Remy Kageyama
In our fast-paced world where cultures blend and personal stories often get lost in the noise, the importance of preserving heritage becomes paramount. The Pacific Citizen, the official newspaper of the Japanese American Citizens League, plays a crucial role in this endeavor, serving not just as a newspaper but also as a vibrant thread weaving through the fabric of our families, communities and collective history.
Representing the stories and people of the oldest and largest AAPI civil rights organization in the United States, the Pacific Citizen has been more than just a publication; it has been a lifeline that connects generations. In our recent Holiday Special Issue, I had the opportunity to share my Ba-Chan’s udon recipe, cooking it myself for the very first time.
I got the recipe from my mom and cooked it while on the phone with my Ba-Chan to make sure it was right, and I’ll never forget how happy she was to watch me cook. That experience ended up being one of the special moments where I was able to truly connect with my Ba-Chan, even across our language barrier. It was a memory I will cherish forever.
This was not just a culinary experiment but also a journey into the heart of my heritage, a voyage made possible by the sense of community and care for culture fostered by the Pacific Citizen. The act of preparing and sharing her udon was a dialogue between the past and the present, a dialogue facilitated by our publication.
Each step in the recipe, each ingredient, told a story of tradition passed down through generations. As the warm broth simmered, so, too, did the tales of my Ba-Chan and her Ba-Chan before her, bubbling up to share their wisdom with every slurp and sip. This is the power of the Pacific Citizen — it is a catalyst for cultural preservation, offering a platform where such stories are not only told but also celebrated.
The newspaper serves as an essential conduit for AAPI voices, helping us stay informed about civil rights issues, community achievements and cultural events that shape our identity. It supports our advocacy work, educates our members and allies and strengthens our connections, ensuring that our collective voice is both heard and respected.
However, the continuation of this invaluable work relies on your generosity. As we strive to bring more stories like mine into JA homes, we invite you to contribute to this noble cause. Your donations to our Spring Campaign will help the Pacific Citizen keep the legacy of our ancestors alive, ensuring that future generations can also enjoy the richness of our shared heritage.
By supporting the Pacific Citizen, you are not just funding a publication. You are also investing in a community, in the education of future generations and in the preservation of a culture that, while uniquely Japanese American, has enriched the entire fabric of American society. Let’s stand together to keep this vital resource thriving.
Donate today, and help us continue to bring families, communities and cultures together, one story at a time. Your support ensures that every issue of the Pacific Citizen not only reports on our journey, but also becomes a part of it.
Remy Kageyama is the P.C. Editorial Board youth representative. and NY/SC EDC youth representative.
