NBC4 News Highlights AAPI Heritage Month Stories on Doctors, Pulitzer Photographer, Diversity and History

On AAPI Heritage Month, NBC4 News brought viewers a series of stories that celebrate the community’s contributions and confront its history.

Doctors Make a Difference

Tony Shin reports for the NBC4 News on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, about a local Vietnamese American who is filling the void of doctors in the Inland Empire. The segment highlights his dedication to serving underserved patients and the impact of his work on community health. Viewers see how one individual can make a difference in a region facing a shortage of medical professionals.

AAPI Photographer Wins Pulitzer Prize

San Gabriel photojournalist Ringo Chiu has been on the front-lines of some of the biggest events in recent SoCal history, and his photographs capturing those moments are being recognized around the world. Beverly White reports for the NBC4 News at 11 p.m. on May 6, 2022, about Chiu’s Pulitzer Prize and his career. The story showcases how visual storytelling can bring global attention to local experiences.

Cerritos Celebrates City Council Diversity

In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, Angie Crouch reports for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on May 2, 2022, about local Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who are making a difference in their communities. The segment focuses on the city council’s diversity initiatives and the leaders who shape local policy. It underscores the importance of representation in public office.

Federal Task Force Tackles Anti-Asian Hate

May 3 is declared AAPI LA Day. Ted Chen reports for the NBC4 News on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, about a federal task force dedicated to combating anti-Asian hate. The segment outlines the task force’s goals and the steps taken to protect Asian communities. It highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and support.

Meet Pedro Flores, the Filipino Innovator Who Made Yo-Yos ‘sleep’

When Pedro Flores came to the U.S. in 1915, he saw an opportunity to turn the yo-yo into a best seller. The Filipino businessman added a key innovation that allowed the yo-yo to “sleep,” transforming it into a worldwide toy. The NBC4 News story, aired on May 5, 2022, explores Flores’s contribution to AAPI heritage and the lasting impact of his invention.

Why AAPI Heritage Matters

“Olivia Rodrigo, Kamala Harris and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson are all proud to be AAPI,” the segment notes, highlighting the prominence of AAPI figures in entertainment and politics. The story explains that AAPI people are the fastest growing racial group in the U.S. and have played pivotal roles in the nation’s history. It encourages viewers to recognize and celebrate this growing community.

A Look Back in History: LA’s Chinatown was Site of Lynchings Against Chinese-Americans

More than 150 years ago, a great injustice against Chinese-born residents of Los Angeles made headlines, in part because of the sheer brutality it demonstrated. The segment reminds viewers that many Angelenos are unaware of this past. It serves as a call to remember and learn from history.

Key Takeaways

• A local Vietnamese American doctor is addressing a critical shortage in the Inland Empire.
• Pulitzer-winning photographer Ringo Chiu’s work brings global attention to SoCal events.
• The federal task force and local leaders are actively combating anti-Asian hate.

The NBC4 News series offers a comprehensive look at AAPI contributions, challenges, and history, inviting viewers to engage with the community’s rich heritage and ongoing struggles.