Race in America 🌎

On June 2, Glenn Hirsch was charged with the murder of delivery worker, Zhiwen Yan.

Hirsch, who holds nine prior arrests and a history of aggression, was charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon in Yan’s death on April 30 in Queens, New York. Yan is described by his loved ones and co-workers as wonderful, loved and hardworking. Surveillance footage of his last moments capture Hirsch walking up to him and shooting him in the chest. 



In Oakland, California, an organization called AAPI Youth Rising has been creating an education program on AAPI history.

Since last year, Mina Fedor, Siwoo Rhie, Charlee Trenkle and Max Wong, all of whom are middle school students, have been hard at work making AAPI history accessible and free to their peers and other younger students. 

Many schools have signed up for these lessons, and their work has gained national recognition. However, the team doesn’t focus too much on prestige. Instead, they look to the future of what they can do and will do for their communities. 




In Other Asian News 🗞

Today, the U.N. recognizes the country of Türkiye. Previously known as Turkey, the nation has been working on its rebranding campaign since December, starting with the accurate spelling of their country.

President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasizes that this spelling is “the best representation and expression of the Turkish people's culture, civilization and values.” Pronounced as “tur-key-YAY,” this name also moves to separate itself from its anglicized double meanings that can carry unfavorable connotations. 



Since the Taliban took control of Kabul last year, many officials have been making moves to acquaint themselves with the new acting government. This week, an Indian delegation, led by JP Singh, met with Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi.

The foreign ministry spokesman, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, explained that these talks will focus on “India-Afghan diplomatic relations, bilateral trade and humanitarian aid” and expressed that this meeting is a “good beginning in ties between the two countries.”

However, when asked if New Dehli now recognizes the Taliban government as legitimate, the Indian foreign ministry spokesman, Arindam Bagchi, responded that reporters were “reading far too much into the visit.” 

Entertainment 📺

Utkarsh Ambudkar, also known as Jay on CBS’ comedy show “Ghost,” is joining the new indie film called “Four Samosas.”

As one of the executive producers for the film, Ambudkar emphasized his excitement and passion, saying that “I’ll do anything I can to help shine a light on the project.” The project in question is a comedy about a budding rapper who steals his ex-girlfriend’s wedding diamonds in L.A.’s Little India.

The film will be part of the US Narrative Competition in Tribeca, New York, as part of its 10 feature films debuting on June 10. 



Speaking of new comedy films, a “Pride and Prejudice” inspired film called “Fire Island" is a rom-com featuring gay characters and people of color and is set to premier today on Hulu.

Joel Kim Booster, who plays Noah and is also the film’s screenwriter, wanted to riff on Jane Austen’s novel while adding a lot more “gay paradise” to it. In this Variety interview, Booster talks about his experience working with other Asian actors, the fun, and the creativity behind the scenes. As another compelling addition to the media made for and by LGBTQ+ people, Booster only hopes that audiences walk away proud and happy to be who they are. 

What else is on our minds? 🧠

• Afghanistan’s demand for coal is rising, and young children are paying the price. Mining jobs pay about $7 a day, which is a comparatively higher wage than most, drawing in young boys to work. 
• This week, the Japanese government recorded the lowest birth rate drop in 2021. Data from the last year showed that the total number of births in 2021 totaled 811,604, the lowest health ministry record since 1899.
• Are you an East Coast or West Coast Asian? Or maybe neither? These interviews gathered by The Washington Post showcase diverse AAPI communities across the U.S. through pictures and voices.
• Stanford Cardinal golfer Rose Zhang is the first college athlete to land a name, image, likeness brand deal with Adidas. As a freshman, Zhang has already won the individual NCAA championship.
• HYBE Labels Japan is announcing a new project! Their latest project show, “&Audition – The Howling-” will air on July 9. The show will culminate in the label picking their first Japanese boy band.