Intersections: A Journalistic History of Asian Pacific America | Publications

Editors: Amy Wang, Lori Matsukawa, Naomi Tacuyan Underwood, Arnold Pan, Yi-Shen Loo, Leszel Tanglao

Paperback: $27.00
ISBN:: 978-0-934052-58-0

"The new book brings to light a behind-the-scenes history of AAJA's significant contributions over four decades supporting Asian American journalists who have played such a vital role not only in Asian American Pacific Islander communities, but for nation as a whole," said AASC Press Editor Arnold Pan and AASC Deputy Director Melany De La Cruz-Viesca

The book collaboration hits especially close to home because AAJA was founded in 1981 on the heels of Asian American social movements and the establishment of Asian American Studies. We have come full circle with this book project: AAJA co-founders Dwight Chuman and Tritia Toyota were among the many students and community members who were part of activities at the UCLA Asian American Studies Center that helped to shape Asian American media in the 1970s. Today, "Intersections" continues this legacy by demonstrating how AAJA's mission and programs further authentic storytelling that makes a difference.

The book chronicles pivotal events where AAPI journalists and AAJA members played crucial roles, often being the first to speak out in newsrooms and public forums. It is composed of 18 chapters and 16 profiles of prominent AAJA members. Chapters cover events including the murder of Vincent Chin in 1982, the 1992 Los Angeles Uprisings, September 11th attacks in 2001, up to the Maui wildfires of 2023. The book features mini profiles of legendary journalists including Connie Chung, Ann Curry, Corky Lee, and Helen Zia, highlighting their contributions in shaping AAPI narratives.

"Journalism is the first draft of history, and all too often, journalism has perpetuated harmful stereotypes, erased, or misrepresented AAPI experiences and perspectives," said AAJA Executive Director Naomi Tacuyan Underwood and Vice President of Journalism Programs Leezel Tanglao. "Through this book, we want to highlight the role of AAPI journalists and ensure they have a rightful place in our nation's history."

"Intersections" illustrates the diversity of AAPI communities and histories, gathering nearly thirty AAJA members and supporters from communities nationwide to contribute their perspectives and talents to this endeavor.

The book arrives at a pivotal moment for journalism and academia when matters of truth, accuracy, and the humanizing of voices from within our communities matter for our future.

Profiles

Connie Chung — Amy Wang
Lloyd LaCuesta — Lori Matsukawa
Corky Lee — Amy Wang

Dith Pran — Catalina Camia
Jeannie Park — Cynthia Wang
Helen Zia — Amy Wang
Byron Acohido — Lori Matsukawa
Henry Fuhrmann — Amy Wang
Michelle Li — Amy Wang
Ann Curry — Lori Matsukawa
Jeff Yang — Amy Wang
Gina Chua — Amy Wang
Maria Ressa — Amy Wang

Chapters

How Telling Chol Soo Lee’s Story Amplifies All Asian Voices — Julie Ha
The Vincent Chin Case: A View From Detroit’s Chinatown — Curtis Chin
The 1992 Los Angeles Uprising and the Los Angeles News Media — Erin Chan Ding
The View From the Korea Times — John H. Lee
How the L.A. Uprising Exposed Gaps in Newsroom Representation — Don Lee
How the Media Shape and Misshape Attitudes About AAPIs — Jon Funabiki
Battling Stereotypes While Maintaining Journalistic Credibility — Lori Matsukawa
Amid the Horrors of 9/11, AAJA Members Helped Write History — Ellen Lee
9/11 was a Young Muslim Journalist’s Coming-of-Age — Aisha Sultan
A Journalist Finds Her Calling — Amna Nawaz
Getting Credit: Asian Americans and the Entertainment Industry — Cynthia Wang
The Thrill of Victory, the Agony of Racism — Victoria Lim
Diversifying Political Coverage to Reflect a Diversifying Nation — David Nakamura
2020: The Year of Gaining Visibility — Michelle Ye Hee Lee
Community Media: Giving a Platform to Those Less Heard — Lori Matsukawa
A Day of Trauma Brings Transformative Change — Jeanie Y. Chang, LMFT
Voices of Atlanta
Hawai‘i Journalists Reflect on the Maui Wildfires — Lori Matsukawa

Table of Contents

Chapters