"Asian & American"

May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month! And we are nearly halfway through the year. Can you believe it?

I’m usually busy this time of year, finishing up and chasing down stories related to Asian Americans, and attending and emceeing events related to the Asian American diaspora in the Washington DC area.

This year, however, all is cancelled. I’m especially bummed about my speaking engagement with a local high school! It would have been my first time speaking in front of students, as a professional adult, and it would have officially made me feel old!

Since there aren’t many things to look forward to this month, I started to look back to my month of May last year. I was in post-production of my inaugural feature series on CGTN America called “Asian & American.” Working on the series from pitch to broadcast was one of the most grueling, but exciting work projects I’ve produced. I was most thrilled to use my platform to showcase the talented and diverse group of Asian Americans who impact modern society.

Did you know, according to Pew Research, Asian Americans are the fastest-growing ethnic group in the U.S. But try naming five notable Asian Americans in any industry. Maybe you thought of Andrew Yang— a recent contender for the Democratic nomination for U.S. presidency, who gained a hardcore following on and off social media (#yanggang). Or maybe you thought of Awkwafina—the female comedian with the ‘funny’ name who made history with her Golden Globe award for best actress for her role in ‘The Farewell. Other than naming these two individuals who’ve made headlines in recent months, you’re likely to be stumped. In the highest precincts of American society, Asian Americans tend to be underrepresented.

So, in a special multi-part series on CGTN America, I was able to put the spotlight on Asian Americans—a first for any network, anywhere. It was a chance to showcase a diverse group of Asian Americans who not only embrace their ethnic heritage and values, but also recognize how much they shape their identities. They are changemakers in their respective fields.

From pitch to broadcast, it took about a year for the series to air. I remember pitching this idea about four years ago to a few Asian American leaders in different industries before I pitched this to the network. I remember typing out my style guide for my team of photographers and editors to follow. I remember sketching out my initial storyboard for my first piece—excited with glee for the opportunity, and partly stunned that I could actually make my creative direction come to life with a team solely dedicated to the project.

The first person profiled was award-winning chef, Edward Lee. Every day, at his restaurants in Kentucky, Maryland and Washington DC, East meets West on a plate. Born in Brooklyn. Raised by Korean parents – and after a trip to the Kentucky Derby—an aficionado of Southern cooking. His dishes are just as diverse as his life experiences. Lee specializes in his unique fusion of Southern comfort and Asian flair. Kimchi with collard greens and country ham, anyone? America is a melting pot, he reiterated in his interview. He crafted his menus to reflect that. He made note that just because one group has been here longer, it didn’t mean mean they own the definition of America.

Then there’s Jeremy Lin—the first Asian American basketball player to win an NBA championship. In our interview, he admitted that in his early years in the NBA, he disliked how ‘everyone just wanted to talk about me being Asian versus my basketball.’ Today, he’s happy to talk about being Asian. It’s a “mantle” he carries with pride. In the interview, Lin shared his hopes of playing for China one day. Couple of months after his historic championship game, he moved to Beijing after signing with the Beijing Ducks of the Chinese Basketball Association.

Maureen Fan may not be as well-known as a pro basketball player. But she made a name for herself in virtual reality and animation. Defying the wishes of her Chinese immigrant parents, she entered the arts. Contrary to her parents’ beliefs, she did not become ‘poor and destitute.’ She is CEO of animation studio, Baobab, which has won a handful of Emmy Awards for its short films.

They are just three individuals part of the series. There are so many more like them in our society today. They have risen to levels that few people of any race attain, but they also express humility. They define success by their personal achievements and their generosity. Fan mentors other Asian Americans in media, and advocates for them in an industry notorious for its lack of diversity. Lin hosts youth basketball camps in China through his Jeremy Lin Foundation. As a restauranteur, Chef Lee mentors young chefs through his LEE Initiative.

Each has demonstrated the grit, passion, and an appreciation for their ethnic heritage. It is a pride that translates into any language. And just speaking to them upped my level of appreciation for my own heritage and motivated me to push through the hardships and adversity to taste the sweet pies of achievement through the journey.