Asian American Stories 2025 Video Contest – A Message from Diana Ding
As I sat down to watch all 93 entries for the “Asian American Stories Video Contest”, I laughed, cried, and was deeply moved by the incredible tapestry of shared experiences. Each story was a testament to our community’s resilience, creativity, and heart—proof that our narratives are not just important but essential to the fabric of America.
Here is the link:
You can watch the videos at the following link: http://contestants.aastories.org/contestants-2025
This year’s contest brought together voices spanning over 20 ethnic groups, from Filipino, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Indian, Cambodian, Japanese, and more, reflecting the beautiful diversity of our diaspora. The youngest storyteller was 9 years old, while our eldest contributor was 102—a reminder that our stories transcend generations. These videos came from every corner of the nation, from Silicon Valley to Kansas, Hawaii to New York, and even across oceans, tying together immigrant journeys and the legacies we build here.
What struck me most were the themes of sacrifice, courage, and quiet heroism. There was Grant Han, a teenager preserving the history of Chinese American pioneer Thomas Foon Chew; Eva Jones, who shares the aloha spirit through hula to dissolve loneliness; and Mr. Fu, the baker whose pastries carry the taste of tradition and love. We saw Vicki Manalo Draves, the Olympian who broke barriers, and Amanda Nguyen, who turned her trauma into nationwide legal reforms for survivors.
Some stories celebrated unsung institutions, like the Chinese Hospital, which has protected its community for 125 years, and Angel Island, where the walls still whisper the struggles of detained immigrants. Others highlighted ordinary acts of extraordinary kindness—Ghino Lee’s mother, who helps Korean seniors navigate legal hurdles, and Rowena Chow, who at 90 teaches her neighbors to craft dragons, weaving cultural pride into every brushstroke.
And then there were the young voices, like Shinyee Tang, whose painting reimagines the Statue of Liberty as an Asian woman radiating golden hope, and middle schoolers from SFHSA, who tenderly documented their teacher’s immigrant journey. These stories remind us that our history is not just something we inherit but actively shape.
This contest reaffirmed why Asian American Stories matters. In a time when our communities face rising discrimination, erasure, and the pressure to conform, claiming our narratives is an act of resistance and healing. These videos are more than memories; they are blueprints for the future, showing what’s possible when we honor our roots while forging new paths.
To our donors and supporters: None of this would exist without you. You’ve given us the tools to amplify these voices and say, “We belong here. Our stories matter.” And to our committee members: Your dedication ensures these stories are heard, celebrated, and preserved.
As I wiped away tears—sometimes from laughter, sometimes from profound gratitude—I kept thinking: This is the gift we give America—not just our labor or our art, but our humanity. It proves that our struggles and joys are woven into this nation’s identity.
With deepest thanks,
Diana
Chair, Asian American Stories
P.S. If you haven’t watched the entries, I urge you to. They will renew your faith in the power of storytelling—and the power of us.
