Philadelphia is preparing for a once-in-a-generation moment—a historic summer in 2026 that will bring the world to our city. From the global excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game 2026 and the celebration of America’s 250th birthday, more than half a million visitors are expected. Joining us is Michael Newmuis, Philadelphia’s Director for 2026, along with Deputy Director Tyrone Dixon, to discuss how the city is preparing for this global moment—and how they’re working to ensure every neighborhood benefits through economic opportunity, community engagement, and safe, accessible experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Then, as Philadelphia celebrates World Heritage Month this May, we turn to the power of food to connect cultures. Chef Mia Castro—a Puerto Rican chef, television personality, and author—joins us ahead of her appearance at the Free Library of Philadelphia on Wednesday, May 14th from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. She’ll share stories and recipes from her debut cookbook Cocina Puerto Rico: Recipes from My Abuela’s Kitchen to Yours as part of A Celebration of the Global Culinary Arts, presented in partnership with Global Philadelphia Association.
And later, we’re joined by Scott Kurashige, historian, author, and activist, whose book American Peril: The Violent History of Anti-Asian Racism explores the deep roots of anti-Asian violence in the United States—connecting past and present while offering a path forward grounded in multiracial solidarity. Stay with us.
🌐 More Information & Resources:
• City of Philadelphia: https://www.phila.gov
• Philadelphia 250: https://www.philadelphia250.us
• Visit Philadelphia: https://www.visitphilly.com
• Free Library event details: https://www.freelibrary.org
• Global Philadelphia Association: https://globalphiladelphia.org
• Scott Kurashige: https://www.scottkurashige.com
📱 Follow for Updates:
• @PhiladelphiaGov | @VisitPhilly | @PHL250
• Chef Mia Castro (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook)
• Scott Kurashige: Instagram @scottkurashige
Then, as Philadelphia celebrates World Heritage Month this May, we turn to the power of food to connect cultures. Chef Mia Castro—a Puerto Rican chef, television personality, and author—joins us ahead of her appearance at the Free Library of Philadelphia on Wednesday, May 14th from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. She’ll share stories and recipes from her debut cookbook Cocina Puerto Rico: Recipes from My Abuela’s Kitchen to Yours as part of A Celebration of the Global Culinary Arts, presented in partnership with Global Philadelphia Association.
And later, we’re joined by Scott Kurashige, historian, author, and activist, whose book American Peril: The Violent History of Anti-Asian Racism explores the deep roots of anti-Asian violence in the United States—connecting past and present while offering a path forward grounded in multiracial solidarity. Stay with us.
🌐 More Information & Resources:
• City of Philadelphia: https://www.phila.gov
• Philadelphia 250: https://www.philadelphia250.us
• Visit Philadelphia: https://www.visitphilly.com
• Free Library event details: https://www.freelibrary.org
• Global Philadelphia Association: https://globalphiladelphia.org
• Scott Kurashige: https://www.scottkurashige.com
📱 Follow for Updates:
• @PhiladelphiaGov | @VisitPhilly | @PHL250
• Chef Mia Castro (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook)
• Scott Kurashige: Instagram @scottkurashige
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Good morning, and welcome to what's going on? A show
about making a difference in our lives and our communities.
I'm Lorraine Ballot marl. Philadelphia is getting ready for an
historic summer in twenty twenty six with global events like
FIFA World Cup, the Major League Baseball All Star Game,
and America's two hundred and fiftieth anniversary. Will tell you
what it means for our neighborhoods. Plus, chef Mia Castro
(00:20):
joins us for a celebration of culture through food, and
historian Scott Hiroshigi discusses his book American Peril and the
deeper roots of anti Asian Racism in America and what
we can do about it. Stay with us. Philadelphia is
preparing for a once in a generation moment, an historic
summer in twenty twenty six that will bring the world
(00:41):
to our city. From the global excitement of the FIFA
World Cup twenty twenty six to the Major League Baseball
All Star Game twenty twenty six and the celebration of
America's two hundred and fiftieth birthday. More than half a
million visitors are expected. Joining us is Michael Numis, Philadelphia
Director for twenty twenty six and deputy director for that organization,
(01:03):
Tyrone Dixon. They're leading the charge to ensure this moment
benefits every neighborhood. So stay with us, Michael and Tyrone.
You've described, Michael, you've described twenty twenty six as a
one sitted generation opportunity. What is your overall vision for
how Philadelphia shows up on the global stage.
Speaker 2 (01:22):
You know, Mayor Park has been clear from the start
that our charge in the two fifties is to spread
the spirit of celebration across neighborhoods and ensure that our
residents and our businesses can benefit not only from the
civic pride, but from the economic benefits, while also making
sure that our visitors of the world class experience.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
With major events like the World Cup, the MLB All
Star Game, in the nation's semi quincentennial. First of all,
being able to pronounce that I think I finally got it,
I know, right. How is the city coordinating across so
many moving parts to prepare Tyrone, you want to get
that one?
Speaker 3 (01:56):
Well, it sounds like a lot, but it really has
been all hands on deck of approach. The Mayor's concept
of a one city, a united celebration. Internally, we're working
across all departments. We've had so many amazing partners outside
of the City of Philadelphia that has lenden and helped
us be be able to prepare for this.
Speaker 1 (02:12):
Michael, you've emphasized making the economic impact inclusive. What specific
opportunities will exist for small and minority owned businesses across
Philadelphia neighborhoods.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
It's so important, and we've combined on PHILO doc goevs
LUSH twenty twenty six, philid doc GOFS LUSH twenty twenty six,
a procurement forecast for businesses looking to bid for opportunities
while also making strategic investments directly in neighborhoods neighborhood by
neighborhood across every council district to really make sure that businesses,
no matter where you are in Philadelphia, you will see
(02:43):
the celebration in front of you and there's ways for
you to benefit.
Speaker 1 (02:46):
Tyrone beyond the stadiums. How will communities experience these events,
especially for fans who may not have tickets but still
want to be part of the excitement.
Speaker 3 (02:54):
Well, I'm glad you stated that because we do have
thought through this. The twenty twenty six Access phil app.
It is a tool that shows you all the events
that we're asked. Yes, we're welcome in the world, but
we're also making sure our neighborhood events are a focus
as well. You can now go to the Google Store
or app and download twenty twenty six Access Philly.
Speaker 1 (03:13):
Yeah, that's pretty cool. So basically it's a one stop shop.
You can just download the app and know exactly where
everything is happening. And that is pretty great. And there
are so many events. I mean, not everybody's going to
be able to make the World Cup because you know,
tickets they are expensive and also hard to get. But
there's the FanFest that's happening. They are all sorts of
events happening throughout the city to help participate. In fact,
(03:36):
a lot of the world travelers who come to the
World Cup don't necessarily go to the game. They go
to the other things.
Speaker 2 (03:44):
Right, Sure, seventy percent of folks coming won't even have
a ticket. That's why Mayor Parker is very clear. Philadelphia
is probably the only city in North America to have
a free fan festival experience for FIFA. It's open for
thirty nine days and anyone can experience it.
Speaker 1 (03:57):
The other thing that you've got going is you're focusing
on on business corridors, and I'm so excited about that
because we are a community, a city of neighborhoods, and
sometimes we don't venture outside of our comfort zone, right,
So this is really a great way to shine the
light on different neighborhoods, but particularly supporting small businesses, right.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
It's so critical. We worked with over twenty different commercial
corridors and partnership with city Council to make sure that
we've got really beautiful treatments to drive folks out into
the neighborhoods to support those businesses. And if you download
the Access Philly app, there's also a beautiful scavenger hunt
where you can find bells that are installed throughout Philadelphia,
these gorgeous three foot bells, And if you complete that
(04:41):
scavenger hunt, not only do you get to win incredible prizes,
but you'll get to explore the neighborhoods and the businesses
and the communities that make Philly shine tyrone.
Speaker 1 (04:49):
We're also a city of blocks, and I know that
some of the planning that you have is all about
supporting the block parties and blocks and tell us how
you're shining a light on blocks in Philadelphia, which are
the cornerstone of our communities.
Speaker 3 (05:05):
Well, we are celebrating soundred and fifty block parties this
year Wow our block party Bonanza two fifty and two
fifty Ye we are able to bring joy to every neighborhood.
When you go into Philidec goav Slash twenty twenty six.
When you put in your application if you would like
to host one of these block parties, check the box
for block Party Bonanza. We're giving our two hundred and
fifty dollars gift cards to every block party, every block captain.
(05:26):
Thank you to shop Right for that. We have this.
We have decorations, toys, we have everything that you need
to make this an experience.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
Well, of course, one thing that we always have to
be aware of is safety and accessibility, and those are
all key, especially with late nine games and large crowds.
What plans do you have in place to ensure visitors
and residents can celebrate safely.
Speaker 2 (05:46):
I'm so excited that Philadelphia, under the leadership of our
Police Commissioner, has the lowest violent crime record since nineteen
sixty six. We have hosted the World Cup, We've hosted
the DNC that PayPal visits so many events under leadership
of Giselle Jones and others. Safely and safety is our
north star and one of our largest investments.
Speaker 1 (06:05):
We're looking at. As I mentioned before, the word that
I always have such a hard time saying semi quen centennial.
That is a mouthful, but it is an incredible opportunity
to celebrate our two hundred and fiftieth birthday as a nation.
And I wonder if you can tell us a little
bit more Tyrone about some of the events that are
really geared towards elevating the historic moment that we're experiencing.
Speaker 3 (06:31):
Well, I would like to start with that that's definitely
been in consideration because we are the city. We are
the first city. We are a city of first, our
neighborhood to our series where we be given out rides
to every neighborhood, where people in those neighborhoods can now
dictate and show what the history is behind East neighborhood
told by the people that live there.
Speaker 1 (06:48):
Yeah, and I've also been seeing all these firsts that
are all around, like the first time, I forget the
first girl scout.
Speaker 2 (06:56):
True first girl Scout, true first Firehouse every single Saturday, Philadelphia.
Thanks to our partners, the visitors at the Historic District,
we'll be celebrating one of Philadelphia's first and to find
each of them, just go to the Axis Philly app.
And speaking of first, I'm so proud that Philadelphia will
be installing the first permanent sculptures honoring Black women leaders
(07:17):
Harriet Tubman, Blanche Nixon, and Sadie Alexander, all happening this year.
Speaker 1 (07:21):
Ah, that is fantastic and so so needed. We need
to elevate our wonderful black women who've made such a
huge difference in the history of this country. Yes, absolutely, well,
all right, so is there anything else that you would
like to talk about that we haven't covered so far,
some little tidbit, some secret tips about how we can
(07:41):
best manage this enormous event that's coming out, These many
events that are happening.
Speaker 2 (07:47):
We want to make sure that anyone can experience all
of the magic that awaits this summer. If you download
the Axis Philly app in just a few weeks, we'll
also be pushing out a ton of free tickets so
that you can win prizes to make sure that you
can unlock the best of sports, the best of concerts,
museums and more.
Speaker 1 (08:03):
Also, Tyrone, I know that there's a lot of opportunities
for volunteers. So if people still want a volunteer for
anything related to TO fifty or a FIFA or even
the Major League Baseball All Star Game, where do they go?
Speaker 3 (08:18):
So you can go to philid dot gov slash twenty
twenty six. We have a forum where you can fill
out for all volunteer opportunities and we're constantly updating those
as they become available.
Speaker 1 (08:27):
That's great, It's going to be such an exciting time.
Any final words, Michael before we close.
Speaker 2 (08:32):
Everything that we're doing this year is about positioning the
people of Philadelphia for greater success over the next two
hundred and fifty years, and that's what you're going to
see across the investments. It's not always just about the
bunting on stage, but how we can bring ourselves a
little bit closer together, deepen civic pride, and spread the
economic benefits throughout.
Speaker 1 (08:48):
It's an exciting time Philadelphia preparing for a once in
a generation moment, an historic summer in twenty twenty six,
bringing the world to our city. FIFA World Cup, Major
League base and of course, the celebration of America's two
hundred and fiftieth birthday. We expect more than half a
million visitors to come to the City of brotherly Love
(09:08):
and sisterly affection. Thanks to Michael Numis, Philadelphia Director for
twenty twenty six and Tyrone Dixon, Deputy Director twenty twenty six.
Thank you both for joining us.
Speaker 2 (09:18):
Thank you, Thank you.
Speaker 1 (09:25):
Women Against Abuse is celebrating fifty years of service with
Philly's Best Women Chef competition, Dish It Up on Thursday,
June eleventh, at the Crystal Tea Room in Center City.
This year, step into a groovy, nineteen seventies inspired night
featuring delicious bites from top local chefs, an open bar,
and the chance to connect with hundreds of change makers.
(09:47):
Best of all, proceed support survivors of domestic violence. Get
your tickets at Women Against Abuse dot org. As Philadelphia
celebrates World Heritage Month this May, we're bringing global culture
to the table through food, and today's guest is serving
up something truly special. Chef Mia Castro, a Puerto Rican chef,
(10:12):
television personality and cookbook author, is joining us ahead of
her appearance at the Free Library of Philadelphia Thursday, May fourteenth,
from six to seven thirty, she'll be sharing stories and
recipes from her debut cookbook, Cosina Puerto Rico Recipes from
My Abuela's Kitchen to yours as part of a celebration
of the Global Culinary Arts, presented in partnership with Literary
(10:34):
Events and Projects and Global Philadelphia Association. It's a celebration
of heritage, flavor, and the power of food to connect
us all. So, Mia, thank you so much for joining
us today, and let's start with your new cookbook, Cosina
Puerto Rico. What inspired you to bring your abuela's recipes
and your culinary journey together in this way?
Speaker 4 (10:54):
First off, thanks so much for having me. Lorraine.
Speaker 5 (10:57):
So, I first started Writingina perto Rico back in March
twenty twenty while I was in New York during COVID lockdown,
and I was really yearning to go back home to
Puerto Rico with my family, and I was kind of
stuck here. So food was the easiest vehicle. So I
(11:18):
started facetiming Aguela from New York and having her teach
me how she prepared all of these dishes that I
grew up eating. And it kind of evolved from there
to me documenting it and sharing it online and eventually
turning it into a cookbook.
Speaker 1 (11:38):
You're cooking beautifully blends Mediterranean techniques with Caribbean roots. How
did your Puerto Rican heritage shape your style in the kitchen.
Speaker 5 (11:46):
I feel really passionate about traveling, especially to coastal towns
go figure, and I love Mediterranean food and sort of
the focus on quality ingredients and simplicity of preparation. And
you see that reflected in some of the recipes of
(12:08):
Cosina Puerto Rico, where I sort of marry Caribbean flavors
with Mediterranean technique. For example, my tropical cabrece salad, which
is on the back cover of the books, it combines
any tropical fruit, So instead of the tomato, any tropical fruit,
(12:29):
and then instead of the motsarella, I use geso frisco
or gasola bais.
Speaker 4 (12:35):
Which is what we call it in Puerto Rico, and
I griddle it.
Speaker 5 (12:38):
And then instead of the traditional basil, I do chimichuri
or like cilantro or rico. So it kind of blends
those culinary concepts of like really good quality ingredients with
the flavors I grew up around.
Speaker 1 (12:58):
I'm so excited to talk to you about the fact
that you've competed on shows like Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay,
and Hell's Kitchen. How those experiences influenced you as a
chef and storyteller, and give us at least one good
anecdote about your experience.
Speaker 5 (13:15):
First off, I'm really proud and grateful for all those opportunities.
Speaker 4 (13:20):
Let's then influenced me more.
Speaker 5 (13:23):
They were a platform for me to bring the flavors
of Puerto Rico to televisions throughout the US and throughout
the world, and they really enabled me to amplify my
culture through one of my passions with which is food.
And then let's see a fun anecdote.
Speaker 1 (13:44):
Well, Hell's Kitchen has to have been an intense experience.
Speaker 4 (13:47):
It was.
Speaker 5 (13:48):
It was, but I sort of took it as you know.
It wasn't something that I sought out to do. It
was kind of an opportunity that landed in my lab,
and so I turned it into a fun and learning experience.
Speaker 4 (14:04):
So I did.
Speaker 5 (14:05):
I did learn a lot, and I think my favorite
part was spoiler alert here, but making it to the
finale and where throughout the show I tried to stick to,
you know, whatever challenges and whatever concepts.
Speaker 4 (14:23):
We were having.
Speaker 5 (14:23):
But I use that finale to really celebrate berd Nico
and like bring the Wodigua to televisions.
Speaker 1 (14:30):
You'll be in Philadelphia May fourteenth at the Free Library.
What can guests expect from your presentation and book setting
that evening.
Speaker 5 (14:38):
I think guests can expect a mix of storytelling and
practical takeaways. So I want to give like little tips
and tricks from the book, and I'm hoping we'll have
time for Q and A. I prefer making these events
more interactive, so I'm looking forward to hearing directly from
(14:59):
the guests about what they're curious to learn, whether it's
you know, techniques, ingredients, or stories behind these recipes that
I've shared on the book.
Speaker 1 (15:10):
This event is part of World Heritage Month. How do
you see food as a way to preserve culture and
bring people together across communities? Mm?
Speaker 5 (15:18):
Hm, so GOSSI network do Nicos started as my way
of staying connected to my culture and my family, and
I think now that it's out in the world, it's
also become a way to share that culture with others,
where whether it's you know, teaching or preserving the culture
and of course celebrating it. And I think food has
(15:40):
this incredible ability to bring people together across communities. So
you know, for US Puerto Ricans, especially the ones in
the diaspora, it's through shared nostalgia and for those of
us or for those who are in Puerto Rican, the
experience of learning something new. And I mean, honestly, what
a better, more delicious way to learn than food.
Speaker 1 (16:03):
When we talk about the importance of food in family,
I wonder if you can talk a bit about what
your experience was working cooking with your Aboeila, or being
in the same kitchen as she was, or seeing other
members of your family put things together. What what what's
a good memory, a fond memory that you have about
(16:24):
cooking with your family.
Speaker 5 (16:26):
Well, I mean cooking with my family is the basis
of my career. And a fun take away, I'd say,
I'll describe one of my favorite dishes from the book.
It's the are lamb crabs. And may Auelo would bring
these young crabs to the house and.
Speaker 4 (16:49):
He'd raise them over the course of.
Speaker 5 (16:51):
A couple of months and get them like really big
and bulky, and then we had aros day. So Auelo
would bring them up. Auela would boil them, and we
would sit there all day, like she would lay out
newspaper all over the table, and my sister and I
and Auelo and Auela and whoever was around, even the
(17:11):
neighbor would come and we would just pick at crab
meat and then she would stew it to make our
san mote, our crab stew, and then cook it into
the rice. So this this dish, it took months to
prepare and it wasn't just about eating. It was about
(17:33):
that whole communal experience, which is what I love about
Puerto Rican food and my culture.
Speaker 4 (17:38):
And now sharing it.
Speaker 1 (17:39):
For those who want to follow your journey and also
to attend the event, where can they connect with you
and also to get more information about the event that
you're doing at the Free Library.
Speaker 5 (17:50):
So I'm on all social media platforms Chef mi Agastro
on Instagram, Chef Mia Gastro pr on TikTok, and then
for the event location, it's at the Free Library of Philadelphia.
Speaker 4 (18:04):
It's on nineteen oh one Arch.
Speaker 5 (18:06):
Street, and then online for more information FreeLibrary dot org.
Speaker 1 (18:12):
Thank you so much, Chef Mia Castro. Party Weekend Chef
television personality and cookbook author who is going to be
appearing at the Free Library of Philadelphia Thursday, May fourteenth,
from sixty seven thirty sharing stories and recipes from our
debut cookbook Cosina Puerto Rico. Recipes from My Willa's Kitchen
to Yours, part of the celebration of Global Culinary Arts,
(18:35):
presented in partnership with Literary Events and Projects and Global
Philadelphia Association. Thank you so much, Thank you learning you
connect events like the twenty twenty one Atlanta spas shooting
to a broader pattern of systemic racism. What should listeners
(18:56):
understand about how these incidents are part of something bigger?
Speaker 6 (18:59):
Well, I think the most recent wave we've seen in
history really starts in the aftermath of nineteen sixties and
the Vietnam War. We have a great advance towards civil rights,
and Asian Americans are the beneficiaries of coalitions with African
Americans and other civil rights activists, and you know, we
see more immigration. There had been for a long time
(19:22):
in this country laws banning Asian immigrants from coming to
this country, and those who were here could not become citizens.
So we have a long history of exclusion discrimination most
people don't know about. The civil rights movement does change that.
And then in the aftermath of the Vietnam War, when
the US withdraws, we have hundreds of thousands of refugees
that are seeking safety and come to many parts of
(19:44):
both but particularly to the US from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos,
and we see just lingering resentments animosity towards Southeast Asians
because of even though these were folks that were largely
fighting on the side of the UN in those wars.
And we see that particularly in Philadelphia, Southeast Asian refugees
(20:06):
faced a lot of resentment and in some cases violence.
There's a documented case I write about in the book
that particularly focuses on Southwest Philadelphia, and there are other
incidents throughout the city. A man named hang Lim, who
was from Cambodia was killed in nineteen ninety. He was
(20:27):
beaten over the head with a large stick in front
of witnesses, and it took weeks for the police to
arrest the suspect, who you know, the family had already identified.
In fact, the family was detained in the police station
while while their family member was in the hospital dying.
So it's really, you know, a pattern that only gets
(20:50):
exposed because there are community organizers and citizens who speak out.
And the group in Philadelphia that really deserves a lot
of credit for this is Asian Americans United, which was
started in the nineteen eighties, particularly to address these issues
that for a long time had been swept under the rug.
Speaker 1 (21:05):
The murder of Vincent Chin in nineteen eighty two, it
remains a pivotal moment in Asian American activism. What are
lessons from that case that still resonate today.
Speaker 6 (21:17):
Yeah, I think it's important to recognize that when you
have this demonization of Asian countries, like Japan was is
a sort of trade war enemy during World War Two, sorry,
during Moobo to obviously Japan was an enemy. But during
the eight nineteen eighties when the Detroit auto industry was
facing hardships, there was a lot of fear that Japan
(21:38):
was taking over, you know, and Americans were losing jobs
because of Japan. Well, that demonization of you know, other
countries or adversaries. First of all, it doesn't stay overseas, right,
it affects Asians in this country because of the xenophobic
fear that you know, all Asians look alike or were
all part of the Yellow Peril, or you know, now
there's a talk that there are Iranian sleeper cells in
(22:01):
the US and what will that mean for civil liberties here?
But the other thing is even when the target is
Japan or when the target is China. You know, when
there were talks about kung flu and the Wuhan China
virus during the pandemic, you know, people can't tell prejudiced,
bigoted people cannot tell the difference between a Japanese American
or a Chinese American, and so all Asian Americans end
(22:24):
up being targeted. And I think that's why it's been
important for Asian Americans to form coalitions amongst ourselves, but
also to form coalitions with other communities that are impacted
by hate crimes and bigotry, communities of color, LGBT communities,
disability justice advocates, immigrant rights advocates too.
Speaker 1 (22:44):
Yeah, so let's talk about that a little bit more.
You argue that legislation is not enough alone to address
hate and violence, and let's talk about that multi racial
solidarity as a key to real change.
Speaker 6 (22:58):
Sure, it's understand Annibal, that you know, when there are
these instans that occur. People want more responsive policing. They
want hate crimes laws that can prosecute these offenders when
they see them. You know, in the case of Vincent Chin,
his killers were given a sentence of probation and a fine.
They didn't spend a single day in jail, despite the
(23:20):
fact they were seen by off duty police officers beating
Vincent Chint to death with a baseball bat over his head, right,
And they were, you know, given these extremely lenient sents.
So it's understandable that people would want more prosecution. Unfortunately,
it's very very rare for hate crimes prosecutions to succeed.
The law requires proving motivation, and you know, again it's
(23:43):
only in rare instances that we have a killer shouting
a racist epithet, you know, while committing you know, a
violent crime, and so usually it's it's you know, he said,
she said case, and it's very hard to prove beyond
a reasonable doubt. But when the juries, the jury, the
average jury pull in the US has no background in
(24:05):
understanding Asian American issues, has no sensitivity to these matters
because they didn't learn anything in their education either, and
so oftentimes putting more emphasis on policing and incarceration really
affects the folks that are already most vulnerable. In the
case of Detroit, you know, mandatory minimum sentencing led to
a skyrocketing and incarceration, particularly of low income African Americans.
(24:29):
And so, you know, it's very important that we get
to the root cause of issues by trying to stop
these incidents of violence with enlightened policies, with education, with
strengthening healthy communities and coalitionons before the incidents happen.
Speaker 1 (24:44):
For listeners who want to be part of the solution,
what are some meaningful ways individuals and communities can take
action to build that solidarity you're talking about and move forward.
Speaker 6 (24:54):
Yeah, I think, you know, Philadelphia is such a great example.
So when we look at Asian Americans United, a lot
of their initial work did focus on the problem of
anti Asian violence because they saw particularly what was happening
to refugees from Southeast Asia just being defenseless, you know,
not having citizenship rights, not having you know, the income
(25:15):
and the political represation to really be heard from people
in positions of power, and so you know, they engaged
in protests, they engaged in petitions, letter writing, they lobbied
local officials, but they didn't focus just on again putting
people in prison. They focused on creating a more equitable
education system for non English speakers, for students of color,
(25:39):
and for all students who are really dealing with, you know,
tremendous problems in our schools that are compounded, of course
by the loss of jobs and the de industrialization that
hit Philly in the seventies and eighties. And they saw that,
you know, when these insta occurs, sometimes it is Asian
students in conflict with African American students, but they're both
(25:59):
part of the same, you know system, And so when
there are incidents of violence at South Philadelphia High School,
these young Asian Mercan organizers work very closely with students
of all backgrounds, and they didn't portray it simply as
you know, a black Asian conflict. They instead looked at
it as a challenge to create a system of fairness
and justice for all students, and that they, you know,
(26:21):
they sent a model. So the South phil the Dealthia
High School organizers really deserve a lot of credit for
the work they did. You might remember there was a
walkout by the students the Asian students in two thousand
and nine that attracted situations. So we have these instance
of youth and conflicts, sometimes white and Asian youth, sometimes
Black and Asian youth. But really I think those that
deserve the most credit are the ones looking to create
(26:42):
opportunities in housing, employment, you know, cultural opportunities. I think
about the mid Autumn festival that that happens in Chinatown
and how that brings so many people together from diverse backgrounds.
Philadelphia has really created, I think, a model of how
people can work together at the grass used to make
a difference, and out of that movement, we've seen some
really important elected officials rights to the forefront of filly leadership,
(27:05):
like Helen Gim who I chronicled my book based on
an interview I did with her, going back really over
three decades. I've been talking to her.
Speaker 1 (27:12):
Yeah, And finally, I'd like to have you just ruminate
on the title of your book, because it's a play
on words, and I wonder if you can just tell
us a little more about your thoughts on that.
Speaker 6 (27:23):
Sure, you know, for so many Asian immigrants, the US
has been a land of opportunity. My great grandfather migrated
from Japan in eighteen eighty nine after he faced you know,
economic devastation. He was running a small boat transporting goods
and you know, he lost his boat at sea. He
actually went to the Kingdom of Hawaii before it was
(27:45):
part of the United States in eighteen eighty nine. But
so many other you know, Chinese immigrants came looking for gold.
Other people came, you know, to work in agriculture, and
it's been a source of opportunity. But at the same time,
of course, those who simply came looking for for work
and to deal with, you know, the devastation they face
in their own life, like so many other immigrants to
(28:06):
the US who aren't indigenous, they were viewed as a threat.
They were viewed as aliens, they were viewed as people
that don't belong, you know, and so in many.
Speaker 1 (28:15):
Ways yellow peril, right.
Speaker 6 (28:16):
Yeah, But in fact, you know, that designation of Asian
and Asian Americans, Asian Americans, Asian Marans is threatening has
really put a target on the backs of Asians themselves.
I mean, though those deemed the threat, really many ways
that was simply a pretext for the type of violence
and discrimination that Asian immigrants and Asian Americans have faced.
The play on words is really to point out that
(28:38):
this is not something that that is important from Asia.
It's very much sadly, you know, part of American history
to view communities of color, to view Native Americans African
Americans as the other, and subject them the forms of violence,
first again through physical acts, but a second form of
violence occurs when our court systems failed to prevent justice
(29:00):
for these victims. And when then, when our policy makers
and our educators fail to acknowledge these tragic histories.
Speaker 1 (29:07):
Well, I'd like to thank you so much for joining
us here today. Historian author activist Scott Kurashigi, whose new
book American Peril, The Violent History of Anti Asian Racism
examines the deep roots of anti Asian violence in the
United States while also pointing towards solutions grounded in multi
racial solidarity. Thank you so much for joining us today.
Speaker 6 (29:28):
Thank you so much for having me.
Speaker 1 (29:31):
You can listen to all of today's interviews on the
iHeartRadio app and all podcast platforms by typing in keywords
Philadelphia Community Podcast. Follow me on Instagram and threads at
Lorraine Ballard and Lorraine Moral on TikTok, and that's Lorraine
with one R. I'm Lorraine Ballad Tomorrow and I stand
for service to our community and media that empowers. What
will you stand for? You've been listening to what's going
(29:52):
on and thank you.
Speaker 2 (30:00):
I do you think I find
Good morning, and welcome to what's going on? A show
about making a difference in our lives and our communities.
I'm Lorraine Ballot marl. Philadelphia is getting ready for an
historic summer in twenty twenty six with global events like
FIFA World Cup, the Major League Baseball All Star Game,
and America's two hundred and fiftieth anniversary. Will tell you
what it means for our neighborhoods. Plus, chef Mia Castro
(00:20):
joins us for a celebration of culture through food, and
historian Scott Hiroshigi discusses his book American Peril and the
deeper roots of anti Asian Racism in America and what
we can do about it. Stay with us. Philadelphia is
preparing for a once in a generation moment, an historic
summer in twenty twenty six that will bring the world
(00:41):
to our city. From the global excitement of the FIFA
World Cup twenty twenty six to the Major League Baseball
All Star Game twenty twenty six and the celebration of
America's two hundred and fiftieth birthday. More than half a
million visitors are expected. Joining us is Michael Numis, Philadelphia
Director for twenty twenty six and deputy director for that organization,
(01:03):
Tyrone Dixon. They're leading the charge to ensure this moment
benefits every neighborhood. So stay with us, Michael and Tyrone.
You've described, Michael, you've described twenty twenty six as a
one sitted generation opportunity. What is your overall vision for
how Philadelphia shows up on the global stage.
Speaker 2 (01:22):
You know, Mayor Park has been clear from the start
that our charge in the two fifties is to spread
the spirit of celebration across neighborhoods and ensure that our
residents and our businesses can benefit not only from the
civic pride, but from the economic benefits, while also making
sure that our visitors of the world class experience.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
With major events like the World Cup, the MLB All
Star Game, in the nation's semi quincentennial. First of all,
being able to pronounce that I think I finally got it,
I know, right. How is the city coordinating across so
many moving parts to prepare Tyrone, you want to get
that one?
Speaker 3 (01:56):
Well, it sounds like a lot, but it really has
been all hands on deck of approach. The Mayor's concept
of a one city, a united celebration. Internally, we're working
across all departments. We've had so many amazing partners outside
of the City of Philadelphia that has lenden and helped
us be be able to prepare for this.
Speaker 1 (02:12):
Michael, you've emphasized making the economic impact inclusive. What specific
opportunities will exist for small and minority owned businesses across
Philadelphia neighborhoods.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
It's so important, and we've combined on PHILO doc goevs
LUSH twenty twenty six, philid doc GOFS LUSH twenty twenty six,
a procurement forecast for businesses looking to bid for opportunities
while also making strategic investments directly in neighborhoods neighborhood by
neighborhood across every council district to really make sure that businesses,
no matter where you are in Philadelphia, you will see
(02:43):
the celebration in front of you and there's ways for
you to benefit.
Speaker 1 (02:46):
Tyrone beyond the stadiums. How will communities experience these events,
especially for fans who may not have tickets but still
want to be part of the excitement.
Speaker 3 (02:54):
Well, I'm glad you stated that because we do have
thought through this. The twenty twenty six Access phil app.
It is a tool that shows you all the events
that we're asked. Yes, we're welcome in the world, but
we're also making sure our neighborhood events are a focus
as well. You can now go to the Google Store
or app and download twenty twenty six Access Philly.
Speaker 1 (03:13):
Yeah, that's pretty cool. So basically it's a one stop shop.
You can just download the app and know exactly where
everything is happening. And that is pretty great. And there
are so many events. I mean, not everybody's going to
be able to make the World Cup because you know,
tickets they are expensive and also hard to get. But
there's the FanFest that's happening. They are all sorts of
events happening throughout the city to help participate. In fact,
(03:36):
a lot of the world travelers who come to the
World Cup don't necessarily go to the game. They go
to the other things.
Speaker 2 (03:44):
Right, Sure, seventy percent of folks coming won't even have
a ticket. That's why Mayor Parker is very clear. Philadelphia
is probably the only city in North America to have
a free fan festival experience for FIFA. It's open for
thirty nine days and anyone can experience it.
Speaker 1 (03:57):
The other thing that you've got going is you're focusing
on on business corridors, and I'm so excited about that
because we are a community, a city of neighborhoods, and
sometimes we don't venture outside of our comfort zone, right,
So this is really a great way to shine the
light on different neighborhoods, but particularly supporting small businesses, right.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
It's so critical. We worked with over twenty different commercial
corridors and partnership with city Council to make sure that
we've got really beautiful treatments to drive folks out into
the neighborhoods to support those businesses. And if you download
the Access Philly app, there's also a beautiful scavenger hunt
where you can find bells that are installed throughout Philadelphia,
these gorgeous three foot bells, And if you complete that
(04:41):
scavenger hunt, not only do you get to win incredible prizes,
but you'll get to explore the neighborhoods and the businesses
and the communities that make Philly shine tyrone.
Speaker 1 (04:49):
We're also a city of blocks, and I know that
some of the planning that you have is all about
supporting the block parties and blocks and tell us how
you're shining a light on blocks in Philadelphia, which are
the cornerstone of our communities.
Speaker 3 (05:05):
Well, we are celebrating soundred and fifty block parties this
year Wow our block party Bonanza two fifty and two
fifty Ye we are able to bring joy to every neighborhood.
When you go into Philidec goav Slash twenty twenty six.
When you put in your application if you would like
to host one of these block parties, check the box
for block Party Bonanza. We're giving our two hundred and
fifty dollars gift cards to every block party, every block captain.
(05:26):
Thank you to shop Right for that. We have this.
We have decorations, toys, we have everything that you need
to make this an experience.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
Well, of course, one thing that we always have to
be aware of is safety and accessibility, and those are
all key, especially with late nine games and large crowds.
What plans do you have in place to ensure visitors
and residents can celebrate safely.
Speaker 2 (05:46):
I'm so excited that Philadelphia, under the leadership of our
Police Commissioner, has the lowest violent crime record since nineteen
sixty six. We have hosted the World Cup, We've hosted
the DNC that PayPal visits so many events under leadership
of Giselle Jones and others. Safely and safety is our
north star and one of our largest investments.
Speaker 1 (06:05):
We're looking at. As I mentioned before, the word that
I always have such a hard time saying semi quen centennial.
That is a mouthful, but it is an incredible opportunity
to celebrate our two hundred and fiftieth birthday as a nation.
And I wonder if you can tell us a little
bit more Tyrone about some of the events that are
really geared towards elevating the historic moment that we're experiencing.
Speaker 3 (06:31):
Well, I would like to start with that that's definitely
been in consideration because we are the city. We are
the first city. We are a city of first, our
neighborhood to our series where we be given out rides
to every neighborhood, where people in those neighborhoods can now
dictate and show what the history is behind East neighborhood
told by the people that live there.
Speaker 1 (06:48):
Yeah, and I've also been seeing all these firsts that
are all around, like the first time, I forget the
first girl scout.
Speaker 2 (06:56):
True first girl Scout, true first Firehouse every single Saturday, Philadelphia.
Thanks to our partners, the visitors at the Historic District,
we'll be celebrating one of Philadelphia's first and to find
each of them, just go to the Axis Philly app.
And speaking of first, I'm so proud that Philadelphia will
be installing the first permanent sculptures honoring Black women leaders
(07:17):
Harriet Tubman, Blanche Nixon, and Sadie Alexander, all happening this year.
Speaker 1 (07:21):
Ah, that is fantastic and so so needed. We need
to elevate our wonderful black women who've made such a
huge difference in the history of this country. Yes, absolutely, well,
all right, so is there anything else that you would
like to talk about that we haven't covered so far,
some little tidbit, some secret tips about how we can
(07:41):
best manage this enormous event that's coming out, These many
events that are happening.
Speaker 2 (07:47):
We want to make sure that anyone can experience all
of the magic that awaits this summer. If you download
the Axis Philly app in just a few weeks, we'll
also be pushing out a ton of free tickets so
that you can win prizes to make sure that you
can unlock the best of sports, the best of concerts,
museums and more.
Speaker 1 (08:03):
Also, Tyrone, I know that there's a lot of opportunities
for volunteers. So if people still want a volunteer for
anything related to TO fifty or a FIFA or even
the Major League Baseball All Star Game, where do they go?
Speaker 3 (08:18):
So you can go to philid dot gov slash twenty
twenty six. We have a forum where you can fill
out for all volunteer opportunities and we're constantly updating those
as they become available.
Speaker 1 (08:27):
That's great, It's going to be such an exciting time.
Any final words, Michael before we close.
Speaker 2 (08:32):
Everything that we're doing this year is about positioning the
people of Philadelphia for greater success over the next two
hundred and fifty years, and that's what you're going to
see across the investments. It's not always just about the
bunting on stage, but how we can bring ourselves a
little bit closer together, deepen civic pride, and spread the
economic benefits throughout.
Speaker 1 (08:48):
It's an exciting time Philadelphia preparing for a once in
a generation moment, an historic summer in twenty twenty six,
bringing the world to our city. FIFA World Cup, Major
League base and of course, the celebration of America's two
hundred and fiftieth birthday. We expect more than half a
million visitors to come to the City of brotherly Love
(09:08):
and sisterly affection. Thanks to Michael Numis, Philadelphia Director for
twenty twenty six and Tyrone Dixon, Deputy Director twenty twenty six.
Thank you both for joining us.
Speaker 2 (09:18):
Thank you, Thank you.
Speaker 1 (09:25):
Women Against Abuse is celebrating fifty years of service with
Philly's Best Women Chef competition, Dish It Up on Thursday,
June eleventh, at the Crystal Tea Room in Center City.
This year, step into a groovy, nineteen seventies inspired night
featuring delicious bites from top local chefs, an open bar,
and the chance to connect with hundreds of change makers.
(09:47):
Best of all, proceed support survivors of domestic violence. Get
your tickets at Women Against Abuse dot org. As Philadelphia
celebrates World Heritage Month this May, we're bringing global culture
to the table through food, and today's guest is serving
up something truly special. Chef Mia Castro, a Puerto Rican chef,
(10:12):
television personality and cookbook author, is joining us ahead of
her appearance at the Free Library of Philadelphia Thursday, May fourteenth,
from six to seven thirty, she'll be sharing stories and
recipes from her debut cookbook, Cosina Puerto Rico Recipes from
My Abuela's Kitchen to yours as part of a celebration
of the Global Culinary Arts, presented in partnership with Literary
(10:34):
Events and Projects and Global Philadelphia Association. It's a celebration
of heritage, flavor, and the power of food to connect
us all. So, Mia, thank you so much for joining
us today, and let's start with your new cookbook, Cosina
Puerto Rico. What inspired you to bring your abuela's recipes
and your culinary journey together in this way?
Speaker 4 (10:54):
First off, thanks so much for having me. Lorraine.
Speaker 5 (10:57):
So, I first started Writingina perto Rico back in March
twenty twenty while I was in New York during COVID lockdown,
and I was really yearning to go back home to
Puerto Rico with my family, and I was kind of
stuck here. So food was the easiest vehicle. So I
(11:18):
started facetiming Aguela from New York and having her teach
me how she prepared all of these dishes that I
grew up eating. And it kind of evolved from there
to me documenting it and sharing it online and eventually
turning it into a cookbook.
Speaker 1 (11:38):
You're cooking beautifully blends Mediterranean techniques with Caribbean roots. How
did your Puerto Rican heritage shape your style in the kitchen.
Speaker 5 (11:46):
I feel really passionate about traveling, especially to coastal towns
go figure, and I love Mediterranean food and sort of
the focus on quality ingredients and simplicity of preparation. And
you see that reflected in some of the recipes of
(12:08):
Cosina Puerto Rico, where I sort of marry Caribbean flavors
with Mediterranean technique. For example, my tropical cabrece salad, which
is on the back cover of the books, it combines
any tropical fruit, So instead of the tomato, any tropical fruit,
(12:29):
and then instead of the motsarella, I use geso frisco
or gasola bais.
Speaker 4 (12:35):
Which is what we call it in Puerto Rico, and
I griddle it.
Speaker 5 (12:38):
And then instead of the traditional basil, I do chimichuri
or like cilantro or rico. So it kind of blends
those culinary concepts of like really good quality ingredients with
the flavors I grew up around.
Speaker 1 (12:58):
I'm so excited to talk to you about the fact
that you've competed on shows like Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay,
and Hell's Kitchen. How those experiences influenced you as a
chef and storyteller, and give us at least one good
anecdote about your experience.
Speaker 5 (13:15):
First off, I'm really proud and grateful for all those opportunities.
Speaker 4 (13:20):
Let's then influenced me more.
Speaker 5 (13:23):
They were a platform for me to bring the flavors
of Puerto Rico to televisions throughout the US and throughout
the world, and they really enabled me to amplify my
culture through one of my passions with which is food.
And then let's see a fun anecdote.
Speaker 1 (13:44):
Well, Hell's Kitchen has to have been an intense experience.
Speaker 4 (13:47):
It was.
Speaker 5 (13:48):
It was, but I sort of took it as you know.
It wasn't something that I sought out to do. It
was kind of an opportunity that landed in my lab,
and so I turned it into a fun and learning experience.
Speaker 4 (14:04):
So I did.
Speaker 5 (14:05):
I did learn a lot, and I think my favorite
part was spoiler alert here, but making it to the
finale and where throughout the show I tried to stick to,
you know, whatever challenges and whatever concepts.
Speaker 4 (14:23):
We were having.
Speaker 5 (14:23):
But I use that finale to really celebrate berd Nico
and like bring the Wodigua to televisions.
Speaker 1 (14:30):
You'll be in Philadelphia May fourteenth at the Free Library.
What can guests expect from your presentation and book setting
that evening.
Speaker 5 (14:38):
I think guests can expect a mix of storytelling and
practical takeaways. So I want to give like little tips
and tricks from the book, and I'm hoping we'll have
time for Q and A. I prefer making these events
more interactive, so I'm looking forward to hearing directly from
(14:59):
the guests about what they're curious to learn, whether it's
you know, techniques, ingredients, or stories behind these recipes that
I've shared on the book.
Speaker 1 (15:10):
This event is part of World Heritage Month. How do
you see food as a way to preserve culture and
bring people together across communities? Mm?
Speaker 5 (15:18):
Hm, so GOSSI network do Nicos started as my way
of staying connected to my culture and my family, and
I think now that it's out in the world, it's
also become a way to share that culture with others,
where whether it's you know, teaching or preserving the culture
and of course celebrating it. And I think food has
(15:40):
this incredible ability to bring people together across communities. So
you know, for US Puerto Ricans, especially the ones in
the diaspora, it's through shared nostalgia and for those of
us or for those who are in Puerto Rican, the
experience of learning something new. And I mean, honestly, what
a better, more delicious way to learn than food.
Speaker 1 (16:03):
When we talk about the importance of food in family,
I wonder if you can talk a bit about what
your experience was working cooking with your Aboeila, or being
in the same kitchen as she was, or seeing other
members of your family put things together. What what what's
a good memory, a fond memory that you have about
(16:24):
cooking with your family.
Speaker 5 (16:26):
Well, I mean cooking with my family is the basis
of my career. And a fun take away, I'd say,
I'll describe one of my favorite dishes from the book.
It's the are lamb crabs. And may Auelo would bring
these young crabs to the house and.
Speaker 4 (16:49):
He'd raise them over the course of.
Speaker 5 (16:51):
A couple of months and get them like really big
and bulky, and then we had aros day. So Auelo
would bring them up. Auela would boil them, and we
would sit there all day, like she would lay out
newspaper all over the table, and my sister and I
and Auelo and Auela and whoever was around, even the
(17:11):
neighbor would come and we would just pick at crab
meat and then she would stew it to make our
san mote, our crab stew, and then cook it into
the rice. So this this dish, it took months to
prepare and it wasn't just about eating. It was about
(17:33):
that whole communal experience, which is what I love about
Puerto Rican food and my culture.
Speaker 4 (17:38):
And now sharing it.
Speaker 1 (17:39):
For those who want to follow your journey and also
to attend the event, where can they connect with you
and also to get more information about the event that
you're doing at the Free Library.
Speaker 5 (17:50):
So I'm on all social media platforms Chef mi Agastro
on Instagram, Chef Mia Gastro pr on TikTok, and then
for the event location, it's at the Free Library of Philadelphia.
Speaker 4 (18:04):
It's on nineteen oh one Arch.
Speaker 5 (18:06):
Street, and then online for more information FreeLibrary dot org.
Speaker 1 (18:12):
Thank you so much, Chef Mia Castro. Party Weekend Chef
television personality and cookbook author who is going to be
appearing at the Free Library of Philadelphia Thursday, May fourteenth,
from sixty seven thirty sharing stories and recipes from our
debut cookbook Cosina Puerto Rico. Recipes from My Willa's Kitchen
to Yours, part of the celebration of Global Culinary Arts,
(18:35):
presented in partnership with Literary Events and Projects and Global
Philadelphia Association. Thank you so much, Thank you learning you
connect events like the twenty twenty one Atlanta spas shooting
to a broader pattern of systemic racism. What should listeners
(18:56):
understand about how these incidents are part of something bigger?
Speaker 6 (18:59):
Well, I think the most recent wave we've seen in
history really starts in the aftermath of nineteen sixties and
the Vietnam War. We have a great advance towards civil rights,
and Asian Americans are the beneficiaries of coalitions with African
Americans and other civil rights activists, and you know, we
see more immigration. There had been for a long time
(19:22):
in this country laws banning Asian immigrants from coming to
this country, and those who were here could not become citizens.
So we have a long history of exclusion discrimination most
people don't know about. The civil rights movement does change that.
And then in the aftermath of the Vietnam War, when
the US withdraws, we have hundreds of thousands of refugees
that are seeking safety and come to many parts of
(19:44):
both but particularly to the US from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos,
and we see just lingering resentments animosity towards Southeast Asians
because of even though these were folks that were largely
fighting on the side of the UN in those wars.
And we see that particularly in Philadelphia, Southeast Asian refugees
(20:06):
faced a lot of resentment and in some cases violence.
There's a documented case I write about in the book
that particularly focuses on Southwest Philadelphia, and there are other
incidents throughout the city. A man named hang Lim, who
was from Cambodia was killed in nineteen ninety. He was
(20:27):
beaten over the head with a large stick in front
of witnesses, and it took weeks for the police to
arrest the suspect, who you know, the family had already identified.
In fact, the family was detained in the police station
while while their family member was in the hospital dying.
So it's really, you know, a pattern that only gets
(20:50):
exposed because there are community organizers and citizens who speak out.
And the group in Philadelphia that really deserves a lot
of credit for this is Asian Americans United, which was
started in the nineteen eighties, particularly to address these issues
that for a long time had been swept under the rug.
Speaker 1 (21:05):
The murder of Vincent Chin in nineteen eighty two, it
remains a pivotal moment in Asian American activism. What are
lessons from that case that still resonate today.
Speaker 6 (21:17):
Yeah, I think it's important to recognize that when you
have this demonization of Asian countries, like Japan was is
a sort of trade war enemy during World War Two, sorry,
during Moobo to obviously Japan was an enemy. But during
the eight nineteen eighties when the Detroit auto industry was
facing hardships, there was a lot of fear that Japan
(21:38):
was taking over, you know, and Americans were losing jobs
because of Japan. Well, that demonization of you know, other
countries or adversaries. First of all, it doesn't stay overseas, right,
it affects Asians in this country because of the xenophobic
fear that you know, all Asians look alike or were
all part of the Yellow Peril, or you know, now
there's a talk that there are Iranian sleeper cells in
(22:01):
the US and what will that mean for civil liberties here?
But the other thing is even when the target is
Japan or when the target is China. You know, when
there were talks about kung flu and the Wuhan China
virus during the pandemic, you know, people can't tell prejudiced,
bigoted people cannot tell the difference between a Japanese American
or a Chinese American, and so all Asian Americans end
(22:24):
up being targeted. And I think that's why it's been
important for Asian Americans to form coalitions amongst ourselves, but
also to form coalitions with other communities that are impacted
by hate crimes and bigotry, communities of color, LGBT communities,
disability justice advocates, immigrant rights advocates too.
Speaker 1 (22:44):
Yeah, so let's talk about that a little bit more.
You argue that legislation is not enough alone to address
hate and violence, and let's talk about that multi racial
solidarity as a key to real change.
Speaker 6 (22:58):
Sure, it's understand Annibal, that you know, when there are
these instans that occur. People want more responsive policing. They
want hate crimes laws that can prosecute these offenders when
they see them. You know, in the case of Vincent Chin,
his killers were given a sentence of probation and a fine.
They didn't spend a single day in jail, despite the
(23:20):
fact they were seen by off duty police officers beating
Vincent Chint to death with a baseball bat over his head, right,
And they were, you know, given these extremely lenient sents.
So it's understandable that people would want more prosecution. Unfortunately,
it's very very rare for hate crimes prosecutions to succeed.
The law requires proving motivation, and you know, again it's
(23:43):
only in rare instances that we have a killer shouting
a racist epithet, you know, while committing you know, a
violent crime, and so usually it's it's you know, he said,
she said case, and it's very hard to prove beyond
a reasonable doubt. But when the juries, the jury, the
average jury pull in the US has no background in
(24:05):
understanding Asian American issues, has no sensitivity to these matters
because they didn't learn anything in their education either, and
so oftentimes putting more emphasis on policing and incarceration really
affects the folks that are already most vulnerable. In the
case of Detroit, you know, mandatory minimum sentencing led to
a skyrocketing and incarceration, particularly of low income African Americans.
(24:29):
And so, you know, it's very important that we get
to the root cause of issues by trying to stop
these incidents of violence with enlightened policies, with education, with
strengthening healthy communities and coalitionons before the incidents happen.
Speaker 1 (24:44):
For listeners who want to be part of the solution,
what are some meaningful ways individuals and communities can take
action to build that solidarity you're talking about and move forward.
Speaker 6 (24:54):
Yeah, I think, you know, Philadelphia is such a great example.
So when we look at Asian Americans United, a lot
of their initial work did focus on the problem of
anti Asian violence because they saw particularly what was happening
to refugees from Southeast Asia just being defenseless, you know,
not having citizenship rights, not having you know, the income
(25:15):
and the political represation to really be heard from people
in positions of power, and so you know, they engaged
in protests, they engaged in petitions, letter writing, they lobbied
local officials, but they didn't focus just on again putting
people in prison. They focused on creating a more equitable
education system for non English speakers, for students of color,
(25:39):
and for all students who are really dealing with, you know,
tremendous problems in our schools that are compounded, of course
by the loss of jobs and the de industrialization that
hit Philly in the seventies and eighties. And they saw that,
you know, when these insta occurs, sometimes it is Asian
students in conflict with African American students, but they're both
(25:59):
part of the same, you know system, And so when
there are incidents of violence at South Philadelphia High School,
these young Asian Mercan organizers work very closely with students
of all backgrounds, and they didn't portray it simply as
you know, a black Asian conflict. They instead looked at
it as a challenge to create a system of fairness
and justice for all students, and that they, you know,
(26:21):
they sent a model. So the South phil the Dealthia
High School organizers really deserve a lot of credit for
the work they did. You might remember there was a
walkout by the students the Asian students in two thousand
and nine that attracted situations. So we have these instance
of youth and conflicts, sometimes white and Asian youth, sometimes
Black and Asian youth. But really I think those that
deserve the most credit are the ones looking to create
(26:42):
opportunities in housing, employment, you know, cultural opportunities. I think
about the mid Autumn festival that that happens in Chinatown
and how that brings so many people together from diverse backgrounds.
Philadelphia has really created, I think, a model of how
people can work together at the grass used to make
a difference, and out of that movement, we've seen some
really important elected officials rights to the forefront of filly leadership,
(27:05):
like Helen Gim who I chronicled my book based on
an interview I did with her, going back really over
three decades. I've been talking to her.
Speaker 1 (27:12):
Yeah, And finally, I'd like to have you just ruminate
on the title of your book, because it's a play
on words, and I wonder if you can just tell
us a little more about your thoughts on that.
Speaker 6 (27:23):
Sure, you know, for so many Asian immigrants, the US
has been a land of opportunity. My great grandfather migrated
from Japan in eighteen eighty nine after he faced you know,
economic devastation. He was running a small boat transporting goods
and you know, he lost his boat at sea. He
actually went to the Kingdom of Hawaii before it was
(27:45):
part of the United States in eighteen eighty nine. But
so many other you know, Chinese immigrants came looking for gold.
Other people came, you know, to work in agriculture, and
it's been a source of opportunity. But at the same time,
of course, those who simply came looking for for work
and to deal with, you know, the devastation they face
in their own life, like so many other immigrants to
(28:06):
the US who aren't indigenous, they were viewed as a threat.
They were viewed as aliens, they were viewed as people
that don't belong, you know, and so in many.
Speaker 1 (28:15):
Ways yellow peril, right.
Speaker 6 (28:16):
Yeah, But in fact, you know, that designation of Asian
and Asian Americans, Asian Americans, Asian Marans is threatening has
really put a target on the backs of Asians themselves.
I mean, though those deemed the threat, really many ways
that was simply a pretext for the type of violence
and discrimination that Asian immigrants and Asian Americans have faced.
The play on words is really to point out that
(28:38):
this is not something that that is important from Asia.
It's very much sadly, you know, part of American history
to view communities of color, to view Native Americans African
Americans as the other, and subject them the forms of violence,
first again through physical acts, but a second form of
violence occurs when our court systems failed to prevent justice
(29:00):
for these victims. And when then, when our policy makers
and our educators fail to acknowledge these tragic histories.
Speaker 1 (29:07):
Well, I'd like to thank you so much for joining
us here today. Historian author activist Scott Kurashigi, whose new
book American Peril, The Violent History of Anti Asian Racism
examines the deep roots of anti Asian violence in the
United States while also pointing towards solutions grounded in multi
racial solidarity. Thank you so much for joining us today.
Speaker 6 (29:28):
Thank you so much for having me.
Speaker 1 (29:31):
You can listen to all of today's interviews on the
iHeartRadio app and all podcast platforms by typing in keywords
Philadelphia Community Podcast. Follow me on Instagram and threads at
Lorraine Ballard and Lorraine Moral on TikTok, and that's Lorraine
with one R. I'm Lorraine Ballad Tomorrow and I stand
for service to our community and media that empowers. What
will you stand for? You've been listening to what's going
(29:52):
on and thank you.
Speaker 2 (30:00):
I do you think I find
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