Category Archives: PSA

AAPI Momentum Road Trip



You’ve heard us talk about AAPI Momentum for National AAPI Week of Service. The have spokesmen like James Kyson Lee and Konrad Ng. They’ve reached out to the APA community ans asked “What Moves You?“. Now they about to take the AAPI Momentum on the road from coast to coast. Locations they will visit include Salt Lake City, Denver, Kansas City, Iowa City, Minneapolis, Madison, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland and Pittsburgh! Email them at aapimomentum@gmail.com if you live in or nearby any of the cities to schedule a meeting.

AAPI Momentum Road Trip

David Choi commentary on race

Very interesting commentary by David Choi on race. There was a comment on his latest video Super Mario Land Theme Song, a collabo between David Choi and Paul Dateh. The comment stated:

“David, you only hang out with Asians. As a white kids, this gets kinda awkward, when every video I watch with a guest has an Asian person in it. Expect for the one with Chester. Just one.”

The comment makes us recall the audience question at the “Better Luck Tomorrow” screening at The Sundance Film Festival when someone asked how Justin Lin could “make a film as so empty and amoral for Asian Americans and for Americans.”



David Choi just wants to share music and inspire. Race of the person in his videos shouldn’t matter. There are many good points by David Choi in the video. A point that stood out for us is the lack of Asians in entertainment. Even when roles should be Asian, Hollywood changes the ethnicity cast such as 21, Dragonball Evolution, and The Last Airbender. (also see kevjumba’s commentary Asians Just Aren’t Cool Enough)



Watch the whole video by David Choi and let us know what you think. Keep up the great work David.



David Choi commentary on race

Konrad Ng for National AAPI Week of Service and House Parties



President Obama’s brother-in-law Konrad Ng invites you to join the National AAPI Week of Service! (BTW – James Kyson Lee did a message on National AAPI Week of Service) More info here



Also, please join him and several other AAPI leaders and White House officials at National AAPI House Parties across the country Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 1pm Pacific, 4 pm Eastern. Find a house party here.

Konrad Ng for National AAPI Week of Service

James Kyson Lee on National AAPI Week of Service



James Kyson Lee from “Heroes” invites you to celebrate May by joining in the National AAPI Week of Service from May 24th – 31st! Asian American celebrities and community members are joining the momentum. What Moves you? Whatever moves you, spend some time and give back to your local community.

If you can’t think of anything, James Kyson Lee recommends registering as a bone marrow donor. Here’s a few reasons why bone marrow registration is important: Project Michelle, 1,000 Cranes for Hope with Yul Kwon, and Bone Marrow Donor Needed for Nick Glasgow.

Learn more and find an event to support here. Also look for their banner ad on the right nav bar of our site.

James Kyson Lee on National AAPI Week of Service

National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

We got this a little late since National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day was on May 19, 2009. Nonetheless, this is an important message for the community.

Please check out this video message from CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta, commemorating National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Dr. Gupta’s message—produced for the Banyan Tree Project—highlights the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic in Asian & Pacific Islander communities. For more details, go here.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta on HIV/AIDS Awareness

Also see some older PSAs with Joan Chen and James Kyson Lee

Joan Chen on HIV/AIDS Awareness

James Kyson Lee on HIV/AIDS Awareness

What Moves You? join the AAPI Momentum



Join the movement by participating in AAPI Momentum’s launch video! Write down your answer to the question “What Moves You?” and take a photograph of yourself (with friends/family/etc).



Show the White House and the AAPI community why you are an active volunteer, organization or leader. Tell your story and be creative! Post your photo on AAPImomentum.org and they will select the best ones for our public launch in late May!

Here’s a sample “What Moves You?” Video with National AAPI Leaders:

Malcolm Amato Uno (APA Labor Alliance)

Doua Thor (SEARAC)

Floyd Mori (JACL)

Angela Oh

Helen Zia

Irene Bueno (AAA-Fund)

Les Jin (NAPABA)

Shirley Sagawa

Ben DeGuzman (APAICS)

Priscilla Huang (NAPAWF)

Nicci See (National CAPACD)

…and many other AAPI community members in DC!

What Moves You? join the AAPI Momentum