado

FirstBank Opens Multicultural Banking Center in Lakewood

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

Find us @AsianAveMag #AsianAveMag

Dear Asian Avenue readers, March 8 is a special day for me—not only is it International Women’s Day, but it is the birthdate of my first daughter, Cadence. She will be celebrating her second birthday this year.

March is Women’s History Month and we are excited to bring you this edition that is all about women!

First, Dr. Lynn Tran McDonald shares Asian postpartum traditions including the Chinese ritual zuo yuezi, a time to stay home and drink herbal soups. We also have an op-ed written

by Lena Chhay, who depicts her experience campaigning for Andrew Yang. Read about the lessons she learned, the concept of ‘humanity first,’ and the unexpected friends she met along the way.

Our cover story highlights the voices of six Asian American women who are paving paths in their respective careers.

Whether it’s engineering, law enforcement, or health policy, these women show us that there’s nothing women can’t do!

As we prepare for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May, we need your help to nominate deserving individuals for this honor! We will recognize the 2020 awardees in our May issue. Please submit nominations at: tinyurl.com/aahero2020.

Happy reading, Annie Guo VanDan, President Asian Avenue magazine | www.asianavemag.com.

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

www.asianavemag.com

Publisher & Founder CHRISTINA YUTAI GUO

Marketing Manager JOIE HA

President ANNIE GUO VANDAN

Staff Writer PATRICIA KAOWTHUMRONG

Editorial Director MARY JENEVERRE SCHULTZ

Staff Writer JESSALYN HERRERIA LANGEVIN

Graphic Designer/Videographer LIJIN ZHAO

Staff Writer AMY NG

Web Designer JASON ZHANG

Intern CHANG LIU

on the cover

advertising

In honor of Women’s History Month, we bring to you our Women’s Issue with stories and perspectives written by female APIA writers. We also highlight the work of six APIA women in our Colorado community.

Looking to promote your business?

Asian Avenue magazine offers businesses the most cost-effective way to reach consumers in the Denver/Boulder metro areas and beyond. For more information, call 303.937.6888 or e-mail us at marketing@asianavemag.com for our media kit and ad rates.

contributing writers Gil Asakawa, Lena Chhay, Dr. Lynn Tran McDonald

Kai Davis Visuals, Phillip B. Poston, Roman Tafoya Asian Avenue magazine (ISSN 19321449) 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.

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President’s Note | asian avenue magazine

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Event Calendar Hina Matsuri Festival March 7-8 | 11:30am to 4pm Simpson United Methodist Church 6001 Wolff St, Arvada Cost: Free and open to public simpsonumc.com

Each year on the first weekend of March, the Hina Matsuri (doll festival) provides a weekend of calligraphy, origami, bonsai, ikebano, taiko drumming and Japanese dancing.

Of course, the highlight is the array of Kimekomi dolls that are displayed at the Simpson United Methodist Church. Japanese music (Koto, Shakuhachi, Shamisen and a ukelele a group) will also set the mood.

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March 2020 | Event Calendar

Tea Street Poetry Fri. March 13 | 7 to 9pm Tea Street 4090 E Mississippi Ave, Denver Cost: Free and open to public fb.com/teastreetdenver #BobaLife is real y’all. Bubble tea is key to the Asian American identity as teenagers, young adults, and even as working professionals. Tea Street is recreating and expanding community with its very first Slam Poetry night!

Hosted Meta Sarmiento, performing artists include: Jozer Guerrero, Katerina Jena, Fuji Dreskin Art, and Rainy Payne.

Hands Percussion: Drumbeat Inferno Sun. March 22 | Begins at 7pm Lone Tree Arts Center 10075 Commons St, Lone Tree Cost: $5 per ticket lonetreeartscenter.org

Hands Percussion, a renowned Malaysian percussion ensemble, has been creating a veritable bang in the music scene in Kuala Lumpur since 1997 with its ground breaking and innovative performances.

The ensemble’s performances have been highly regarded and admired as they endeavor to preserve their cultural heritage while introducing new dimensions to theatrical drumming by exploring different cultures.

JASC Presents enra: Dreams Wed. March 25 | 6:30 to 9:30pm

Broomfield Auditorium 3 Community Park Rd, Broomfield

Cost: $35 General $30 JASC Members jascolorado.org/ eventscurrent/enra Utilizing digital projection, performers seem to jump off of rooftops, swim through underwater temples, destroy asteroidal objects and harness the power of starlight. The members of [enra] incorporate martial arts, rhythmic gymnastics, popping, classical ballet, diabolo juggling and street dance. Referencing cinema, video games, Japanese pop culture and even astrology.

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W W W. C O M R A D E B R E W I N G . C O M

LESSONS LEARNED

DURING MY MONTH OF ZUO YUEZI

By Dr. Lynn Tran McDonald “Aren’t you going to sit in the back of the car with your son?” asks my midwife.

Two hours had passed since my son Rivers was born. I was feeling high from the strange mixture of endorphins of the excitement of the delivery and pure physical exhaustion from pushing. I had grown familiar carrying a solid baby boy in my womb for nine months. However, the familiar movements of him kicking and shifting inside me were gone. My belly felt limp, hollow, and empty. The lower half of my torso to my feet simply felt foreign to me.

“Aren’t you going to sit in the back of the car with your son?” asks my midwife, again.

I was getting ready to sit in the front passenger seat of my car. I have a son! I realized as I scrambled to make my way to the back seat of the car. Do all moms always sit in the back of the car with their little ones?

I had been so fixated on delivering my son for nine months, I never truly grasped the degree of change I would experience in my life after the delivery. I no longer just had me to think about anymore. There was a small, fragile human being now that depended on me. This raw and loud realization would take me days to grasp.

I remember the distinct moment when I

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March 2020 | Health

truly felt the immense welling of undying love that moms describe when they first meet their babies--- except I didn’t experience this until a few days later after his birth. Up until then, I was consumed with the exhaustion following the delivery. My sleep deprivation that was compounding quickly as Rivers was already proving that he did not like to sleep through the night.

To pee felt like an excruciating, knife-stabbing like ordeal. Nursing for the first two days was extremely stressful. I was filled with frustration, shame, and worry because I was not producing sufficient amounts of milk to feed my boy, and he had lost weight the first two days. I had been fixated on the delivery of my son, but I was not mentally prepared for the reality of suddenly being a mom. Because of the emotional place I was at, I’m grateful to have the period of zuo yuezi to hold space for my recovery and transition.

Zuo yuezi is an over a century-old postpartum confinement practice from China, meaning “sitting one month.” It is meant to help women recover from birth and focus on nourishing the newborn. Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where a person’s lifeforce relies on the balance of yin and yang, it is crucial for mothers to

stay warm for the first 30 days post-birth.

Specifically, it is preventing mothers from possible exposure of wind or coldness of any kind. It is believed that a mother loses lifeforce (chi) during the delivery due to the loss of blood, causing her body to go into a state of too cold (yin). This can cause stress in her body, rendering her more susceptible to illness and premature aging. Hence the practice of zuo yuezi involves extremes such as staying indoors while avoiding any form of air conditioning; avoid all raw and cold foods; avoid bathing for extended days; and continually wear long clothing regardless of season or weather; and avoiding physical exertion.

During zuo yuezi, female family members support all of the new mother’s needs, such as taking care of laundry, cleaning, and childcare of older kids. They would also oversee the preparation of energy and protein-rich dishes to help nourish the new mom. Ingredients in these special dishes are intentionally chosen to help shrink the uterus, help the perineum to heal, and to increase breastmilk production.

Cultural versions of postpartum confinement span across Asia, the Middle East, Latin American, Africa, as well as Native American and European cultures. In Japan,

Zuo yuezi is an over a century-old postpartum confinement practice from China, meaning “sitting one month.” It is meant to help women recover from birth and focus on nourishing the newborn. the practice of satogaeri bunben typically involves the mother traveling to her family home at 32-35 weeks gestation to be cared for by her mother until approximately 8 weeks postpartum. In Korea, sam chil il is a 3-5 week rest period for the postpartum mother. A Cambodian woman is cared for by their spouse and family members during a period of sor sai karche. In Thai, it is known as yu duan. Among Mexican women, a 40-day recovery period is known as la cuarenta. A golden thread connects all mothers around the world together to recognize the sacred time for a mother to heal, integrate into motherhood, and to bond with her child.

I did not staunchly follow all the traditional practices of zuo yuezi. For instance, I did leave the house on a couple of occasions for chiropractic adjustments, which helped with my recovery. My mom, who was taking care of me during my thirty days, did not stop me from taking showers.

However, she did insist that I continually wear layers of clothes to stay warm. I am happy I was able to create some flexibility within the confines of the practice.

Being a first-generation, American-born Chinese, my mom and I have always had different cultural and generational perspectives. However, my zuo yuezi really allowed me to feel much more connected with my mom. I feel like silently she understood the stress I was going through.

This understanding was expressed in the energy she put into preparing nourishing dishes for me everyday. For instance, when I struggled to produce milk, she would make variations of papaya soups so that I could increase my milk supply. I will never forget the night my mom and I exchanged birth stories. Up till then, I had never heard of her go into details of how she delivered my siblings and me. Being able to empathize with each other with the birthing experiences we’ve been through, reminded

me just how resilient and brave my mom has always been. In turn, I was able to recognize these qualities in myself as well.

I am guilty of having the typical American mindset; I’ve always been a person with an agenda--- before giving myself the opportunity to enjoy the moment, my mind is already planning and thinking about the next item. Before Rivers was born, I had pictured myself exercising by week two, jumping full-time into work by week five. I had envisioned that during zuo

yuezi, I would nurse my son and during my off-times, I would do work on my computer. That did not happen. Thinking back on my expectations, it may seem like I was insane setting such unrealistic goals. However, when considering the U.S. is one of two countries in the world that does not mandate paid maternity-parental leave (the other is Papua New Guinea)—suggesting the belief that there is no value in a woman’s postpartum recovery nor a couple’s time off to support the wellbeing of a newborn )—it may seem my initial casual atti-

tude towards postpartum recovery is valid.

My month of recovery seeps in my memory because it was such a transitional time in my life. It gave me space to process my feelings; to transition into motherhood; to bond with my newborn; to bond with my husband as a family unit; to realize the magnitude of how powerful I really am as a woman. I am forever an advocate of postpartum moms of all cultures to take time strictly for respite with their family at home.

Just like a caterpillar in their cocoon to transform before emerging into a butterfly, I feel that it is a necessary private time for a woman to experience the radical transformation within herself. It is important that she allows herself to be taken care of during this time as an affirmation that she is supported and loved. Whether it is baby number one or baby number four, I think a mom still goes through throes of feeling guilt, shame and loneliness on a bad day during motherhood. However, the practice like zuo yuezi sets the tone for a new mom to know that she is free to be who she is; and it is okay to put herself first.

If you are an expectant mother, and want to explore more about options to postpartum care, I invite you to connect with me!

While traditional practices are available, remember that you have the freedom to define the terms of your own recovery. I am simply encouraging you (and your partner) to find time to slow down, embrace solitude and respite with your own little family before rushing off into the business of life.

Resources to support your recovery are always available, such as postpartum doulas.

As a neurologically-based chiropractor, I always advocate getting you and your baby’s neural-spinal system checked to help optimize the healing and growth process. I also love making postpartum house calls to support moms. Reach out if you ever need resources or ideas to me at: wpoptimalliving@gmail.com.

One Month of Zuo Yuezi | asian avenue magazine

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As I mentioned in my story, my mom concocted variations of delicious papaya soup during my zuo yuezi. This recipe comes directly from Heng Ou’s zuo yuezi book for the modern mom entitled, The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother. This recipe can be prepared even if you are not practicing zuo yuezi. It is nutritious & great for the family to enjoy overall.

This lactation-boosting soup is the second-most-famous postpartum dish in Chinese families, following pig trotters, which takes the #1 spot. Many new moms report with wonder that this fragrant, simple soup seems to turn up their milk flow; tradition says it’s the mix of papaya juice, fish proteins, and peanuts that stimulates the milk ducts to release their bounty. Though it • Sea salt sounds exotic, it’s actually a cinch to prepare.

• 1-inch (2.5-cm)knob of fresh ginger, peeled, and cut into 6 thin This is great one to ask a favorite aunt (or slices friend) to make for you—let her shop • 2 whole (head included) small fish or 1 medium fish (about 2 for the fish and fruit and concoct pounds or 910 g total), such as black bass, tilapia, trout, or red snapper it in her kitchen!

Fish, Papaya & Peanut Soup Ingredients

• ½ of a medium papaya, peeled, seeded, and cut into medium cubes • 2 tablespoons unsalted peanuts (keep the outer red skin on if you can) • 2 whole green onion stalks, white ends trimmed off • 3 medium tomatoes, halved, with seeds left in

6-8 servings

1 2 3 4

Steps

• 4 Chinese red dates

In a medium pot over high heat, bring 2 quarts (2 L) water to a boil, then add a pinch of sea salt and the ginger.

Rinse the fish under cold water and add the boiling water. Add the papaya, peanuts, green onions, tomatoes, and red dates, if using. Reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour, covered.

Bio

Taste and add more salt, if needed. Strain the soup if you just want to drink the broth, or eat all the bits of fish, if you like, watching out for the bones.

Drink throughout the day.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days, or freeze in zip-tight bags or glass mason jars for up to 3 months.

Dr. Lynn Tran McDonald is a neurologically based chiropractor, yoga and meditation teacher, and educator at Metro State University. She loves working with postpartum mothers and women experiencing menopause, and people who struggle with sleep and chronic stress.

She runs a private practice with her husband in Wheat Ridge called Wild & Precious Optimal Living offering brain-based chiropractic services and meditation classes. To schedule a complimentary consult with Dr. Lynn, you call e-mail her at wpoptimalliving@gmail. com or call her at 720.667.3650.

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March 2020 | Health

AKI Asian Hotpot ALL YOU CAN EAT

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Sun - Thur: 11:30am – 9:30pm Fri - Sat: 11am – 10pm

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What is Chinese Hotpot?

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Chinese hotpot is a communal eating experience, in which you order different ingredients to boil inside a simmering pot of broth. Think of it as Asian fondue where everyone at the table cooks their own food!

How to eat Hotpot?

At Aki, first choose your soup base (do you dig hot and spicy? Or are you more into herbal broths?). From there, choose your meats and seafoods ranging from beef slices, pork belly and meatballs to squid, fish fillets, shrimps and clams. Throw in your veggies: mushrooms, cabbage, spinach, sprouts, or boy choy, and the list goes on with over 20 options. Lastly, add your noodles and tofus, and don’t forget the dipping sauces! And the best part is that it is ALL YOU CAN EAT!

Kids age 3 and under: FREE Ages 4-6: $6.99 Ages 7-9: $10.99 Ages 10-12: $12.99 Seniors: $17.99

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Cover Story

CELEBRATING ASIAN AMERICAN

Women Who Do It All

March is all about women! This is the month we celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day (March 8). While we should honor women every day of the year, this month reminds us that women deserve recognition for the amazing work they do — many who continue to work in male-dominated spaces and have to work twice as hard (often for less pay).

Asian Avenue magazine shares the perspectives of six talented and courageous Asian American women in Colorado, who are impacting the sectors they work in.

The diversity in their ethnic backgrounds, passions/interests, as well as their career paths show that women really can do it all!

The Women’s Foundation of Colorado (WFCO) stands as a unique community foundation creating more pathways to economic security for Colorado women.

Since the WFCO’s founding in 1987 as the only statewide community foundation focused on dismantling barriers to women’s economic prosperity, more than 80,000 gifts from generous donors have fueled the foundation’s work to release more than 30 research reports, help pass dozens of pieces of legislation, and grant nearly $19 million to nonprofit organizations throughout Colorado.

Why women? Women are the co- or sole-breadwinners in 45 percent of Colorado households. By maximizing opportunities for all women to have access to education, job training, and career placement that is needed to secure livable wages, achieve pay equity, advance in their careers, or even start their own businesses, we strengthen the economic engines of our communities.

Women Achieving Greater Economic Security (WAGES) is a WFCO program helping women gain economic security and propelling more women into careers that enable them to meet the current and future needs of their families.

“It’s one of the coolest things we’re doing,” said Lisa Christie, senior director of communications of WFCO. Throughout the state, 23 grantees make up the cohort involved with advancing equity in wages. Organizations work with job training, soft skills, assistance in transportation and child care.

Interested in engaging, connecting or volunteering? Learn more at the WFCO website: WFCO.org.

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March 2020 | Cover Story

Interviews by: Mary Jeneverre Schultz

ASIAN AMERICAN WOMEN’S GIVING CIRCLE In collaboration with the WFCO, Asian Avenue magazine is identifying interest in a giving circle for Asian American women.

“A giving circle is formed when individuals come together and pool their dollars, decide together where to give the money (and other resources such as volunteer time), and learn together about their community and philanthropy,” said Annie Guo VanDan, president of Asian Avenue.

Once the cohort raises $2,500, the WFCO would match $2500, enabling the giving circle to grant $5,000 into the community. Members of the giving circle would discuss and vote on which areas of focus to donate the funds, such as education, equity/ inclusion, health, and APIA-related). If you’d like to learn more, e-mail annievandan@gmail.com.

The 2017 WFCO community-building and fundraising event, TOGETHER, with former First Lady Michelle Obama being interviewed

by WFCO president and CEO, Lauren Y. Casteel.

Penelope L. Wong Being a chef is one of the most challenging professions that yield very few rewards. As a female chef, some of the hurdles I’ve overcome include the inequalities women face in this industry from lesser pay to overall mistreatment.

As an Asian female chef, I endured horror stories throughout the entire first decade of my last position. When I was first hired there, I was the only woman in a kitchen of 15 men.

When I took over as Executive Chef for that company, my peers in the industry and in my particular arena were making between $40‐$60K more than my starting salary as Executive Chef.

I spent the better part of the next 8‐10 years working diligently to make that operation my own before I was finally compensated properly for the work I was doing. After spending over 20 years there, I was proud to know that I helped provide the new benchmark for executive chef’s salaries in the region within that arena.

One of the reasons I left the Executive Chef role and wanted to work for myself was because of work‐life balance. With an 8-year-old daughter at home, I struggled with how much of her life I felt I was missing out on.

I never would’ve thought that I would end up owning and operating a dumpling food truck.

But this is my dream job. I’m cooking the foods

Follow on Instagram: @penelopewong @yuanwonton

CHINESETHAI AMERICAN

Executive Chef/Owner of Yuan Wonton I want to share with Denver. I’m running my own business alongside my husband.

We’ve been blessed with the best loyal fan base; we’re having fun and loving what we do every time we’re out on the streets. It’s an incredible feeling.

Lisa Nguyen, PE

CHINESE AMERICAN

Senior Transportation Planner & Engineer, DEN Airport

I pursued a career in engineering because I love to solve problems! Growing up, I participated in a lot of STEM-based extracurriculars, including MathCounts, Science Olympiad, MESA, and science fairs.

I now love working in the transportation industry, and in my current role at the Denver International Airport, I’ve been able to bridge my passions for transportation engineering, planning, and urban design together.

In a predominantly male industry, it can be tough to find diversity in upper-management and executive leadership positions. I would be lying if I didn’t admit to having to overcome adversity and biases among some former managers and colleagues.

Women Do It All | asian avenue magazine

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Cha

H ori e cn

Havana BID Executive Director

i

efits to the diverse businesses located along the Havana corridor including economic development, establishing a district identity and advocacy programs for the area.

I never thought I would go into business as I started my career in the medical field working at a retirement community in Hawai’i.

Exploring other opportunities led me to community relations, and business and economic development today.

uch

As the executive director of the Havana Business Improvement District (BID) d.b.a. On Havana Street (onhavanastreet.com), I am responsible for day-to-day activities On Havana Street, created by by businesses and neighborhood leaders in the corridor of Aurora/ Arapahoe County and Aurora city staff in 2007 to build a stronger, better community.

In addition to more than 20 events a year, On Havana Street provides programming and ben-

JAPANESE AMERICAN

Photo Credit: Phillip B. Poston

Follow on Instagram: @onhavanastreet

Photo Credit: Roman Tafoya

Jennifer M. Samuel Co-owner of Bodies by Perseverance

Follow on Instagram: @mybbp

FILIPINO AMERICAN

Jennifer Samuel (left) with her mother Giselle Rushford are both active in the Filipino American community.

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March 2020 | Cover Story

My husband and I own Bodies By Perseverance, a training and boxing studio in Denver for over 17 years. At a young age in dance to being the first Filipino-American Denver Broncos Cheerleader, I have always had a passion for fitness and dance. I am an entrepreneur with a fitness training certification business, Beast Mode Athletics, and 20 years of experience in developing marketing strategy business, JS Consulting. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I love building, programming, and solving. I believe these traits carry throughout in all industries from building fitness programs for people to creating a marketing landscape for a company.

I am fortunate to have landed my dream job, and would love to continue training trainers and then retire as a professor in entrepreneurship and marketing.

I have three kids (ages 3, 6, and 12) and an amazing husband who is my business partner and drives me to do my best every day.

I admire my mother, Giselle Rushford, and her passion to serve the Filipino and Asian American communities. She is well respected and is always connecting people. My goal is to be like her and to make a better future for my kids and especially show my daughter that she is strong and she has a voice.

Adi t

Senior Policy Coordinator, Children’s Hospital Colorado

amasw R i

INDIAN AMERICAN

Stephanie Nghiem Becoming a police officer was one of the toughest decisions I have ever made. Many people ask why I chose this path. After reporting a traumatic incident to the police, the individual I reported it to lacked knowledge on how to handle the situation. Over time, I was left with no justice and no closure. Rather than blaming the police for the crack in the system I had slipped through, I joined the police force in hopes of closing that gap for others like me. Police are often called upon during what could be the worst day of a person’s life, and I wanted to be someone who could help people through those times.

I saw the opportunity to truly make a difference in peoples’ lives, which is why I chose to pursue law enforcement.

In a male-dominated field, I always feel I have to prove myself and work twice as hard. I am the smallest one on my team and rumored to be the first Asian Female Officer in the department’s history. I know my physical limitations; I try to make up for it by training more at the shooting range and the gym. I refuse to allow my physical features to negatively determine my ability to do this job and protect my teammates.

Photo Credit: Kai Davis Visuals

ami

I’ve seen the ways in which our healthcare system can do more damage than good, especially for our neighbors who have been systemically marginalized. Deep injustice exists in our systems of care, in large part because profit can be more of a motivator than the moral imperative to care for people in the ways that matter to them.

In a country so rich and well-resourced, there are people who have trouble accessing a clinic because of a lack of affordable transportation, that there are people struggling to afford medication and out-of-pocket payments, that so many people who call this country home have gotten used to the idea that disease is something to be treated once it happens, not prevented before it shows up. It’s this passion and knowledge that we can and must do better in order to truly place people in the center of healthcare that set me on the path of public health policy.

VIETNAMESECHINESE AMERICAN

City of Aurora Police Officer Women Do It All | asian avenue magazine

17

Op-Ed

Humanity First:

How Andrew Yang Made Me New Friends and Changed my Life This is a story of unity. A story of diversity. This is my personal story about Andrew Yang’s 2020 campaign and the Yang Gang—how I got involved, how my perspective transformed, and how Andrew’s entrance into politics inspired hundreds of thousands of Americans across the country including me, a Cambodian American woman, to forget about our differences and demand a human-centered capitalism.

By Lena Chhay Imagine this: an army veteran and for- lege graduate and activist. My network chambers led to political polarization in mer Trump voter, a Republican teacher, a was 90% Asian. My lengthy posts on Face- 2016. Unfortunately, our networks are not gay libertarian, a nuclear activist, and a book revolved around a few topics: racism, much different today in 2020. social justice warrior who caucused for sexism, and the stupidity of Donald Trump.

I first read about Andrew Yang in a New Bernie Sanders (me) all walk into a bar. I listed Facebook contacts, like my dad, as York Times article. He was most known for We have pleasant conversation, play 2020 “acquaintances” to avoid Facebook com- being the candidate who proposed The election trivia, discuss upcoming volun- ment wars with people opposite from me Freedom Dividend, a universal basic inteer opportunities, then plan to meet at – namely Republicans, Trump supporters, come (UBI) of $1,000 per month given to the same time and place the following and un-woke white people. I was quick to every US adult paid for by a combination week. This was my reality every week judge others solely from their stance on of consumption taxes, carbon taxes, and from July 2019 to February 2020. We call politics and social issues. reducing bureaucratic bloat in the governourselves the Yang Gang – we are supMy then-network was an echo cham- ment. This Freedom Dividend would be a porters of 2020 presidential candidate Andrew Yang.

Andrew’s message transcends political ideology, identity politics, and socio-economic status – pulling together a wholly diverse set of humans. This will not be a detailed article about Andrew Yang’s 150+ policies, or how he rose from being virtually unknown to the top 6 out of 20+ candidates.

This is a story of unity. A story of diversity. This is my personal story about Andrew Yang’s 2020 campaign and the Yang Gang—how I got involved, how my perspective transformed, and how Andrew’s entrance into politics inspired hundreds of thousands of Americans across the country including me, a Cambodian American woman, to forget about our differences and demand a human-centered Lena Chhay and Andrew Yang at a town hall in Van Meter, IA capitalism. The core value from this journey I will carry on forever; it is the motto: ber, “an environment in which a person response to the automation of millions of Humanity First. encounters only beliefs or opinions that jobs across the US, such as automated reBefore I tell you about how Humanity coincide with their own and alternative tail checkout and self-driving trucks. This First changed who I am, I must first de- ideas are not considered.” I was in a woke, type of economy left alone would generscribe who I was. A year ago, I was a young progressive, social justice-driven bubble. ate billions for the wealthiest via AI and Cambodian-American professional, a col- According to one Stanford article*, echo robots, leaving American humans behind.

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March 2020 | Op-Ed

*Stanford Article: https://pcl.stanford.edu/research/2017/peterson-echo-chambers.pdf

Evelyn and Andrew Yang with Colorado Yang Gang Matthew Lazar in Iowa Andrew is the first Asian-American Democratic presidential candidate in our history. I followed him closely in the news and through YouTube interviews. The more Andrew spoke, the more his ideas resonated with me—from UBI to protecting our data from corporations. Something about him was addicting, a fellow Yang supporter described it as: “I believed in Andrew because his policies resonated with me so strongly. As a young woman hoping to start a family soon, I felt he was my best option to succeed. On top of his policies, I loved everything he stood for.

He was kind, funny, and understanding.

He talked to people instead of at them.

His wife was beautiful inside and out, supportive and well spoken. His boys brought positivity and hope for future generations.

The entire package represents the modern American Dream.”

Andrew was the candidate with it all— intellect, kindness, and relatability—and on top of that he is Asian-American. My own Asian parents nearly disowned me when I majored in political science in college and attended protests and marches, saying I should lay low and avoid rocking the boat. For me, the more representation people of color have in politics, the better.

At first, I was extremely uncomfortable and questioned my own values. As someone who caucused for Bernie in 2016, I asked myself: How could I support this new candidate, when my activist friends are supporting someone else? Am I being true to myself in supporting this candidate?

I thought hard about the solutions each candidate was proposing this cycle.

In the end, I decided ideas like UBI and

ranked choice voting are necessary to helping Americans. After that decision, I researched volunteer opportunities to spread his message and ideas.

The media released articles portraying Yang supporters as mostly white males who lurked the depths of the internet. All of those traits were the opposite of myself, so I was anxious and nervous in the week leading up to my first volunteer event. I was surprised to find these articles were wrong. While the CO Yang Gang was majority white (like Colorado), there were quite a few Asian supporters and more female supporters than the article implied.

In addition to race, the supporters were very ideologically diverse—progressives, conservatives, libertarians, non-voters, and everything in between were represented at nearly every event.

The more I got to know these other supporters, the more my empathy for these other humans grew. I heard the heart-breaking story of a now-friend whose brother, a veteran, was prescribed opioids as a treatment for PTSD. Although marijuana has been proven to be an effective treatment for PTSD, because it is illegal federally, the VA cannot prescribe it to veterans in need. This human voted for Trump in 2016 thinking he would bring major change for his brother’s situation – it didn’t.

I learned about muscular dystrophy, a group of diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass, and its impact on the human body. This supporter and I are the same age (late twenties).

He lost a friend recently due to muscular dystrophy, and eventually the disease will

claim his life as well. We canvassed the 16th Street Mall together, organized debate watch parties, and packed hundreds of sack lunches for the homeless in his apartment. Despite cold weather impacting his disease negatively, he joined us for many winter events, saying “I will get Andrew elected, even if it kills me.”

These conversations over time turned into friendships. Ironically, Lena from 2016 would fight for diversity, but my friends were 90% similar in race and ideology. Lena of 2020 has a much more diverse network filled with those of varying race, gender, and political party.

I am now friends with a lifelong Republican, who recently switched to Independent to vote for Andrew in the Colorado primary. I’ll be supporting him at his upcoming spring choir concert. Although neither of us had volunteered for a political candidate before, we both were inspired to go to Iowa in mid-January to canvass for Andrew Yang. While in Iowa, I knocked on over 800 doors with a group of volunteers from St. Louis, Los Angeles, and Seattle. I met volunteers who quit their jobs to drive to Iowa and canvass for Andrew in below zero temperatures.

Whatever anger I had in the past against others, turned into hope for our country. I no longer felt right in cancelling, or retaliating, against people who made inappropriate remarks – instead I would think harder about the best way to respond. And I did. I shared my perspective as a Cambodian-American female. I challenged my friends to attack policies, not personality. I learned to see people who are different than me as humans first before I saw them as libertarians, Republicans, or Trump supporters. Andrew reinforced this idea publicly.

Kiet (St. Louis), Jamie (Seattle), YJ (Los Angeles), and Lena (Denver) enjoy a Costco lunch while canvassing in Clive, IA

Campaigning for Andrew Yang | asian avenue magazine

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Andrew once said: “One thing I think Democrats should do, I think we should go on Fox News and talk to the American people. Because how can you win an election and bring the country together if you literally won’t talk to 40% or 50% of the population?” He didn’t say Republicans or Trump supporters; he said American people. While we may not agree on everything, we are all a part of a shared country, human race, and economy.

Throughout the campaign, I struggled balancing my passion for Asian-AmeriAugust Democratic Debate watch party at the University of Denver can social justice and supporting Andrew Yang. MATH – Make America Think Hard- standards, we believe in grace, love, and laser printer off of Craigslist to print thouer – was another slogan for the Yang cam- forgiveness so we can learn from mistakes sands of brochures to hand out, and flew paign. Andrew received sharp criticism and improve upon them for next time.” to Iowa in the middle of winter to canvass from the Asian-American community, es- We often hold others to high standards for a week. We uprooted our lives and roupecially in regards to perpetuating stereo- and retaliate/punish before giving them a tines to spread Andrew’s ideas, and it hurt types and the Model Minority myth. chance to show they’ve learned. I needed that much more to return to “business as During the September 2019 demo- to show some Humanity First, and give usual” after the campaign suspended. Afcratic debate, Andrew made an Asian doc- Andrew a chance to show he listened to ter all that work, it was over. Or was it? tor joke. Soon after, a comedian called An- our community. Indeed, he did.

Andrew Yang brought more to the drew a racist expletive. Instead of calling On February 11, Andrew Yang an- country than he probably ever thought. for the comedian to be fired (he was fired), nounced the suspension of his campaign. Through his campaign, his wife Evelyn Andrew instead invited the comedian to The Denver Yang Gang had a Yang Hang Yang had the platform to share her story have a conversation to understand his in- that night. When we found out, we stared of sexual assault—inspiring over 70 other tentions. My Facebook feed flooded with confused and shocked at the TV. The women to come out and press charges dozens of comments attacking Andrew. I night started with our hearts sunk. For against the same perpetrator. was at conflict with myself – I fully under- many of the Yang Gang, it was their first Millions of Asian-American children stood why these stereotypes harm our time donating, much less volunteering saw Andrew, thinking one day they could community. At the same time, am I rein- for a political candidate. The sacrifices we run for president of the United States forcing these stereotypes I hate by support- made as a group hung over our heads as as well. Dozens of candidates have aning this candidate? the red banner flashed across the screen, nounced running in local and state elecMy answer came when I asked Andrew a question on a conference call. He re- I shared my perspective as a Cambodian-American sponded saying the last thing he wanted female. I challenged my friends to attack policies, to do was to prevent our community from moving forward. He didn’t want to lose not personality. I learned to see people who are the core message of his campaign, but he different than me as humans first before I saw them as would make less jokes if it meant progress for our community. The Yang Gang libertarians, Republicans, or Trump supporters. values include grace and forgiveness: “We are all human, and not perfect. While we “Breaking – Andrew Yang suspends cam- tions with Andrew’s modern solutions on always strive to do the right thing, when paign.” That night, with tears falling down their platform since Andrew begun his we or others fail at achieving our high our cheeks, I hugged and comforted my campaign. Finally, Andrew inspired his now friends until the last one closed out supporters to see others as humans first. their tab and went home.

Days after Andrew’s campaign suspenAs a Colorado Yang Gang, we’ve col- sion, my new friends texted me asking lectively knocked on thousands of doors how I was doing, and if I wanted to continacross Colorado, Iowa, and New Hamp- ue our weekly Yang Hangs so that we can shire, and spread Yang’s message to keep in touch. We are brainstorming ways thousands more by sign-waving on in- we can bring Andrew’s modern solutions tersections and over highways since July to the country, hand-in-hand.

2019. We volunteered thousands of hours, Now, more than ever, it’s important organizing canvassing here in Colorado, to realize that what unifies us is stronger Denver Yang Hang packed and but also engineering canvassing opera- than what divides us. Andrew’s 2020 camhanded out 300+ sack lunches tions in California, Oklahoma, and New paign might be over, but the Humanity Hampshire (shoutout to Dave). I bought a First movement has just begun. for homeless citizens

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March 2020 | Op-Ed

Spotlight Since 2013, Shigemi “Sherry” Cree has rappelled down Denver skyscrapers to raise funds for Cancer League of Colorado. Her fearlessness in combination with her passion to serve communities has led her to volunteering for many nonprofit organizations and community activities.

Connecting people and volunteering come naturally to Realtor Sherry Cree Professionally, Cree is a broker/owner of Ascendant Real Estate.

She has been a licensed real estate broker in Colorado since 2008 with prior real estate investment experience. Cree is a repeat recipient of 5280 Magazine Five Star Professional Award (2013 - 2019).

She takes special pride in this recognition because it is based on a third-party survey from actual buyers and sellers who evaluated their agents for their competence and service after their transactions.

Cree says: “It means I helped my clients achieve their success by providing quality representation, guidance and white glove services.” She dedicates herself to “making it happen” for her clients and “always representing her clients’ best interest.” Residential real estate transactions typically involve people going through their major life transitions. Cree finds it to be the most rewarding experience to be trusted and to deliver desired outcomes for her clients as their agent; “I found my calling. I feel very fortunate to be able to say that I LOVE MY JOB!” Based on her strong belief that reputation is everything, Cree continues to build her business through earning trust and respect from everyone who crosses path with her.

Cree is a native of Japan, graduated from Sophia University in Tokyo with a B.A. in Law with an emphasis in International Legal Studies and moved to the United States in 1996 upon marriage with her husband in the U.S. Navy stationed in Japan. She has lived in Colorado since 1999 after living in the Bay Area for two years and in Washington D.C. for a year. Her 22-year-old son currently serves in the U.S. Army.

Her hobbies are tennis, golfing, hiking, and skiing.

She enjoys traveling, culinary art, performing art and spoiling her two adopted rescue dogs, Tahoe and Shasta.

Contact Sherry Cree, Ascendant Real Estate Cell: 720-299-5149 Email: Sherry@Ascendant RealEstate.com

Board Member, Japan America Society of Colorado Promote U.S. & Japan relationship in business, education and culture Board Member, Asian Real Estate Association of America Denver Chapter Promote sustainable home ownership for AAPI community

Trip Leader, Denver Takayama Sister City Promote sister city relationship between Denver and Takayama, Japan

Ambassador, Metro North Regional Partnership/ Chamber of Commerce Promote economic development and business community in the metro north Denver region Rappelling fundraiser, Cancer League of Colorado Rappel off downtown skyscrapers to raise fund for cancer research and patient care in Colorado

Sherry with her son Isaac and husband Rodger Spotlight | asian avenue magazine

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Restaurant Peek

Now Pho

1500 W. Littleton Blvd. Ste A110 Littleton, CO 80120 Tel: 303.798.5599 www.nowpho2.com

Open Hours Sun - Thu: 9am to 9pm Fri - Sat: 9am to 3am

Open Hours Mon - Sat: 10am to 9pm Closed Sunday

W

ith two locations, Now Pho is serving up “piping hot” pho bowls in Denver and Littleton.

Now Pho officially opened under its new name during last year’s Lunar New Year celebrations in February 2019, after Toan Le and Nhan Tran took over the restaurant previously known as Pho Le. The first order of business was to add more Vietnamese specialty dishes to the extensive menu. Not only did the partners expand on the menu, they expanded the business with Now Pho II and have plans to add new locations in other cities.

Now Pho caters to a diverse group of eaters—both Vietnamese and non-Vietnamese, adventurous and basic, as well as people of all ages. The restaurant is open for long hours which welcomes elders in the early morning for cháo (Vietnamese rice porridge) as well as young people who have stayed out until last call and crave a bowl of 2 a.m. soup.

As the manager of Now Pho, Le is responsible for a process called “recipe back,” in which he checks every bowl and every

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Now Pho II

1195 S. Federal Blvd.

Denver, CO 80219 Tel: 303.935.6264 www.nowpho.com

March 2020 | Restaurant Peek

By Annie Guo VanDan Photos by Lijin Zhao

plate to ensure a consistent amount of oil soup. While most Denver restaurants ingredients, cooking levels and tempera- only offer one option for BBH, you can tures are used. He shares that the loves choose from several options at Now Pho being in the restaurant industry and including a bowl made with oxtail. bringing innovation to the dishes. Thanks But of course the Now Pho special has to his creativity and Tran’s skills in the to be a pho dish! The Pho 2 To (Two Bowls) kitchen, Now Pho offers a menu of more presents an innovative way to eat pho. than 100 dishes with many items you can- What are the two things that can ruin a not find in Denver, which include Banh good pho bowl? Soggy noodles and room Canh Cua & Tom Hum (crab meat and lob- temperature broth. Order the Pho 2 To ster tail round noodle soup), Hu Tieu Nam and enjoy the hot broth served in a stone Vang (Phnom Penh rice noodle soup), and pot. The noodles come on their own dish Banh Tam Bi (seasoned pork skin noodles). and you can be in charge of when and The restaurant also offers a selection of how much you dip them into the broth. hot pot options including fish paste sea- And that’s not all, the best part is the prefood hot pot, Thai seafood hot pot, sauté mium meats are arranged beautifully on beef hot pot and fishcake hot pot. The their own platter: filet mignon rare steak, best part is that you can order these to-go well-done brisket, fat brisket, well-done and all of the ingredients and broth will flank, in addition to the traditional rare be prepared for you to enjoy a fun night steak. And finally, sauces come ready for of hot pot in your own home. you to dip into: house special chili oil, SriLike the hot pot dishes, Now Pho offers racha, and hoisin. All of the beef broth in four different options for Bún Bò Huế. Af- the pho bowls are cooked for 14 hours. fectionately known as “BBH,” this is a traNow Pho II in Littleton has a slightly abditional Vietnamese fat noodle dish with breviated version of the menu with poputender beef shank made with a hot chili lar dishes that cater to the eaters in the area.

Pho 2 To Two Bowls – Now Pho Special! $22.95 - Serves 1 | $32.95 - Serves 2 This bowl has it all. Treat yourself with the premium filet mignon rare steak, well-done brisket, fat brisket, well-done flank. Rare steak comes on the side, accompanied with the hot bowl of broth.

In rare level of steak, you can feel how tender it is.

Bún Bò Hue Dac Biet Duôi Bò Hue Special Beef Oxtail Noodle Soup $15.95 This traditional and heartwarming Vietnamese noodle soup comes with fat Vermicelli noodle and tender beef shank. The broth is prepared by simmering beef bones with lemongrass and hot chili oil for a unique aroma and unrivaled taste. Huế style soup with ox tail, round rice noodle and beef broth.

Bánh Canh Cua Crab and Shrimp Round Noodle Soup

$13.95

Mì Hoành Thánh

The nutritious bowl is filled with chunks of crab meat, plus fat udon-style rice noodles, shrimps, boiled quail eggs, pork blood cubes in a perfectly seasoned broth. Topped with crispy fried shallots, cilantro, ground black pepper and fresh spring onion. The rich flavors of this soup will help you feel satisfied and have an unforgettable experience.

Wonton and Egg Noodle Soup $13.50 Pork wontons, char siu, pork, shrimps, and egg noodles are combined with Chinese chives, and fried onion in a slowly simmering pork bone broth to create a nutritious soup. Served with bean sprouts, garland chrysanthemum, lime, jalapeno and lettuce.

Cánh Gà Chiên Nuoc Mam

Hoành Thánh Phô Mai

Fried Chicken Wings (6)

Crab Cheese Wontons (5)

$8.25 Chicken wings are marinated in a blend fish sauce and garlic, then deep fried until they are golden brown with crispy skins, while still juicy on the inside.

$5.95 Decadent crab and cream cheese stuffed in wontons, then deep fried to crispy golden perfection. Served with housemade sauce.

Now Pho | asian avenue magazine

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Books

BOOKS TO READ FOR WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Compiled by Mary Jeneverre Schultz

With March as Women’s History Month, we are sharing this list of Asian American women authors. Women’s History Month highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society.

1

The Dragon Warrior by Katie Zhao

A debut novel inspired by Chinese mythology, this middle-grade fantasy follows an outcast as she embarks on a quest to save the world from demons.

As a member of the Jade Society, 12-year-old Faryn Liu dreams of honoring her family and the gods by becoming a warrior. But the Society has shunned Faryn and her brother; Alex ever since their father disappeared years ago, forcing them to train in secret.

Faryn sets off on a daring quest across Chinatowns, but becoming the Heaven Breaker will require more sacrifices than she first realized. What will Faryn be willing to give up to claim her destiny?

2

The Widows of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey Sujata Massey (Agatha and Macavity award-winning author) brings a delightful mystery set in 1920s India. Perveen

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March 2020 | Books

Books For All Ages Written by Asian American Women

Mistry, Bombay’s first female lawyer, is investigating a suspicious will on behalf of three Muslim widows living in full purdah when the case takes a turn. Explore 1920s Bombay alongside crime fiction’s most appealing new heroine, the plucky and determined Perveen Mistry.

She has a passion for the law and for helping people, but she also has a dark secret in her past that makes her uniquely suited to her career—an abusive marriage that ended in violent tragedy. As a member of India’s Zoroastrian minority, she can never divorce or remarry, but she can devote her life to helping other women in trouble.

3

Talon by Julie Kagawa Long ago, dragons were hunted to near extinction by the Order of St. George, a legendary society of dragonslayers. Hiding in human form and growing their numbers in secret, the dragons of Talon have

become strong and cunning, and they’re positioned to take over the world with humans none the wiser.

Ember and Dante Hill are the only sister and brother known to dragonkind. Trained to infiltrate society, Ember wants to live the teen experience and enjoy a summer of freedom before taking her destined place in Talon. But destiny is a matter of perspective, and a rogue dragon will soon challenge everything Ember has been taught. As Ember struggles to accept her future, she and her brother are hunted by the Order of St. George.

4

The Lost Vintage by Ann Mah Drops of Gold – les gouttes d’or: that’s the name of the wine Kate’s family has been making for generations. But Kate’s life in San Francisco is half a world away from the French vineyard her mother turned her back on a generation ago, and Kate has instead spent years building her career as a sommelier.

And so Kate returns to the vineyard, ostensibly to help her cousin Nico and his wife Heather with les vendanges --- the annual grape harvest --- and brush up on her knowledge. Her unspoken goals are to avoid as best as possible both the bittersweet memories of her childhood and JeanLuc, a neighboring winemaker and her first love.

As she learns more about her family, her long-lost aunt, and the reality of life in Vichy

France, Kate also finds that the line between resistance and collaboration is razor thin. And she becomes consumed with a new goal for her time in Burgundy: discovering who, exactly her family aided during the difficult years of the war.

5

The Sakura Obsession: The Incredible Story of the Plant Hunter Who Saved Japan’s Cherry Blossoms by Naoko Abe This book written by journalist Naoko Abe tells the remarkable 1,200-year history of the Japanese cherry blossom tree and the fascinating story of how it was saved from extinction by English gardener Collingwood “Cherry” Ingram.

Ingram first fell in love with the sakura, or cherry tree, when he visited Japan on his honeymoon in 1907. He was so taken with the plant he brought back hundreds of cuttings with him

to England, where he created a garden of cherry varieties. In 1926, upon learning that the Great White Cherry had become extinct in Japan, he began a lifelong crusade to save the tree. In the years that followed, Ingram sent more than 100 varieties of cherry tree to new homes around the globe, from Auckland to Washington.

Naoke Abe grew up in Japan, where the cherry blossom is a potent symbol of national identity and culture. But she knew nothing about Ingram, whose work is legendary among some Western horticulturalists, but virtually unknown to the Japanese and the wider world.

6

Little Soldiers: An American Boy, A Chinese School, and the Global Race to Achieve by Lenora Chu

had left an American school system fraught with problems; wanting to set their son on the right path forward. Lenora wondered whether Rainey might benefit from an education delivered the Chinese way. Almost immediately after her son started at Shanghai’s top kindergarden, her spirited toddler started to morph into a proper pupil, greeting his teacher faithfully with “Laoshi zao! Good morning, teacher!” and began to emulate the polite, patient behavior of Chinese students.

However, the deeper she dug, the more disconcerted she became about a classroom environment where young children are often bribed, shamed, and punished into submission, stripping them of independent expression.

7

Despite our frenzied efforts, American children continue to slide in global education rankings, while students in China and elsewhere in Asia soar towards the top. What are they doing that we’re not? Should we borrow a page from China’s education playbook?

In 2010, journalist Lenora Chu found herself at the heart of this global debate. She and her husband enrolled their American boy in the Chinese state-run school system celebrated for producing some of the planet’s top-ranking students. The young family

A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin When Little Star’s mother bakes a delicious-looking mooncake, she leaves it in the night sky to cool. But it looks so tasty that Little Star can’t wait, and every night she must take a little nibble of the perfectly round confection! As she takes bites out of the mooncake, the moon itself wanes, passing through each phase until it becomes a new moon, and Little Star’s mother makes a new mooncake.

The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is an Asian holiday celebrated by eating mooncakes and telling stories about the moon. When Grace’s daughter

kept asking for more stories about the moon and Grace ran out of ones to share, she knew she had to create a story of her own. This book is a love letter to Grace’s daughter.

8

Tiger Writing by Gish Jen For author Gish Jen, the daughter of Chinese immigrant parents, books were once an outsiders’ guide to the universe. Drawing on a rich array of sources, from paintings to behavioral studies to her father’s striking account of his childhood in China, this accessible book not only illuminates Jen’s own development and celebrated work but also explores the aesthetic

and psychic roots of the independent and interdependent self --- each mode of selfhood yielding a distinct way of observing, remembering, and narrating the world.

The novel is fundamentally a Western form that values orig-

inality, authenticity and the truth of individual experience.

By contrast, Eastern narrative emphasizes morality, cultural continuity, the everyday, the recurrent. Tiger Writing shifts the way we understand ourselves and our art-marking.

9

The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo

Set in 1930s Colonial Malaysia, quick-witted, ambitious Ji Lin is stuck as an apprentice dressmaker, moonlighting as a dance-hall girl to help pay off her mother’s mahjong debts.

But when one of her dance partners accidentally leaves behind a gruesome souvenir, Ji Lin plunges into a dark adventure: a mirror world of secrets and superstitions.

Dazzling and propulsive, The Night Tiger is the coming-of-age of a child and a young woman, each searching for their place in society that would rather they stay invisible.

Books by Women Authors | asian avenue magazine

25

DAAPIC Column

Fear fuels the fires of

prejudice

By Gil Asakawa

The coronavirus outbreak that started in Wuhan, China has be- eating there, and wondered if he got coronavirus. Facebook recome a worldwide crisis, and the virus is serious business – both moved the comments and the user. figuratively and literally.

The mayor of Philadelphia dined at a restaurant in the city’s Because the world economy is interlinked and interdepen- excellent Chinatown district last month to show support for the dent, a disaster in Asia can have ripple effects across the globe’s Chinese American community. I hope other cities’ mayors and cefinancial markets. As countries including the United States cut lebrities do the same. Some other mayors of American cities have back travel to China and block people from coming from China, gone to their Chinese communities to calm citizens’ concerns. the US stock market’s been battered by the effects of the coronaHere in Denver, Mayor Michael B. Hancock has released a statevirus. Many American companies have offices in China and rely ment of support for the area’s Chinese and Asian Americans: on companies there to keep its supply chains moving.

‘We stand with and support Denver’s thriving Asian communiAnd now, it appears that the world is on the brink of a corona- ty, today and every day. virus pandemic.

“In Denver, we will not tolerate discrimination of any kind.

As I write this (Feb. 25), the virus named COVID-19, has infected Since the Coronavirus outbreak there have been local and namore than 80,000 people in 37 countries, causing at least 2,600 tional sentiments and actions against our Chinese and Asian deaths. It causes symptoms similar to flu or pneumonia. The US communities by people who inaccurately equate an entire race Centers for Disease Control and Prevention so far has confirmed with a disease.

57 cases in the US, and announced that it’s “We must stand up against racism, fearnot a question of if the virus will spread We stand with and support Den- mongering, and misinformation by supwidely to the US, but when. ver’s thriving Asian community, porting and embracing all residents who We can’t fault countries, including the today and every day. call Denver home. I encourage to continue US (and Japan) from limiting or blocking supporting your neighbors and their busiIn Denver, we will not tolerate travelers from China. Until there’s a sciennesses today and always. Our differences tific medical solution to treat and prevent discrimination of any kind. Since are what unite us.” the virus, one way to control the spread is, the Coronavirus outbreak there It’s always easy to target “the other” in well, to control the spread of the people have been local and national sen- times of crisis when fear is clouding our sowho may be carrying the virus. timents and actions against our cietal judgment.

Unfortunately, along with the spread Chinese and Asian communities AAPIs have felt this prejudice by just sitof the virus, one side effect has been the ting down at a café, or a station, or a library, by people who inaccurately equate spread of fear that can fuel the fires of prejonly to have people around them pick up an entire race with a disease. udice. It’s one thing to be afraid of people their things and move away. Do we need - DENVER MAYOR to shout out, “I’m not Chinese from Wufrom Wuhan, or even mainland China, who MICHAEL B. HANCOCK han!” or “I’m Japanese American!” to show may have been exposed to the virus. It’s another altogether, to treat Chinese in the we’re not Typhoid Mariko?

US, including Chinese Americans who were This is reminiscent of the WWII-era phoborn and raised here and haven’t gone to tographs Asians with signs pinned to their Wuhan or even to China recently, as pariahs clothes reading, “I am Chinese.” It was a who might be carrying the illness. common sight to see Chinese Americans They’re not. Neither are other Asian identifying themselves during the war, Americans and Pacific Islanders. when 120,000 people of Japanese ancesAnd yet, the media have run stories try including half of whom who were USabout how AAPIs are being treated as if born American citizens, were imprisoned they’re all Chinese who are “fresh off the in US concentration camps. boat” from Wuhan. The New York Times ran During WWII, Chinese Americans wore If you’re “The Other,” and you so much signs to identify themselves in order to a commentary about how Chinese restauas look Asian or serve any kind of Chinese avoid being sent to Japanese concenrants are being subjected to outdated food, you could have been singled out as a tration camps. Credit: Ranker.com tropes – fake stereotypes – about serving spy during WWII, or as a virus carrier today. meat that might have been the cause of the virus in the market Let’s let the authorities fight the coronavirus with science, and in Wuhan. You know, rats, bats, wolves. not bring our baser instincts of fear and loathing to the surface.

Someone posted fake comments on the Facebook page of a Gil Asakawa is a member of the Denver Asian American PaDenver-area Chinese restaurant that claimed he felt sick after cific Islander Commission.

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March 2020 | DAAPIC Column

On Scene

Annual event makes sure Americans never forget the JA incarceration Article and Photos by Gil Asakawa

The Mile High chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) hosts an annual Day of Remembrance event to mark the anniversary of a dark chapter in US history: The incarceration of 120,000 people of Japanese descent during World War II in American concentration camps.

This year’s Day of Remembrance was held in the large conference room of History Colorado Center, where about 250 people gathered to hear keynote speaker Mitch Maki explain the role that the Nisei, or second generation Japanese Americans of the Military Intelligence Service, or MIS, played during the war in the Pacific and the post-war Occupation of Japan. Maki, a stellar storyteller and president of the Go For Broke National Education Center, a museum and archive dedicated to the “Go for Broke” spirit of the Nisei soldiers of WWII. On Feb. 19, 1942, less than three months after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, President Franklin Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which allowed the US military to designate “military exclusion zones” along the West Coast, and within a few months uproot Japanese immigrants (the Issei) and their US-born American citizen children (the Nisei) from their homes, businesses, farms and properties. They were imprisoned first in temporary detention centers in converted horse racetracks and other large public facilities, then in 10 hastily-constructed from inland California to Arkansas, with one – Amache – located in southeast Colorado next to the town of Granada. More than 7,500 people lived in Amache.

Even though their families were incarcerated during the war, thousands of Nisei joined the US military when they were allowed as the war went on. Many served in Europe as part of the 100th Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team, which earned stateside headlines for their valor and remain to this day the most highly decorated combat group in the history of the US military.

Fewer served in the Military Intelligence Service (MIS). They were recruited for the MIS because they spoke Japanese, and were sent to the Pacific where they fought their way alongside General Douglas MacArthur. The MIS provided translations of captured Japanese documents and helped interrogate captured enemy soldiers. Many also served in the Occupation of Japan, and as Maki noted in his talk, helped serve as a bridge between the US occupiers and the Japanese. Maki credits the MIS veterans for helping to build the close relationship that Japan and the US enjoy today.

These Nisei soldiers were not famous like the “Go For Broke” 442nd, and as veterans, they never spoke about their experience for decades after the war. This year’s Day of Remembrance paid homage to these soldiers.

At the event, the National Parks Service surveyed people about the potential to gain a national park designation for the Amache site. The program was made possible by grants from the Simpson United Methodist Church, Tri-State Denver Buddhist Temple, Nisei Veterans Association and Sakura Foundation, and co-sponsors the Japanese American Resource Center of Colorado and History Colorado Center.

On Scene | asian avenue magazine

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On Scene

Making Sushi with a Master

By Jessalyn Herreria Langevin | Photos by Dan Langevin

Nigiri, maki, temaki, uramaki… What do these Japanese words have in common? They are all types of sushi rolls! Every sushi aficionado in the Denver metro area knows about the famous Sushi Den and it’s hip younger sister, Izakaya Den. However, did you know Izakaya Den offers sushi making classes given by chef and restaurateur, Yasu Kizaki?

On select Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, Chef Kizaki teaches up to 23 participants how to make four different styles of sushi: • Nigiri, sashimi grade fish placed on top of rice, • Maki, sushi rolls with seaweed on the outside, • Temaki, sushi that resembles an ice cream cone, and • Uramaki, sushi rolls with rice on the outside.

The class leads up to a dinner that includes 20 pieces of sushi and miso soup.

Each participant ends up making the sushi that they eat. After class, dinner is held inside the restaurant where participants can chat with each other and enjoy the company. The event creBefore any meal, it is Japanese tradition ates a unique date night to be to say, “Itadakimasu” which translates to “I humbly receive” or “Let’s eat” shared with someone special.

Throughout the class, Chef Kizaki imparts his expertise, guides his students on their technique, and clarifies the differences between the American sushi experience and the Japanese sushi experience. As you progress through the class, you discover which type of sushi should be eaten as soon as it is served and which can wait. Chef Kizaki also illuminates his students as to how his restaurants obtain the freshest fish possible. Taking the class opens your eyes as to how little you once knew about sushi.

If you’re interested in learning the art of sushi making from a master, be advised to book a class early, as space is limited and classes are frequently filled one to two months in advance. More details regarding Chef Kizaki’s class can be found at www.sushiden.net/sliced.

Before dinner, Chef Kizaki discusses Japanese meal traditions. Nigiri is usually the last sushi made and is handled quickly to ensure the freshest taste.

OCA Celebrates the Year of the Rat

By Jessalyn Herreria Langevin

On Saturday, February 1, 2020 the Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA) celebrated the coming of the Year of the Rat with a fantastic Lunar New Year banquet. The night included a cocktail social, night market, carnival games, a silent auction, entertainment, and, of course, a ten-course dinner. Former Channel 7 news anchors Bertha Lynn and Christine Chang Gillette emceed the event.

Another successful event for OCA, the banquet was sold out with over 300 people in attendance.

Find out more about OCA at www.ocacolorado.org.

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March 2020 | On Scene

2020 Chinese New Year celebration in Longmont, Colorado The 10th Annual Chinese New Year (CNY) Celebration at Silver Creek High School continued the Asian-Pacific Association of Longmont’s (A-PAL) tradition of bringing people of all backgrounds and ages together to promote inclusivity and diversity in a positive, fun, and interactive environment.

The event, which saw over 1,500 participants from 87 different cultural backgrounds, gave attendees a chance to experience a day immersed in Asian culture, from history to forward-look-

ing technologies. The 2020 CNY was ushered in by a special Children’s Lantern Parade. Live performances included the Lion Dance, Kung-Fu demonstrations, Taiko Drumming, youth violin, and Chinese fashion by Qi Zhou Design Studio. Participants enjoyed a quarter mile of cultural and educational booths, art shows, Asian food, and educational projects such as the St. Vrain Innovation Mobile Lab. For A-PAL Founder, Rita Liu, the interactive element is the most import-

ant, both in front of and behind the scenes: 250 volunteers worked together to make the event possible. A-PAL also used this opportunity to mentor students from the Silver Creek Leadership Academy (SCLA).

CNY was hosted by SCLA, and supported by the Longmont Mayor, the Longmont City Council, the St. Vrain Valley Schools Board of Education, and A-PAL’s partnerships, sponsors, and contributors.

Provided by Rita Liu

FirstBank Opens Multicultural Banking Center in Lakewood FirstBank, one of the nation’s largest privately held banks with a focus on “banking for good,” celebrated the grand opening of its Multicultural Banking Center in Lakewood last month. This represents FirstBank’s longstanding commitment to empowering diverse groups.

The new Multicultural Banking Center will serve as a hub for all 119 FirstBank locations, including the bank’s Asian and Spanish Banking Centers, where customers can receive banking services in their preferred language and with an understanding of their culture.

“At FirstBank, diversity and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords — they’re core company values,” said Amber Hills, Lakewood Market President who oversees the company’s multicultural efforts. “We’re committed to meeting the unique needs of our customers, and celebrating the cultures that comprise and enrich the communities we serve.”

The new Center will also create opportunities for various businesses, non-

FirstBank Multicultural Banking Center 550 S. Wadsworth Blvd.

Lakewood, CO 80226

Tony Oum, Senior Vice President of the FirstBank Multicultural Banking Center

profits, and community members to attend networking events, financial literacy classes, collaborate on community projects, and more. Additionally, FirstBank will continue hiring and retaining talent that speaks Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Ethiopian dialects. It’s also further engaging Spanish, Black/African American

and Asian communities through educational offerings, events and sponsorships, which include supporting organizations such as the Asian Chamber of Commerce and Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network.

FirstBank was recently recognized as a corporate diversity champion by the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado, a leader in diversity and inclusion by the Mortgage Bankers Association, and was the recipient of Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce “Champions of Change” award for driving women and people of color forward.

The bank maintains an inclusive board of directors that reflects the diversity of both its employees and customers.

Over half of FirstBank’s management roles — from assistant manager through executive management — are occupied by women. And nearly 40 percent of the bank’s employee population represent different races, ethnicities, military statuses and abilities.

Mile High Happenings | asian avenue magazine

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COVERAGE VS CARE MED PAY ON YOUR AUTO INSURANCE

By Jennifer Ryan, licensed CO insurance agent, Aim High Chiropractic As we discussed in last month’s article, it is important to carry the appropriate amount of insurance on our auto policies. In the event of an auto accident, Med Pay covers you and all of the passengers in your vehicle, no matter who is at fault in the accident You should NEVER decline Med Pay coverage on your auto insurance.

Med Pay will always pay out first after an accident and will pay up to the coverage limits for reasonable medical expenses, which includes ambulance,

ER visit, urgent care visit, chiropractic care and more. Colorado is a Med Pay statutory state, so if you decline the coverage, you MUST sign a form with your agent stating that you decline the coverage.

Med Pay coverage limits will determine your access to paid medical care after an accident. If you have inadequate coverage, you may have to pay for your care out of pocket or choose not to receive care at all and live in pain.

Frequently Asked Questions Medical Payments on your Auto Policy What is it?

Medical Payments or Med Pay/ Medical Expenses is coverage that pays for you and your passengers for reasonable medical expenses that result from an auto accident no matter who is at fault.

Why have it?

Never reject Med Pay. The coverage is inexpensive and will help pay for an ambulance visit, ER visit and chiropractic care after an accident. Med Pay always pays first.

Who does it cover?

You and all your passengers up to coverage limits no matter who is at fault in the accident.

What does it cover?

Pays for reasonable medical expenses up to coverage limits that result from an auto accident. Med Pay pays first after an accident.

How much should I have?

MINIMALLY $10,000. We suggest to purchase as much coverage as you can afford.

Your agent can help you figure out appropriate coverage.

Aim High Chiropractic specializes in treating motor vehicle accident patients at our four clinic locations and has been doing it for 24 years.

We are very familiar with relieving pain, navigating the insurance system and with our network of attorney partners, can help refer patients to a great attorney for advice and assistance. Call today for more information at 303.922.2977.

mydenverchiropractor.com

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March 2020 | Advertorial

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