AAPI Heritage Month and Justice Reform: An Interview with TLM’s Johnson Thieu

May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the collective identity and diversity of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). But this month is more than just a celebration—it’s an acknowledgment of the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of the AAPI community. And for many, like those who have been justice-impacted, this month is a poignant reminder of the journeys their families have undertaken and shed’s light on challenges faced by distinct AAPI groups. With limited data available at the federal or state level that adequately disaggregates groups within the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders category who are impacted by the justice system, there is more work to be done to better understand how those in the AAPI community are impacted. 

Focusing on Justice System Impacts within the AAPI Community

According to the Urban Institute, “Few examples show that data adequately disaggregating the “Asian” category can paint a more nuanced portrait of AAPIs in the system. Take, for instance, San Francisco County, where AAPIs represent over 35 percent of the overall population. Using race categories reported by most federal and state agencies, AAPI representation in San Francisco Juvenile Hall in 2010 would appear almost negligible.”

“Sharpening the focus on AAPIs, however, the disaggregated data show that Samoan youth represent 0.56 percent of 10- to 17-year-olds in San Francisco County, yet constitute almost 5 percent of youth booked in San Francisco Juvenile Hall in 2010. It’s a subtle difference with significant implications for stakeholders’ efforts to support San Francisco’s at-risk youth.”

The article goes on to share “Sharpening the focus on AAPIs, however, the disaggregated data show that Samoan youth represent 0.56 percent of 10- to 17-year-olds in San Francisco County, yet constitute almost 5 percent of youth booked in San Francisco Juvenile Hall in 2010. It’s a subtle difference with significant implications for stakeholders’ efforts to support San Francisco’s at-risk youth.” The article goes on to share that the incarceration rate of Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders in Hawaii had an incarceration rate four times that of non-Hispanic whites. 

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By lifting up these disparities we can shine a light on how to better create and measure justice reform for the BIPOC community, including the AAPI community. In doing so, we recognize the vital role that AAPI individuals play in shaping the narrative of progress and diversity within our society. TLM’s Johnson Thieu shares why it’s personally meaningful to him, “AAPI Month is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices my family made. Fleeing war-torn Vietnam in 1975, they risked everything for a chance at survival and freedom in America. Their resilience and the countless stories of struggle within the AAPI community inspire me deeply.” And yet for many, that resilience was not enough to navigate the difficult path ahead as refugees in America. This Huffpost article articulates the challenges of many AAPI refugees, calling the system the “migration-to-school-to-prison-to-deportation pipeline”. The Huffpost article continues, sharing, “This dire situation is a sobering reminder of a larger, long standing issue. Many Southeast Asian refugees to the U.S., going back decades, were given little support once they resettled. With few resources to help them get on their feet, many ended up following difficult paths: dropping out of school, committing gang-related or otherwise serious crimes and later facing deportation.”

Johnson Thieu for AAPI Heritage Month
Johnson Thieu for AAPI Heritage Month

Pride in Being Asian American

The experience of being Asian American often involves navigating the space between two cultures, and for first-generation individuals, this can mean balancing the values and traditions of their heritage with the realities of life in America. Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month allows us to reflect on these unique journeys and the diverse cultural tapestry they contribute to the United States. Thieu shares, “Being first-generation American, I carry the legacy of my family’s hard work and determination. Witnessing them build a life from scratch in a new land, facing language barriers and cultural differences, fills me with immense pride. My pride stems from the unwavering strength of my family and countless others who endured unimaginable hardship. We faced racism and prejudice, yet persevered with compassion and a deep desire to contribute. We built lives, raised families, and shared our heritage, enriching the American landscape with our unique traditions.”

Johnson has faced challenges of his own, being impacted by the justice system himself. Johnson started his career in prison, through The Last Mile and CALPIA’s Code.7370 Web Development Program, where he learned valuable skills in coding, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and initiative-taking. After his release from prison, he worked at Checkr Inc. and was promoted twice, but ultimately left to pursue software engineering. He completed a Full-Stack Software Engineering Immersive program through Adobe Digital Academy and General Assembly, gaining expertise in React, JavaScript, Node.js, Python, Django, HTML, and Sass. He is currently a valued web development remote instructor on the Education Team with The Last Mile. While he is motivated to continue learning and excelling in his career, his true passion is his current role, using his learned skills in web development and technology to support those that are justice-impacted in the TLM classroom. 

“The world of technology has given me a platform to contribute and give back. It allows me to honor my family’s sacrifices by using my skills to make a positive impact, redeeming past mistakes and bringing pride to my family name. It’s a platform to contribute positively and uplift others, especially within the AAPI community.”

For Thieu, sharing his culture is a powerful way to foster understanding and connection. Thieu shares how Vietnamese culture has altered the American cultural landscape, adding to the diversity that makes our society vibrant and dynamic. “My family’s story embodies the core value of our culture: compassion. Despite facing prejudice and hardship, we remain a community that prioritizes helping others. It’s the unwavering support system that carried us through unimaginable hardship and continues to be the foundation of our success. We are a compassionate people, driven by a deep desire to help others, despite the challenges we’ve faced. And one last thing, we can’t forget the introduction of Vietnamese cuisine, especially ‘Pho’. Our deliciously famous beef noodle soup!”

AAPI Representation in Tech and Justice Reform

For those who have been justice-impacted in the AAPI community, organizations like The Last Mile (TLM) provide critical opportunities for people returning home from prison to develop career pathways for meaningful employment. By gaining skills in technology, individuals can find a path towards redemption and empowerment. Thieu shares the impact it’s had on him personally, “The world of technology has given me a platform to contribute and give back. It allows me to honor my family’s sacrifices by using my skills to make a positive impact, redeeming past mistakes and bringing pride to my family name. It’s a platform to contribute positively and uplift others, especially within the AAPI community.”

Featuring Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in conversations about tech and justice reform is crucial. Their stories create visibility in both spaces, and provide valuable insights for specific reforms that can positively impact the AAPI and refugee community. As we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, we pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future. Through in-prison technology training, we can uplift voices and create opportunities that reflect the true spirit of the AAPI community.