Author: Kevin Louie

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AABANY Congratulates Jennifer Wu on Her Many Awards and Transformative Leadership in Law and Community

Jennifer Wu, Founding Partner at Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone LLP, stands as a trailblazing figure in the legal profession. Her leadership style of empathy, advocacy, and innovation has redefined what it means to be a transformative leader in law. Throughout her career, Jennifer has achieved remarkable milestones while staying determined in her commitment to justice.

Her expanding list of accolades reflects a relentless pursuit of equality and excellence. From her work fighting for the rights of marginalized communities to her pioneering efforts in intellectual property litigation, Jennifer’s influence goes far beyond her legal achievements. She has become a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for colleagues, mentees, and the communities she serves, proving that true leadership is about lifting others as you rise.

Jennifer’s dedication to her craft and her community is reflected in the diverse and prestigious awards she has received over the past year:

Jennifer’s growing list of awards is more than a reflection of her professional excellence; it is a testament to her dedication to justice and her ability to bridge communities through understanding and action.

Jennifer Wu’s journey as an advocate stems from her childhood experiences as the daughter of Taiwanese immigrants. From a young age, she took on the responsibility of helping her family navigate cultural and language barriers. “As an immigrant kid, you always have that,” she reflected. “Your mom needs you to ask for directions to a grocery store… or get on the phone to explain health insurance because their English was not as good.” These formative experiences shaped her lifelong dedication to helping others. This foundation of service became the cornerstone of her legal career and advocacy efforts.

This commitment to helping others informs Jennifer’s approach to her advocacy and legal career. Whether assisting families affected by anti-Asian violence or guiding immigrant clients through challenges, she treats each case as personally as if it involved her own family, “That is fundamentally just helping people as if they’re your own family.” For Jennifer, true success is measured by the lives she improves, not by the accolades she receives. Her dedication to treating clients with care and respect truly highlights her belief that advocacy is rooted in genuine human connection.

Jennifer’s leadership style is collaborative and empowering. She emphasizes creating an environment where others can grow and excel. “I don’t like to micromanage,” she said. “I want people to think for themselves and learn from their mistakes. That’s how you create leaders who can step up and take charge.” As a founding partner of her firm, Jennifer takes this mindset into every aspect of her work. “I walk into every room with the mindset of an owner,” she said. Her leadership philosophy demonstrates how empowering others and taking ownership can inspire teams.

One of the most touching examples of Jennifer’s advocacy is her work with Eva Zhao, the widow of Zhiwen Yan, a Queens delivery worker who was tragically murdered while on the job. After her husband’s death, Eva faced immense fear of deportation and struggled to support herself and her young children. Jennifer stepped in to offer both legal and practical assistance. Jennifer shared,“We’ve been helping her try to get her U visa.” A U Visa helps victims of serious crimes who have been hurt and are helping the police or authorities with their investigations. For Eva Zhao, whose husband Zhiwen Yan was tragically killed, this visa could protect her from deportation and provide her family with safety and stability. “The act of actually helping is the reward,” Jennifer emphasized. “The awards are just tokens; the relationships are what truly matter.”

Jennifer’s leadership attitude and authenticity were also evident at a recent event hosted by AABANY’s Women’s Committee on Monday, December 16, 2024, titled “Building Your Own House: Balthazar Breakfast with Jennifer Wu.” Held at Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone LLP, the breakfast was an intimate gathering that allowed participants to hear Jennifer reflect on her journey. Moderated by Aileen Huang and Ananya Pillutla, associates at Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone LLP, Jennifer discussed her career path, including her decision to create her own firm: a “house” where equity and inclusion thrive, with a partnership that is 50% women. To learn more about Jennifer’s recent breakfast event, click here.

Jennifer continues to redefine what it means to serve with integrity and exemplifies the power of using one’s platform for good. Her journey serves as an inspiration, proving that change begins when we lead with purpose and compassion.

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In the News: Hon. Randall T. Eng (Ret.) Authors Op-Ed on Advancing Asian American Representation in New York’s Judiciary

In the op-ed “Time for Change: Addressing Underrepresentation of Asian American Judges in the New York State Judiciary,” published on January 14, 2025, in the New York Law Journal, former Presiding Justice Randall T. Eng (Ret.) addresses the longstanding underrepresentation of Asian Americans in the New York State judiciary. While progress has been made since his historic appointment as the first Asian American judge in the state in 1983, the numbers remain glaring. Asian Americans, who constitute about 15% of New York City’s population, occupy only 5% of the judiciary statewide. Of the 1,300 state-paid judges, just 68 are Asian American, and many counties have never had an Asian American judge in positions of significant judicial power.

Justice Eng stresses the significance of leadership roles in the judiciary, pointing out that “there are 105 administrative and supervisory positions throughout the state… only five are held by Asian Americans, and there are none within OCA’s [Office of Court Administration] executive leadership team.” He also draws attention to historic firsts, such as Kathy Hirata Chin being shortlisted for the Court of Appeals vacancy in 2012 but emphasizes the need for urgent action, because to date no Asian American has been appointed to the New York State Court of Appeals, the state’s highest court.

Despite some progress, systemic inequities persist. For example, only three counties – Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn – have elected Asian Americans to the Supreme Court, while the remaining 59 counties remain without representation. Justice Eng asserts that true progress requires collective effort and advocacy: “We need to take it to the next step. We need to start saying as a community ‘it should be us.’” He calls on the community to expect and demand nominations for future vacancies, ensuring that representation reflects the diversity of the state.

To read Justice Eng’s call for change, op-ed in full, click here. (subscription required).

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Hugh H. Mo: Legal Trailblazer and Community Advocate

The Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) celebrated the illustrious career of Hugh H. Mo by honoring him with the prestigious Norman Lau Kee Trailblazer Award at their Fifteenth Annual Fall Conference, on October 12, 2024, during the Conference Cocktail Reception that capped a full day of programming. This award, named after Norman Lau Kee—an influential legal and community figure in New York City’s Chinatown—celebrates leaders who have made significant contributions to the legal field and the AAPI community, recognizing attorneys who exemplify the qualities of role models and trailblazers in the legal profession while contributing to the wider community.

Born in Shanghai, China, Hugh immigrated to the United States at nine years old after living in Hong Kong, Taipei, and Madrid. Hugh then grew up on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. His journey into the legal profession started by participating in student activist groups, including the Vietnam War protests and the Civil Rights Movement, throughout high school and college. During his sophomore year at NYU, he was involved in a newly published magazine called Bridge: The Magazine of Asians in America, focusing on the experiences, issues, and concerns of Asian Americans that were ignored by the mainstream media and to mobilize Asians in political empowerment. As a result of his experiences as a student activist, Hugh was imbued with idealism and the desire to make the world a better place. He realized that in order to help Asians in general and in political empowerment, law is the most effective instrument to facilitate change to help people.

Hugh defines law as “advocacy,” to lend a voice to those who cannot advocate for themselves. This belief in the power of the law to help others was a driving force in his decision to become a lawyer. He says, “As a lawyer there is so much potential to help people,” and that realization has shaped his legal career.

From his formative student activist experiences, Hugh enrolled at Boston University School of Law, graduated in 1976, and served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, the first Asian American to do so. During his tenure, he mentored then Assistant District Attorney Sonia Sotomayor – who later became the first Hispanic and 111th United States Supreme Court Justice. In Justice Sotomayor’s memoir, My Beloved World, she wrote that she was fortunate to be assigned a second-seat role in her first murder trial, with Hugh as lead counsel. The case was People v. Richard Maddicks, the “Tarzan burglar.” Maddicks committed a series of burglaries and murders in a bloody three-month spree from 1981 to 1982 in Central Harlem, by swinging from rooftops on ropes and crashing through apartment windows with his gun blazing. Hugh and Sonia successfully prosecuted Maddicks in a 37-count indictment charging him with multiple counts of murder, burglary, assault, and other crimes. Hugh ensured her second-seat role was far from pro forma, allowing her to present half of the 40 government witnesses and to draft the opening statement of the case, which Hugh delivered. After a four-week jury trial in early 1983, Maddicks was convicted and sentenced to 62½ years–to–life in state prison. In her memoir, Sonia recalled that Hugh was “a slightly built figure with a booming voice and a big personality to match; a hard driving prosecutor, he was also a gentle family man and an all-around confounder of stereotypes.” 

Hugh’s eight-year tenure as a prosecutor was the beginning of a long legal career that stretched almost five decades, in which he fought for and inspired Asian Americans through the power of the law to secure our rights, justice, and fairness. In 1984, he was appointed as Deputy Commissioner in Charge of Trials in the New York City Police Department. At the time, he was the highest-ranking person of Asian descent in New York City government. After four years, he left public service to join the national and international law firm of Whitman & Ransom as a partner and founder of its China practice group. 

In January 1994, Hugh established The Law Firm of Hugh H. Mo, P.C., to primarily represent domestic and overseas Chinese clients in corporate, civil and criminal litigation, white collar and financial crimes, government investigation, customs, tax, and real estate matters. In 2023, Hugh received the NAPIPA Life-Time Achievement Award, and his firm was honored with the 2023 NAPABA APA-Owned Law Firm of the Year Award.

Throughout his career, Hugh has always championed the issues and concerns of the AAPI community. He reflects that one of the most common issues Asian American immigrants face is assimilation: adopting a new language, learning new behaviors, being accustomed to new social norms, and fully embracing American culture, and, at the same time, retaining one’s Asian identity, language, and culture. As he learned in high school and college, law is an instrument of change and justice, and for Asian Americans learning to assimilate, it is even more imperative to have Asian representation at all levels of the legal profession.

As a trial attorney, Hugh serves as an advocate to bridge the language and cultural barriers for his Asian clients. His private practice, The Law Firm of Hugh H. Mo, P.C., has represented countless individuals, corporations, and government entities, primarily focusing on clients within the Chinese American community and overseas. Hugh has served as legal counsel for the Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the United Nations, Chinese Consulate in New York, Xinhua News Agency, N.A., People’s Daily Overseas Edition, and other Chinese government entities and state-owned enterprises over the years.

In addition to his legal work, Hugh founded and currently serves as Co-Chair of the NYPD Asian American Police Executives Council (AAPEX), with the mission to inculcate leadership development of Asian police executives in the NYPD. He was involved as a co-founder of the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) in 1989, laying a foundation for future generations of Asian American lawyers. He was also involved in establishing the NYPD Asian Jade Society, the Chinatown Health Clinic (now known as the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center) and has served as Board President of the Chinatown Planning Council (now known as the Chinese-American Planning Council).

Hugh’s achievements extend beyond the courtroom. He served on numerous civic and advisory committees, including transition committees for elected officials such as Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr., City Comptroller John Liu, and Mayor David N. Dinkins, among others.

When asked about current challenges facing the Asian American community, he reflects on the disproportionate challenges that Asians have to overcome in order to pursue success in the law, including barriers due to institutional racism and the under-representation of Asian American partners in BigLaw, corporations, government, and the judiciary. Hugh maintains that this obstacle can be overcome by “grit, intelligence, and the willingness to rise up to any challenge.” Success is possible for anyone who dares and dreams with determination. Hugh’s career offers even more hopeful insight: every day is a new opportunity, because every day brings a new challenge. But, in his words, “challenges are meant to be overcome.”

He has opened doors for Asian Americans in law and inspired others to pursue justice and community advocacy. Accepting the Norman Lau Kee Trailblazer Award, Hugh reflected on the importance of uplifting the AAPI community through representation and leadership.

“We all represent not just our clients and ourselves, but our community,” Hugh said, emphasizing the role of Asian American lawyers as bridges for first-generation immigrants. His message resonates as a call to action for future generations to embrace challenges, strive for excellence, and contribute to a more equitable society.

The Norman Lau Kee Trailblazer Award recognizes attorneys who exemplify the qualities of role models and trailblazers in the legal profession while contributing to the wider community. Hugh’s journey serves as an inspiration for overcoming racial barriers, bridging communication and cultural gaps, and rising up to face all challenges and converting them into opportunities for continuing success and achievement. As a trailblazer in the legal profession, Hugh’s legacy is a testament to the power of determination and service. As he puts it, “We should be defined not by one or a few achievements, but by a multitude of achievements. We should not be defined by our worst mistake but by the sum of our collective accomplishments. … I don’t believe a person should be defined by their magnum opus. It is a successful life journey that counts.”

Written by Lui Montes, AABANY Legal Intern, Fall 2024.

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In the News: Congratulations to Judge L. Austin D’Souza on His Appointment as Supervising Judge of Manhattan Civil Court

L-R: (top row): Judge Carmen A. Pacheco of Kings County (Brooklyn) Civil Court, Judge Edwin I. Novillo of Queens County Criminal Court, and Judge L. Austin D’Souza of New York County (Manhattan) Civil Court, (bottom row) Judge Ira R. Greenberg of Queens County Civil, Judge Taisha L. Chambers of Bronx County Civil Court, and Judge Frances Ortiz of New York County Housing Court.

Judge L. Austin D’Souza has been appointed as the Supervising Judge of the Manhattan Civil Court, succeeding Judge Shahabuddeen Ally. This significant and prominent elevation attests to Judge D’Souza’s strong leadership and dedication to public service.

Judge D’Souza is part of a group of new judicial leaders appointed across New York City, including Hon. Frances Ortiz, Hon. Ira Greenberg, Hon. Edwin Novillo, Hon. Taisha Chambers, and Hon.  Carmen Pacheco, each taking charge of key courts in Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, and Brooklyn.

Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas praised the appointees for their “sound judgment, fairness, integrity, innovative spirit, and commitment to public service.” First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George also recognized their innovative and adaptable approaches to addressing the challenges of the legal system.

Judge D’Souza, an active member of AABANY, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to creating diversity and advancing the legal profession. His involvement with AABANY shows his passion for community engagement, further reflecting the qualities that make him a renowned and well-respected leader in the judiciary. Please join AABANY in congratulating Judge D’Souza on this noteworthy accomplishment and wishing him every success in his future judicial endeavors.

To read the full article in the New York Law Journal, click here.

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A Farewell to 2024: AABANY IP Committee’s End-of-Year Dinner

On December 17, 2024, the AABANY Intellectual Property (IP) Committee held its final dinner of the year at Dhaba Indian Cuisine, a cozy spot perfect for a cold winter evening. Members, both new and returning, gathered to enjoy flavorful and spicy dishes, while sharing career updates and holiday plans. The Committee was also happy to welcome a guest from out of town.

The dinner provided an excellent opportunity for members to connect, reflect on the past year, and look forward to the opportunities that 2025 holds.

The IP Committee is excited to continue its dinner series in the new year, creating additional chances for members to network, learn from each other, and engage with professionals in the IP community.

A big thank you to everyone who attended! The IP Committee always welcomes new members to join our growing and dynamic community.

To learn more about the IP Committee and how you can get involved, visit the IP Committee’s page on the AABANY website.

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Prosecutors Committee Celebrates 16th Anniversary Reception at Appellate Division, First Department

The Prosecutors Committee of AABANY (Asian American Bar Association of New York) hosted its 16th Anniversary Reception on November 13, 2024, at the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department (27 Madison Avenue, Manhattan) from 5:30 to 9:00 PM. The Prosecutors Committee, founded in 2008, aims to support the advancement and professional development of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) prosecutors, to build a network between current and former APIDA prosecutors, recruit APIDA law students into the field, and create trust and communication between the APIDA community and local prosecutors’ offices. Bridget G. Brennan, Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding public service, commitment to diversity, and staunch support of the Prosecutors Committee since its inception in 2008.

The Committee, co-chaired by Kin Ng and Diana Wang, represents a community that includes over 100 APIDA prosecutors currently serving in New York. The AABANY Prosecutors Committee’s growing membership is comprised of prosecutors of APIDA heritage from all five New York City District Attorney’s Offices and Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, as well as Assistant Attorney Generals from the New York State Attorney General’s Office, and federal prosecutors from the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.

Photo by Laura Badger
Photo by Laura Badger

Around 150 attendees, including members of the Prosecutors Committee, District Attorney Executives, state and federal judges, and community leaders, filled the Appellate Division courthouse to capacity for this celebratory event. The evening featured distinguished guests who delivered heartfelt congratulatory remarks to Ms. Brennan, who was appointed as New York City’s Special Narcotics Prosecutor in 1998 and is the first woman to hold that position. 

Ms. Brennan oversees a staff of 200 lawyers, investigators, and professional personnel for an office that prosecutes serious narcotics offenses and related crime throughout New York City’s five boroughs. Ms. Brennan has been an Assistant District Attorney since 1983, when she joined the New York County District Attorney’s Office. During her tenure there, she was designated both a homicide and sex crimes prosecutor. She became a deputy chief in a financial crimes bureau before joining the Special Narcotics Prosecutor’s Office in 1992. She first served as chief of the highly regarded Special Investigations Bureau, overseeing some of the nation’s most significant narcotics investigations, then as Chief Assistant from 1995 to 1997. Before her legal career, Ms. Brennan was a print, radio, and television reporter in her native Wisconsin, where she graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School with a Juris Doctor degree. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin.

The evening’s event, held in the stunning landmarked courtroom with its iconic stained-glass dome, began with welcome remarks from Hon. Dianne T. Renwick, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department. Like Ms. Brennan, Justice Renwick is herself a trailblazer, as the first woman of color to serve as Presiding Justice of any Appellate Division in New York State, and only the second woman to lead the First Department since its creation in 1894. 

Thereafter, the speakers honoring Ms. Brennan included the following representatives from local prosecutors’ offices:

  • Hon. Michael E. McMahon, Richmond County District Attorney
  • Bronx County DA’s Office, Chief Assistant Derek Lynton
  • Kings County DA’s Office, Chief Assistant Nancy Hoppock
  • New York County DA’s Office, Chief Assistant Meg Reiss
  • Nassau County DA’s Office, Executive ADA Brian Lee
  • Queens County DA’s Office, Bureau Chief Rosemary Chao
  • Suffolk County DA’s Office, Bureau Chief Lucie Kwon
  • Special Narcotics Prosecutor’s Office, ADA Anju Malhotra, who introduced Ms. Brennan

AABANY thanks Prosecutors Committee Co-Chairs Kin Ng and Diana Wang, as well as Vice-Chairs Grace Vee, Sabeeha Madni and Chanterelle Sung, for organizing this memorable event. AABANY also thanks Justice Renwick and the Appellate Division, First Department, for providing the beautiful courthouse for this special celebration.

Photo by Laura Badger
Photo by Laura Badger

More photos from the event can be found here.

To learn more about the Prosecutors Committee, please click here.

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AABANY Congratulates Hon. Shahabuddeen A. Ally on Historic Appointment as Administrative Judge of New York City Civil Court

AABANY congratulates Hon. Shahabuddeen A. Ally on his recent appointment as Administrative Judge of the New York City Civil Court, overseeing operations across all five boroughs. This important role highlights Judge Ally’s dedication to justice, fairness, and his strong leadership within New York’s legal community. AABANY is proud to count such an illustrious jurist among our membership.

Appointed by Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas, Judge Ally brings extensive experience and a fresh perspective to the position. As the first person of South Asian descent and the first Muslim male to serve in this role, his appointment is a significant step forward in promoting diversity within the judicial system. His appointment takes effect on Jan. 2, 2025.

Reflecting on the opportunity, Judge Ally shared: “Serving as the court’s Administrative Judge, with the opportunity to guide it in its mission to meet the peoples’ needs, is truly an honor and a privilege.”

To read the full article in the New York Law Journal, click here.

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Thank You to Our Volunteers at the December 4th Pro Bono Clinic in Queens!

On December 4th, volunteers had the opportunity to participate in AABANY’s Pro Bono Legal Clinic in Queens, hosted by the Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE). The clinic was organized by AABANY’s Pro Bono and Community Service (PBCS) Committee, with a dedicated team of attorney and non-attorney volunteers providing free thirty-minute legal consultations to members of the community facing various legal challenges.

The volunteers met with 11 clients, answering questions related to housing, torts, and contracts. One key issue that came up frequently was unreasonable rent increases. As New York continues to grow more expensive, attorneys volunteering at our clinics would be well-served with some basic knowledge to protect tenants’ rights.

Under the Good Cause Eviction law, tenants in covered housing are protected against unreasonable rent increases that exceed the local rent standard. The local rent standard is determined annually based on the inflation rate in the area, plus 5%, with a maximum cap of 10%. As of May 1, 2024, the local rent standard for the New York City area is 8.82%, which means any rent increase over this percentage may be considered unreasonable by the court, provided it occurred after April 20, 2024. See here:  https://www.nyc.gov/site/hpd/services-and-information/good-cause-eviction.page.

Landlords may provide justification for higher rent increases, such as significant repairs or increased property taxes, but the final decision rests with the court. Pro Bono Clinic attorneys encourage all tenants to open their mail and file an answer in court to protect their rights.

Clients expressed gratitude for the assistance, including the following comments:

  • “Extremely grateful. Appreciative of your supported services. Helped me decide on many of my bigger problems.”
  • “Attorney Yeung’s attitude was superb – he provided translation and advice.”

Thank you again to our volunteers: 

Volunteer Attorneys
Beatrice Leong
Gary Yeung
Johnny Thach
Kevin Hsi
Lina Lee
Jack Chen
May Wong
Richard In
Interpreters & Shadowers
Eugene Seong
Xiaocen Zhang
Xuxia Zhao

Please come back and join us at our upcoming clinics:

December 18, 2024, from 6:30 – 8:30pm, AAFE Community Center, 111 Norfolk Street, NY, NY 10002, sign up here (please register by 12pm, 12/16/2024)

January 11, 2025, from 12:00 – 2:30pm, CPC Brooklyn Community Services, 4101 8th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232, sign up here (please register by 12pm, 01/08/2025)

January 15, 2025, from 6:30 – 8:00pm, AAFE Community Center, 111 Norfolk Street, NY, NY 10002, sign up here (please register by 12pm, 01/13/2025)

Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year! 

DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this blog post should be deemed to be legal advice. Do not take any action or refrain from any action in reliance on anything contained in this blog post.

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Lessons Learned from AABANY’s Self-Defense Workshop Led by David Chiang

On November 9, 2024, the final session of AABANY’s self-defense series took place at the New York Wu Tang Chinese Martial Arts Institute in Flushing. These classes, held on October 26, November 2, and November 9, brought families and community members together to learn essential self-defense skills, completely free of charge for all attendees. The three sessions covered striking, kicking, escapes from holds and grabs, general awareness, and the legal ramifications of using force for self-defense or defense of others. The workshops were open to everyone, with the flexibility to attend any or all classes on a drop-in basis. The classes, led by David Chiang, a master of martial arts with over 30 years of experience, was a powerful reminder of the importance of awareness, preparation, and the ability to act decisively. David is not just a Kung Fu master, but also a veteran prosecutor with 23 years of experience, a unique combination that shaped his approach to self-defense as both a physical and a legal discipline. 

For many Asian Americans, especially after the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes during the pandemic, safety in public spaces has become a real concern. This workshop, like the two that preceded it, did more than just teach physical techniques like striking, kicking, and escaping from holds; it also challenged participants to rethink how we approach safety in our daily lives.

David emphasized that the easiest and safest way to protect ourselves is to avoid dangerous situations entirely. “To avoid,” he said, “you must be AWARE.” Avoidance isn’t passive, it’s proactive. It starts with paying attention to your surroundings:

  • Look in all directions
  • Observe people’s faces for signs of aggression or hate
  • Don’t get lost in your phone or look down on the ground

Danger is rarely a surprise. Often, the signs are there: individuals talking to themselves, yelling, or behaving erratically. Groups of rowdy people or someone holding a hidden object can signal potential threats. Recognizing these early signs gives the time needed to act. Whether it’s crossing the street, entering a public space for safety, or calling for help, taking steps early can mean the difference between safety and harm.

Photo courtesy of David Chiang

David guided participants through role-playing hypotheticals to simulate potential threats. From subway confrontations to avoiding aggressive groups, these drills helped participants gain confidence in handling worst-case scenarios. He demonstrated what to do if someone pulls a knife, attempts to push someone onto train tracks, or grabs a person from behind. The exercises were about creating distance and making decisive moves to protect oneself and others.

David addressed the misunderstandings that can arise from cultural differences. In Mandarin, the word “nei-ge” (那个)—a common filler word similar to “um” in English can sound like a racial slur to those unfamiliar with the language. This example shows the importance of cultural education and mutual respect.

Photo courtesy of David Chiang

The stereotype captured by the hashtag, #AsiansDontHitBack, gained traction during the rise of anti-Asian hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic. While it originally suggested that Asians are passive or non-confrontational, it has since become a call to fight back. Participants were encouraged to reject this stereotype by focusing on being prepared, confident, and ready to act to protect themselves and their communities.

The AABANY self-defense series presented a holistic approach to safety. Participants left with a stronger sense of self-awareness and practical tools to avoid danger. With the rise of hate crimes targeting vulnerable populations, workshops like this are essential. They remind us all that safety is not just a personal responsibility but a collective one. Another set of self-defense classes will be held in the spring. Stay tuned for updates and be sure to join this empowering series!

AABANY extends its deepest gratitude to David Chiang for his dedication to teaching self-defense and empowering the community. His unique expertise as both a martial artist and attorney provided participants with invaluable insights into safety and preparedness. AABANY acknowledges The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) for their generous grant, which made workshops like the three-part Self-Defense Series possible, enabling us to offer them free of charge to the community.

For more information about AABANY and AALFNY’s collaborative efforts to combat anti-Asian hate, including initiatives like the self-defense workshop series, readers are encouraged to review the Turning the Tide brochure, available on the AABANY homepage. Through awareness, education, and collective action, our efforts aim to create safer and stronger communities.

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AABANY Co-Sponsors Dhamaka 2024, Cardozo Law’s SALSA Celebration of South Asian Culture and Community through Diversity

On Thursday, November 7 , Cardozo Law School’s South Asian Law Student Association (“SALSA”) hosted its annual South Asian cultural celebration called “Dhamaka.” Dhamaka, meaning “celebration” in Hindi, is a school-wide event that SALSA hosts annually to celebrate South Asian culture and promote a sense of community through diversity. The event is particularly significant to the South Asian community at Cardozo, with Cardozo’s South Asian students coming from a range of ethnic and religious backgrounds but sharing and celebrating many of the same cultural aspects of identity. By showcasing the unifying power of diversity within the South Asian community at Cardozo, SALSA hopes it encouraged other Cardozo students to share and bond over aspects of culture that are commonly enjoyed by all, regardless of background.

Key highlights of Dhamaka included a cultural presentation by the members of Cardozo’s SALSA e-board, a Bollywood dance performance, henna art, trivia, and Indian food. Over 40 students from various backgrounds participated in the celebration.

Cardozo’s SALSA extends its profound gratitude to the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) for its sponsorship of the event. This year’s Dhamaka was especially memorable, as AABANY’s generous donation allowed SALSA to provide authentic South Asian food, which everyone raved about and thoroughly enjoyed. AABANY’s support was instrumental in making this event a true celebration of South Asian culture.

AABANY has a long history, from its founding in 1989, of working closely with New York area law school student associations, and we encourage SALSA and APALSA (Asian Pacific American Law Students Association) groups in the tri-state area to connect with AABANY and get involved in our numerous activities and events, all of which are open to law students. A great way to do so is to join AABANY as member, and from now until January 31, 2025, AABANY’s Student Outreach Committee and Membership Committee are running a special promotion, the Law School Group Discount, to allow groups of law students join for a 50% discount. A minimum of 20 law students is required, with a single payment to cover all participants. For more details, click here. To learn more about AABANY’s Student Outreach Committee click here. To learn more about AABANY’s Membership Committee click here.

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