The One with Melanie

The One with Dr. Davorn Sisavath

In today's podcast, we are joined by Dr. Davorn Sisavath, who is an assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology and the Asian American Studies Program at California State University, Fresno. She received her Ph.D. in Ethnic Studies at UC San Diego and has received several awards, including the UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship and the UC Human Rights Fellowship. We delve into her dissertation titled, "Wasteland the Social and Environmental Impact of U.S. Militarism in Laos," addressing the absence of the Secret War and environmental racism in Cold War histories. Racism towards Asian Americans isn't new during light of the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone is becoming more aware now because of it. Dr. Davorn Sisavath discusses this and more within today's podcast.

The One with Bao

What is health equity? And what do the arts have to do with it? Check out our next episode with Bao Xiong, who works with the California Health Collaborative, as she speaks about the different programs and experiences she's had working in the health equity field. Also a correction to note: Dr. Anthony Fauci is the Director of NIAID, and not the CDC.

The One with Pa Houa

In today’s episode, we speak with IQS (Isolation Quarantine Support) extraordinaire, Pa Houa Vang, who works with our CEP (COVID-19 Equity Project) team at FIRM. She shares a little bit about her experiences growing up in Fresno, and her work in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks for joining us and as always, follow us on our social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok) @firmunity or visit our website at firminc.org.

The One with Belle

On this week’s episode, we sit down with Belle, one of FIRM’s staff who works with our Youth Advocates. Listen to her stories and experiences as she talks about being a young Hmong Fresnan woman working to address oppression, and her work with organizing last Saturday’s Community Vigil honoring the 8 lives lost in Atlanta. COVID-19 has coincided with a huge spike of anti-Asian racism, something that existed before COVID-19 and most likely will continue, until we address white supremacy.

The One with Melanie

Podcast In today's podcast, we're joined by Melanie who was raised right across the street from FIRM in the Summer Set Village apartments. We talk about her experiences growing up in Summer Set, as well as how the rise of anti-Asian violence and racism since the pandemic has impacted our communities, especially in light of COVID-19. We also address some myths about the COVID-19 vaccines with the information provided by the California Department of Public Health. To report anti-Asian racist attacks & harassment, visit: www.standagainsthatred.org or call 1-844-9-NO-HATE. If you are looking for a local Fresno area resource, you can contact FIRM at firminc.org. Just remember, if you've experienced harassment or racism, you're not alone. And there's something we can do.