Celebrating AAPI Perspectives

AAPI Perspectivesis a Santa Clara County Oral History Project, the purpose of the project is to document the lives and legacies of Santa Clara County Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) leaders and activists, to amplify and uplift their contributions as well as combat racism and anti-Asian violence.

Asian American Pacific Islander/AAPI Perspectives

Join us for an evening of cultural exploration and heartfelt dialogue as we celebrate Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.

Japanese American Museum of San Jose

<h3>Join us for an afternoon of cultural exploration and heartfelt dialogue as we celebrate Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, sponsored by the City of San José’s Office of Cultural Affairs Abierto Grant. </h3>At the heart of this event is the recent AAPI Perspectives Oral History Project, a partnership between SJSU Research Foundation and Santa Clara County to document the lives and stories of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and their contributions to their communities and society at large. This project aims to uncover and illuminate hidden narratives that have long been obscured by otherness and mystery for far too long.The event will take place at the San José Japanese American Museum with FREE museum admission for the day. Additionally, those who RSVP via Eventbrite will be automatically entered to win a raffle for a $100 Museum Giftshop Certificate. Must be present to win.<h3></h3>SPOKEN WORD POETRY AND LIVE MUSICTo conclude the evening, we will be treated to spoken word poetry by Erin Jerri Pañgilinan and a live musical performance by Kamiko (https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HMVEygYUNKpbWTcXXTw4i) and AnnaMacan (https://open.spotify.com/artist/3eCZNPPFKKQg3wppLS0KYP). Their soul-stirring music and poetry will uplift and inspire us to embrace the beauty and diversity of our community. Follow them on Instagram @erinjerri @annamacan @kamikomusicPANEL DISCUSSION: The Power of Oral History and Art in Shaping Culture and IdentityTogether, we will immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of AAPI culture and honor the enduring contributions of the AAPI community. This Panel Discussion will feature the captivating perspectives of local historian Connie Young Yu, filmmaker Lan Nguyen, and singer/songwriter Kamiko. Through their stories, we will delve into the depths of the lived experience and examine its impact on our sense of self, belonging, and creative expression when crucial stories are missing.<ul><li> Connie Young Yu is an historian, author, and expert on Heinlenville Chinatown, which originally occupied part of where modern-day Japantown now stands in San Jose, CA. She authored a book entitled "Chinatown, San Jose, USA" and the script for a documentary film called "Digging to Chinatown" about Heinlenville. Additionally, she contributed the text for the "On Common Ground" exhibit at JAMsj and the script for its accompanying video about San Jose's Chinatown and Japantown. Her grandfather managed a store in Heinlenville, and her father grew up there. Currently, she is a historical consultant for the development project underway at the former Chinatown site. Connie played a key role in designating Angel Island Immigration Station as a National Historic Landmark and gave the opening address at the 150-year anniversary of the Golden Spike in honor of Chinese American railroad workers. Connie was also a founding member of Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI).</li></ul><ul><li> Lan Nguyen is an award-winning filmmaker, community organizer, and educator from Long Beach, California. She focuses on community organizing in progressive Southeast Asian American spaces, addressing issues of incarceration and deportation. Lan's work includes short films screened at festivals, community centers, and universities. She is a 2019 NeXt Doc Fellow and a Critical Refugee Studies Collective grantee. Her film Fighting For Family received several awards. Lan is an ethnic studies educator who has taught at the high school and college level in California. She currently teaches ethnic studies at US history to immigrant youth in the Bay Area. Lan holds degrees from Northwestern University, UCLA, and San Jose State University. (https://www.lannguyen-portfolio.com/about)</li></ul><ul><li> Briana Kamiko Fujii is a singer-songwriter who infuses contemporary R&B with soulful melodies inspired by greats such as Etta James and Amy Winehouse. Raised in the creative hub of the Bay Area, California, Kamiko's upbringing has heavily influenced her work. Alongside her music, Kamiko is a skilled photographer and Birth Doula with a passion for children and nurturing creativity in all aspects of life. Her multifaceted interests inform her art and makes her a unique and dynamic force in the Bay Area. (https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HMVEygYUNKpbWTcXXTw4i)</li></ul><ul><li> Ellina Yin is a 1st generation Cambodian American multidisciplinary social practice artist, civic participation activist, and entrepreneur. Ellina works at the intersection of art, technology, and lawmaking to explore new forms of civic participation. Their work threads art and technology to reimagine how we engage in democracy at the local level and the crucial role of artists in shaping culture. In 2022, Ellina co-authored and passed the Measure I Ballot in San José, which aims to elevate ethics, equity values/standards, and expand civic participation for non-citizens. They are currently serving as the Creative Director and Project/Research Manager for an Oral History Project featuring AAPI Perspectives which aims to document and share the stories of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in Santa Clara County as part of the California’s Ethnic Studies initiative.</li></ul>

Agenda

Opening Remarks

Santee Elementary School Words/Music

Panel Discussion: The Power of Art and Story in Shaping Culture and Identity

Spoken Word Poetry by Erin Pangilinan

Live Musical Performance by Kamiko & AnnaMacan

FREE Japanese American Museum Admissions

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Celebrating AAPI Perspectives

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