OCA Wisconsin

In her testimonial, Shary Tran shares her feelings about growing up in a void of education about AAPI history, culture, and contributions from schools, the media, and the entertainment industry, which emboldened her resolve to be a DEI professional in organizations including the Medical College of Wisconsin, Amazon, and Generac. She is also a co-founder of ElevAsian which was formed in 2016 to celebrate our AAPI community and expand our networks through social events and curated experiences, and is a sister organization to the AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin.

Over 75 individuals and organizations shared written and in-person testimonials at the Wisconsin legislature's Assembly and Senate Public Hearings for Assembly Bill 232/Senate Bill 240. A powerful coalition of AAPI leaders, K-12 and university educators, students, parents, and community allies came together to achieve the passage of the bill.

This post is our last in our series for May 2024 . Check out all our posts at AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin and OCA Wisconsin as we honor the passage of Act 266, the Hmong American and Asian American Education Law.

Emilio De Torre is the Executive Director of Milwaukee Turners, taking the lead on revitalizing their social and racial justice programs and building community. In his testimonial, he sings the praises of how education about the history and culture of our diverse Asian American communities in our schools will strengthen all our communities.

Over 75 individuals and organizations shared written and in-person testimonials at the Wisconsin legislature's Assembly and Senate Public Hearings for Assembly Bill 232/Senate Bill 240. A powerful coalition of AAPI leaders, K-12 and university educators, students, parents, and community allies came together to achieve the passage of the bill.

For the AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin and OCA Wisconsin honors the passage of Act 266, the Hmong American and Asian American Education Law.

Kaelee Heideman is an elementary school counselor in Oshkosh and a 2023 Wisconsin Teacher of the Year. In her testimonial she describes a bullying incident against an Asian American student, but that while the school worked with the student and parents, having a curriculum that includes Hmong and Asian Americans will help schools to be more proactive in preventing bias incidents, rather than having to scramble to respond after an incident has already occurred. Education about our diverse communities will provide mirrors and windows for students to learn about themselves and people from backgrounds different from themselves.

Over 75 individuals and organizations shared written and in-person testimonials at the Wisconsin legislature's Assembly and Senate Public Hearings for Assembly Bill 232/Senate Bill 240. A powerful coalition of AAPI leaders, K-12 and university educators, students, parents, and community allies came together to achieve the passage of the bill.

For the AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin and OCA Wisconsin honors the passage of Act 266, the Hmong American and Asian American Education Law.

Amy Tan, author and illustrator of ‘The Backyard Bird Chronicles’ will be speaking at Milwaukee Public Library Centennial Hall, 733 N Eighth Street, Thursday, June 13, 6:30 pm !!

Boswell Book Company and Milwaukee Public Library present a special event with acclaimed writer Amy Tan, author of novels such as The Joy Luck Club. Tan visits with The Backyard Bird Chronicles, a gorgeous, witty account of birding, nature, and the beauty around us that hides in plain sight. The book features Tan’s illuminating essays and beautiful illustrations.

Please click here and register for this event at amytanmke.eventbrite.com. Doors open at 5 pm, event begins at 6:30 pm. Be sure to order a copy of The Backyard Bird Chronicles now, too. Boswell will also be on hand at the event with copies available for purchase. Please note, there is no signing or meet-and-greet with Tan at this event.

The Backyard Bird Chronicles: an Evening with Author Amy Tan Please register for this FREE event. Pre-signed books will be for sale before, during and after the program from Boswell Book Company.

On behalf of the Sikh Religious Society of Wisconsin, Anup Singh, in his testimonial, describes the work they have done to impart education about Sikh history and culture to the broader community, and such content needs to be part of the statewide AAPI school curriculum going forward. The need for such education became especially evident with the 2012 shootings at the Oak Creek Sikh temple by a white supremacist, to increase awareness, understanding, and empathy for our diverse AAPI communities.

Over 75 individuals and organizations shared written and in-person testimonials at the Wisconsin legislature's Assembly and Senate Public Hearings for Assembly Bill 232/Senate Bill 240. A powerful coalition of AAPI leaders, K-12 and university educators, students, parents, and community allies came together to achieve the passage of the bill.

For the AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin and OCA Wisconsin honors the passage of Act 266, the Hmong American and Asian American Education Law.

On this Memorial Day we honor the men and women who served in the military on behalf of the USA, with special reverence to those of Asian descent. Onekeo Phongsavath is a Lao veteran who was recruited by the USA during the Secret War in Laos in the Vietnam War era. In his testimonial he speaks of his participation in Memorial Day and Veterans Day parades and in local educational and cultural events to raise the public’s awareness and understanding of Wisconsin’s Lao and Hmong contributions, seeking to dispel anti-Asian sentiments in our communities.

Over 75 individuals and organizations shared written and in-person testimonials at the Wisconsin legislature's Assembly and Senate Public Hearings for Assembly Bill 232/Senate Bill 240. A powerful coalition of AAPI leaders, K-12 and university educators, students, parents, and community allies came together to achieve the passage of the bill.

For the AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin and OCA Wisconsin honors the passage of Act 266, the Hmong American and Asian American Education Law.

Isabel Maria Piana is an educator with a teaching career at Milwaukee Public Schools and Mount Mary University, and is President of the Filipino-American National Historical Society, Wisconsin Chapter. In her testimonial she shares her experiences teaching about Asian American culture in her classrooms, but feels that Wisconsin needs a comprehensive curriculum about AAPI communities for all students and teachers.

Over 75 individuals and organizations shared written and in-person testimonials at the Wisconsin legislature's Assembly and Senate Public Hearings for Assembly Bill 232/Senate Bill 240. A powerful coalition of AAPI leaders, K-12 and university educators, students, parents, and community allies came together to achieve the passage of the bill.

For the AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin and OCA Wisconsin honors the passage of Act 266, the Hmong American and Asian American Education Law.

This NPR podcast “Inheriting” is a show about Asian American and Pacific Islander families, which explores how one event in history can ripple through generations. In doing so, the show seeks to break apart the AAPI monolith and tell a fuller story of these communities. In each episode, NPR's Emily Kwong sits down with one family and facilitates deeply emotional conversations between their loved ones, exploring how their most personal, private moments are an integral part of history. Through these stories, we show how the past is personal and how to live with the legacies we're constantly inheriting. Learn more at LAist.com/Inheriting

https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510380/inheriting?utm_source=npr_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=20240526&utm_term=9486169&utm_campaign=news&utm_id=66490731&orgid=312&utm_att1=v

Jian Sun is a community leader with the Milwaukee Chinese Community Center (MCCC) and founder of the Wisconsin International Academy. In his testimony, Jian addresses present day concerns about discrimination against first generation Chinese Americans and shares his hope that education about our diverse AAPI communities will help lessen anti-Asian sentiments.

Over 75 individuals and organizations shared written and in-person testimonials at the Wisconsin legislature's Assembly and Senate Public Hearings for Assembly Bill 232/Senate Bill 240. A powerful coalition of AAPI leaders, K-12 and university educators, students, parents, and community allies came together to achieve the passage of the bill.

For the AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin and OCA Wisconsin honors the passage of Act 266, the Hmong American and Asian American Education Law.

Marin Webster Denning has been a guiding light in sharing his personal stories about 1989’s Act 31 and its implementation. His insights informed the Coalition’s advocacy for the January 2021 passage of the Wisconsin Association of School Board’s Resolution 22-07 for teaching Asian American history, culture, and contributions, as well as for Act 266, which has now amended Act 31.

Over 75 individuals and organizations shared written and in-person testimonials at the Wisconsin legislature's Assembly and Senate Public Hearings for Assembly Bill 232/Senate Bill 240. A powerful coalition of AAPI leaders, K-12 and university educators, students, parents, and community allies came together to achieve the passage of the bill.

For the AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin and OCA Wisconsin honors the passage of Act 266, the Hmong American and Asian American Education Law.

Laura Lahti founded AMASIAN in Madison to bring people of Asian descent together to build community among Asian Americans. In her testimonial she shares her hope that education about Hmong and Asian Americans will foster a sense of belonging among Asian communities and promote understanding and tolerance.

Over 75 individuals and organizations shared written and in-person testimonials at the Wisconsin legislature's Assembly and Senate Public Hearings for Assembly Bill 232/Senate Bill 240. A powerful coalition of AAPI leaders, K-12 and university educators, students, parents, and community allies came together to achieve the passage of the bill.

For the AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin and OCA Wisconsin honors the passage of Act 266, the Hmong American and Asian American Education Law.

Deepak Jonnalagedda has switched careers from being a software engineer to being a community leader, working as political director for Wisconsin’s Attorney General Josh Kaul. In his testimonial he speaks of how education of our youth about AAPI history will help them gain critical thinking and interpersonal skills when they enter the workforce.

Over 75 individuals and organizations shared written and in-person testimonials at the Wisconsin legislature's Assembly and Senate Public Hearings for Assembly Bill 232/Senate Bill 240. A powerful coalition of AAPI leaders, K-12 and university educators, students, parents, and community allies came together to achieve the passage of the bill.

For the AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin and OCA Wisconsin honors the passage of Act 266, the Hmong American and Asian American Education Law.

Duy Nguyen is a Wisconsin educational leader with 20+ years of experience as a kindergarten, first- and second-grade teacher, learning coordinator, an elementary school principal, and DPI administrator. In his testimonial he speaks of his vision that this bill is about HEALING, where every child learns to develop their voice, so they do not end up being adults without one.

Over 75 individuals and organizations shared written and in-person testimonials at the Wisconsin legislature's Assembly and Senate Public Hearings for Assembly Bill 232/Senate Bill 240. A powerful coalition of AAPI leaders, K-12 and university educators, students, parents, and community allies came together to achieve the passage of the bill.

For the AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin and OCA Wisconsin honors the passage of Act 266, the Hmong American and Asian American Education Law.

Cameron PajYeeb Yang is the Development Manager at Freedom Inc., a non profit organization in Madison, whose commitment to pursue a PhD in Education Policy & Leadership at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities was fueled by their realization that education about Hmong American history and identity was lacking in their own K-12 educational experiences.

Over 75 individuals and organizations shared written and in-person testimonials at the Wisconsin legislature's Assembly and Senate Public Hearings for Assembly Bill 232/Senate Bill 240. A powerful coalition of AAPI leaders, K-12 and university educators, students, parents, and community allies came together to achieve the passage of the bill.

For the AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin and OCA Wisconsin honors the passage of Act 266, the Hmong American and Asian American Education Law.

Peter Chang is a Hmong American professional in Appleton working as an Access & Outreach Coordinator in the Admissions office at Lawrence University. His testimonial speaks to the impact that invisibility has on Hmong youth due to the lack of awareness and understanding of Hmong history & heritage in our communities.

Over 75 individuals and organizations shared written and in-person testimonials at the Wisconsin legislature's Assembly and Senate Public Hearings for Assembly Bill 232/Senate Bill 240. A powerful coalition of AAPI leaders, K-12 and university educators, students, parents, and community allies came together to achieve the passage of the bill.

For the AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin and OCA Wisconsin honors the passage of Act 266, the Hmong American and Asian American Education Law.

Wonderful turnout to the book event with Rachel Khong, author of REAL AMERICANS at Boswell Books yesterday evening!

E Her Vang spoke at the May 2023 Wisconsin State Assembly Public Hearing about the unique issues Wisconsin's Hmong Americans face, particularly in comparison to California and Minnesota, the other two states that have large Hmong populations. As a Hmong American community leader, she is an ardent education advocate with City Year Milwaukee and a co-founder of Our Scholarship, which provides scholarships to SE Asian students in Wisconsin.

Over 75 individuals and organizations shared written and in-person testimonials at the Wisconsin legislature's Assembly and Senate Public Hearings for Assembly Bill 232/Senate Bill 240. A powerful coalition of AAPI leaders, K-12 and university educators, students, parents, and community allies came together to achieve the passage of the bill.

For the AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin and OCA Wisconsin honors the passage of Act 266, the Hmong American and Asian American Education Law.

Akarath Soukhaphon is a community educator in Milwaukee working with the Lao Community Center of Wisconsin and pursuing a PhD at UW Madison. In his testimonial, he observes that ‘history legitimizes presence’ and that the absence of AAPI histories in the classroom sends a negative message that the AAPI community is not worthy of mention. He is personally contributing to building AAPI history by developing a national repository of Lao American history which is being housed at the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Over 75 individuals and organizations shared written and in-person testimonials at the Wisconsin legislature's Assembly and Senate Public Hearings for Assembly Bill 232/Senate Bill 240. A powerful coalition of AAPI leaders, K-12 and university educators, students, parents, and community allies came together to achieve the passage of the bill.

For the AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin and OCA Wisconsin honors the passage of Act 266, the Hmong American and Asian American Education Law.

At the May 2023 Wisconsin Assembly Public Hearing, educator Haiyun Lu spoke about how the model minority stereotype harms all Asian Americans’ self identity. Education about our diverse AAPI communities will help break such stereotypes and create a more inclusive learning environment where kids can feel valued and seen.

Over 75 individuals and organizations shared written and in-person testimonials at the Wisconsin legislature's Assembly and Senate Public Hearings for Assembly Bill 232/Senate Bill 240. A powerful coalition of AAPI leaders, K-12 and university educators, students, parents, and community allies came together to achieve the passage of the bill.

For the AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin and OCA Wisconsin honors the passage of Act 266, the Hmong American and Asian American Education Law.

This week’s Act 266 testimonials feature AAPI community leaders across Wisconsin.

Maij Xyooj is a Hmong advocate working with Cia Siab in La Crosse who is also a doctoral student in UW-Green Bay's First Nations Education Doctoral Program. In her testimonial, she envisions that education about Hmong Americans in our schools will help Wisconsin communities to be more welcoming and safer environments that will benefit Hmong people and the entire community.

Over 75 individuals and organizations shared written and in-person testimonials at the Wisconsin legislature's Assembly and Senate Public Hearings for Assembly Bill 232/Senate Bill 240. A powerful coalition of AAPI leaders, K-12 and university educators, students, parents, and community allies came together to achieve the passage of the bill.

For the AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin and OCA Wisconsin honors the passage of Act 266, the Hmong American and Asian American Education Law.

This Milwaukee middle school student feels that when schools teach Asian American history, students will have a fuller understanding of American history. Otherwise kids might resort to using ChatGPT as their info source for Asian American history.

Over 75 individuals and organizations shared written and in-person testimonials at the Wisconsin legislature's Assembly and Senate Public Hearings for Assembly Bill 232/Senate Bill 240. A powerful coalition of AAPI leaders, K-12 and university educators, students, parents, and community allies came together to achieve the passage of the bill.

For the AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin and OCA Wisconsin honors the passage of Act 266, the Hmong American and Asian American Education Law.

In today’s testimonial, a Hmong American high school student in Milwaukee feels that implementing the bill will help contribute to an inclusive education for all children to access, regardless of their background, but has particular concern for her younger siblings to feel included.

Over 75 individuals and organizations shared written and in-person testimonials at the Wisconsin legislature's Assembly and Senate Public Hearings for Assembly Bill 232/Senate Bill 240. A powerful coalition of AAPI leaders, K-12 and university educators, students, parents, and community allies came together to achieve the passage of the bill.

For the AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin and OCA Wisconsin honors the passage of Act 266, the Hmong American and Asian American Education Law.

In this testimonial, a Milwaukee high school student envisions that when education about American History includes Asian American history all Wisconsin’s students will be better equipped to ‘Move Forward’ with understanding and compassion for others in their communities.

Over 75 individuals and organizations shared written and in-person testimonials at the Wisconsin legislature's Assembly and Senate Public Hearings for Assembly Bill 232/Senate Bill 240. A powerful coalition of AAPI leaders, K-12 and university educators, students, parents, and community allies came together to achieve the passage of the bill.

For the AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin and OCA Wisconsin honors the passage of Act 266, the Hmong American and Asian American Education Law.

In today’s testimonial, a Stevens Point high school student feels that education about Asian Americans and Hmong Americans in Wisconsin schools will benefit not only students but also teachers, and will help to create safe learning environments.

Over 75 individuals and organizations shared written and in-person testimonials at the Wisconsin legislature's Assembly and Senate Public Hearings for Assembly Bill 232/Senate Bill 240. A powerful coalition of AAPI leaders, K-12 and university educators, students, parents, and community allies came together to achieve the passage of the bill.

For the AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin and OCA Wisconsin honors the passage of Act 266, the Hmong American and Asian American Education Law.

In this testimonial, a Milwaukee High School student shares that teaching Asian American and Hmong American history will allow their voices to be heard in the present.

Over 75 individuals and organizations shared written and in-person testimonials at the Wisconsin legislature's Assembly and Senate Public Hearings for Assembly Bill 232/Senate Bill 240. A powerful coalition of AAPI leaders, K-12 and university educators, students, parents, and community allies came together to achieve the passage of the bill.

For the AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin and OCA Wisconsin honors the passage of Act 266, the Hmong American and Asian American Education Law.

This week, we are featuring testimonials by Wisconsin students about their advocacy for AB 232/SB 240. This Mequon Middle School student shows concern for how the lack of Asian American history in Wisconsin schools affects current and future generations of students.

Over 75 individuals and organizations shared written and in-person testimonials at the Wisconsin legislature's Assembly and Senate Public Hearings for Assembly Bill 232/Senate Bill 240. A powerful coalition of AAPI leaders, K-12 and university educators, students, parents, and community allies came together to achieve the passage of the bill.

For Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin and OCA Wisconsin honors the passage of Act 266, the Hmong American and Asian American Education Law.

On May 25, 2023, over 50 individuals and organizations shared written and in-person testimonials at the Wisconsin State Assembly’s Public Hearing for Assembly Bill 232. A powerful coalition of AAPI leaders, K-12 and university educators, students, parents, and community allies came together to achieve the passage of the bill.

This quote from a testimonial by a Stevens Point High School student tells what having our schools teach about Hmong history means to him and his peers.

For Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin and OCA Wisconsin honors the passage of Act 266, the Hmong American and Asian American Education Law.

On May 25, 2023, over 50 individuals and organizations shared written and in-person testimonies at the Wisconsin State Assembly’s Public Hearing for Assembly Bill 232. A powerful coalition of AAPI leaders, K-12 and university educators, students, parents, and community allies came together to achieve the passage of the bill.

This week we are featuring Wisconsin student voices. This quote from a testimonial by a Stevens Point High School student tells what having Hmong history taught in our K-12 schools means to him and his peers.

For Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin and OCA Wisconsin honors the passage of Act 266, the Hmong American and Asian American Education Law.

At the April 4th Act 266 bill signing in Wausau, Kabby Hong, Wisconsin’s 2022 Teacher of the Year, spoke about his feelings as a child where none of the education he experienced covered Asian American history, books by people of color, or achievements by AAPI role models. Now, as a high school English teacher, he is a role model, infusing his classes with literature by authors of diverse ethnicities, mentoring students in TASA, an Asian American student affinity group, and advocating for Act 266.

Click here for the video:
https://bit.ly/WausauKabbyHong

For Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin and OCA Wisconsin honors the passage of Act 266, the Hmong American and Asian American Education Law.

Photo and video credit: Devon Young Cupery

Update: On Saturday 12/9/2023, the UW Regents unexpectedly voted against the ‘deal’ brokered by Vos with the UW system president Rothman. Apparently the UW Regents usually rubberstamps what is recommended so their 9-8 ‘no’ vote was unusual. The story about the 12/9/2023 decision is in the photo link that follows.

However, on Wednesday, 12/13/2023 the UW Regents reversed their decision… this use of state funding trading bricks and mortar for DEI staff in our university system shows a disregard by our legislators for students and employees of color, disabled folks, veterans, and other marginalized groups. The story about the reversal is in the first comment below.

Get engaged with GOTV in our 2024 elections at every level of public office, from school boards, city & county government to our state senators and assembly to national elections. There is so much at stake for our marginalized communities. We need to reverse this tide.

We are people, not bargaining chips. Do not negotiate us away. Do not vote us away. DEl is not negotiable, it is a lifeline.

"DEI is non-negotiable." UW Regents reject deal to cut DEI in exchange for cash The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents narrowly rejected a deal that would have forced a one-third reduction in the workforce dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion and the funding of an endowed chair in conservative thought in exchange for state approval of employee pay raises and sta