Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month: Part 3

IN CONVERSATION WITH ASIAN AMERICAN PACIFIC ISLANDER LEADERS

Community
May 2021

Three different customized trucker jacketsThree different customized trucker jackets

In recognition of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage month, we chatted with community leaders, inviting them to share their stories and leave their mark on one of the most American garments out there: the Trucker Jacket. These custom creations will be housed at the Levi’s® Archives, where they’ll act as a reminder of the past, reflection of the present and celebration of the future we hope to build.

Photographs by Justin Chung.

ERIC NAM

Singer, songwriter, television host and entrepreneur

A portrait shot of ERIC NAM

How do you navigate the intersection of being American, Korean American and a K-POP star?

I’ve started to say that I am American, Korean and Korean American. This allows me to be unapologetically all three—because I am all three. There are learnings and traits from each and every one of these identities that make me who I am, as a person and as an artist. I feel that AAPIs share this experience of being third culture kids, which is an identity in and of itself. And while it may have been confusing because we never belonged in a single category, this is something that is so unique to our upbringing. While the events that we endure as we navigate identity may be painful, isolating and difficult, this experience is one that pulls all of us together and one that I believe we should reclaim so that we can feel empowered by these identities. We have a rich culture, history and heritage that is so beautiful and unique to us. We should be emboldened by sitting at this intersection. I am. This also allows me to boldly create music and art within K-pop, but also outside of it as well. My difficulty in finding my own “category” has allowed me to boldly take on any category, should I choose to do so.

You were born and raised in Atlanta, but moved to South Korea to pursue your music career. Why?

I rarely saw AAPI musicians on screen or in mainstream culture growing up in the States. Even today, we’re fighting for more representation and opportunities for the AAPI community. In Korea and Asia, there are musicians, actors, artists and creatives that affect and push global culture and society forward, and they are INCREDIBLE. Moving to Korea and seeing these amazing artists inspired me to dream of a future and career in which I was pursuing music, TV and film. All of a sudden, what had always seemed impossible to me in the States was now possible. The only things that stopped me from opportunity were my own limitations in skill and language. It wasn’t about my race or how I looked, but more about the quality of my work. I doubt I would have had any of those opportunities had I not moved to Korea. Even today, I feel like I’m here taking part in this campaign and leveraging my platform to speak up on these issues and contribute to the conversations because I was able to start my career in Korea, and for that I am forever grateful.

How do you strike a balance between embracing your roots within your art and not letting it define you as an artist?

I don’t think I particularly focus on my roots when I am creating. I create for personal satisfaction, and the process of creating for myself allows me to embrace who I am—not only as a creative, but my core as a person, which by definition naturally includes my roots. This is also the best way for my fans and listeners to see and understand who I am in my purest form. Thus, I am able to define myself on my own terms.

a customized trucker jacketa customized trucker jacket

What’s the inspiration behind your custom Trucker Jacket?

The past year of COVID-related stress has been compounded with fear and anxiety, particularly for the AAPI community as hate crimes have skyrocketed. Thus, I wanted to create something to convey optimism and hope. I felt like simple flowers drive that message across and I wanted them to stand out through the use of unconventional colors and embroidery. The words “PROUD TO BE” emphasize a feeling of pride and positive affirmation of identifying as AAPI. And I included “21,” as I believe that this will be a pivotal year in AAPI history (and to manifest into the world the hopes that 2021 will have had an overwhelmingly positive impact on our collective futures.) Finally, the letters from the Korean alphabet, which phonetically represent Levi’s®, are a reference to my Korean American heritage.

In light of increased anti-Asian racism, what words of wisdom would you share with folks who are struggling to get through these times?

No words can make this constant fear and anxiety go away or get any better. However, I’d like to share words of encouragement to remind you that you are strong, you are beautiful and you and I should be proud to be AAPI. We should not live in fear. We should live loud. Never—ever—apologize to anyone for being who you are, the way you are. Fighting hate, discrimination and racism is something that we have always done, and we will continue to do so now, more than ever before.

RUSSELL JEUNG

Professor of Asian American Studies at San Francisco State University and co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate
a portrait shot of RUSSELL JEUNG

AAPI is such a broad term that encompasses so many different identities and experiences. What are your roots? What’s your family’s American story?

I’m a fifth-generation Chinese American, so a lot of key incidents in Asian American history—the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act, Angel Island immigration, Japanese American incarceration, Fall of the I-Hotel, Southeast Asian refugee resettlement—impacted my personal family story. I grew up in San Francisco, in an Asian American subculture. My friends were English-speaking Filipino, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese Americans who played basketball in the Richmond District and listened to KSOL.

Prior to the rise of anti-AAPI hate crimes, a lot of Americans thought AAPI communities no longer experienced racism. How is anti-Asian racism systemic in this country?

History repeats itself. In the past, other Americans blamed Asians for epidemics, attacked us and imposed racist policies such as the Chinese Exclusion Act. COVID-19 brought the same pattern. Politicians blamed the Chinese for the disease, other Americans harassed and assaulted Asians in the U.S., and the administration imposed immigration policies that excluded Asians. Last year, the administration extended the Muslim ban, banned Chinese researchers and students, suspended migration visas, cut refugee resettlement, and cut H1-B visas. Each of these policies sought to exclude Asians as outside threats to America’s national security and health.

Instead of fight or flight, we need to flock. By flocking, we gain solace as we grieve. By flocking, we gain the strength of community. By flocking, we amplify our voice to get the attention of policy-makers.

RUSSELL JEUNG

a customized trucker jacketa customized trucker jacket

What’s the inspiration behind your custom Trucker Jacket?

I’m so honored to design a family Trucker. My theme is “Six Generations for Equity and Justice.” I want to share not only the systemic racism that each generation of my family has faced, but also the legacy of resistance that I see in my family. History repeats itself. Asians have long faced racism, but we have long fought for justice, too.

In light of increased anti-Asian racism, what words of wisdom would you share with folks who are struggling to get through these times?

In response to racism, Asian Americans can go into fight or flight mode. We can arm ourselves and fight back, or we can flee and keep our families inside. I encourage us to deal with fear differently. Instead of fight or flight, we need to flock. By flocking, we gain solace as we grieve. By flocking, we gain the strength of community. By flocking, we amplify our voice to get the attention of policy-makers. By flocking, we gain racial healing, so that we can then heal others.

JUSTIN H. MIN

Actor

a portrait shot of JUSTIN H. MIN

How has being Korean American informed how you experience the entertainment industry?

My Korean American identity is inextricably tied to the ways in which I experience the entertainment industry. Acting is most often a visual medium, so my racial identity affects the work I do every day. When people see me in front of a camera, they don’t just see a nondescript person; they see an Asian face with Asian eyes and an Asian body. Fortunately, in 2021, I can celebrate and lean into those differences as we progress toward a more inclusive, diverse media landscape that accurately reflects the multicultural world we live in today.

“Asian American is not two halves becoming a whole; it’s two distinct entities forming something entirely new.”

JUSTIN H. MIN

A customized trucker jacket

What’s the inspiration behind your custom Trucker Jacket?

With my jacket, I wanted to capture the messiness that often comes with possessing dual identities. The two shades of denim represent the Asian and American parts of myself. The geometric shapes, inspired by traditional Korean prints and fabrics, further elaborate on this theme by depicting how the two identities interact and relate to one another. Asian American is not two halves becoming a whole; it’s two distinct entities forming something entirely new.

In light of increased anti-Asian racism, what words of wisdom would you share with folks who are struggling to get through these times?

If I’ve learned anything during these times, it’s that everyone processes trauma differently. So give yourself the time and space to process in your own way, and don’t let anyone tell you how you should feel. Go for a walk, binge a show (The Umbrella Academy, maybe), talk to friends, take a bath, make art—do whatever you need to do for you.

PAUL OCAMPO

a portrait shot of PAUL OCAMPO

What’s your family’s American story?

I was born in the Philippines, in a small city called Cavite, and came to America at the age of eleven. My family and I left the Philippines during the twilight of the Marcos dictatorship to seek opportunities for a better life. We were fortunate to have relatives in America to help us acclimate. My aunt was part of the first wave of trained medical professionals in the Philippines to immigrate to the U.S. in the late 1960s to help fill the shortage of nurses. Growing up in America, I struggled to fit in. Manila, with its constant bustle and noisy streets, had been the only home I ever knew, and I yearned for the warmth and laughter of my grandparents and the friends I left behind. I inhabited this quiet space, constrained by my limited grasp of English. People made fun of my accent, so I worked hard to fix it to be accepted and close the distance of my proximity to whiteness through language. But I quickly realized that the sense of belonging and acceptance I desired was untenable, fragile. As a result, during my first few years in America, years of critical formation, I retreated into myself and my imagination. And retreating resonated within my other identity: being gay and in the closet.

How has this identity shaped you and your career?

As I reflect on the long process of accepting my identity as a first-generation, queer Filipino American, it seems like my whole life has been a constant struggle and journey of coming out. I now don’t take for granted coming out as gay, as an artist, or as an activist—coming out has been a process that enabled me to know myself more deeply. Each stage of acceptance led to another, and ultimately, to where I am today. Full acceptance of my complete self, living my life on my own terms, is the song of myself.

What’s Advancing Justice – Asian Law Caucus’ (ALC) mission and work?

ALC was founded in 1972 on the heels of the Civil Rights Movement as the nation’s first civil rights and legal nonprofit serving the AAPI community. Our mission is to defend, protect and promote the civil rights of this community. And our vision is to create a democratic society where race, class, national origin and immigration status are not barriers to thriving. Through workers rights, housing rights, immigrant rights, criminal justice reform, national security & civil rights, and voting rights programs, we strive to achieve economic security, racial equity, and immigrant justice.

How do you feel about the ‘model minority’ myth?

The ‘model minority’ myth, the pervasive narrative that AAPIs have universally achieved a high level of success through hard work and assimilation compared to other racial and ethnic groups, is a double-edged sword. The key word here is sword—something that divides people. In a good economy, the AAPI community reaps the benefits and the privilege of being portrayed as a successful racial demographic, notwithstanding critical issues like poverty and income inequality within the community. But at the same time, this image is used to cast other racial and ethnic groups in a bad light. This myth also becomes a tool to foment anti-Blackness within the AAPI community. In bad times, like the pandemic, we are scapegoated and seen as “the Other,” the perpetual foreigner. In both cases, we have to see the ‘model minority’ frame for what it is: a pernicious lie told to uphold white supremacy and anti-Black racism.

Aside from the rise in racist attacks, how has the pandemic disproportionately impacted the AAPI community?

The pandemic exposed the glaring income inequality in the AAPI community, now the most economically divided group in the country. Of the 20 million AAPIs in the U.S., 2 million are essential workers. Unemployment in our communities increased by 450% at the beginning of the pandemic. 75% of Asian-owned businesses had no access to COVID relief. In response to some critical challenges resulting from the pandemic, we quickly secured the release of community members in immigration detention who were vulnerable to COVID-19. As one of the very few organizations providing deportation and detention defense for AAPI immigrants, ALC continues to challenge the deportations of formerly incarcerated Cambodian and Vietnamese refugees. We also assist limited-English-proficient community members apply for unemployment benefits and provide legal assistance and Know Your Rights information to elderly and other vulnerable tenants during the pandemic, and are anticipating a deluge of cases when the eviction moratorium is lifted.

We have to see the ‘model minority’ frame for what it is: a pernicious lie told to uphold white supremacy and anti-Black racism.

PAUL OCAMPO

a customized trucker jacketa customized trucker jacket

What’s the inspiration behind your custom Trucker Jacket?

When U.S. troops left the Philippines at the end of World War II, hundreds of jeeps were refurbished as cheap passenger utility vehicles, each unique with its own bright colors, designs and decals, ranging from religious icons to nationalist symbols. Growing up, I’d hail the jeepney that had the most vibrant colors and eccentric designs. I imagined that this jacket was my own personal jeepney to be adorned with designs and decals that reflect my identity today: the sun from the Philippine flag and a smattering of red and blue in honor of the motherland; silver patches to reflect the jeepney; a whimsical design of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, with the quote “On ne voit bien qu’avec le coeur,” from The Little Prince to represent my Catholic upbringing, and because I truly believe that one only sees with the heart rightly. This novella is also symbolized by the image of the airplane, reflecting my migration experience. The jacket also references my idols, Jose Rizal—national hero of the Philippines, first demonstrated for me the power of a story, of kwento, to effect social change—and James Baldwin, who inspired me to examine my role as a racial justice advocate more deeply and opened up my understanding that the Asian American identity, a social construct, exists only in relation to anti-Blackness.

PREETI MISTRY

Chef, entrepreneur and author of The Juhu Beach Club Cookbook
a portrait shot of PREETI MISTRY

ou’re a second-generation Indian, British-born, queer and non-binary immigrant. How do you navigate the intersection of these identities—both as a chef and person?

It’s an interesting and unique space that not a lot of people occupy. I think it’s been challenging and not without its continued hurdles, but that’s also what gives me a different perspective than others. Thus, I feel like in that way it’s an advantage because I just see things in ways other people don’t.

How has your background informed your craft?

Because there’s no box you can put me in…or because I check so many boxes, I’m able to “think outside the box.” I do what feels right and go with my gut, because that’s what’s worked in the past—not living up to someone else’s expectations or validation.

In your opinion, how can people embrace other cuisines without being appropriative and exploitative?

The most important thing is respecting the culture the food is from. Also, acknowledging that you may not be an expert or know everything about another cuisine is a good start.

“Find joy in the solidarity of all BIPOC folks, so we can lift each other up.”

PREETI MISTRY

A customized trucker jacket featuring yellow background and a tiger

What’s the inspiration behind your custom Trucker Jacket?

Well, I think the first thing was incorporating some of my favorite colors that really embody an Indian aesthetic. I love how bright pinks and orange are used with no abandon in Indian design and clothing. In India, pink isn’t strictly a feminine color—it’s used everywhere and often in more masculine designs. I wanted some embroidered mirror work, because it’s an extremely old—like centuries old!!—technique and style used throughout India. The tiger represents strength and courage, and has always been one of my favorite animals (I even have a tattoo). Many Hindu goddesses are depicted riding a tiger to symbolize their power. Finally, I wanted to incorporate something that spoke to our food culture. Curry leaves are so beautiful and such an integral part of so many regions of India’s varied cuisines.

In light of increased anti-Asian racism, what words of wisdom would you share with folks who are struggling to get through these times?

Recognize all this hatred comes from white supremacy and don’t let that systemic racism pit us against each other. Find joy in the solidarity of all BIPOC folks, so we can lift each other up.

SEAN LEQUANG

Designer

a portrait shot of SEAN LEQUANG

What’s your family’s American story?

I am a Vietnamese American born in California. Like many other Vietnamese families, my family’s American story is one that is filled with strength, humility and sacrifice. In 1975, the turning point of the Vietnam War, my family had to leave Saigon for a better life, as a result of losing almost everything: friends, family and their homes. My last name comes from my family changing my original last name from “Le” to “LeQuang” to help keep track of our family members in case they got separated after leaving Vietnam. My father’s family was fostered in Honolulu before moving to California. My mother, the strongest person I know, made her way from Vietnam, losing touch with some of her family on the way to America, where she met my father. I can only imagine. Like many other Vietnamese children, I have much love and respect for the parents who came to America because of the war. I will never forget my family’s history—it is the reason I am here today.

What can people do to support their AAPI friends, colleagues, and neighbors in their everyday lives?

Support AAPI micro-communities in your area! Embrace your AAPI connections by being open to their cultures and traditions. I believe one of the best ways to support is by way of food. Sharing a meal of someone’s culture can give you a way to not only enjoy their cuisine but engage in a conversation about their families, history, and memories.

What’s the inspiration behind your custom Trucker Jacket?

I wanted to take something from the Vietnam War and make it into a meaningful piece. I recreated a Type II Trucker Jacket with vintage USA military sleeping bags from the war. I used the Levi’s® Orange Tab worn in the ’60s to ’70s, when protests and anti-war demonstrations were going on in America. I want to show people that as a child of immigrant parents, I can be at this point in life and create something out of a negative situation from generations ago and bring it into a new meaning. I made this jacket with my own two hands, cutting and sewing the pieces together. I’ve struggled against social norms to be where I am today, and I hope Asian American kids can see this and be inspired to pursue their own dreams. This jacket represents who I am today and acknowledges the sacrifice and will to survive my family has endured.
detailed shots of a customized levi's trucker jacketdetailed shots of a customized levi's trucker jacket

To read the stories of AAPI members of the Levi’s® community, check out our interviews (complete with stacks of customized jackets!) with our employees and Design team.

Have your own AAPI story to tell? Customize it yourself or recruit the expertise of a Levi’s® tailor.