Asian Pacific Youth Council’s The Expo: Open Mic Recap

On April 27th, 2013, the Asian Pacific Youth Council (APYC) hosted their very first Open Mic, which was held at the People’s Center Theater in Minneapolis and welcomed a little over 50 attendees. The night was led by guest emcees Tou Saiko Lee, spoken word, hip hop, and community artist/activist, and Justen Gowing, an APYC mentor. The community and youth council were also introduced to Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans’ (CAPM) newest executive director, Sia Her. Further, attendees and performers enjoyed light refreshments from Kowloon Restaurant as they were entertained for the night.

On stage were diversely talented individuals/groups found in and around the twin cities community, with an opening skit and dance from the Asian Pacific Youth Council. Immediately following, with no hesitation, young and aspiring artists performed, one after another. The emcees delightfully interacted with the audience between each performance, which allowed for smooth transition and anticipation of the next performer(s).

Closing the event was brief social time, where all attendees and performers were able to connect and reflect on a successful Open Mic night.

Performers and attendees are all smiles after a fun night.

Written by: Thayeng Her

 

Dragon Festival 2012 Recap

By Ilean Her

Saturday, July 14 dawned with sunlight and a promise of hotter than usual weather.  By 8:00 am, staff and volunteers of the Dragon Festival were busy triaging between the do.® walk 5K Walk Around Lake Phalen walkers, vendors, and dragon boat race participants directing them where to go, how to set up, and do all the things needed to kick-start, greet, and or serve at another festival.  There was confusion, lots of noises and activity, but in the midst of all this, there was a unifying hum by all involved to do their best to make this Dragon Festival the most successful it’s ever been.

The Dragon Festival officially started with an Opening Ceremony at 11:00 am with a dragon dance, drumming, and parade provided by Korean Traditional Music Association with Jang Mi and Hui’s Lucky Dragon.  And shortly thereafter, dragon boats were off and racing on Lake Phalen.  25 boat racing teams, sponsored by local companies and nonprofit organizations participated with teams competing for best time, best overall times, and best team spirit awards.  In a move popular with the festival attendees, pre-trial and official races ran the length of both days.

By Noon on Saturday, the Dragon Festival was in full swing and did not stop until Sunday evening.   Attendance is estimated at 12,000.

Modern and traditional renderings of music, dance, and song from various Asian and Pacific Islander ethnic groups were featured on the Cultural Performance Stage. In the Martial Arts Demonstration Area, more than a dozen differing schools along with their masters and students demonstrated the many forms and styles of martial arts among them are karate, judo, tai chi, kung-fu.  Audience members were drawn in and taught basic skills by some of the schools.

Families had opportunities to view and or directly engage in activities that educate and teach about the cultures and experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders at the Target tent, the WellsFargo Children Activities Tent, and or the Council’s “Reading Together” tent.

Every festival is a new festival with new experiences and memories.  Thank you all for partaking in the Dragon Festival this year.  Your continued attendance, participation and support are invaluable to the festival’s success.  July 2013 will mark the 10^th Anniversary of the Dragon Festival in Phalen Park.  As I look forward, I call out to dedicated volunteers and past committee members who love and cherish the Dragon Festival to join us on the planning committee.  We need your time, talent, and energy to plan a special and truly best ever Dragon Festival.

Save the Date:  July 13 & 14, 2013 – 10^th Dragon Festival Anniversary

For more information about Dragon Festival please visit www.dragonfestival.org

 

 

 

 

Asian Pacific Teens’ Resource Fair and Exposition 2012 Recap

First and foremost, we would like to thank everyone who came including resource vendors, guest performers and volunteers who contributed their time to us that day. The event would not have been as enriching and fun for the community and children without their efforts.

The resource fair exposed the youth to a variety of issues such as racism, bullying and smoking. There were also many educational resources provided by groups like the Asian Sorority Interest Group and American Academy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

On top of showcasing their talents during the performances, the APYC youth also took the opportunity to bring to light the plight of human trafficked victims in Minnesota. The guest performers tied brought the exposition up one notch with their expertise in traditional song and dance from multiple countries.

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If you know a youth who would like to be involved with the Asian Pacific Youth Council, we will be hosting the annual Asian Pacific Youth Leadership retreat this June in the beautiful Vermillion Community College campus up in Ely, Minnesota. Please click here for more details and applications.

 

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: Throughout the month of May API communities across the country celebrate the achievements and contributions of Asian and Pacific Americans. The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States May 7, 1843 and the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a joint resolution designated to celebrate the first ten days of May as Asian-Pacific Heritage week. Twelve years later, in 1992, President George H.W. Bush signed into law the designation of the month of May as Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month.

In Minnesota, the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans honors the achievements of Asian Pacific Minnesotans by awarding Annual Leadership Awards to community members and organizations who have given themselves, their talents and resources to serve and better the Asian-Pacific community.

This year the Council honors the following individuals:
MayKao Y. Hang, President and CEO of Amherst H. Wilder Foundation
Glen R. King, Filipino Community Organization
Dr. Kyoko Kishimoto, Professor at St. Cloud State University
True Thao, The Family Partnership

This year, the Council honors the following organizations:
Cultural Society of Filipino Americans
Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota

The council would also like to thank all community members and sponsors that attended the event. The annual dinner would not have been possible without your contributions.

Quick Facts about Asian Pacific Minnesotans from the 2010 Census:
➢ MN’s Asian Population quadrupled since 1970.
➢ Since 2000, Asians in Minnesota grew 52.5% and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders grew 5.8%.
➢ Minnesota’s Asian Pacific population is vastly different from the national make-up. 50.2% of our population identifies as Southeast Asian vs. 20.7% of the national average
➢ The Hmong population is the largest Asian population in Minnesota at 66,181 or 27% of all Asian Pacific Minnesotans

 

Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotan’s Heritage Dinner will be held tomorrow at the Hilton Garden Inn in St. Paul.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. Rose Wan-Mui Chu

Awardees of the dinner will be:
Cultural Society of Filipino Americans
Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota
MayKao Y. Hang
Glen R. King
Dr. Kyoko Kishimoto
True Thao

We would like to thank our sponsors who contributed generously to this event:
Bronze sponsors:
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Minnesota Historical Society
Taj Technologies. Inc
Ecolab 

Community Champion sponsors:
David Zander
Korean American Association of Minnesota
Korean Service Center
St. Cloud State University
The Family Partnership
Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota
Twin Cities Japanese American Citizens League
Wilder Foundation

Friend sponsors:
Shanti Shah
Fredriksson & Byron, PA
Steepery/ The Tea Garden
United Noodles Inc.

Thank you so much!

Tickets will also be sold at the door.
We hope to see you there!

 

State of Asian Pacific Minnesotans

New Report shows changes in Asian Pacific Minnesotan Population

(St. Paul, MN). On Wednesday, April 11, 2012, the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans and the Minnesota State Demographer’s Office will report out on demographics from Census 2010 about Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders residing in Minnesota.  At the event, the Council will release and make available its latest report State of the Asian Pacific Minnesotan.

The census provides the most comprehensive demographic data on the US population and tells us much about our nation’s people and its change over time.  Our report presents the current state of Asian Pacific Minnesotans, what our population is and our social and economic status.  The data provides a snapshot of the lives we lead and is evidence of the struggles and successes we face.  In black and white numbers, it tells us who we are and what we do, but it does not tell us who we will be.

Event details:

The Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans and the Minnesota’s State Demographer’s Office is presenting on the most recent data from the 2010 Census and 2008-2010 American Community Survey.

When and Where:

Wednesday, April 11, 2012, 8:30 – 10:30 AM

Wilder Foundation, Amherst H. Wilder A, 451 Lexington Parkway North, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104

Event Agenda:

• Registration and networking (8:30-8:45 am) *light breakfast and refreshments will be available*
• Welcome and introduction
• 2010 Census presentation by State Demographic Center and the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans
• Breakout session on the significance and implication of Census data and recommendations for leaders
• Closing

It is our hope that the Asian Pacific community and our allies understand and take note of this report and use it to shape our future.  This is why your presence at the State of the Asian Pacific Minnesotan is important.  We want to engage with you, talk about the demographics, learn what they represent, and together work to address and celebrate key findings and needs.

Please make time to join us on April 11 and kindly RSVP your attendance to Pa Yang at pa.yang@state.mn.us or directly to our office at 651.757.1740. Click here for Census release flyer.

Key Findings:

• Asian Pacific Islanders in Minnesota grew 52.2% since the 2000 census
• Minnesota’s Asian Pacific population is vastly different from the national make-up.  50.2% are population identifies as Southeast Asian vs. 20.7% of the national average
• The Hmong population is the largest Asian population in Minnesota at 66,181 or 27% of all Asian Pacific Minnesotans.

The event is co-sponsored by the State’s Demographer’s Office and the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans

 

Governor Mark Dayton highlights importance of the Asian Pacific community at 2012 Asian Pacific Day at the Capitol

Post-Event Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Contact: Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, (651) 757-1740, capm@state.mn.us

On Monday, March 19, 2012, the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans held their annual Asian Pacific Day at the Capitol with the theme of “Educational Success for Every Student.” The annual Asian Pacific Day at the Capitol is held as a way to help deliver concerns from community members directly to state legislators and for community members to hear from state and community leaders. In an address to an estimated audience of one hundred and fifty people, Gov. Dayton spoke about the great importance of the Asian Pacific community in Minnesotan as well as the need to support public education:

“It’s an honor to be with you today and to welcome you to your capitol. All of you represent the future of Minnesota, especially the younger people here who are the future leaders of our state and nation. Your success and of the members of your community are essential to making Minnesota a successful state, and that’s why we need a partnership together, that’s why I need the benefit of your advice and wisdom, and that’s why I want to extend an invitation to join with my administration in working together to benefit all people in our state. … We need to make sure that each child in Minnesota has the best possible educational opportunity. … Your presence here today is important because it means we are going to work together, we are going to pool our resources, our knowledge, our expertise, and our wisdom. I look forward to working with you in the years ahead.”

Over 30 community organizations, groups, and institutions signed on as sponsors of the event and an estimated 150 people attended the public rally.  Other speakers included Comm. Kevin Lindsey (MN Dept. of Human Rights), Asst. Comm. Rose Chu (MN Dept. of Education), Sen. John Harrington, Sen. Linda Higgins, Sen. Mary Jo McGuire, Sen. Sandy Pappas, Rep. Dean Urdahl, Supt. Valeria Silva (St. Paul Public Schools), Rick Mills (Minneapolis Public Schools CEO), David Zander, Khao Insixiengmay, Vichet Chhuon, Kazoua Kong-Thao, and Chao Lee. For a day focused on education, it was fitting that the public rally opened with a performance by the Malaysian Student Association and closed with speeches from students from the University of Minnesota and Roseville Area High School. Prior to the rally, community members were able to attend an advocacy training conducted by Organizing Apprenticeship Project.

The Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, created in 1985, is a state agency that advises the Minnesota state legislature and governor’s office on issues pertaining to the Asian Pacific community. The Asian Pacific Day at the Capitol has been held each year since the creation of the Council.

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Attendees at the 2012 Asian Pacific Day at the Capitol

Click Here for PDF version of this press release

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Additional materials:

• 2012 AP-DATC program
• Education legislation summary
• Photos from the event
• Policy Briefs and report released at the event (look for the new ones): http://www.capm.state.mn.us/pub_capm.html
• 2012 CAPM legislative agenda: http://www.capm.state.mn.us/legagenda_current.html

 

March 12, 2012 – Burma Health Dialogue recap

On March 12, 2011, the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans joined with five other sponsors to host the Burma Health Forum, which aimed to create greater dialogue pertaining to the health needs of refugees from Burma in Minnesota. The forum featured keynote speaker, Dr. Myo Nyunt, who provided political and historical background information on the country of Burma; a first-hand refugee story from Eh Tha Khu, a newly arrived Karen refugee to Minnesota; and several panelists who work in both systems navigation and health integration for refugee community members in the state of Minnesota.

Sponsors: The Language Banc, The Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans,Karen Organization of Minnesota, HealthEast Care System, UCare, MN Department of Health

Event Materials

• Event Agenda
• Speaker Bios

Presentations (all files are in PDF format, will open in new window)

• Introduction, Sarah Chute, Acting Refugee Health Coordinator, MN Dept. of Health (MDE)
• Keynote Address, Dr. Myo Nyunt, Director/Founder, Community Improvement and Development
• Reception and Placement, Rachele King, Director of Refugee Services, Minnesota Council of Churches
• Refugee Health Screening in MN, Sue Dicker, Nurse Consultant, MDE
• Karen Organization of MN (KOM), Danny Vang, Program Manager, KOM
• Managed Care, Carol Berg, Public Health Manager, UCare
• Healthcare for the Burmese and Karen Communities in MN, Dr. Jim Letts, Medical Director,HealthEast Roselawn Clinic
• Language Services, Kyle Yang, Chief Operating Officer, The Language Banc
• Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative, Mimi Oo, Program Coordinator,African & American Friendship Association for Cooperation and Development
• Community Health Workers as Health Care Home Care Coordinators, Molly Jacques, Program Manager,Hennepin County Medical Center
• All presentations combined

It is the hope of this council and its sponsors that this forum will be the first of many discussions about how to better address the various healthcare needs of refugees from Burma living in Minnesota. It is imperative that healthcare providers work with both local refugee integration organizations as well as the Burma community itself to gain a greater understanding of the unique cultural, linguistic, and personal barriers that prevent these citizens from getting the care they need and deserve.

Call to Action: Without action, there is no change.

• Contact your legislators: Individuals, groups, or organizations interested in speaking to legislators to advocate on behalf of the community from Burma may contact the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans.
• Connecting with stakeholders: Want to be more involved in discussing way to improve health outcomes and health care access for refugees from Burma? Please contact the Council at capm@state.mn.us as a way to get in touch with organizations and individuals working on this topic.

 

First ever Asian Pacific town hall in Minnesota finds plenty to celebrate and to be concerned about.

Post-Event Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Contact:
Brian Kao, Council on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans
brian.kao [at] state.mn.us, (651) 757-1742

First ever Asian Pacific town hall in Minnesota finds plenty to celebrate and to be concerned about.

Town hall attendees Photo Credits: Linda Her

The first ever Asian Pacific town hall in Minnesota, co-hosted by the Council on Asian Pacific Minneostans (Council) and Hmong American Partnership (HAP), was well-attended by over 150 people, including over 50 Karen community members, on Saturday, February 18th, 2012. The event begun with a welcoming statement from HAP’s CEO and President Bao Vang, “This is the first ever Asian Town Hall meeting and we hope it becomes an annual event. … The Asian Pacific community contributes greatly to our economy with thriving businesses, but there are still significant issues, challenges and disparities. This is the beginning of a conversation where we can all come together to do our work not in isolation.”

Following the welcome, Brian Kao, the Council’s Research Analyst, presented US Census data on Asian Pacific populations in Minnesota, which included data on the economic contributions of the Asian Pacific community as well highlighted concerns about poverty, insurance coverage, unemployment and other social measures. Panelists Antonia Wilcoxon (MN Dept. of Human Services), Bo Thao-Urabe (Asian Americans/ Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy), and Dr. Bruce Corrie (Concordia University) followed with recommendations for community and state leaders to respond with collaborative solutions to address community concerns.

During the second half of the town hall, state leaders and legislators engaged the audience on community concerns. Guests included Sen. John Harrington, Rep. Sheldon Johnson, Rep. Tim Mahoney, MN Dept. of Human Rights Commissioner Kevin Lindsey, MN Dept, of Education Assistant Commissioner Rose Chu, MN Office of Minority and Multicultural Health Director José González, and St. Paul Board of Education member Keith Hardy. Town hall attendees shared questions and concerns on issues ranging from unemployment, economic self-sufficiency, learning English, financial planning, health insurance, and constitutional amendments.

In closing the event, Bao Vang thanked attendees for attending the first ever Asian Pacific town hall and reminded them that the event is a first in larger conversation about working together to address community needs. Organizers of the event hope to have an increased attendance in 2013.

The Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, created in 1985, is a state agency that advises the Minnesota state legislature and governor’s office on issues pertaining to the Asian Pacific community.

Hmong American Partnership was founded in 1990 and provides programing in education and training, elderly services, employment services, and youth and family services for community members in St. Paul, Minneapolis, and surrounding areas.

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PDF version of this PR.

2010 US Census Data, presented at the 2012 Asian Pacific Town Hall at Hmong American Partnership on Feb. 18, 2012.

 

Asian Pacific Teens’ Exposition

The Asian Pacific Youth Council presents to you the Asian Pacific Teens’ Exposition 2012.

Come and watch the many talents of APYC!

Where: University of Minnesota, Saint Paul Student Center
When: April, 28 (Saturday), 5pm to 9pm
ITS FREE!

For more information and if you are interested in hosting a contact table at this event, please download the flyer here: Expo flyer