Badass Asian Women
Community Newsletter
Hey BAW fam,
Happy AANHPI Heritage Month! This is the second newsletter this week because there is just so much happening in May that I couldn’t sit on it.
If you caught the last one, you know I’ve been thinking a lot about sustainability and what it takes to keep the things we love going. Tonight we’re having that conversation about the Decatur Lunar New Year Festival at the BAW Clubhouse (6-9 PM, dinner provided, Zoom option available too, details below). But this newsletter is about celebrating, because May is absolutely stacked with ways to show up, connect, and enjoy this community.
Also: we’re planning a Badass Asian Market with Adriana Park at Pastries-A-Go-Go on Saturday, May 30! A fun evening on the patio supporting our amazing Asian-owned businesses. More on that below.
Don’t forget: early voting is open now through May 19th. Please vote.
Let’s get into it.
 |
 |
 |
Scenes from Daun Kwag’s Kimjang workshop at the BAW Clubhouse
BAW Book Rec
Counterfeit by Kristen Chen
Recommended by Jackie Yen
“Female friendship, motherhood, marriage, ambition, and designer handbags. With a dash of Asian stereotypes flipped on their heads.”
This is the latest in our running series of book recs from Jackie, all by Asian American women. Have a book you think BAW needs to read? We’d love to feature your rec! Reply to this email with your pick and a few words about why.
Opportunities
Support Vietnamese Americans Being Deported
BAW member Kim Nguyen is helping The Ba Lô Project, a grassroots Vietnamese American group raising funds to support Vietnamese folks being deported to Vietnam. They’re trying to raise $30k in a week. If you can donate or share, every bit helps.
APIAHF Policy Accelerator Lab
A 12-month cohort program for mid-level staff, managers, and directors at AANHPI community-based organizations to build advocacy knowledge, organizing power, and policy leadership. Virtual meetings, distance learning, two in-person convenings, 1-on-1 coaching, and travel stipends provided.
P.E.A.C.E. Therapy Grant for AAPI
At Daun Kwag’s Kimjang workshop, we learned about a grant for therapy services through P.E.A.C.E., an organization providing therapy for AAPI communities. The application isn’t live yet, but watch this space.
Looking for an AAPI Therapist?
Speaking of Daun, she works at RICE, a therapy practice specifically for AAPI folks. If you’ve been looking for a provider who gets it, check out their team.
Heirlooms: AAPI Oral History + Art Project
Jainey JY Kim, an AAWPI Fellow (the fellowship program that created BAW!), is building a living archive of AAPI stories rooted in Georgia. Apply as a pair, two people connected through family, history, or deep relationships. Selected pairs receive a small stipend, and your stories will become an immersive exhibit. Check out the gorgeous project at @heirlooms.archive.
Community Corner
Kendra Scott Shopping Party: Are You Interested?
We sometimes get invites to partner opportunities like this, and I never know if you’d actually be interested! Kendra Scott at Avalon in Alpharetta wants to host a BAW shopping party for AANHPI Heritage Month this May. Exclusive discounts for attendees or 20% of sales donated to a nonprofit of our choice. What say you? Yes or no? Reply to this email and let me know.
Spotted: Offbeat Books in Peoplestown
We don’t know Lindsi Bollinger yet, but we’d like to. She was just featured in the AJC for opening Offbeat Books at Terminal South in Peoplestown, a bookstore specializing in speculative fiction and unconventional nonfiction with community events like “Weird Girl LitFic” book clubs. Go check it out and tell her BAW sent you.
AAPI Caucus: Get Involved
The AAPI Caucus has two ways to plug in: their Relational Organizing Program (the single most effective campaigning you can do, open to candidates and voters alike) and their Monthly Meeting every 2nd Sunday at 8 PM.
What’s Happening
DLNY Planning Dinner
Want to help shape the future of the Decatur Lunar New Year Festival? We’d love to see you in person for this important conversation, but understand that’s not convenient for everyone. Dinner provided for those joining in person. Reply to this email if you’re coming.
Join remotely via Zoom →
Meeting ID: 883 0357 3523 | Passcode: 318492
Tiger Bomb Comedy
Our very own Kristina Jin is launching a brand new comedy show and we are HERE for it! Tiger Bomb Comedy is Atlanta’s newest all-POC stand-up showcase, co-produced by Kristina and Preethi Sundararaman, two Asian American eldest daughters bringing fiercely funny, culturally rich comedy to the stage. This is their debut show. Let’s pack the house for her! Use code BAW for 20% off tickets.
Advancing Justice-Atlanta SouthEats
Chef tastings, live art, and cultural experiences for AANHPI Heritage Month. Come hungry, leave inspired.
Saffron Circle: South Asian Women Maker’s Market
BAW member Sara Naqvi will be vending at this Mother’s Day market featuring local South Asian women-owned businesses. Sample artisan products, build a custom gift bag for mom, and get 10% off at Tandoori Pizza & Wing Co. Free and open to the public.
BAW Night Out: ZensASIANal Comedy at Dad’s Garage
We’re going as a crew! East by Southeast and Dad’s Garage are teaming up for an all-Asian improv and comedy show, hosted by Phong Le. Food and craft market before curtain, then showtime. Use code API20 for 20% off.
AMIGA x Malaya Georgia: Mother’s Day Moms & Merienda
BAW member Hannah Ballesteros, an AAWPI Fellow this year (the fellowship program that created BAW!), is co-hosting a Mother’s Day potluck with AMIGA and Malaya Georgia celebrating moms and mom-identifying folks. Childcare provided for kids ages 2-10 by two AAVEd teen organizers!
AAAF Down South + East APAHM Social
Meet Chef Ron Hsu (of Lazy Betty) as he debuts his cookbook Down South + East, a Chinese American cookbook. Free and open to the public. Signed books available for purchase while supplies last.
Mahjong with Actual Asians
Mahjong Night is back! Our own Regina Shih is hosting. Whether you’re a seasoned player or have never touched a tile, you’re welcome.
Good Luck Smokeshow
Sweet Auburn BBQ presents a night of culinary mastery by guest chefs for AANHPI Month. A portion of proceeds benefit We Love BuHi.
Public Health Q&A with Former CDC Leaders
BAW member Denise Koo is bringing former CDC leaders for a community-driven Q&A. No jargon, just real talk about keeping our community healthy. Submit your questions to help build the agenda.
NAKASEC Korean American Convening
NAKASEC, AAAF, and Demo Lab South are hosting a Korean American convening to build a multi-generational space to self-organize and connect. Lunch provided.
Badass Asian Market at Pastries-A-Go-Go
We’re partnering with our own Adriana Park for a fun evening on the patio supporting amazing Asian-owned businesses. Mark your calendar to stop by! We need vendors! Please fill out our vendor form (even if you’ve filled it out before) and write “Adriana’s Market” in the notes so we know which one you’re applying for. No vendor fee for this one, but space is limited.
Around Town
Community events we think you might enjoy. Not affiliated with or endorsed by BAW.
APAC 41st Annual Gala: “Shared Traditions, Stronger Bonds”
Cultural performances, scholarship awards, and a celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month. Formal or national attire. $70/person, $700/table.
GAT AAPI Summit
Georgia Asian Times presents a full-day summit with lunch hour speaker Sachi Koto, former CNN Headline News reporter. Space limited.
Atlanta United AAPI Night
Celebrate AANHPI Heritage Night with NAAAP Atlanta! All tickets come with a limited edition AAPI fan.
Pinoy Food Fest
Lechon belly, pork sisig, empanada, lumpia, halo halo, kakanin, and more. Free Rellenong Bangus with $50+ purchase for their anniversary month.
Atlanta Dream AAPI Appreciation Night
Join NAAAP Atlanta for AAPI Appreciation Night at the season opener!
Atlanta Southern Night Market
Free entry! A vibrant night market with food vendors, live performances, and cultural experiences.
Pan-Asian Theatre at Chinatown Mall
A new theatre initiative putting on monthly performances of Asian folktales. First production: the story of Mazu, the Chinese goddess of the sea. Free to the public. Seeking volunteer performers (18+) for future shows. Contact carogkok@gmail.com.
NAAAP Book Club: My Dear You by Rachel Khong
NAAAP Atlanta and NAAAP Chicago chapter collaboration book club discussion.
Do you find this newsletter helpful?
This is a labor of love. If it adds something to your week, consider sending a little tip to keep my cup full.