At the Moment: Asian American News

AZI Media
  • 5.0 (21)
  • POLITICS

Unpacking the news and politics shaping Asian American identities today. Join us every other Tuesday to tackle the weird, messy, intersectional and complex issues in Asian America. Hosted by Sylvia Peng and Janrey Serapio. Brought to you by AZI Media.

Episodes

  1. 05/18/2022

    Hunger Strike! How Immigrant Taxi Drivers Took on City Hall

    When Augustine Tang’s father passed away, Augustine decided to inherit his taxi medallion – the license that had allowed his father to drive a yellow taxi cab in New York City for decades. But the medallion came with a $530,000 debt trap and years of struggling to escape it. Augustine’s friend Kenny, a fellow taxi cab driver, committed suicide. So did several other drivers who were crushed under the weight of these impossible debts. In hopes of preventing another death, Tang joined a push by the local taxi drivers’ union, to campaign for debt relief. And eventually, city resistance to worker demands culminated in a 15-day hunger strike to convince City Hall that immigrant taxi drivers deserved a fair deal. The drivers’ struggles for livable working conditions showed how political power doesn’t just come down to votes. It’s a reminder how strong collective will can be, especially for those often silenced and ignored by our imperfect democracy. Resources and ReadingAfter listening, please take our survey about this story — to help us fund more stories like this one!This show mentions instances of suicide. We understand this topic may be difficult for some listeners. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a certified listener, call 1-800-273-8255WATCH: “Cheated, Desperate, Financially Ruined NYC Taxi Drivers Go on Hunger Strike” by Maximillian Alvarez of the Real News NetworkWATCH: “New York Taxi Drivers Hunger Strike for Debt Relief” by More Perfect UnionREAD: “‘They Were Conned’: How Reckless Loans Devastated a Generation of Taxi Drivers” by Brian Rosenthal for the New York TimesREAD: “How the Taxi Workers Won” by Molly Crabapple for the Economic Hardship Reporting ProjectREAD: “Distressed DriverSP: Solving the the New York City Taxi Medallion Debt Crisis” by Aaron Jacobs for Columbia Human Rights Law ReviewCreditsProduced by Self Evident MediaReported by Sahil Nisha, with help from Alina Panek and Janrey SerapioInterview recordings by Sahil Nisha, Stacey Wong, and James BooEdited by James Boo and Julia ShuFact checked by Harsha Nahata and Tiffany BuiSound mix by Timothy Lou LyMusic by Epidemic SoundAt the Moment Theme by Satoru OhnoCover Art by Susu SchwaberThis episode was made with support from the Solutions Journalism Network's Advancing Democracy programSpecial thanks to: Cynthia Liu, Alice Liu, Sabeen Shalwani, Augustine Tang, John Duda, Kuber Sancho-Persad, Jaslin Kaur, Maria Santana, Maximillian Alvarez, Michelle Faust Raghavan and Alec Saleens, and the New York Taxi Workers Alliance Media Team  Support AZI MediaSupport our work on Ko-Fi Instagram (@azi.media) Twitter (@azidotmedia) AZI Media’s Code of Conduct Subscribe to our mailing list Meet the AZI team

    30 min

  2. 06/17/2021

    Asians Against Yang: A Movement in NYC

    After gaining much attention and popularity during his presidential bid, Andrew Yang is running for mayor of New York City. We delve into the concerns brought up by Asians Against Yang, a coalition of community members, organizers, and activists who are opposing Yang’s bid to be New York’s next mayor. Then, our producer Cynthia, co-host Janrey, and guest James Boo discuss their reactions toward Andrew Yang, the mayoral election, and the current state of NYC politics. Early voting began June 12th, and Election Day is next Tuesday, June 22nd. For more information, visit the NYC Board of Elections website. Our guest this week was James Boo, member of the 52nd Assembly District of New York State, elected member of the Kings County Democratic County Committee, and resident of Brooklyn for the past 13 years. James is also the managing producer of Self Evident, a podcast that tells Asian America’s stories to explore what it really means to claim America today. If you enjoy listening to our podcast, definitely check out Self Evident too! This is the last episode of our first ever season of ATM! We’ll be on a brief hiatus, so be sure to catch up on all of our old episodes in the meantime. Mentioned in this episode: Petition by Asian and Pacific Islanders New Yorkers Against YangOur past episode “What You Need to Know About Anti-Asian Violence” where we challenge calls for increased policing in response to anti-Asian hateRead Yang’s stance on affordable housing and other policiesCoalition for Asian American Children’s APA Education Equity CampaignSupport our work on Ko-Fi Instagram (@azi.media) Twitter (@azidotmedia) AZI Media’s Code of Conduct Subscribe to our mailing list Learn more about AZI Media

    39 min

  3. 05/26/2021

    Pipe Dreams, Pipelines: Militarization of American Samoa

    Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians have historically been the most overrepresented demographic in the U.S. Military. This week, we speak with Gabby Langkilde, an American Samoan, about her experiences growing up near an army base and dealing with military recruitment in high school. Then, we discuss the military’s role in colonialism and citizenship, as well as the pitfalls of grouping Pacific Islander Americans with Asian Americans. Our guest this week was Gabrielle T. Langkilde, an American Samoan and recent graduate from Harvard University with a degree in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Her biweekly column “Pasefika” appeared in The Harvard Crimson in 2019 and 2020. Mentioned in this episode (and more): “The Militarization of the Pacific” by Gabrielle T. Langkilde (The Harvard Crimson)Island of Warriors, from the docuseries America By The Numbers (PBS)“Why it’s time to retire the term ‘Asian Pacific Islander’” by Naomi Ishisaka (Seattle Times)Support our work on Ko-Fi Instagram (@azi.media) Twitter (@azidotmedia) AZI Media’s Code of Conduct Subscribe to our mailing list Learn more about AZI Media

    35 min

  4. 05/18/2021

    Indian Farmers’ Protest: The Largest Protest In The World That’s Still Unfolding

    The Indian farmers’ protests began late last summer and are still ongoing, even as coronavirus has worsened over the past month. Sylvia, Janrey and our reporter Sahil begin by explaining the legislation that has put about 50% of India’s population, small farmers, at risk while benefiting corporate interests. We explore some of India’s agricultural history—from British colonial rule to the Green Revolution—and the present day economic impacts. Finally, we discuss how the protests are connected to democracy, revolution and international solidarity. Our guest this week was Chairman Gurinder Singh Khalsa of SikhsPAC. Mentioned in this episode (and more): List of organizations and grassroots efforts fighting COVID in IndiaJakara Movement Letter in Support of BLMSikhsPAC on FacebookSupport Us on Ko-Fi Follow Us On Twitter and Instagram AZI Media’s Code Of Conduct Subscribe to our Mailing List Learn More About AZI Media

    34 min

  5. 03/23/2021

    On the Shoulders of Giants: Queer/Trans Asian Legacies in the US

    Our host Janrey and reporter Sahil explore the long history of Asian American queer and trans activism. We begin by talking about some queer and trans activists in US history such as Crystal Jang, Kiyoshi Kuromiya, and Kitty Tsui. Then, we speak with South Asian activist, writer, and podcaster Priya Arora about queer representation in pop culture, while also recognizing histories within our communities. We also speak with activist Pauline Park about creating queer community spaces beginning in the mid-90s and rethinking identity. Finally, Janrey and Sahil reflect on their ancestral lineages, rediscovering queerness in pre-colonial cultures, and reclaiming their identities. Our guests this week were Priya Arora (@thepriyaarora on Twitter and Instagram) and Pauline Park (@paulinepark on Twitter). Listen to our previous episode on anti-Asian hate, Ep. 4 What You Need to Know About Anti-Asian Violence. Mentioned in this episode (and more): APIQWTC (Asian Pacific Islander Queer Women & Transgender Community)Red Envelope Giving Circle (based in the San Francisco Bay Area)Listen to Priya’s podcast Queering Desi on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!Desi Rainbow Parents & Allies Inc.“‘I Had to Prove That I Exist’: Transgender Anchor Makes History in Bangladesh” (New York Times) by Geneva AbdulSatrang (based in Los Angeles)SALGA NYC (South Asian Lesbian and Gay Association)“The Multiple Migrations of a Transgendered Korean Adoptee” by Pauline ParkQueens Pride HouseNYAGRA (New York Association for Gender Rights Advocacy)“In Search of Queer Ancestors” by Sarah NguUnruly Immigrants by Monisha Das GuptaLearn More About AZI Media Follow Us On Twitter and Instagram AZI Media’s Code Of Conduct Subscribe to our Mailing List Support Us on Ko-Fi

    46 min

  6. 03/09/2021

    What You Need to Know About Anti-Asian Violence

    On February 27th, over three hundred people showed up to Foley Square in Manhattan’s Chinatown neighborhood to rally against the rise of anti-Asian hate incidents across the nation. Our hosts Sylvia and Janrey speak with people at the rally on why they attended and what solutions they want to see. Then, we hear from Professor Rosalind Chou of Georgia State University about the origins of anti-Asian racism and its roots in white supremacy. Finally, Jason Wu, a legal services attorney based in New York City, speaks on how to confront anti-Asian violence and take care of our communities through abolition. Our guests this week were Dr. Rosalind Chou and Jason Wu (@criticalrace on Twitter). Listen to Ep. 1 Pt. 2 “A Year of Reckoning Part 2: COVID’s Impact on Marginalized Asian Americans” to hear more on the history of Asian migration and the impact of colonization. Check out With Chinese Characteristics podcast and their most recent episode about the 1871  LA Chinese Massacre and its tie to today's anti-Asian sentiment.  Mentioned in this episode: Asian Americans on Campus: Racialized Space and White Power by Kristen Lee and Rosalind S. Chou“More Policing Is Not the Solution to Anti-Asian Violence” (Truthout) by Jason Wu“How I Became a Police Abolitionist” (The Atlantic) by Derecka PurnellNYC-based organizations supporting Asian Americans:Committee Against Anti-Asian Violence (CAAAV)Desis Rising Up and Moving (DRUM)Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF)Mekong NYCLearn More About AZI Media Follow Us On Twitter and Instagram AZI Media’s Code Of Conduct Subscribe to our Mailing List Support Us on Ko-Fi

    43 min

  7. 02/23/2021

    Democracy Speaks: Civil Disobedience in Myanmar

    On February 1st, the Myanmar military raided and detained the country’s top officials—including democratically elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint, and other senior figures from the National League for Democracy party—sparking protests that are still ongoing. Our hosts Sylvia and Janrey, along with producer Cynthia, spoke with activists and scholars to understand what’s happening in Myanmar, the historical context, and how Burmese Americans and the international community are responding to the coup. We also discuss the role of social media in the #CivilDisobedience movement, as well as what those of us not in Myanmar can do beyond sharing social media posts. Follow our former reporter Aye Min Thant @the_ayeminthant on Twitter Sign Petitions Created By The International Campaign for the Rohingya Check Out International Campaign for the Rohingya's Consumer Activism Resources  Learn More About AZI Media Subscribe to our Mailing List Find Transcript And More Resources Here AZI Media Code Of Conduct Follow Us On Twitter Follow Us On Instagram Donate to our Ko-Fi   #SaveMyanmar: Supporting #CivilDisobedience

    42 min

  8. 02/09/2021

    The Kids are Alright: Teens of Small Asian Businesses

    COVID-19 has greatly impacted Asian-owned small businesses over the past year. Owners have struggled with keeping their businesses afloat during lockdown periods, a rise in anti-Asian sentiment and operational shifts during the pandemic. But who are the ones applying for PPP and negotiating with retailers during this time? Our reporter Alina and our producer Cynthia speak to 2 Asian American teenagers who had to balance school and their family businesses through this tough period. Emily Zheng’s Family Business: Chopsticks Sushi Bar and Asian Cuisine https://www.facebook.com/ChopsticksShelbyville/https://chopstickssushibar.com/Nikki Dava’s Family Business: Antonik’s BBQ https://www.instagram.com/antoniksbbq/https://www.antoniksbbq.com/  Learn More About AZI Media Here Subscribe to our Mailing List Find Transcript And More Resources Here AZI Media Code Of Conduct Follow Us On Twitter Follow Us On Instagram Donate to our Ko-Fi

    39 min

  9. 01/26/2021

    A Year of Reckoning Part 2: COVID’s Impact on Marginalized Asian Americans

    We’re kicking off our launch with a look back at 2 key topics in 2020: BIPOC racial justice and COVID-19. In part 2, we examine how COVID-19 has impacted marginalized Asian American communities, namely Southeast Asians. We talk to Professor Catherine Ceniza Choy to give context to Filipino frontline worker histories and experiences during this time. Then, we talk to Chhaya Chhoum, the founder of Mekong NYC, about how Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese refugee communities are coping with government neglect by providing mutual aid in Bronx, NYC. Visit Kanlungan.net Learn More About AZI Media Here Subscribe to our Mailing List Find Transcript And More Resources Here AZI Media Code Of Conduct Follow Us On Twitter Follow Us On Instagram Donate to our Ko-Fi

    35 min

  10. 01/19/2021

    A Year of Reckoning Part 1: What's the injustice for you?

    We're kicking off our launch with a look back at 2 key topics in 2020: BIPOC racial justice and COVID-19. In part 1, we're sitting down with Kabzuag Vaj, a Hmong American activist and founder of Freedom, Inc to talk about a historic year of reckoning with police brutality, anti-Blackness, and anti-Asian hate.    Learn More About AZI Media Here Subscribe to our Mailing List Find Transcript And More Resources Here AZI Media Code Of Conduct Follow Us On Twitter Follow Us On Instagram Donate to our Ko-Fi

    40 min

  11. 01/04/2021

    Introducing: “At the Moment” Podcast

    Learn More About AZI Media Here Subscribe to our Mailing List Find Transcript And More Resources Here AZI Media Code Of Conduct Follow Us On Twitter Follow Us On Instagram

    3 min

Trailer

5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

Unpacking the news and politics shaping Asian American identities today. Join us every other Tuesday to tackle the weird, messy, intersectional and complex issues in Asian America. Hosted by Sylvia Peng and Janrey Serapio. Brought to you by AZI Media.

Information