ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Season 2, Episode 5: "Alliances"
Episode Overview:In this episode, host jei presents raw, unedited, straight-through interviews centered on solidarity, shared experiences, and dismantling systemic oppression across minority communities. Featuring author and speaker Sheena Yap Chan alongside Amy Lynn, Episode 5 examines the model minority myth, the historical erasure of Asian and Black histories, gender parity, and the collective strength required to build true inter-community alliances. Featuring original musical excerpts written by Jei from BAS (co-created with Sugar Vendil).
Featured Guests
Sheena Yap Chan - Author, speaker, and advocate for Asian women's representation and empowerment.
- Amy Lynn - Cultural advocate and speaker on identity and community solidarity.
Featured Music & Performance Pieces
"Who Are You?" - Written and performed by jei (Excerpt from BAS, co-created with Sugar Vendil).
- "More Than Their Names" - Written and performed by jei (Excerpt from BAS, co-created with Sugar Vendil).
Key Discussion Topics & Timestamps
00:00 - Episode Introduction & Framing: Setting the stage for unedited, raw dialogues on cross-cultural solidarity.
00:35 - Interview with Sheena Yap Chan: Unpacking Asian American & Asian-Canadian experiences, anti-Asian hate, the model minority myth, and cross-racial solidarity with Black communities.
14:50 - Segment Wrap: Sheena Yap Chan dialogue concludes.
15:12 - Performance Excerpt: "Who Are You?" written and performed by jei (from BAS, co-created with Sugar Vendil)
17:00 - Interview with Amy Lynn: Facing cultural expectations, navigating dual identities, and bridging the gap between Western perception and lived experience
27:00 - Performance Excerpt: "More Than Their Names" written and performed by jei (from BAS, co-created with Sugar Vendil)
CREDITS:
- Music & Text Credits: Musical excerpts "Who Are You?" and "More Than Their Names" written by jei from BAS (co-created with Sugar Vendil).
- Patreon: Join for full poems, original songs, and exclusive bonus content at patreon.com/cw/janellawrence
- Substack: https://substack.com/@whatdidjeisay
- Written, edited, and produced by Janelle / jei Lawrence.
- Understanding the history of tension between the Black and Asian communities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EK-0kgjlQk
- https://janellemaireblog.wordpress.com/2023/01/04/the-voice-of-one/
