An Asian American Writer’s Notebook: Past, Present, and Future Tense

Join us for the David Nishida and Tina Yamano Nishida Distinguished Lecture and Panel featuring keynote speaker Helen Zia, activist, journalist and author, who will be in conversation with Julie Ha, Journalist & co-director of “Free Chol Soo Lee” documentary and Amber Phung, Journalist with Pacific Ties newsmagazine. The program is dedicated to trailblazing journalist and activist K.W. Lee.

Helen Zia, longtime activist, award-winning writer and Fulbright Scholar, offers insights and observations on current challenges facing Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Amid growing political division and increasing concerns over censorship and free speech, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities are combating disinformation through developing counter-narratives. This lecture and panel brings together activists and writers to explore how Asian American voices are navigating a rapidly shifting political, cultural, and social landscape. Join us for a timely and critical discussion on the role of Asian American and Pacific Islanders activists, writers, and multimedia artists in preserving democratic values, amplifying underrepresented voices, and confronting systemic challenges in today’s charged political environment.

DATE: May 29, 2025

5:00pm Reception at the UCLA Art Council Amphitheater in front of the Lenart Auditorium(located outside the Fowler Museum, adjacent to the Lenart Auditorium).Featuring a new book on saleIntersections: A Journalistic History of Asian Pacific American.

6:00pm Program at the UCLA Harry and Yvonne Lenart Auditorium(located below the Fowler Museum)

Registration: https://tinyurl.com/53y95e8b
Free to the Public