Sharkbites Newsletter

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JUNE 21, 2022

Hello, everyone. 

Even in Asia, many celebrate Juneteenth as the day when the last group of enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, were told that they were freed.
For many, this day represents the first and important step in liberation through abolition.

Many Black Americans living abroad are choosing to stay in other countries until they see fundamental and effective change in the U.S., but continue to celebrate each other on this holiday.
In Bangkok, Thailand, a group of Black Americans called the Ebony Expats organized an event to celebrate freedom, community and joy through a silent movie screening of “Black Panther." They also had a nature reserve bike ride and a dinner with jerk chicken and pumpkin soup at a local Jamaican restaurant. 

Although not everybody who attended has the same history and legacy as Black Americans do, organizers welcomed all to come and learn about their culture. 

A group of Black individuals sit together to enjoy jerk chicken and pumpkin soup at Jamaican restaurant, Jamaican Food, in Bangkok, Thailand.
Image: AP News

Race in America 🌎

San Fransico Mayor London Breed announced a proposal that would increase funding for vulnerable Asian victims of hate crimes.

The proposal will funnel almost half of the $500,000 into Cantonese mental health services and trauma-recovery for the elderly, as well as training and technical assistance for local providers. The funding will also go towards helping disabled community members get transported to their medical appointments and increasing their exposure to social interactions.

Additionally, Breed has invested into a Community Liaison Unit, which focuses on cultural and linguistic competency when police units interact with the AAPI community. This new approach focuses on meeting the people where they are and connecting with them in their preferred languages.




In Other Asian News 🗞

Asian Boss recently interviewed Manvendra Singh Gohil, the heir apparent of the Maharaja of Rajpipla in Gurajat and the
first openly gay prince in modern Indian history.

Throughout the interview, Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil approached each question with direct honesty. He expressed that it was important for him, coming from a place of class privilege and as an important facet of his community, to come out and stand as an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Currently, he runs a charity called Lakshya Trust, which focuses on helping LGBTQ+ communities improve their cultural, social, spiritual, physical and mental health.


He also explained that a large contributor to the existing homophobia, transphobia and LGBTQ+ hate was due to British colonialism which erased and hid much of the subcontinent’s diverse history. Personally, that was my favorite part. It reminded me that decolonization efforts must protect and preserve LGBTQ+ history and identity.



In Osaka, Japan, a court dismissed a same-sex couple’s lawsuit for marriage.

The lawsuit argued the same-sex marriage ban was unconstitutional, representing three couples in court. Their case is the second of its kind in the nation, but the result only threw back LGBTQ+ activism efforts. In addition to dismissing their case, the court also ignored their demand for 1 million yen (approximately $7,400) in damages for each of the couples.

This ruling differs from the one in Sapporo, where the court deemed the ban unconstitutional as it violated individual dignity, but ultimately couldn’t make a solid decision without an appropriate system to assign benefits. The ruling in Osaka, however, continues to put responsibility on the Japanese government, which ultimately still remains stagnant on the issue. 

Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil talks to the Asian Boss interviewer. He wears his official regalia while responding thoughtfully.

Image: Asian Boss

Food 🥘

The Sesame Dinette is not only a gathering place for wonderful food but
serves many AAPI business owners in their time of need.

The restaurant, originally called Retro Saigon Bistro, opened a month before the pandemic and closed soon after that, but the family came together to rebrand the restaurant and keep their workers paid.

Three generations of Ngyuen women led the restaurant’s revival and continue to offer a space for other Asian chefs to showcase their food as pop-ups. The Dinette operates as a Pan-Asian culinary space, but as finances stabilize, the family hopes to continue to expand their services to more Asian communities. Now that’s what I call solidarity.



Speaking of Asian successes in the food world, meet the
two Filipino-owned restaurants who just got their Michelin stars: Soseki and Kadence.

These two restaurants were featured as part of the Michelin Guide’s inaugural edition for Orlando, Tampa and Miami in Florida. Each place features special omakase menus. Soseki is a 10-seat omakase counter restaurant and has a menu that changes monthly to keep their fish and ideas fresh. At Soseki, you are at the mercy of the chef — in the best way, of course.

Kadence
, on the other hand, focuses on traditional methods that fuse interesting modern flavors and entice the tongue with hot dishes and cool sashimi. Elements of Filipino culture also make their way onto and outside your plate, like Filipino seaweed and a Jollibee statue in the window.



What else is on our minds? 🧠

 

What is your favorite type of fries? And where do you get your fast food fries?

Daniel and I both like classic cut and Daniel likes to frequent Five Guys for his. I don’t go to fast food places.

Sincerely, Mya Sato and Daniel Anderson

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