Local Stories | Resources | Share Your AAPI Story
As the U.S. continues its battle against COVID-19, it is also battling a rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans. In a new report, the nonprofit organization Stop AAPI Hate reported over 6,600 hate incidents over the past year—an increase of 2,800 from the year before. One Detroit has been covering the responses and stories of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in Southeast Michigan—you can find more of our local coverage below as well as links to resources both local and national.
Related Links:
- Virtual Town Hall | How We Got Here: The Asian American Experience in Metro Detroit
- PBS Resources: Violence Against Asian Americans
- Asian Americans: The Detroit Story Panel Discussion
- Asian Americans Documentary
- Asian American community battles surge in hate crimes stirred from COVID-19
- AAPI Stories: There’s trust
- AAPI Stories: I’d never been listened to as deeply
Detroit’s Chinatown gets $1 million for streetscape renovation
Michigan State Senator Stephanie Chang announced $1 million in state funding to revitalize Detroit’s Chinatown, aiming to recognize Asian Americans and attract Asian American businesses. This initiative comes as the community reflects on the historic loss of its Chinese population to the suburbs decades ago. Midtown Detroit will oversee the streetscape improvements, expected to begin next year.
‘The Chinese Lady,’ play about first Chinese woman in America, premieres in Michigan
A fourteen-year-old Chinese girl came to America 190 years ago – said to be the first female Chinese immigrant to set foot here during the 1800s. Now a play, “The Chinese Lady” at the Tipping Point Theatre through March 3, recounts the remarkable life of Afong Moy and her Chinese servant Atung. One Detroit’s Bill Kubota visits a dress rehearsal of the show and talks with the cast.
Filipino fast-food chain Jollibee opens its first Michigan location in Sterling Heights
Jollibee, the renowned Filipino fast-food chain, has expanded to Michigan. Known for their fried chicken, peach mango pie, and Filipino-style spaghetti, the new development brings Jollibee’s menu to Sterling Heights. Contributor Daijah Moss visits the new location to hear from Jollibee employees and customers about what the new location means to the community.
From engineering to running an Asian American bakery, Rachel Liu Martindale set to open Q Bakehouse and Market
Former engineer turned baker Rachel Liu Martindale shares what propelled her to quit her corporate job to become an entrepreneur and how she’s navigated the challenges of building a business. Plus, she shares the cultural importance and meaning behind the name of her new bakery, Q Bakehouse and Market, opening in early 2024.
Preserving Detroit’s vanished Chinatowns: A journey through 150 years of Chinese American history
The Detroit Historical Museum unveils a new exhibit, “Detroit’s Chinatowns,” which explores the 150-year journey of the city’s Chinese community. The exhibit chronicles the immigrant experience from Ah-Chee’s arrival in 1872 to the vibrant businesses and communal life that characterized the 1970s and 80s. Contributor Chien-An Yuan has the story.
Korean American artist Dominic Pangborn digs out forgotten, unseen works for final exhibit ‘Uncrated’
Korean American artist Dominic Pangborn has unveiled his final exhibit “Uncrated: A Final Retrospective” at the Ella Sharp Museum in Jackson, Michigan. The exhibit showcases some of Pangborn’s forgotten and unseen works, offering patrons a glimpse into the artist’s four-decade career. One Detroit’s Bill Kubota has the story.
RESOURCES
Understanding the Differences between Hate Incidents and Hate Crimes:
Hate Incident=Hate Speech but no damage to person or property
Call Michigan Department of Civil Rights
MDCR counts incidents: 800-482-3604
StopAAPIHate.org
aapihatecrimes.org
Hate Crime=Hate Speech with damage to person or property
Get to a safe place
Call 911
Call local police; file a report
FBI 800-CALL FBI
AG Hate Crimes Hotline 313-456-0180
hatecrimes@michigan.gov
Local Asian American Organizations:
Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission MAPAAC@michigan.gov
American Citizens for Justice
Council of Asian Pacific Americans ryan@capa-mi.org
APIAVote-Michigan
Association of Chinese Americans 313-831-1790
Japanese American Citizens League-Detroit tbm0306@live.com
Korean American Community Detroit 248-945-9044
MIIndia.com
Philippine American Community Center 248-443-703
Rising Voices of Asian American Families
COVID-19 Mental Health Resources:
Asian American Psychological Association
Yellow Chair Collective
Resources for Teachers, Parents and Students:
Lee & Low Books (multicultural publisher with APA collection)
MI Reads: Multicultural Book List
