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From Model Minority to Movement Maker
Written by Asmi Chinauriya For more than half a century, the Asian American community in the United States has been known as the “Model Minority.” It came during the Civil Rights era and was used as a term to look down upon Black activism. However, now this Model Minority has turned into the Movement makers, but this movement is not a shift in perception. It is a reconfiguration of American political power. Starting in 2020, the events that took place during that time dissolved the illusion of safety that the economy was supposed to give. The anti-Asian hate crimes were on the rise, and xenophobic rhetoric surrounding COVID-19 added fuel…
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Student Advocate Spotlight
Written by Francesca Tero In light of this month’s edition: “Activism and Advocacy,” I wanted to take a moment to recognize a dedicated and accomplished student advocate in APIDA. Janelle Castro, a junior studying Political Science, Media Communication, and Legal Studies, spent her Spring 2026 semester in Washington, D.C., in a special program with the UD Biden School of Public Policy and Administration. Her work is very inspiring, and I believe it’s important to share it with the rest of APIDA. I sat down with Janelle to interview her about her position and more about what she’s learned in her role this semester. Here is a summary of our conversation!…
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What Advocacy Looks Like to Me
Written by Zoe Pecson The Oxford English Dictionary defines advocacy as the following: “public support that somebody gives to an idea, a course of action or a belief,” or “support, advice and help given to people, often with special needs or aims, who are unable to speak for themselves.” At its core, advocacy is about providing support to others who may need it. To me, advocacy means using the platforms and opportunities available to you to educate, support, and uplift others in meaningful ways that improve their lives. One thing I have learned in college is that as Asian Americans, we have a certain privilege that often goes unnoticed: we…
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Asian American Activism: Honoring Past Leaders
Written by Zoe Pecson Across the global Asian community, there is a long and diverse history of individuals and leaders who have made lasting contributions, spanning thousands of years. While the history of Asian Americans is more recent, it has been shaped by people who fought for a future rooted in equality and justice, creating opportunities that continue to impact us today. This article highlights several Asian American figures whose activism reflects the ideals expressed in the U.S. Constitution that all people are “endowed with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” Through their work, these individuals pushed the nation to more fully…
