America

Although the memories I have of my childhood in China are painful to think about because they remind me of the home I miss so much, holding on to them is the only way to get through it. They remind me of how grateful I should be to have had a home that was filled with love and happiness.

When the campfire goes out, and you’re hanging out alone in the woods with a friend or two or maybe even alone … what do you think that noise was?

Shortly before leaving for college, I cut off my hair, replaced all my clothes and began going by a gender-neutral variant of my given name. I was unprepared for the transitions that would follow.

My parents always supported my journey as a baseball player, and I am appreciative that they did so. Perhaps if they did not, I would not have had such a passion for baseball. This same passion brings me hope when I see signs indicating more involvement of South Asian representation in American sports.

I wonder where Black people can live in the United States that allows us to prosper, make change, feel safe and connect with a grounded community and culture. More importantly, can Black people explore a life that is not defined by the oppression that we’ve endured and continue to suffer from?

For millions of new Americans, sports aren’t accessible. I struggled to adapt and I’m from just across the border. Now imagine coming from halfway around the world.

When you see my name on a name tag or written somewhere, I get that you’ll likely use the English pronunciation. You can’t know how I say my name until I tell you.

On display at the De Young Museum in San Francisco until Nov. 27, “Faith Ringgold: American People” walks viewers through Ringgold’s artistic evolution.

From the intersections of Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Wooley Street to Adeline and Alcatraz, Berkeley and Oakland residents took the streets for the 35th annual Berkeley Juneteenth Festival on Saturday. 

Though writing Korean dramas isn’t exactly Muhly’s niche, his sweeping scores are a testament to his versatility.