This week, we recognize outstanding contributions across literature, activism, academia and the arts. These achievements reflect the diversity, creativity and resilience of the Asian American community, underscoring their profound impact across multiple fields.

Juhea Kim’s Beasts of a Little Land garners global acclaim

Juhea Kim’s debut novel, Beasts of a Little Land, continues to gain international recognition after winning the prestigious 2024 Yasnaya Polyana Literary Award for Foreign Literature. The novel, set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Korea, offers a sweeping narrative of identity, love and resilience amidst Korea’s struggle for independence from Japanese colonial rule. Kim’s ability to merge historical events with personal stories has resonated with readers and critics alike, positioning her as a rising star in contemporary literature. Her storytelling not only captivates the reader but also brings overlooked narratives to global audiences, adding to the diversity of voices in today’s literary landscape.

Jennifer Lee leads Asian American initiative at Columbia University

On Thursday, Columbia University officially launched the Asian American Initiative, led by renowned sociologist Jennifer Lee. This new program aims to address the long-standing underrepresentation of Asian Americans in academia and public discourse. The initiative will focus on advancing research, expanding Asian American curriculum offerings and faculty and fostering a community for Asian American Studies to highlight Asian American contributions across multiple disciplines.

Lee’s leadership reflects a broader trend in higher education toward integrating Asian American studies into mainstream curricula, ensuring that the history, struggles and achievements of these communities are given the recognition they deserve.

MOCA’s Magazine Fever exhibit explores Gen-X identity

The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) in New York, N.Y., debuted Magazine Fever on Oct. 3, 2024, and the exhibit will run through March 30, 2025. It explores Asian American periodicals from the 1980s and 1990s, showcasing how publications such as A. Magazine, Giant Robot and Hyphen played essential roles in fostering identity, building community and driving activism. Through curated archives and editorial content, the exhibit offers visitors a window into the cultural and social challenges that Asian Americans faced during this era, including issues of race, gender and multiculturalism. Attendees can engage with the stories behind the covers, reconnect with this transformative period in Asian American history and reflect on the critical role of independent media in shaping community narratives and amplifying underrepresented voices.

AsAmNews is published by the non-profit, Asian American Media Inc.

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Join us for a stimulating conference about issues that divide the Asian American communities. Our fundraiser Common Ground and the dinner after will be held October 26 at UC Berkeley.

Then purchase your tickets to Up Close with Connie Chung, America’s first Asian American to anchor a nightly network newscast. The in-depth conversation with Connie will be held November 14 at 7:30 at Columbia University’s Milbank Chapel in the Teacher’s College. All proceeds benefit AsAmNews.

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