This Thursday NABEA members gathered for our largest Washington DC happy hour yet. Members met at Crimson Whiskey Bar in Chinatown and had a great time getting to know one another.

In The Politics of Who Can Say What and Why, NABEA member and Princeton PhD candidate Jessica LeGare led a roundtable discussion on her work with postwar censorship and literature in Japan, as well as answered questions on how the topic relates to and differs from more recent times.

The State of Racial Discourse in China focused on attempting to assess the mainstream understanding of race and racial identity within China and reflecting on how the gaps between American and Chinese perceptions of these issues may continue to impact how Beijing is viewed abroad.

In China & The Caribbean, Rasheed Griffith, host of the ‘China in the Caribbean Podcast‘, discussed the evolution and implication of the US-China-Caribbean relationship amid China’s increased development finance provided under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Black Identity in the Context of Chinese History explored how China’s culture and history relate to Black identity and the broader understanding of race. Panelists also provided insight into how being in China can shape views of one’s own Black identity.

In response to an influx of mainstream attention brought to anti-Asian hate crimes and violence, Hurdles to Solidarity Between Black & Asian Racial Advocacy Movements was an interactive discussion led by NABEA leadership member Tabatha Anderson on what continues to wedge Black and Asian Americans apart on issues related to racial justice.

This co-sponsored conversation with US JETAA and author Karen Hill Anton celebrated the publication of her latest book, The View from Breast Pocket Mountain. The event featured an introduction to the book, Karen reading a book excerpt, and a Q&A session.

Aimed at current undergraduate and graduate students, Studying Abroad in Asia provided a view into the wide ranging possibilities of studying abroad in Asia. Attendees heard humorous anecdotes about panelists’ experiences living in a variety of countries in Asia and got first-hand insight into the many internship and career opportunities available for those interested in traveling to Asia.

How does Chinese society society define racial identity? How do you engage with people that do not understand the history of African-Americans, or see yourself in Chinese society?

In Taiwan in Hindsight: How History Shapes Policy Today, host and NABEA member Shahn Savino led attendees through the important aspects of Taiwanese history, setting the state for a discussion during which members learned from each other about the ways today’s policies on the island have been shaped by past events. This was the second event in the NABEA Conversations series.

Given the increased interest in careers in government on the political appointment career path during government transition periods, NABEA hosted an event on how the political appointment process works. The event helped attendees better understand political appointment careers and the political appointment process through three experts who have experience participating in the process and have served at senior levels of government.