Stories

ColorLines

Under the Varnish

Vietnamese nail salon workers face the highest exposure to dangerous chemicals — but who’s responsible for their safety? Winter 2005–2006 (PDF, 140 KB)

Listening Up

“On a sunny spring day, Abdull Dominguez, aka ‘Panama,’ sits inside a black box recording studio at BUMP Records in Oakland, California…” Jul–Aug 2006

Where’s the Color in the Antiwar Movement?

“The occupation in Iraq is going on its sixth year and so are the antiwar demonstrations. While people of color can be seen at the demonstrations, it remains largely a white movement…” Nov–Dec 2008 (PDF, 96 KB)

Spotlight: Favianna Rodriguez — Political Posters for the Masses

“Favianna Rodriguez, 30, is constantly thinking of new ways to get political messages across through art. Her newest project, the bilingual book Reproduce & Revolt/Reproduce y Rebélate, does just that…” Nov–Dec 2008 (PDF, 404 KB)

The Bronx Defenders — Changing the Criminal Justice System

“In the new courtroom drama Raising the Bar, the attorney played by Gloria Reuben pleads for her client to get drug treatment instead of jail time for his petty thefts—and the judge agrees.” Jan–Feb 2009

East Bay Express

Urban Temple

An ethnic minority comes together to celebrate the first Iu Mien temple in America. Oct 2008

Still Seeking Refuge

The East Bay’s new Burmese immigrants left their homes in Thai refugee camps only to find themselves in an even tougher spot — inner-city Oakland amidst a punishing recession that threatens the assistance they depend upon. Feb 2010

Poverty Stricken

A new report shows that Oakland’s refugees from Burma are stuck in extreme poverty, with up to 80 percent unemployment. Jan 2012

Edutopia.org

Blogging in Place: Writing That Explores New Neighborhoods

Multimedia projects link students with communities near and far. Jan 2009

Film Producer

Enforcing the Silence

The film explores silence and loss in the tragic story of a young community worker who may have been murdered for expressing his political beliefs. Premiered April 30, 2011 at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival

Hyphen

Demons in the Dance

Imagine a bunch of sweaty, noisy teenaged boys violently dancing in your garage. This is the story of some youths’ Rize to fame. Summer 2006 (PDF 1.4 MB)

Life after 9/11

Seven years after 9/11, Asian Americans reflect on how their lives and communities have changed. Summer 2008 (PDF 1.6 MB)

Furious Five: Native Guns — MCs that matter

Hyphen gets elemental with hip-hop’s new school. Fall 2006 (PDF, 508 KB)

Mani-Pedis Go Green

Health problems linked to nail salons—many of which employ Asian Americans—foster a movement toward eco-friendly shops. Summer 2009 feature story (PDF, 1.6 MB)

Motherhood Rooted

Asian and Pacific Islander moms in the US embrace ancient post-birth traditions. Spring 2011 feature story

Hyphenmagazine.com

Motherhood Rooted: The Video

A collaboration between Center for Asian American Media producer R.J. Lozada and myself, on Asian American moms who embrace ancient postpartum traditions. May 2011

Jay Chou: ‘The Green Hornet’’s Kato, in His Own Words

“I interviewed Taiwanese pop star, composer, singer and actor Jay Chou (周杰倫), who stars in the new comedy-action The Green Hornet, directed by Michel Gondry and also starring Seth Rogen and Cameron Diaz…” January 2011

Making Contact Radio

The Toxic Truth About Nail Salons

Nail salon workers and advocates are pushing hard to change public policy around exposure to toxic chemicals. But there’s also a movement coming from businesses themselves to make the salons greener and safer for workers and consumers. January 2011

Oakland Tribune

Oakland activist keeps spirit of revolution strong

“Yuri Kochiyama embodies the spirit of activism that one might find in an ebullient college student, but this long-time activist for social justice turns 87 today. ” May 19, 2008

Project uncovers hidden stories of Japantowns

“Sixty-six years ago Tuesday, Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, forcing some 120,000 Japanese- Americans into internment camps throughout the West.” Feb 18, 2008

Alameda cops fail to justify “witch hunt,” critics say

“Mey Saechao remembers hearing about 15-year-old Ichinkhorloo “Iko” Bayarsaikhan in the news. Iko, who emigrated from Mongolia about three years ago, died from a single bullet wound during a botched robbery Halloween night in an Alameda park.” Dec 22, 2007

Affordable Beauty — but at what cost?

“Open-toed shoes, bikinis and vacationing folks have meant double the number of clients this summer for some nail salons, where customers get anything from manicures and pedicures to waxes and facials.” Aug 20, 2006

Mentors transform lives in state youth prisons

“Jacquinn Scales has done hard time behind bars since he was 16, often spending 23 hours a day in a small jail cell in Stockton. Now he’s out and thriving, working two jobs, going to college with big plans to be a psychiatrist and help troubled youths like he once was.” Jan 29, 2006

Tuned Out — Why teens are turning off some of the Bay Area’s most popular music stations

“Using the back of a rental pickup truck as their platform, 50 youths, activists and poets chanted in front of the Bay Area headquarters of the largest radio corporation in the United States.” Oct 24, 2005

Inside “Chad,” California’s most notorious youth prison

“A couple of miles off Interstate 5 down a dusty road, past Stockton’s airport, a Staples warehouse and a small orange grove is one of California’s most notorious youth prisons. ” Oct 1, 2005