Author Visit: Fashion And Asian-American Pride And Resilience
Help me give my students the life-changing experience of meeting Christina Chiu, fashionista, shoe-maker, writer and Asian-American anti-racism advocate
My students reflect the cultural richness of New York City - and they speak approximately 34 different languages among them!
Our school is an academically rigorous, tuition-free high school and college associate's degree program.
Many of my students are the first in their families to attend college. They are very eager for the opportunity to earn two years of free college tuition at the time of their high school graduation.
It is incredibly rewarding to work with such curious, eager, and motivated students as their virtual Library Director, Creative Writing Teacher and Speaker Series Coordinator.
My Project
We are inviting several Asian-American authors to campus for Asian-Pacific Islander Heritage month. Our library and Guest Writers class will celebrate the beauty and resilience of a community that has experienced a sharp increase of hate crimes during the Covid era. Our series of Zoom talks will share new perspectives on the colorful mosaic of Asian-American life, art and history.
Christina Chiu's debut novel, BEAUTY, was selected for the James Alan McPherson Award in 2020 by acclaimed author Gish Jen.
The author's writing grows out of her personal experiences as an Asian-American woman trying to make it in the fashion world. She is a shoe-maker and will display her fashions for the class while discussing her experiences as a novelist and Asian-American justice advocate.
Ever since the shootings in Atlanta, Ms. Chiu has spoken at schools with a higher concentration of Asian students about stereotypes, her experience growing up Asian American, and how to stay empowered and remain grounded when racial incidents occur.
Ms. Chiu will speak about "growing up Chinese-American in a largely white and affluent neighborhood, and facing bullying from my peers. I will outline how my journey towards acceptance meant embracing beauty not as a concept, but as an experience."
Meeting the author of BEAUTY should be a beautiful experience. Thanks for your support!
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Jess Hinds and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
