Asian Prisoner Support Committee is proud to present ARRIVING: Freedom Writings of Asian and Pacific Islanders, now available for purchase.
This anthology of writings captures the lived experiences of incarcerated Asian Pacific Islanders in prison in hopes of bringing broader attention to the social injustices faced. It is the intent that their stories shed light on their struggles and experiences. Over 30 courageous voices intimately express the grief, love, and hope that accompany the journey to arriving--in a moment, in memory, in a home, in yourself. A project of the Asian Prisoner Support Committee, ARRIVING builds on APSC's first groundbreaking anthology, Other: an Asian & Pacific Islander Prisoner's Anthology published in 2007.
This anthology captures the lived experiences of incarcerated Asian Pacific Islanders in prison in hopes of bringing broader attention to this social injustice faced by APIs. We believe that these stories shed light on this pipeline, expose it, and interrupt it. However, shedding light on this issue is not enough. It is crucial that we take action to address the systemic racism and oppression that API communities face in the criminal legal system.
We must push for policies and reforms that prioritize rehabilitation and reintegration instead of punishment and exclusion. We must also work to change the narrative around APIs in the media and public discourse, recognizing the unique struggles and experiences they face.We hope this anthology will heal, inspire, and empower readers to take action, make change, and build solidarity with people impacted by the carceral system.
In its successful launch in Oakland, CA over 150 community members and families of the authors including drummers, dancers, book readers attended.
Formosa by Tien-Hsiang Mo
The chickens are anxious in their cages, their heads bobbing up and down, back and forth, waiting for their day of execution. The narrow street is lit with thousands of naked bulbs, strung up in crooked, zigzagging lines.
Spinning With the Earth by Kenny Lee
Remembering the summer days in our childhood, a truly beautiful place,
Mountains high and green, they reflect the colors in reality.
Song birds on the wind, trees in concert with the river and its gurgling voice.
From Surviving Systemic Violence to Liberating People from Prisons and ICE Detention by Ny Nourn
For anyone to survive nearly 16 years of incarceration immediately followed by ICE detention and the threat of deportation would be nothing short of a miracle. With 16,000 Southeast Asian refugees in the United States currently facing deportation, however, these conditions are far from uncommon.
Organizing for Freedom: An Interview with Charles “Bula” Joseph
I was granted parole and eventually released from CDCR on May 17th, the day after my birthday. I woke up at 4:00 a.m., made sure I had all my stuff that I was taking with me, and made a cup of coffee. And I waited and waited.
White World by Kamsan Suon
“It’s snowing! It’s snowing!” yelled Tom. I looked at him. He was a white American boy with blond hair and blue eyes. He sat a few rows to my right. Everyone in my first-grade class turned their heads and bodies the moment Tom yelled and looked at the windows behind me.
Video Vault Unlocked: Scenes From A Biopic by Hung T. Ly
“Over there!” yells the driver
in a Nissan coupe, pointing up in my direction.
An order prompts the front seat passenger to pull out a handgun.
In 2007, our organization helped to compile, edit, and self-publish “Other: an Asian & Pacific Islander Prisoners' Anthology.” This book has sold several thousand copies and has been taught in college classes across the nation in Ethnic Studies, Asian American Studies, and courses on the carceral system.
There is a limited quantity of availability, which can be purchased at Eastwind Books of Berkeley.