Posted on
May 10, 2021
Five TCNJ students shared stories about their experiences as Asian Americans during a special TED Talk-inspired event on April 22. TCNJ’s Pan-Asian Alliance held the campuswide event in response to the ongoing COVID-19 hate crimes and discrimination toward Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Addy Wong ’21, Brandon Hoang ’22, Alekhya Madiraju ’22, Sayon Park ’22, and Sharon Diao ’23 talked about debunking racial stereotypes, exposing lasting effects of racism, overcoming Western beauty standards, and redefining Asian American identity.
“These student speakers were so courageous and vulnerable to share their stories with us,” said Gabriella Son ’22, one of the event’s hosts. “These five individuals are not tokens of their community. There are so many of us here at TCNJ and beyond who are still waiting to have our voices heard.”