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It was a profound honor for the Asian Culture and Education Society USA (ACAESUSA) to co-host the 2024 National AANHPI Unity Summit. This gathering provided a unique platform to address the collective experiences, challenges, and aspirations of the AANHPI communities. I was deeply moved by the powerful discussions, particularly the Youth Seminar, which ACAESUSA helped facilitate. Witnessing young leaders from diverse backgrounds passionately engage in conversations about their future left a lasting impression on me. Their energy, courage, and desire to contribute to meaningful change encapsulated the very essence of why we do this work. Pictures

A highlight of this year’s summit was the ACAESUSA art exhibition at Capitol Hill, showcasing artistic talent from around the world. This year’s theme, World of Love, brought together international art submissions. The exhibit not only celebrated cultural expression but also fostered cross-cultural understanding through the universal language of art. It was inspiring to see how art can serve as a bridge to connect and empower communities. The art pieces from the 2024 ACAESUSA International Art Exhibit & Contest will raise funds to support students with autism and mental health challenges. I invite all summit attendees to visit https://acaesusa.org/art-exhibit-%26-contest for more information on how to donate and participate in this impactful event.

The joy and camaraderie shared at the summit banquet were elevated by the ACAESUSA team’s performance of traditional songs. Their heartfelt singing brought a celebratory spirit to the evening, showcasing the beauty of cultural traditions and reinforcing the importance of joy and unity in our work. It was a touching moment that highlighted the deep connections between art, culture, and community.

I also feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to speak at the White House during this summit. It was a humbling experience, and I want to express my heartfelt thanks to those who made this possible. During my speech, I shared my wish to end anti-Asian hate, which has deeply affected our communities. It is my hope that through our collective efforts, we can build a society that stands against hate and discrimination in all its forms.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to President Biden for his thoughtful letter to this conference, which added immense significance to the event. I am also grateful to Erika for sending this letter and to the AAPI White House staff (Emily , Krystal and Kota for giving us the opportunity to have a voice at such a prestigious platform.

The unity displayed at the Summit was not only inspiring but also served as a testament to the strength of our communities when we stand together. The themes of advocacy, civic engagement, and cross-cultural understanding resonated strongly, reminding me that, as leaders, we have the responsibility to continue paving the way for future generations.

While I am pleased with how the Summit unfolded, particularly with the impactful youth engagement and cultural exhibitions, there are always opportunities to grow. For future events, I suggest expanding the Youth Seminar to provide even more interactive workshops where young participants can collaborate on actionable plans they can take back to their communities. Creating additional opportunities for mentorship and cross-generational dialogue would also further enrich the experience.

I would also like to express my gratitude to Professor Chang for capturing the Summit’s essence through film. These recordings will serve as valuable resources for reflection and inspiration in the years to come.

As we look forward to the 2025 Summit, ACAESUSA is eager to continue our partnership and contribute to the ongoing mission of strengthening unity among AANHPI communities. We are fully committed to this shared vision and will work tirelessly to ensure that the next summit builds upon the successes of this year.

Thank you to the organizing committee, fellow co-hosts, and all participants for making this summit an unforgettable experience. Your contributions have left an indelible mark, and I look forward to continuing this journey together.

Warm regards,
Jan Xie
President, Asian Culture and Education Society USA (ACAESUSA)

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In July 2024, students from the Asian Culture and Education Society USA had the exciting opportunity to visit Southern Methodist University (SMU) labs during their summer break. The students were thrilled and inspired, eager to apply their newfound knowledge and pursue research at prestigious institutions like SMU.

During the visit, Professor Zhihao Wu guided the students on a tour of his modern biological research lab. He explained the functions of various equipment in simple terms, making complex scientific concepts accessible to everyone. Professor Wu also shared fascinating insights, such as the reality that, contrary to what movies often portray, lab benches are typically messy due to the numerous reagents required for experiments.

After exploring the main lab, Professor Wu introduced the students to his fruit fly (Drosophila) lab, where he conducts genetic modifications on fruit flies to study disease-related phenotypes. This research could potentially lead to breakthroughs in curing Alzheimer's disease. The tour concluded with a demonstration of a state-of-the-art laser confocal microscope, which can examine molecules layer by layer and display the results on a computer screen.

The visit to SMU’s biology labs was both educational and engaging, leaving everyone with new knowledge and a deeper appreciation for scientific research.

Fun Facts:

  • Thomas Morgan pioneered systematic genetic experiments with fruit flies around 1910-1920.
  • Mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell.
  • The refrigerators in SMU's Biochemistry Lab are kept at around -80°C to store experimental samples long-term.
  • Fruit flies, with their short lifespans, are ideal for genetic experiments because results can be observed quickly.
  • SMU uses mice for experiments, and the Animal Research Center is located in the building's basement.
  • The lab features an exceptionally powerful microscope for examining molecules.

Jian Xie, President of the Asian Culture and Education Society USA, expressed deep gratitude to Professor Wu for providing such an inspiring and educational tour. She noted that SMU is an excellent institution, and this experience will encourage students to apply to such prestigious colleges with top-tier research opportunities. Jian Xie emphasized that this tour is part of the society’s summer training project, designed to motivate students to pursue their interests in science and work diligently toward their goals. 

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Julian. Jefferson, Howard, Diana, Ebony, Jiayi, Meihua, ChenRui, Professor Zhihao and Jan

 

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The Asian Cultural and Educational Society USA (ACAESUSA) Conference was successfully held in Washington, D.C., and virtually on June 27-28, 2024. The conference, themed "Bridging Cultures, Empowering Future," aimed to promote cultural understanding, empower youth, facilitate networking, and inspire positive change.(For more details about the conference, please visit the ACAESUSA website. https://acaesusa.org/acaesusa-conference) 

The Asian Cultural and Educational Conference thrived thanks to the dedication of the ACAES Conference Preparation Committee members and volunteers. As a community partner of UCA, we are particularly grateful for the commitment of Mrs. Sharon Chang, a founding member of United Chinese Americans (UCA) and a member of the UCA Community Foundation (UCACF) Executive and Review Committees. Mrs. Chang's presence throughout the conference infused the students with encouragement. She actively participated in the awards ceremony, celebrating the young participants' achievements, and provided guidance for their future philanthropic efforts.

The UCA Community Foundation’s commitment to empowering the Chinese American community extends beyond this conference. They offer vital financial assistance through microgrants ranging from $500 to $5,000, specifically targeting innovative and impactful initiatives. These projects encompass civic engagement, mental health support, cultural heritage preservation, and youth development. Additionally, the UCA Community Foundation recognizes the importance of fostering understanding and building bridges between the Chinese American and American communities, a critical effort in combating hate crimes.

To be eligible for a UCA Community Foundation grant, projects must be sponsored by a 501(c)(3) local community organization and align with the Foundation's mission. Projects with significant and broad social impact are prioritized. The UCA Community Foundation champions innovative and creative approaches that hold the potential to generate positive social change on a large scale.

We were deeply honored to have Mrs. Chang address the conference and share her encouraging words with both children and parents. The UCA Community Foundation’s unwavering commitment and support are a testament to the power of philanthropy in enriching lives and building a stronger community.

As the president of the Asian Culture and Education Society, Jan Xie, said, "We are immensely grateful for the unwavering support and dedication of our volunteers and the UCA Community Foundation (UCACF). Your tireless efforts and commitment have been instrumental in making the Asian Cultural and Educational Conference a resounding success. The enthusiasm and hard work of each volunteer, combined with UCACF's generous support and guidance, have created an inspiring and enriching experience for all participants. Together, we have fostered a spirit of community, learning, and cultural celebration that will have a lasting impact. Thank you for your invaluable contributions, and we look forward to continuing our partnership and achieving even greater milestones in the future."

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Our team prepared the show board for the upcoming ACAESUSA Conference 2024 at Faini BBQ on June 23rd. We're grateful to our dedicated volunteers for their invaluable help.

Event Details:

Date: June 27-28, 2024
Venue: Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, DC (2500 Calvert St NW)
Registration: Register here

Highlights:

  • Diverse speakers from finance, music, law, medical research, science, and engineering
  • June 27:
    • 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM EST: Registration
    • Congressional office visit at Capitol Hill
  • June 28:
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST: College STEM lab tour
    • 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM EST: Meeting and Award Ceremony

Note: This event is part of the 4th Chinese American Convention (June 27-30). We highly recommend our attendees register for the convention.

Hotel: $195/night (before tax) for single/double rooms. We highly recommend our attendees reserve their rooms early.

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ACAESUSA May Newsletter: Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May has been a month of vibrant celebrations and significant achievements for ACAESUSA. As we commemorate Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, our organization has been at the forefront of numerous events and initiatives.

National Recognition and Engagement

White House Initiative on AANHPI 25th Anniversary

On May 13, ACAESUSA President Jan Xie attended the "Lasting Legacy" event in Washington, D.C., marking 25 years of the White House Initiative on AANHPI. The celebration featured prominent speakers including Rep. Judy Chu and Trade Ambassador Katherine Tai, highlighting the progress and ongoing challenges of the AANHPI community. 

2024 APAICS Legislative Leadership Summit

President Jan Xie participated in the APAICS Summit on May 13-14. This pivotal event brought together leaders to discuss critical issues affecting the AANHPI community. The 30th Annual Awards Gala featured addresses by President Joe Biden and House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, with awards presented to distinguished individuals including Rep. Judy Chu and filmmaker Adele Lim. 

 

Local Community Celebrations

Zhang Chen Art School's 9th Annual Performance

On May 11, Plano was treated to a spectacular showcase of talent at the Zhang Chen Art School's annual performance. Under the leadership of ACAES-ZCAS Chapter President Junxi Xu, the event featured stunning musical and dance performances, embodying the spirit of AAPI Heritage Month. 

 

Asian Heritage Month Events

ACAESUSA celebrated with two special events on May 18, made possible by dedicated volunteers and support from Denton Parks and Rec, Dallas Police Department Community Affairs, and AT&T Performing Arts Center. 

 

 

Dragon Boat Race Success

Our ACAES-GAHD Youth Chapter demonstrated exceptional teamwork at Dallas's first Asian Heritage Festival and Dragon Boat race on May 19. The team secured an impressive second-place finish at White Rock Lake, showcasing both athletic prowess and cultural pride.

 

Looking Forward

These events underscore ACAESUSA's commitment to fostering cultural understanding, community engagement, and leadership within the AANHPI community. As we reflect on this month's achievements, we're inspired to continue our mission of empowerment and cultural celebration.

Stay tuned for more exciting initiatives and opportunities to get involved with ACAESUSA!

06/27/2024 - 06/28/2024 2024 ACAESUSA Conference (Hybrid meeting) at Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington DC.  

2024 Asian Culture And Education Conference Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMpdOiurDssGNbTEnt-J1msgmiuRe44LARj 

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ACAES USA participated in the 7th Annual Fundraising Luncheon for Girls' Education and Gendercide Awareness on Friday, April 12th, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Kudos to Gendap Founder Beverly Hill for her incredible efforts! Support the mission to send at-risk girls in low-income countries to school. Featured in the photos are volunteers Kenzie Song, Monica Howe, Coco Li, Sara He, June Chow, Jan Xie, and Mr. and Mrs. Hill. 

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On May 19th, the ACAES-GAHD Youth Chapter proved their dedication to the GAHD Dragon Boat Racing Team extended far beyond cheers at the White Rock Lake Race in Dallas.(The city of  Dallas hosted its first Asian Heritage Festival and Dragon Boat race over the weekend.)Their hard work played a crucial role in securing an impressive second-place finish.

Building a Dream Together: Pre-Race Collaboration

Months before the race, a blossoming collaboration saw the GAHD Chapter, led by President Guanyan Li, delve into the world of dragon boating. Not only did they learn the sport’s intricacies, but they also actively participated in developing the GAHD Dragon Boat Team’s training program. Their after-school hours were dedicated to researching, creating a detailed and scientifically sound training schedule in collaboration with the team’s coaches.

Rigorous Training: Dedication and Support

The training itself was demanding. The ACAES-GAHD Chapter joined the dragon boaters for grueling physical conditioning and technical drills. Their support went beyond sweat and exertion. They handled essential logistics, from preparing water and checking equipment to recording training data to optimize future sessions.

Learning by Experience: Honing Skills and Building Bonds

This wasn’t just observation for the youth team members. They actively participated in paddling practice, experiencing the challenges and thrills of the sport firsthand. As they honed their own paddling skills, they learned valuable strategies and techniques from the seasoned dragon boaters, forging a strong bond between the two groups.

Race Day: Enthusiasm and Teamwork Fuel Near Victory

Race day saw the ACAES-GAHD Chapter arrive early, their enthusiastic cheers providing a welcome morale boost to the dragon boat racers as they assisted with final equipment checks. The GAHD Dragon Boat Racing Team delivered an exceptional performance, narrowly missing first place by a mere 0.01 seconds.

Celebrating Perseverance and Teamwork: Recognizing Contributions

The near victory was a testament to the power of teamwork and perseverance. GAHD Dragon Boat Racing Team Captain Jin Li praised the youth team’s unwavering support and positive energy, acknowledging their vital role in the impressive race result.

A Transformative Experience

For the ACAES-GAHD Chapter, the experience was transformative. They gained valuable insights and skills, laying a strong foundation for their future endeavors. ACAES USA President Jan Xie stated, “Guanyan Li and the youth team had a great opportunity to grow and learn, with significant improvements. We hope they continue to serve the community.”

A Shining Example: Inspiring Young People

This successful collaboration between the GAHD Dragon Boat Racing Team and the ACAES-GAHD Chapter serves as a shining example for young people. It highlights the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and dedication, inspiring them to embrace sports and contribute to future achievements.

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The Plano community vibrated with captivating melodies, soft vocals, and moving dances on May 11th as the "Zhang Chen Art School Ninth Annual Performance 2024" took center stage. Under Mrs. Zhang Chen's expert direction, singers, dancers, and musicians showcased their exquisite skills and unique styles, adding a vibrant touch to Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

The evening kicked off with a video reviewing the nine years of teaching at Zhang Chen Art School, which touched everyone in the audience. The stage design and lighting effects transported the audience to a dreamlike world, enhancing each song, dance, and piano performance. Thunderous applause followed every act, leaving everyone eager for the next one.

A Celebration of Collaboration

Heartfelt thanks go to Junxi Xu, President of the ACAES - ZCAS (Asian Cultural And Education Society - Zhang Chen Art School) Chapter, and his dedicated team. Their leadership and tireless efforts in organizing the concert, including planning and securing a volunteer support team, were invaluable. Mrs. Zhang Chen extends her gratitude to all performers and volunteers who contributed to the event's success.

Serving the Community

This free, public performance exemplified Zhang Chen Art School's commitment to enriching Plano's cultural and artistic landscape. It was both well-supported and received with resounding applause!

Building the Future

Jan Xie, President of the Asian Cultural and Educational Society (ACAESUSA), congratulated Zhang Chen Art School on the success of their annual performance. She also commended the newly formed ACAES - ZCAS Chapter. 

"We are fortunate to have such a dedicated Chapter of youth promoting Asian culture through singing, dancing, and piano playing, all while serving the community," said Jan Xie. "This year's President, Junxi Xu, displayed exceptional leadership and dedication. We wish Zhang Chen Art School continued success in nurturing artistic talent!"

A full list of performers and volunteers who participated in this benefit event will be provided below.

Link for larger pictures available here

Junxi Xu, Jianhui Wang, Qin Mingxia, Jefferson Li, Yu Jin, Wenya Hu, Samuel Yin, Rouxuan Wang, Liya Wang,  Nicholas Du, Kayla Zhang, Nikila Rajan, Milin Chen, Wilson Tang,  Kristen Chen, Bohan Xuan, Muffie Tian, Emily Wang, SummerYang, Weili Lin, Yuhan Pang, Ruyi Zhang, Jessie Wang, Kate Huang, Mina Young, Kunlu Wang, Melody Xia, Hansen Chen, Oliver Wang, Nathan Chen, Logan Tian, Zoe Chen, Victoria, Grace Fan, Cihan Chen, Hailin Wang, Ava Xia, Nora Ma, Anya Hu, Luna Ding, Evan Chen, Elizabeth Sue, Yiyi Wang, Emma Wang, Andy Han, Luna Ding, Lucas Ding, Yulian Lin, Angela, Lucas Chen, Jodie Lin, Alvin Fang, Anxin Dai, Andy Han,Anna Zhang, Jeremy Wang, Seraphina Li, Le Xing, Xin Tong, Jiaqi Zhao, Julian Liu, Edric Yan, Emily You, Summer Yang, Jodie Lin, Li Li, Angela Jian, Daniel Huang, Ciyun, Chen Zhang and Jan Xie.

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ACAESUSA Celebrating Community Unity: Highlights from the 2024 Chinese New Year Lantern Festival

 

The Asian Culture And Education Society USA flawlessly orchestrated the 2024 Chinese New Year Lantern Festival, marking the joyful conclusion of the Year of the Dragon. Amidst a vibrant atmosphere, adorned with colorful lanterns, attendees gathered to express gratitude to the dedicated volunteers whose efforts enrich our community's cultural landscape and positively impact countless lives. Special recognition was given to those who generously support youth empowerment and the Asian community.

Several awards were presented during the event, including the Inspirational ACAESUSA Mentor Award to Gendap President Mrs. Beverly Hill, and Mr. Jay Ho. The AAPI Media Excellence Award was bestowed upon Hojun Choi and Tiffany Liou, while the Inspirational AAPI Leader Award went to Yosselin Muller. Culture Volunteer award to Wenkuan Ma,  Youth Volunteer and Youth Leadership Awards were presented to Eric Wang, Jessica Wu, and Amy Xu, along with accolades for the ACAES collations of each youth council team and chapter presidents and leaders.

During the event, Ms. Beverly Hill played a crucial role in hosting the swearing-in ceremony of the 2024 Youth Councils, with Mr. Vincent Wang assisting remotely. This symbolized a new chapter of leadership and service within our community.

Guests were treated to captivating performances, including enchanting cello and guitar music, as well as heartfelt singing, fostering a sense of camaraderie and joy. The abundance of delicious food served throughout the evening further enhanced the overall experience for all attendees.

The event's success was made possible by the generosity of sponsors, particularly Jay and Liping, whose venue sponsorship was integral to its success.

The list of sponsors underscores their invaluable contributions to ensuring the event's triumph. These include Linghua Kong (Gold), Fat Ni BBQ (Silver), Dr. Chuling Jiang, Tianle Tong, Mr. Tan, MT Jewelry (Bronze), and Zhao Star China Bistro,UCA (Friend).

 

During a sincere speech, ACAESUSA President Jan Xie encouraged the newly appointed Youth Councils to be outstanding cultural ambassadors, promoting unity and compassion. Stressing the significance of dedication and love in their work, President Xie highlighted the importance of helping those in need, fostering a society where everyone can prosper and feel fulfilled.

 

 

 

 

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Asian Culture and Education Society USA ACAESUSA extends congratulations to the #dallastexas for the successful 2024 Lunar New Year celebration event held today.

Our ACAESUSA game and calligraphy tables were bustling with activity, and the children thoroughly enjoyed it. Our volunteers were especially enthusiastic about hosting the chopsticks games and distributing Rubik's Cubes, the Yellow Whistle, red envelopes, toys, candies, and flower lei necklaces...

 

It was a truly remarkable event that promoted the Lunar New Year holiday and supported the AAPI community in celebrating.A special thanks goes to Dr. Chen Yuan, Community Outreach Representative at the #dallaspolicedepartment, for assisting our ACAESUSA youth volunteers and parents. Thanks for donating those whistles, Committee of 100. Thanks to United Chinese Americans - UCA for their donation of the red envelopes.Thanks to the Tsinghua University DFW Alumni group for helping us secure a good price for the toys. We are grateful to Jessica Alvarado, Manager of Public Services at the City of Dallas Vickery Park Branch Library, for arranging the tables for us. 

"We appreciate the City of Dallas Police Department for not only ensuring public safety but also aiding the Asian community in Lunar New Year festivities. Thank you!" - Jian Xie, President of Asian Culture and Education Society USA. (info@acaesusa.org)

 

 

More pictures, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/janxiephotography/albums/72177720314888989