A couple of weeks ago, I attended the 2nd Annual Asian Summit here in Cincinnati, presented by the Asian Community Alliance and hosted by Northern Kentucky University. I went with an open mind, not really knowing what to expect. It was good to meet people within the Asian-American community, but there was something missing—young people. So here’s a recap. I hope my coverage encourages you to get involved with similar events in your city.

At the opening session, I scoped out the fruit and doughnuts, then looked around for a table to eat with. A couple of white college students sat at a back table, but I felt that NOT sitting with them was my personal stand against segregation. A bunch of middle-aged Asian women were very glad when I brought out my secret weapon—a brag book of my adorable sons, aged almost three and eight months. Now, if you’ve read my blog at all, you know that my husband is Korean. One of the ladies asked me, “Will you send your sons to Korean school?” I hedged a bit, feeling that decision was better left to hubby.
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Tags: Asian Community Alliance, Asian Summit, chinese, Deepa Iyer, Japanese, Korean, Macy's, Mr Tanaka, Pawan Dhingra, racism

If you follow women’s gymnastics, you know that Shawn Johnson finally got her gold medal Tuesday morning, edging out teammate Nastia Liukin with a fantastic balance beam routine. And the man supporting her is her coach, Liang Chow, himself a member of the Chinese national gymnastics team in the 1980’s. He’s the unsung hero behind her success—and her great attitude.

In the extensive news coverage I’ve seen on Johnson, she refers to her Chinese coach and his wife as “my second parents.” Teri and Doug Johnson, Shawn’s parents, appreciate the important relationship. In an article for the August 2008 issue of Guideposts, Teri recounts Coach Chow’s mastery in managing Johnson’s personality. Other gymnastics teachers were frustrated by Shawn’s hyperactive behavior. Chow, who owns a gym in West Des Moines, Iowa, knew how to harness it. “I love her energy. That’s what you need in this sport.” Teri stated, “He kept her interest by keeping her challenged.”

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Tags: 2008, beijing, chinese, gymnastics, liang chow, nastia liukin, olympics, shawn johnson