At a time of escalating violence against Asian Americans, this five-part streaming video series produced in partnership with PBS/WNET profiles Asian Americans from AAPI communities across the country. Star Trek actor George Takei; CityMD Founder and former CEO Richard Park; Pulitzer-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen; and others share personal stories of standing up, speaking out, and confronting hate. Released as a companion piece to Gina Kim's one-hour special, Rising Against Asian Hate: One Day in March, K-12 lesson plans have also been created in conjunction with both series.
Watch them now at https://www.pbs.org/show/belonging-asian-americans-now/
About the Episodes:
Ep 1: The Storyteller – Viet Thanh Nguyễn
The debut episode of belonging: Asian Americans Now introduces us to Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Viet Thanh Nguyễn, whose powerful storytelling sheds light on the complexities of identity, displacement, and resilience. As a refugee from Vietnam, Nguyễn channels his personal experiences into his work, giving voice to the often-overlooked narratives of the Asian American experience.
In this episode, we explore how Nguyễn’s groundbreaking novel The Sympathizer not only redefined the American literary landscape but also ignited conversations about the enduring impact of war, migration, and cultural memory. His journey reminds us of the power of stories to foster understanding and challenge preconceptions.
"To truly belong, we must confront the histories that shape us and embrace the contradictions of who we are." – Viet Thanh Nguyễn
Ep 2: The Problem Solver – Dr. Richard Park
Episode two of belonging: Asian Americans Now profiles Dr. Richard Park, a Korean American physician and entrepreneur who co-founded CityMD. Dr. Park’s vision revolutionized healthcare accessibility by providing communities with fast, high-quality urgent care.
This episode dives into Dr. Park’s journey from his early days in medicine to building a healthcare system that prioritizes patient-centric care. Through his work, Dr. Park addresses the challenges of equitable healthcare and exemplifies the transformative impact of innovative problem-solving in underserved communities.
Ep 3: The Community Builders – Hmong Organizers in the Twin Cities
Episode three of belonging: Asian Americans Now spotlights Hmong American community organizers in the Twin Cities who are creating spaces of support, advocacy, and resilience for their community. This episode highlights their grassroots efforts to uplift a historically underrepresented group and address critical social issues.
The organizers’ commitment to building inclusive and empowering networks showcases the strength of community-driven initiatives. From advocating for housing rights to preserving cultural traditions, their work exemplifies how collective action can drive meaningful change.
Ep 4: The Actor and Activist – George Takei
Episode four of belonging: Asian Americans Now features the iconic George Takei, whose journey from a childhood spent in a Japanese American internment camp to becoming a celebrated actor and activist is a testament to resilience and courage. Takei’s advocacy for social justice and LGBTQ+ rights has made him a trailblazer in Hollywood and beyond.
This episode delves into Takei’s reflections on his early experiences, the importance of representation, and his ongoing fight for equity and inclusion. His story reminds us that even in the face of adversity, we can find strength and purpose in our identities.
Ep 5: The Filmmakers – Rising Against Asian Hate
The final episode of belonging: Asian Americans Now introduces us to the filmmakers behind the documentary Rising Against Asian Hate: One Day in March. Through their lens, they capture the harrowing realities of anti-Asian violence during the COVID-19 pandemic and the resilience of communities fighting against hate.
This episode explores how the filmmakers balanced raw storytelling with hope, shedding light on the strength of collective action and allyship. Their work not only amplifies the voices of those affected but also inspires a movement toward empathy and justice.
To see and understand the impact of these stories, please visit PBS and watch the series now! Stay tuned for more news! https://www.pbs.org/show/belonging-asian-americans-now/
