This piece was selected as an Honorable Mention in the First Chapters Contest, hosted in partnership with Penguin Random House and Electric Lit.
A boy who plays violin is nudged out of his shell.
Rin, Haru, and Umi
AAPI Art & Writing
To Little Rapunzel
This piece describes the long journey of how I found acceptance and gained pride in my cultural identity through narration from my six-year-old self to now.
Poetry of the Night
A reading of two poems accompanied by videos, photos, and Flow.
The Lessons of KuGong
An encounter with an old Chinese grandmother during a hot summer day shoveling compost in Brooklyn.
The Bargains We Make
What sacrifices did we make during the pandemic to sustain our parental relationships? What kind of person have you become since then?
Li’s Kitchen
Growing up as a daughter of resturant owners, I explore the shame of not having parents that could dedicate their time to me and the realization of the sacrifices they made for my happiness.
Two Worlds, One Home
A reflection of cultural identity through the lens of a first-generation, Chinese-American girl.
Chinese Braised Beef Soup
This is what the process of making hong shao niu rou tang, or chinese braised beef soup, means to me.
My Love Was Bound in Red Silk / I Contain a Silence
The first poem was originally published in an essay titled “Red Stars Over Flushing: Edmond Jabes, Mahmoud Darwish, and Yellow Power.”
Deconstructed
Welcome to deconstructed. — fostering a community that draws attention to mental health through creative writing and art & resources for marginalized groups.
Realizations
This feeling will stay with me for a while, but I am satisfied with where I am with it.
Lost in Translation
As a Chinese American, growing up in a predominately white environment was challenging towards my identity—especially at school. As I get older, I am able to appreciate the beauty of my culture.
Chronicles of FeiXingQi and Mahjong
A tale of an immigrant’s adjustment to New York City and the impacts of childhood and cultural board games.
Remembering Home
We believe food brings us back to our roots. “Remembering Home” is a podcast about the food, customs and cultures we grew up with, along with insight from our amazing guests.
Polished
At 11:32 on a typical Saturday night, a mom and daughter chat while doing their nails.