As someone who has advocated strongly for Asian American representation in media as well as passage of the Adoptee Citizenship Act, I wanted to support Justin Chon’s Blue Bayou film. Although skeptical about a non-adoptee leading this project, I hoped they had done the proper legwork and community outreach to tell this critical story…
I Bought a New Ukulele
I bought a new ukulele this week. She arrived today, in pristine (albeit, out-of-tune) condition. I upgraded from my beloved “Surf Green” Fender Venice Soprano with which I first learned to play. One of many new pandemic hobbies picked up over the past year. I chose this particular model, because it came…
Hello Blog, My Old Friend
Dearest Blog, What a strange season it has been. Despite my prolonged absence, I have not forgotten you. Since the beginning of this journey, you’ve housed so many memories. Given me a space to look back and reflect. Lately though, I’ve been learning how to be present. And imagining my future. The…
J.L. Chow Was Here
J.In 1874, J.L. Chow opened Chow Chow Laundry at 904 Elm Street. He was the first person of Asian descent to be listed in the city directories. By 1891, 41/49 laundries in Dallas were Chinese-owned. Fueled by decades of bigotry, a propaganda campaign was initiated against Chinese laundries by White competitors. The…
Carroll ISD, Do The Right Thing.
I was racing against the clock at Wednesday night’s Carroll ISD school board meeting. Here is the full text of what I originally prepared: My name is Stephanie Drenka, and I graduated from Southlake Carroll Senior High School in 2004. Some of your children may have been lucky enough to have my…
Where is Jue Lee Hong?
Earlier this month, I went on an expedition to find the burial site of Jue Lee Hong, a Chinese laundry proprietor, whose tombstone was the last remaining Chinese grave marker in Greenwood cemetery. The story of Chinese laundrymen in Dallas was a huge part of my @DallasTRHT research, and I wanted to pay respect…