As 2016 came to a close, we knew it was time to relaunch Riksha. Ideas that had been brewing for many months suddenly took on a new urgency.

How We Met by Lisa Tomiko Macri

On January 20, 2017, we put the call out for submissions. We published our first digital release in April with artists and writers, including M. Evelina Galang, Larry Lee, Mary Anne Mohanraj, Lee Tonouchi, John Sun Lew, Marina Celander and M.G. Bertulfo, among others. In October, we published our second edition which included R. Benedito Ferrao, Li Lin Lee, Rammel Chan, Cesar Conde, Sarah Nishiura, Sapna Kumar and Jason Poole, just to name a few. Along the way, we collaborated with a local Asian American writer’s collective, Banyan, and co-hosted a reading by M. Eveling Galang of her powerful new book, Lolas’ House: Filipino Women Living with War. On February 24, 2018, we’ll co-host a screening and discussion with of Full Spectrum Features’, The Orange Story, a short film directed by Erika Street Hopman about the Japanese American incarceration. Executive Producer, Jason Matsumoto, and Lourdes Nichols will join us.

My Aim Is True – Larry Lee

When we first started Riksha back in 1992, our direction was clear. Like many Asian Americans all over the country who were exploring their identities and engaging in cultural work, we knew the space was necessary here in the Midwest. More than twenty years later, we realize there is more work to be done, for ourselves and our children. We continue to need representation and our stories need to be told.

Photo credit: Paul Goyette

We are humbled by the opportunity to feature the work of many inspiring and talented Asian Americans and we are proud of our efforts to create this space. Expanding riksha.com and continuing our work in the community with our writing workshops and events guide us in the coming year. We’d like to express deep gratitude to all the artists and writers who contributed to Riksha this year and to all of our wonderful readership who have supported us. We look forward to 2018!

The Editors at Riksha