Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders: A Philadelphia Story

Asian American Studies Scholar and host Rob Buscher discusses the history of United States imperialism during the late 18th and early 19th centuries with Debbie Wei, Samip Mallick, and Rommel Rivera. The group explores how overseas expansion ultimately resulted in Asian American and Pacific Islander communities settling in Philadelphia.

Rob Buscher discusses the Japanese American resettlement to Philadelphia following World War II, and the Southeast Asian refugee crisis that developed after the U.S. withdrew from Vietnam with panelists Jim Kawano, Thoai Nguyen, and Rorng Sorn.

Rob Buscher discusses the Asian American business community including the history of Asian American business corridors in Philadelphia, and inter-minority relations with panelists Nick Shenoy, Sharon Hartz, and Naroen Chhin.

Asian American Studies Scholar and host Rob Buscher discusses organizing and activism with panelists John Chin, Dr. Mary Yee, and Nancy Nguyen, focusing on how Philadelphia Chinatown and the Vietnamese American community of South Philly have advocated for critical issues in their respective communities.

Asian American Studies Scholar and host Rob Buscher discusses AAPI involvement in local politics and civic engagement with panelists Nina Ahmad, Nikil Saval, and Helen Gym. Historically, Asian Americans have faced barriers in becoming politically active. What are the contemporary challenges the community still experiences?

Asian American Studies Scholar and host Rob Buscher discusses cultural appropriation and the role that the arts have played in helping shape perceptions of AAPI communities in our region with panelists Dr. Fariha Khan, Gayla Isa, Kiki Aranita, and Catzi Vilayphonh.