We are so excited for the official launch of I Am the Dream: Voices of a New Generation! We invite you to celebrate with the 2021 Write Your Story cohort as they appear live onstage at the Bay Area Book Festival on Saturday May 7th, 12:15-1:00pm on the Festival's Word Power Stage to talk about their work and experiences with authors Robin Claire Barnes and Misa Sugiura. Following the talk, our writers and awarded authors will head to the Cinnamongirl Booth to sell and sign books. Click here to pre-order your copy.

 

The Cinnamongirl Booth will have  freebies, flavor and energy; our amazing writers will sign the anthology, play games with kids visiting, and participate in giveaways. We will have the anthology, I Am the Dream, for sale as well as Cinnamongirl t-shirts, water bottles and mugs. Moreover, authors Lisa Moore Ramee, RC Barnes, Misa Sugiura, will be there signing and selling their critically acclaimed books. We will celebrate and have activities at the booth and on stage all weekend long.

 

In addition, several of our Cinnamongirls will be interviewing nationally acclaimed authors throughout the weekend. We have an exciting weekend of powerful talks and activities we'd like to invite you. Click here to see our schedule of recommended events. 

On Thursday, May 19th at 6:30 pm, a few Cinnamongirls, CEOs and community leaders will come together to raise funds to further the dreams and mission of Cinnamongirl. Aimed to serve over 100 bold and talented girls of color, Cinnamongirl is the only program of its kind. 
 

Join us for breathtaking sunset views, savor small bites and relax with a glass of wine. Enjoy engaging conversation with some of our young achievers. For your safety, we will have rapid Covid testing for all guests as well a heated outdoor space. 

On  April 16, our Cinnamongirls and some of their families from all of our cohorts, Passport, Write Your Story, Entrepreneurgirl, and Travelgirl attended the “Love on the Runway” exhibit at San Francisco’s de Young Museum, a collection of the work of iconic Black fashion designer Patrick Kelly. Kelly’s life and accomplishments exemplify what we hope to inspire in our Cinnamongirls: Be bold, be yourself, and excel at the highest level; use your talent, your intellect, and your experiences to challenge norms and to create change in the world.

 

This fantastic day was made possible by Carlos Santana‘s Milagro Foundation, one of Cinnamongirl’s longtime friends and supporters. Executive Director Shelley Brown and Administrator Ruthie Moutafian saw the exhibit, recognized that it was perfect for us, and quickly sent over a gift so that all of our girls could visit the exhibit. Huge thanks to Shelley and Ruthie for thinking of the Cinnamongirls!

 

One of our newest Cinnamongirls, eighth grader Serena G, stepped up to write about what she learned and how she felt about her day with us. Read more about their trip here!

          (l-r: Cover of  When the Emperor was Divine; Sydney Opera House; Kara Kelly)

Passport Book Club discussed When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka, a novel about a Japanese American family who were among the thousands of Japanese Americans unconstitutionally incarcerated during World War II. They recognized that history as we learn it in school often blurs out or skates over “uncomfortable” topics, and how important it is to educate ourselves, and to be aware and informed as citizens and leaders.

 

The Entrepreneurgirls were treated to a fascinating presentation by Kara Kelly, co-founder of Lure, a luxury brand offering CBD-based beauty products. The girls learned about the practical aspects of starting a business, as well as the importance of tenacity, courage, and asking the right questions. Next month, they will meet Diaundra Jones of 7th Ave. She will present on using social media as an effective tool to bring in customers.

 

The 2021 Write Your Story cohort’s anthology, I AM THE DREAM: Voices of a New Generation is now available! The girls will appear onstage at the Bay Area Book Festival on May 7 to discuss their work and their experiences.

 

Due to Japan’s continued COVID policy of banning tourist travel, Travelgirl is pivoting to . . . Australia! We are so proud of our girls for all the hard work they’ve done to prepare and fundraise, and for their resilience and flexibility as we change our plans. 

Wishes by Mượn Thị Văn, illustrated by Victo Ngai. A little girl tells the story of her family’s harrowing voyage, and all the wishes they bring with them. Based on events in the author’s own life, with lyrical text and beautiful illustrations. (ages 3-8)

 

This Time Will Be Different by Misa Sugiura. CJ Katsuyama just can’t seem to be the overachieving Asian American that her mother wants. When her mother decides to sell her aunt’s failing flower shop to the family who cheated the Katsuyamas out of all they owned during the Japanese American internment, CJ finally finds her passion and drive. “A timely, smart novel that readers of contemporary fiction will likely devour.” –Shelf Awareness (ages 12-18)

 

From a Whisper to a Rallying Cry: the Killing of Vincent chin and the Trial that Galvanized the Asian AMerican Movement by Paula Yoo. Compelling account of the 1982 murder of Vincent Chin, who was mistaken for a Japanese person in a bar in Detroit by two autoworkers angry about the rise of Japanese car companies. The trial that followed sparked a protests that led to a broader Asian American political movement. (ages 12-18)

Rise: A Pop History of Asian America from the Nineties to Now by Jeff Yang, Phil Yu, and Philip Wang. “A love letter to and for Asian Americans—a vivid scrapbook of voices, emotions, and memories from an era in which our culture was forged and transformed.” (adults)