On Thursday, Oct. 19, Cal State Fullerton’s Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) hosted its second guest speaker event in College Park 450 at 5 p.m.
This event was intended to spread awareness that everyone should celebrate and be proud of their origin. As well as discuss how to help the Asian American community find their voice when no one pays attention.
The guest speaker for this evening was Michael Tamsuriyamit, who is based in New York and works as a multimedia journalist, filmmaker and storyteller. He worked for several news stations, including WABC-TV, Localish, CUNY TV and BuzzFeed News. His ultimate goal is to narrate stories for those who deserve to be heard and understood. He believes many unheard stories and unique people should be telecast, whether viewers watch locally or internationally.
Tamsuriyamit was invited through Zoom, so the accommodation was convenient and appropriate since students had a choice of whether they could attend in person or virtually.
AAJA’s event coordinator, Isaiah Mallari, interviewed Tamsuriyamit about his accomplishments. From his experience, he said one of his favorite jobs was working for the show “Asian American Life.” This show is a multiple Emmy-nominated news magazine program that addresses topics such as news, features and celebrities as well as highlighting Asian American communities nationwide and profiles Asian American leaders; “Asian American Life” airs on CUNY TV.
AAJA’s president, Kirsten Maglunog, shared a clip where last year, Tamsuriyamit worked as an intern in one of the episodes called “Taekwondo Family,” where the episode showcased Korean-American college student and instructor Hailey Ra, teaching taekwondo to all ages groups. As the pandemic occurred, people were forbidden to go outside, meaning students could not go in person. Students were disappointed and sad not being able to see their instructor, Ra, or their peers.
However, the pandemic did not prevent Ra from reaching her students; instead, she continued to teach them virtually, where they could train one another. She wanted to ensure that her students were more connected than ever. Tamsuriyamit felt compelled and inspired, which led to her story being covered and televised.
The event continued with more essential questions and clips focusing on Filipino Americans. Tamsuriyamit highlighted the ones in New York and their constant battle to have their own little identity and place. Communities such as Koreatown, Vietnam Town, and Chinatown have their own streets and cultures to share with families and friends. Despite all the cultural differences, they still want to come together.
One video clip focused on a mother and daughter and her community receiving their own street called “Little Manilla.” The documentary was produced and directed by Tamsuriyamit and received much praise from the audience. He believed that by collecting the right sources and treating people as humans, the world would become less complicated and journalism easier.
Students still had questions they wanted to hear, but the event wrapped up. However, the good news was that Tamsuriyamit provided his Linktree and LinkedIn so students could connect with him.
