Asian American / Asian Research Institute

Start Here, Go Anywhere: AAPI Beyond BMCC
2026-05-08 13:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | BMCC, Fiterman Hall 245 Greenwich St, New York, NY, 10007, United States
Stop by anytime for lunch as we celebrate the incredible journeys of AAPI students who began at BMCC & wrap up 5 years of student programming!

Hear from an AAPI alumni panel about navigating transfer, career pathways, identity, & life after BMCC.

Connect with fellow peers, alumni, faculty, and staff, as we honor the community that made this work possible.

Learn key data and insights from the past five years, including from the first ever BMCC AAPI student survey.

Chinese Experimental Architecture Or French Poststructuralist Theory
2026-05-08 14:00 - 15:00 | New York Public Library – Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, 42nd Street & 5th Avenue, New York, NY, 10018, United States
In her new book, Chinese Experimental Architecture Or French Poststructuralist Theory, Ruo Jia begins with a paradox: how the Chinese Cultural Revolution influenced French poststructuralist thought—and how that theory later returned to China and ultimately shaped experimental architectural practices. Focusing on the late 1990s and early 2000s, Jia traces how these theoretical approaches reshaped one another across political and cultural divides.

War and Fragile Peace: Geopolitics of Imperialism and Multipolarity in the Conflict over Iran
2026-05-08 14:00 - 15:30
The U.S.-Israeli war on Iran has proved extremely controversial, as it risks the lives of Iranians, people across the Middle Eastern conflict zone, and U.S. troops. Its impact on the nations of the Persian Gulf and global energy trade remains a cause for concern during the war and after the ceasefire. The choking of the Strait of Hormuz, which carries 20% of global non-renewable energy supplies, has driven up oil prices and caused significant disruptions for Asian nations that depend heavily on Gulf oil. The war, launched without approval from the United Nations Security Council or the United States Congress, is dividing public opinion in the global community, including within the U.S. and its Western allies. Amidst shifting justifications for the war, including the regime change in Iran as a desired U.S.-Israeli goal, the regime in Iran has remained resilient; with support from Russia and China, it seeks to negotiate with the US.. to end decades of isolation.
In this talk, Prof. Sumanth Inukonda (LaGuardia Community College/CUNY), speaks with media theorist Oliver Boyd-Barrett, and presumptive 2026 Democratic candidate for Michigan’s 5th District U.S. House seat Christian Vukasovich, about the implications of conflict over Iran for the world and America.

The Empathizer documentary + Embarrassed by Night live comedy : NYC debuts at Welcome to Chinatown
2026-05-08 17:30 - 21:30 | 115 Bowery New York, NY 10002, 115 Bowery, New York, NY, 10002
Please join us at Welcome to Chinatown for the New York premiere of The Empathizer (@empathizerdoc) – a documentary about Vietnam! The hourlong award-winning film is an exploration of second-generation identity and inheritance, told through interviews with overseas-born Vietnamese immigrants who made the choice to move back to the land their parents fled. Co-presented with The Serica Initiative (@serica.initiative), Viet Salon (@vietsalon.nyc), with drinks sponsored by Lady Trieu Gin (@ladytrieugin)!
​🎞️ This special screening will be followed by a discussion with the filmmaker Fred Le (@fredle) moderated by Vinh Phu Pham PhD (@vinhcesar)
​🎭 AND THEN! Stick around for a special presentation of the all-Vietnamese comedy show Embarrassed by Night

"Nothing Less Than Equality: The Battle Over Segregated Education in the Nation's Capital"
2026-05-08 19:00 - 21:00 | Revolution Books, 437 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY, 10037, United States
A critical analysis of African Americans’ collective efforts to obtain educational equality before Brown v. Board of Education.

Japan Parade 2026
2026-05-09 12:30 - 14:00 | Central Park West, Central Park West (72nd Street), New York, NY
We are excited to announce the Grand Marshal of Japan Parade 2026 is none other than Acky Bright!
Known for his intricate line work and “kawakakkoii” (cute and cool) aesthetic, Acky Bright is an internationally acclaimed Japanese manga artist whose work has appeared in collaborations with McDonald’s, Meta, Marvel, DC Comics, BMW, Lexus, and more.
New York is one of Acky Bright’s main activity hubs. His solo exhibition Acky Bright: Studio Infinity held at Japan Society in New York (2024–25) as well as his frequent guest appearances at Anime NYC and New York Comic Con, has helped build a strong connection with fans in New York.
Acky also designed Japan Parade’s very first official mascot, inspired by the cultures of both New York and Japan. See below for more information!
“New York City has become like a second hometown to me,” says Acky Bright. “I am truly honored to design the official mascot and serve as Grand Marshal.”
We can’t wait to welcome Acky Bright to lead Japan Parade 2026!

Serica Storytellers: Architecture Serving Neighborhoods & Memories
2026-05-11 17:30 - 18:30 | Chinatown, 115 Bowery St, 115 Bowery St, New York, NY, 10002, United States
We’re thrilled to be hosting acclaimed architect Billie Tsien in conversation with leading contemporary architect Calvin Tsao for an intimate conversation on how architecture can serve neighborhoods, preserve memory, and shape belonging in New York City. Join us at our partner Welcome to Chinatown’s community hub in the heart of Chinatown for this thoughtful conversation paired with local bites, wine, and beverages.

Committee of 100 Conversations – Professor Steven Chu
2026-05-11 18:00 - 19:00
We are pleased to invite you to attend our 13th Committee of 100 Conversations – “Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes” event on May 11, 2026 that will feature Professor Steven Chu, Nobel Prize Recipient in Physics, former Secretary of Energy, and Stanford University professor.
Chinese Americans have contributed greatly to advance the success of this country in many walks of life – science, the arts, agriculture, philanthropy, political leadership, architecture, business, and more.
The Committee of 100 Conversations initiative features interviews of Chinese Americans who have contributed to the success of America through their pioneering efforts, heroic achievements, or recollections of important events. Each interview will start with a live broadcast, followed by video and podcast recordings that will be available as part of a library of the interviews.

Inside the CUNY Graduate Center: A Dissertation Showcase
2026-05-11 18:30 - 20:00 | CUNY Graduate Center, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, 10016
Graduating students present their fascinating research in three minutes each at this public showcase, a highlight of the academic year.

2026 APAICS Legislative Leadership Summit
2026-05-12 - 2026-05-13 | The Royal Sonesta Washington, Capitol Hill, 20 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20001
The 2026 APAICS Legislative Leadership Summit (LLS) brings together nonprofit and corporate leaders, subject matter experts, as well as local, state, and federal elected officials to discuss important issues that affect the Asian American & Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AA & NH/PI) community and the nation at large. LLS focuses on issues, policies, practices, and trends in the AA & NH/PI community in an environment that facilitates solution-oriented dialogue and building public service pipelines in communities of color.

Harnessing NYC's Natural Areas: Boosting Health and Well-Being by Connecting More New Yorkers to the City's Trails, Forests, and Wetlands
2026-05-12 08:00 - 10:45 | The Greene Space, 44 Charlton St, New York, NY
New York City boasts more than 10,000 acres of forests, wetlands, streams, and other wild landscapes—providing access to nature for the millions of New Yorkers without the means to visit hiking trails or waterfronts in the Hudson Valley, Long Island, and beyond. These wild places are hugely important for the well-being of New Yorkers and their communities, especially at a time when New Yorkers are more stressed, more screen-bound, and more disconnected than ever. But despite their enormous potential, relatively few New Yorkers are even aware of the city’s natural areas and access to them is highly uneven. At the same time, New York City’s natural areas are under growing strain, compounded by inadequate resources and the impact of climate change.
This in-person policy forum will explore the vital role of natural areas in New York City, and what’s needed to more fully harness these critical resources for New Yorkers. Panelists will discuss how to ensure far more New Yorkers know about, have access to, and feel comfortable exploring the city’s natural areas. The discussion will also delve into where investment is most needed to shore up maintenance and infrastructure needs across the city’s natural areas and advance creative ideas for unlocking more of their potential.

Lee Kang So: A Field of Becoming
2026-05-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Korean Cultural Center NY, 122 E 32nd St, New York, NY, 10016
Lee Kang So (b. 1943) has, over the past five decades, established a distinctive practice within Korean contemporary art. Working across a wide range of media since the 1970s, he has consistently resisted fixed forms in order to examine how art comes into being.
Rather than presenting the artwork as a finished result, Lee foregrounds the moment of its emergence and the conditions in which meaning is formed—reflecting a view of the world as something continuously shaped through change and relation.
This exhibition brings together works from the 1970s to the present, tracing the continuity and transformation of his practice.

The Model Minority Trap: How ‘Positive’ Stereotypes Harm Asian Americans
2026-05-13 15:00 - 16:00
The model minority stereotype is often dismissed as a “compliment” but creates real harm for Chinese Americans and Asian Americans more broadly. New data from the 2025 State of Chinese Americans survey reveals Chinese Americans who regularly encounter these assumptions report significantly more psychological distress than those who face no discrimination at all. These seemingly positive assumptions mask significant disparities—and the harm compounds. Join Committee of 100 for the third installment of our 2025 State of Chinese Americans webinar series, featuring new survey data on how these “positive” stereotypes are associated with measurable psychological distress and mask significant mental health disparities within Asian American communities. Derald Wing Sue, a pioneering researcher on racial microaggressions and Professor of Psychology and Education at Columbia University, and Emma Zang, a State of Chinese Americans researcher and Associate Professor of Sociology at Yale University, will unpack why this stereotype persists, who it hurts most, and what practitioners and policymakers can do differently. This webinar is for anyone who has heard the model minority stereotype and wants to learn more about its consequences. Attendees will come away with new survey data and a deeper understanding of how this stereotype shapes mental health, public attitudes, and institutional blind spots, and practical guidance for more culturally responsive engagement with Asian American communities.

Decolonizing Afghanistan: Countering Imperial Knowledge and Power
2026-05-13 18:00 - 20:00 | CUNY Graduate Center – Skylight Room, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, 10016
Join us for a reading and conversation featuring writers from this groundbreaking collection, Decolonizing Afghanistan: Countering Imperial Knowledge and Power (Duke University Press; edited by Wazhmah Osman and Robert D. Crews), which is the first comprehensive volume to explore the impact of empire on Afghanistan’s past and present. We will be joined by Zohra Saed, Moustafa Bayoumi, Wazhmah Osman, and Morwari Zafar, who will share cross-disciplinary, ground-up perspectives on colonial projects in Afghanistan and paths to decolonial futures. With a particular focus on the US intervention that began in 2001, the collection marks a decolonial turn in Afghanistan and American studies.

Hostile Architecture vs. Democratic Design for the Future
2026-05-13 18:30 - 19:45 | CUNY Graduate Center (Elebash Recital Hall), 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, 10016
Many new buildings and public spaces in New York City have been criticized for being hostile to the public. In fact, “hostile architecture” is a term used by the media to describe an increasing feature in public spaces; for example, benches with multiple arms to deter sleeping and limit use by homeless people. How can city spaces be more democratic and inclusive, while also providing public safety? A panel of experts discusses the design of new developments, parks, plazas, and buildings, analyzing successes and failures, with an eye towards what the public should demand in the future.

The A List: Fifteen Stories from Asian and Pacific Diasporas
2026-05-13 18:30 - 20:30 | The Asia Society Museum, 725 Park Avenue, New York, NY, 10021, United States
Join Asia Society and HBO for a special screening of The A List: 15 Stories from Asian and Pacific Diasporas. A moving installment in “The List” documentary series created by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, this film brings together a tableau of voices to explore the themes of representation, belonging, and what it means to be AAPI in America. Through intimate reflections, participants explore the relationship between national identity and solidarity, individual and community, home country and home.
The film features: Actor Sandra Oh; chef Yia Vang; activist Amanda Nguyen; musician DJ Rekha; journalist Connie Chung; athlete and activist Schuyler Bailar; comedian and actor Kumail Nanjiani; nurse Madelyn Yu; entrepreneur Haroon Mokhtarzada; Senator Tammy Duckworth; comedian Bowen Yang; photographer Manny Crisostomo; astrophysicist Nergis Mavalvala; activist Kathy Masaoka; and surfer and scientist Cliff Kapono.
The screening will be followed by a moderated discussion with Director Eugene Yi, Executive Producer Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, and film participants DJ Rekha, and Madelyn Yu.

Korean American Institute Washington Policy Briefings
2026-05-14 10:30 - 16:30 | 1001 Connecticut Ave, NW, Second Fl Conference Room, 1001 Connecticut Ave, NW, Second Fl Conference Room, Washington, DC, 20036
Join us to:

Learn about the latest public policy debates and political dynamics in the nation’s capital.
Hear from experts and advocates about issues that impact the Korean American community.
Meet political professionals who are helping to advance the interests of Korean Americans.

Lunch & Learn: The DeGrasse Family
2026-05-14 13:00 - 14:00
Join Dr. Prithi Kanakamedala as she reconstructs the 19th-century lives of the DeGrasse family!

Join the NYC Department of Records and Information Services (DORIS) each month for our virtual Lunch & Learn Series – an intimate conversation with agency staff and special guests focusing on the collections of the Municipal Archives and Library and the history of New York City.
On May 14th, in commemoration of AANHPI Heritage Month, Dr. Prithi Kanakamedala will reconstruct the life of the nineteenth-century DeGrasse family who had roots in India, Africa, the Caribbean, and the U.S. (with a cameo appearance from Aaron Burr).
Quintessential New Yorkers — multiracial, multiethnic, and multilingual — George DeGrasse and his family were committed to a vision of a more just city for all. Join us as Dr. Kanakamedala explores the possibility that the DeGrasse family represented an early Indo-Caribbean presence in New York and how their stories complicate our understanding of the city’s past.

The Promised Republic: Developmental Society and The Making of Modern Seoul, 1961-1971
2026-05-14 16:00 - 17:00
Join us for a discussion with Dr. Russell Burge, author of “The Promised Republic: Developmental Society and the Making of Modern Seoul.” In conversation with policy program officer Chelsie Alexandre, Burge delves into the hidden histories of South Korea’s rapid urban transformation during South Korea’s developmental period under Park Chung Hee. Drawing from a rich archive of memoirs, interviews, photographs, and more, Burge challenges the traditional “miracle on the Han River” narrative by centering the rural migrants who built and inhabited Seoul’s shantytowns. He provides a critical lens through which to view the high price of progress and the enduring struggle for a truly inclusive republic.

The Promised Republic: Developmental Society and The Making of Modern Seoul, 1961-1971
2026-05-14 16:00 - 17:00
oin us for a discussion with Dr. Russell Burge, author of “The Promised Republic: Developmental Society and the Making of Modern Seoul.” In conversation with policy program officer Chelsie Alexandre, Burge delves into the hidden histories of South Korea’s rapid urban transformation during South Korea’s developmental period under Park Chung Hee. Drawing from a rich archive of memoirs, interviews, photographs, and more, Burge challenges the traditional “miracle on the Han River” narrative by centering the rural migrants who built and inhabited Seoul’s shantytowns. He provides a critical lens through which to view the high price of progress and the enduring struggle for a truly inclusive republic.

Question Persuade Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Training
2026-05-14 19:00 - 20:30
Question Persuade Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Training with Wendy Chin, Co-President of OCA-NJ
Just like CPR, QPR is an emergency response to someone in crisis and can save lives. QPR is an evidence-based and evidence-informed course and is the most widely taught Gatekeeper training in the world. QPR-3 steps for anyone can learn to prevent suicide.
Ms. Chin is an Emergency Response Coordinator with the Disaster and Terrorism Branch (DTB), a highly specialized unit within the NJ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) under the New Jersey Department of Human Services (NJDHS).
Ms. Chin is a Certified Trainer in Mental Health First Aid (Adult and Youth), Question Persuade Refer Suicide Prevention, Psychological First Aid, Skills for Psychological Recovery (SPR) and Stress First Aid.

Asian Americans & the Fight for Education: Featuring Author Marie Chan
2026-05-14 19:00 - 21:00
In 1885, eight-year-old Mamie Tape was denied enrollment in a San Francisco public school solely because of her Chinese heritage — and her family fought back. This workshop centers the landmark case of Tape v. Hurley and the extraordinary Tape family, featuring special guest Marie Chan, author of Mamie Takes a Stand. Participants will explore the historical context of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, engage with primary sources, and hear directly from Marie Chan about the Tape family’s story and legacy. The workshop also traces how Tape v. Hurley connects to other pivotal education equity cases. Educators will leave with ready-to-use AAEdu lesson plans and resources.

Korean Through Korean Cuisine Workshop
2026-05-14 19:00 - 2026-05-15 21:00
No prior knowledge of Korean is required.
This workshop explores Korean cuisine beyond the idea of a single, unified tradition, highlighting the diversity of hansik and introducing Key Korean culinary expressions! Participants will learn how history, rice cultivation, and social structures have shaped food culture, from royal court cuisine to everyday meals, while also being introduced to key Korean language vocabularies and phrases throughout each topic. The session examines the influence of trade and cultural exchange, along with practices such as fermentation and kimjang. Finally, it considers Korean cuisine in a global context, reflecting on tradition, adaptation, and authenticity.

Korean Cinema’s Celluloid Fever: The 1970s
2026-05-15 - 2026-05-26 | Film at Lincoln Center’s Walter Reade Theater, 165 W. 65th Street, New York, NY, 10023
This May, FLC and Subway Cinema explore a transformative time period in Korean cinema and its influence on the films of today, including rare archival prints and new restorations of some of the most daring and emotionally charged filmmaking in Korean history.
Use CELLULOID70S in the promo code box at checkout, and enjoy a discount of $5 on your ticket purchase.

AAARI 2026 Symposium on "The New Asian NYC: Mobilization, Grassroots Power & Pluralistic Futures"
2026-05-15 08:00 - 16:00 | Borough of Manhattan Community College, 199 Chambers Street, New York, NY, 10007
Exploring grassroots power & Asian American futures in NYC after Zohran Mamdani’s historic election.

China Institute Calligraphy, Music, and Mandarin Meetup
2026-05-15 18:00 - 20:00
Step into a beautiful evening where art, music, and language come alive. Each month, experience captivating live performances featuring some of China’s most iconic instruments — from the graceful guqin (古琴) to the ethereal, harp-like konghou (箜篌) and the lush, harmonizing sheng (笙)— performed by talented musicians who bring these ancient sounds to life.
As music fills the room, slow down and immerse yourself in the serene practice of Chinese calligraphy, guided by a master calligrapher. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, you’ll receive hands-on guidance — all materials (ink, paper, brushes) are provided.
Want to practice Mandarin? Join our Mandarin Language Table during intermission for a fun, relaxed conversation with support from our language instructors.
Enjoy tea and light refreshments, meet fellow culture lovers, and experience a unique night of art and connection in the heart of NYC!
No experience is needed — just bring your curiosity! We can’t wait to share this inspiring evening with you.

MOCA PERFORMS – Crouching Dub, Hidden Riddim
2026-05-15 19:00 - 20:00 | Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre Street, New York, NY, 10013
In partnership with Carnegie Hall’s United in Sound: America at 250, MOCA is excited to present a series of music programs featuring composers, musicians, and performers. Through this series, artists use music as a storytelling medium to share their personal journeys, creative inspirations, and cultural influences.
An hour-long live cinematic and musical performance by Ben “saxofshaolin” Chin pairs martial arts films with a live soundtrack of Asian-influenced hip-hop and reggae. Martial arts films and Black diasporic music have long served as entry points into Asian and Black cultures. The program reimagines these familiar cultural forms while confronting the stereotypes that have long shaped their reception. This performance highlights the deep-rooted connections between Black and Asian diasporas while imagining new models for collaboration, solidarity, and cultural empowerment.

The Enduring Charm of Chinese Poetry: A Seminar with Prof. KANG Zhen 中国古典诗词的魅力
2026-05-16 09:30 - 11:30
This special online seminar is featured by Prof. KANG Zhen, Vice President of Beijing Normal University and renowned scholar widely celebrated for his appearances on major cultural programs broadcast by China Media Group, such as The Chinese Poetry Conference and Lecture Room.

From the rhythmic verses of the Book of Songs to the magnificent imagery of Tang Poetry, Chinese classical literature offers profound philosophical insights and timeless artistic beauty. In this seminar, Prof. Kang will guide us through a close reading of masterpieces, exploring the historical reflections and emotional resonance that continue to inspire the world today.

The seminar will also feature a dedicated 30-minute session on the application of Chinese poetry in international Chinese language education, led by Dr. Xuetao Zhang from Beijing Normal University who will share insights and practical perspectives on the topic.

We look forward to seeing you online for a morning of profound discovery and inspiration!

This two-hour online seminar will be in Chinese
该讲座为中文

A Mindful Walk for Wellness
2026-05-16 09:30 - 12:00 | Cadman Plaza Park, Cadman Plaza East, New York, NY, 11201
Begin your morning with mindfulness guidance from Zen masters at Cadman Plaza Park, then join thousands of participants for a peaceful walk

The Experience:
The morning begins at Cadman Plaza Park with an opening blessing and mindfulness guidance led by Zen masters. Participants will then take part in a guided mindful walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, creating a rare opportunity to slow down, be present, and share a moment of calm and goodwill in one of the city’s most iconic public spaces.

Walk for a Cause:
Every step counts. For every participant who completes the walk, the organizer will donate $1 to support individuals with autism and their families.

Free & Open to All. No prior mindfulness experience needed. Registration is encouraged so we can prepare for your arrival.

Event Highlights:
🧘 Guided Mindfulness: Opening blessings by Zen Masters.
🌉 Iconic Walk: A mindful journey across the Brooklyn Bridge.
💙 Charity Impact: $1 donated per walker to support the autism community.
🤝 Community Spirit: Supported by local officials and major NYC organizations.

With every mindful step, we practice compassion. If you would like to extend this kindness, we welcome your donations to support the Temple’s growth and the autism community. Your gift is more than just material aid; it is a heartfelt gesture of companionship and care.

Adoptees, Asian Diaspora, and the Trauma That Hides in Plain Sight
2026-05-16 13:30 - 14:30
Adoptees, Asian Diaspora, and the Trauma That Hides in Plain Sight with Kellan, Kai Ming Holistics (IICT).
Many adoptees and those in the Asian diaspora carry forms of trauma that don’t always look like trauma — showing up instead as perfectionism, people-pleasing, or the pressure to succeed and belong. Beneath this often lies a deeper story of early separation, cultural disconnection, and intergenerational survival.
In this talk, Kellan weaves personal experience alongside somatic insight and experiential practice to explore how these layered experiences shape the nervous system, identity, and sense of self. With compassion and honesty, they offer a space to better understand the overlooked body’s role in trauma — and a pathway toward moving beyond survival patterns into greater authenticity, self acceptance, and true belonging.
Kellan is a queer, neurodivergent, transracial adoptee from China. They work integratively with adoptees and queer clients to address deep-rooted trauma beyond the reach of traditional talk therapy, through their practice, Kai Ming Holistics (IICT).
