Join ASAM fellows for a day of insightful exploration as they delve into the theme "Existence as Resistance," to illuminate the power and agency of Asian American communities amidst struggles tied to histories, land, politics, health, and culture. The symposium will showcase how the act of existing becomes a form of resistance, reaffirming strength, and resilience in shaping narratives and futures. Breakfast and lunch from local Philadelphia establishments will be provided.

The keynote speaker for the event is Dr. Harvey Dong, a distinguished lecturer in Ethnic Studies and Asian American and Asian Diaspora Studies at UC Berkeley. The first panel will explore the complexities of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander health disparities, and propose actionable solutions. The second panel will focus on urban issues, featuring urban researchers and advocates who will examine Asian American community and resistance in the face of ongoing displacement, gentrification, and redevelopment.

The symposium will conclude with a workshop on connecting with ancestral plants, featuring Bahay215, a writer and landworker, and Star Apple Nursery, a Philadelphia-based art collaborative.

You can find more information about the symposium and a full program on the event page on the ASAM Website.