Comcast and the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) San Francisco Bay Area chapter are collaborating to launch Rising with the Tides, a new storytelling project designed to provide a platform for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) storytellers.
Since the COVID-19 crisis began, there has been a troubling increase in anti-Asian sentiment and hate crimes targeting Asian Americans. In addition, Pacific Islanders have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, and journalists across the country have faced furloughs, layoffs, and other economic hardships. A key goal of this new storytelling project is to counter that negativity with a series of stories that uplift and honor the AAPI community and support the journalists who cover it.
Between today and July 10, journalists will have the opportunity to submit story ideas about the AAPI community that explore themes of “resilience” and “solidarity.” This project also launches at a critical moment of continuing to dismantle racism and anti-blackness in America. Rising with the Tides especially welcomes stories that speak to this urgency and explore themes of resilience and solidarity between the AAPI and Black communities.
“What began as an idea to extend the celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander stories beyond APA Heritage Month has become an effort to reflect on the true meaning of solidarity,” said Lauren Kawana, President at AAJA-SF. “We are living in a time of extreme uncertainty and unrest. When faced with adversity, we all need to find our voice – and offer hope to others. We envision this storytelling initiative as a way to support local journalists and amplify the stories we all need to hear as we continue to do the work to lift each other up.”
AAJA-SF will select and award up to 10 finalists with a stipend ranging from $500 to $1,000 each to produce a piece in any medium, including print, audio, photo or video. Pitch submissions are open to students and working journalists in the Bay Area, with special consideration being given to AAJA-SF members and journalists impacted by furloughs or layoffs. Journalists will have approximately one month to work on their stories. Three winners will have the chance for their story to be featured on NBC’s Asian Pacific America show.
For more information on the project and guidelines, please visit aajasf.org