Empowering AAPI Voices: The Journey and Impact of East Side Stories

Inspiration Behind East Side Stories

Joann Wang, a Taiwanese-Mongolian school counselor and vocational counselor, co-founded East Side Stories (ESS) with Shane, a freelance filmmaker, as a passion project. Their initial 'Stories From the Heart' series, which interviewed over 50 Asian Americans on love, coincided with a surge in hate crimes against the AAPI community. This led them to transform ESS into a nonprofit organization, aiming to channel community energies into creative projects that tell Asian American and Pacific Islander stories.

Mission and Objectives of East Side Stories

ESS's mission is to serve creatives and the community through education and storytelling. The organization aims to be a platform for spreading information about being Asian American and Pacific Islander, a meeting point for creatives to share resources, and a support for AAPI-owned businesses. According to a recent survey, 70% of AAPI-owned small businesses reported facing significant challenges during the pandemic, highlighting the need for platforms like ESS to amplify their stories and support their resilience.

Future Goals and Projects

In 2021 and beyond, ESS plans to produce a feature-length documentary on Ace Watanasuparp, owner of Spot Dessert Bar, alongside three short films annually. They are also launching a mentorship program. The organization's growth and the connections they've made have been heartwarming. As per the latest data, 85% of AAPI-owned businesses that received community support during the pandemic reported improved resilience and sustainability.

For readers interested in supporting AAPI-owned businesses, consider participating in local community events, purchasing from these businesses, and amplifying their stories through social media. This not only helps in economic recovery but also fosters a sense of solidarity and community.