Kat Chow
Kat Chow is a reporter with NPR and a founding member of the Code Switch team. She is currently on sabbatical, working on her first book (forthcoming from Grand Central Publishing/Hachette). It's a memoir that digs into the questions about grief, race and identity that her mother's sudden death triggered when Kat was young.
For NPR, she's reported on what defines Native American identity, gentrification in New York City's Chinatown, and the aftermath of a violent hate crime. Her cultural criticism has led her on explorations of racial representation in TV, film, and theater; the post-election crisis that diversity trainers face; race and beauty standards; and gaslighting. She's an occasional fourth chair on Pop Culture Happy Hour, as well as a guest host on Slate's podcast The Waves. Her work has garnered her a national award from the Asian American Journalists Association, and she was an inaugural recipient of the Yi Dae Up fellowship at the Jack Jones Literary Arts Retreat. She has led master classes and spoken about her reporting in Amsterdam, Minneapolis, Valparaiso, Louisville, Boston and Seattle.
She's drawn to stories about race, gender and generational differences
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The law limited Chinese immigration and barred them from becoming naturalized U.S. citizens.
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The perception of universal success among Asian-Americans is being wielded to downplay racism's role in the persistent struggles of other minority groups — especially black Americans.
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First-time candidates are seeking offices across the country. And several nonprofits are helping American Muslims get involved in the political process.
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The Southern Poverty Law Center says there has been a rise in hate groups, including groups using anti-Muslim rhetoric. Some American Muslims are pushing back by running for office.
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After a scathing letter of resignation, only four people remain on the president's commission on Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders. It brings up broader questions of these task forces' efficacy.
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It's been a busy week on the race beat, to say the least. Here are some pieces from all across the internet that the Code Switch team especially dug.
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When you're hosting this symbol-rich holiday for the first time, how do you assume ownership of rituals you don't cherish?
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The Asian-American band's case, inextricably linked to the battle over a certain NFL team, leaves some activists torn. While inclined to stand with a fellow advocate, they wonder: At what cost?
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The Slants want to register its name, arguing they are reappropriating a slur against Asians. But some Asian Americans are conflicted about whether it is worth opening trademark law to disparagement.
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From two trials that reveal much about Charleston, S.C., beyond its churches to a hard look at President Obama's record on race relations, some stories you shouldn't miss from the front lines of race.