Reporting for NBC News, focusing often (but not always) on stories relevant to Asian American communities — especially during a time of increased violence spurred by Covid-19 and U.S.-China tensions. Some highlights:
Enterprise
AAPI Heritage Month: 100 ways Asian Americans and allies are fighting hate crimes, violence
May 2, 2022
From local fundraisers to rallies to national legislation to systemic changes in schools, AAPIs and others are developing solutions to increase visibility and fight racism.
The Twitter account giving a window into China’s internet
April 24, 2022
A translation project is exposing pro-Russian sentiment on Chinese social media to the outside world, challenging Beijing’s image of neutrality in the Ukraine conflict.
‘I was in it for the memes’: How Subtle Asian Dating sparked unexpected lasting relationships
March 7, 2022
“I would always see other people posting their friends,” one group member said. “And I’d be like, ‘Wow, I wonder if anything happens.’”
From crime victims to politicians, misidentifying Asians is part of America’s racist history
March 1, 2022
“I think people misunderstand the term ‘microaggression’ in a lot of ways, because the ‘micro’ doesn’t apply to the impact,” said one person who has been mistaken for others in their field.
‘My heart is numb’: Chinese students stranded in U.S. by coronavirus
Feb. 16, 2022
Lack of flights, strict quarantine requirements and their own Covid-19 infections are making it difficult for Chinese students abroad to travel home.
FEATURES
Burned and vandalized: A history of cherry blossoms bearing the brunt of xenophobia
April 26, 2022
From Pearl Harbor to Covid-19 scapegoating, Japanese cherry blossom trees have been destroyed during times of heightened anti-Asian sentiment.
Black Mormons turn to TikTok to hold majority-white school accountable on race
April 21, 2022
The Black Menaces have gone viral for their man-on-the-street interviews showcasing campus culture at Brigham Young University, a Mormon school with a Black population of less than 1%. The group puts fellow students on the spot with questions about race, identity and politics.
Elaine Hsieh Chou channels her ‘unspoken rage’ in debut novel ‘Disorientation’
April 13, 2022
“Not having a reflection back of your experiences is a form of gaslighting because you’re like, ‘Well, I guess all these things I feel are invented,’” Chou said.
Lana Condor says rom-coms have too long been about ‘women that do not look like me’
March 29, 2022
Lana Condor spoke with NBC Asian America before the “Moonshot” premiere about lessons viewers can take from the film and how she learned to embrace her identity as a Vietnamese American transnational adoptee.
As Chinatowns face rapid change, America’s oldest Chinese restaurants are bent on surviving
March 23, 2022
Traditional Chinese mom-and-pop eateries are facing multiple challenges of gentrification, shifting trends and increased bias attacks.
Artist’s makeup mirror exhibit symbolizes Asians looking over shoulder in subway
Feb. 7, 2022
Artist Kelly Wang was 6 years old when two of her schoolmates told her they “want to kill all the Chinese people.” Today, the 29-year-old carries a mirrored makeup compact when out in New York City, where she lives and works — not to touch up her appearance, but to subtly check behind her shoulder on a subway platform at night.
Dailies
Cities across U.S. hold rallies to commemorate Atlanta-area spa shootings
March 17, 2022
“Why are we tying ourselves in knots trying to solve a problem that we did not create?” author Min Jin Lee said at a rally in New York City.
LGBTQ book ban advocate faces felony child molestation charge in Missouri
Feb. 3, 2022
He sought to ban LGBTQ books from schools for depicting sexual content. Now, he’s facing charges of child molestation and furnishing porn to a minor.
Miss. bill would block incarcerated people, minors from legally changing their name
Jan. 21, 2022
Critics say certain provisions of the “Real You Act of 2022” are “particularly cruel.”