Special Invitation to Attend DisOrientalism Part 2: The Revenge of Hello Kitty

May is Asian American Heritage Month. And in 2022 we have a serious #stopasianhate situation since a certain someone dubbed Coronavirus the “Kung Flu.” Enter an entire cohort of killer Nuyorasian Artists — New York’s premier Asian American performers — tearing up the stage and changing the dynamic with their world class talent: Top notch performers from Broadway, Stand Up Comedy, Burlesque, Rock and Classical Music (with a twist) join forces for one electrifying show. Curated and hosted by notorious comedienne/rapper Kate Siahaan-Rigg alongside child star-turned-Broadway actress Olivia Oguma. This program lasts about 75 minutes and is recommended to boost your immunity against boredom, inaction, xenophobia, and orientalism.

Monday May 2nd, 7pm at Joe’s Pub 425 Lafayette Street.

A special message to AABANY members from event curator and AABANY Annual Dinner master of ceremonies Kate Siahaan-Rigg: 

From the first ever Asian American to play Hamilton on Broadway to a legendary burlesque dancer, to an award winning classical duo to a rising comedy star. Part of the reason violence against Asian Americans has exploded in the face of rhetoric around Corona Virus and the rise in xenophobia is becasue Asians have always been marginalized and shut out of the cultural converation about what it is to be an American. Artists are on the front lines of visibility and speaking up for our community. By showing up and speaking up and practicing their art in a public way, AAPI artists are part of the inclusion of all of us and actively fight racism. 

I have assembled the best of the best and we intend to sing, dance, get crazy, have fun and celebrate our place in the cultural conversation.  Please come. Friends and family discount code: HELLOKITTY

To learn more and purchase tickets, please visit https://publictheater.org/productions/joes-pub/2022/d/disorientalism-part-2/

AABANY Celebrates 2021 Virtual Gala

On Wednesday, February 24, 2021, AABANY hosted its 2021 Virtual Gala: Uniting for Justice and Equity. 

The event kicked off at 6 pm with a Pre-Gala Virtual Cocktail Reception on Remo attended by sponsors and special guests, including prominent General Counsels and judges. At 6:30 pm, all Virtual Gala attendees were invited to enjoy a piano concert featuring AABANY Member Renee Yao.

The Virtual Gala started at 7 pm and Kate Siahaan-Riggs, NYC-based actor, stand up comic, and writer, served as emcee. Throughout the gala, AABANY held a text-to-donate fundraiser to support Portrait Project 2.0, the second phase of the Portrait Project study which is researching why Asian Americans are underrepresented in top leadership positions across all sectors of the legal profession and how it can be addressed.

This year AABANY was proud to honor:

Frank H. Wu, President of Queens College, the City University of New York, with the AABANY Impact Award

Sneha Desai, Deputy General Counsel Litigation of BASF Corporation, with the AABANY Women’s Leadership Award

Kirkland & Ellis LLP with the AABANY Law Firm Diversity Award

Ed Lee, AABANY Board Director and Partner at Kirkland & Ellis, accepted the Law Firm Diversity Award on behalf of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Honoree Sneha Desai delivered an acceptance speech, stressing the importance of individuals in leadership and influential positions to make positive change in diversity and inclusion. The Honorable Denny Chin, U.S. Circuit Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit, hosted a fireside chat with honoree Frank H,. Wu to discuss his career and the work he has accomplished.

In addition, we were also pleased to present the 2021 class of Don H. Liu Scholars: Narissa Ganpat, Minji Kim, and Minh Eric Le.

The Gala concluded with a tribute to Asian American photojournalist and historian Corky Lee who passed away in January due to COVID-19. Corky had taken photos of our past Annual Dinners from its earliest days until 2020.

We thank all of the AABANY Virtual Gala Planning Committee members and volunteers for their hard work in making this year’s celebration a huge success. 

We extend sincere thanks to all of our sponsors. Their generous sponsorships make it possible for us to pursue our mission to advance the interests of the Asian Pacific American (APA) legal community and the communities we serve and support our many activities and signature events throughout the year. 

Lastly, we thank everyone that attended the 2021 Virtual Gala and celebrated with us. Our Virtual Gala was streamed on Vimeo which reports that the gala drew 1,400 views. To watch the gala on You Tube, click here or on the image at the top of this blog. To view the Virtual Gala program book, click here.