8/23/12: On Richard Aoki, Ramadan, and Maui Water Rights

 

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On Monday, August 20th, journalist Seth Rosenfeld released articles and a video alleging that longtime activist, Richard Aoki was a FBI informant. Since then, many circle within the Black Panther Party, and the Asian American community have been discussing the facts, and the implications of these allegations. We have an exclusive interview with activist and scholar Harvey Dong, close friend of Aoki, to add perspective to the diverse responses.

Fred Ho’s response: “Fred Ho refutes the claim that Richard Aoki was an FBI Informant”

Scott Kurashige’s response: “My Initial Thoughts on the Richard Aoki Controversy”

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and during that month, fasting is observed. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam (Kalima, Salat: Prayer, Zakat, and Hajj, or Pilgrimage being the other four).  Zahra Billoo of the Council on American-Islamic Relations shares what Ramadan is about and it’s significance this year.

We play an award-winning segment on a water struggle on Maui, produced by Robynn Takayama back in 2008. Why? Because last week, the Hawai’i Supreme Court gave a favorable ruling, so we’ll hear an update from Earthjustice Attorney Isaac Moriwake  about this recent victory.

Community Calendar
On Saturday August 25, 2012 from 1:30 to 5:00 pm, join the folks at the Manilatown Heritage Foundation located in San Francisco’s Chinatown, for DJ open turntables and Break Dancing workshop taught by Rob Nasty of Star Child La Rock. For all ages. Donations $5 to $10 sliding scale. https://www.facebook.com/events/274803989299981/

Also on Saturday, check out the Chinatown Music Festival with diverse music in Portsmouth Square from 11 a.m. ‘til 5 p.m. for FREE https://www.facebook.com/events/138591282948648/

On Sunday, Sunday Streets returns to San Francisco’s Chinatown. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. walk, bike, and ride your big wheel(!) through the middle of the car-free streets.
http://www.sundaystreetssf.com/

To continue the discussion about Richard Aoki, attend “Richard Aoki – Black Panther & Asian American Activist: Cointelpro Attacks & Reclaiming the Legacy,” with Diane Fujino, Emory Douglas,Tarika Lewis & Bobby Seale

Sunday, September 9th  4-6 pm
EastSide Cultural Center
2277 International Blvd in Oakland
Cosponsored By EastSide Arts Alliance and the Freedom Archives
for more information call: 510-533-6629 or 415 863-9977

6/28/12 Vincent Chin, A Conversation 30 Years Later

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This week we broadcast a local discussion on Vincent Chin, a victim of a hate crime in Detroit 30 years ago, and its legacy. APEX Express contributor R.J. Lozada moderated a panel with Angela Chan, staff attorney of the Asian Law Caucus, Vincent Pan, executive director of Chinese for Affirmative Action, Ling Woo Liu, director of the Fred T. Korematsu Institute, and Zahra Billoo, executive director of the Council on American Islamic Relations, San Francisco Bay Area Chapter. The panel delves into hate crimes, the short comings of recent legislation, and how each group is working together to change the culture of law and order.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

On Friday, June 29, the Sweater Funk Dance Party kicks off at Elbo Room in San Francisco for $10, $5 pre-sale. https://www.facebook.com/events/418304421534885/

On Saturday, June 30 at 3 p.m. catch the opening of I-Hotel: We Won’t Move. This is a tribute exhibit for the 35th anniversary of the I-Hotel eviction. Features photographs viewable for the first time from Ira Nowinski’s I-Hotel collection. Curated by Nancy Hom. June 30 through September 15, 2012. https://www.facebook.com/events/252037998229451/

And then at 7 p.m. at SOMArts celebrate Hyphen Magazine’s milestone 10 years of publishing and 25 fabulous issues with music, food, and drink. https://www.facebook.com/events/254317918006559/