Chinatown Victory / Attention Asian Creators / Unhealthy Loneliness
From resilience in crisis to community victories, this issue highlights the stories shaping and uplifting Asian American lives today.
The Rebel Yellow Issue 17
In this issue, we dive into the pressing stories shaping our communities:
Southern California Wildfires: The devastating toll on lives and homes, and its profound impact on Asian American communities in Los Angeles County.
Philadelphia 76ers Arena Reversal: A victory for Chinatown residents as the team scraps plans for a controversial Center City project.
Loneliness and Health: Groundbreaking research linking loneliness to deadly diseases, with a spotlight on the Asian American community.
Voices of Change: Nobel laureate Maria Ressa critiques Meta's fact-checking rollback, while content creator Dhar Mann shares advice for Asian American creators.
We also spotlight resilience: from Jared McCain’s optimism after a season-ending injury to a name-change clinic breaking barriers for AAPI immigrants and transgender individuals.
Catch up on the Southern California wildfires
The wildfires raging across Southern California have thrust the region into an unparalleled state of emergency. With at least 24 lives lost, 16 people reported missing and thousands of homes destroyed as of Sunday night, the devastation has shaken even those accustomed to the seasonal infernos.
For Asian American communities deeply woven into the fabric of Los Angeles County, the crisis hits home, igniting fears for safety, resilience and recovery.
At a glance
Palisades Fire: Over 23,000 acres (9,308 hectares) burned; 11% contained as of Sunday morning. Destroyed 5,000 structures, including Pacific Palisades Charter High School and entertainer Will Rogers’ ranch house.
Eaton Fire: Burned 14,000 acres (5,666 hectares) and 7,000 structures; 15% contained. Worst-hit areas include Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley suburbs.
Smaller fires: The Kenneth, Lidia and Archer fires have been fully contained, but the danger persists with high winds and dry conditions prolonging threats.
Santa Ana winds: The winds, reaching up to 100 miles (161 kilometers) per hour, have turned the dry brush into an inferno. These winds are expected to persist through Wednesday, complicating firefighting efforts.
Other threats: Ash and debris from the fires pose long-term health risks. Materials such as arsenic, asbestos and lead have also been detected, prompting officials to urge residents to avoid scorched areas.
Casualties
The fires have claimed at least 24 lives, with many others feared missing. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said on Thursday, “I don’t expect good news, and we’re not looking forward to those numbers.” Cadaver dogs are conducting systematic searches, and the missing include 12 individuals in the Eaton Fire zone and four from the Palisades Fire. Officials are still reconciling dozens of additional missing person reports.
Impact on Asian American communities
Los Angeles County is home to over 1.4 million Asian Americans, many concentrated in fire-affected areas like the San Gabriel Valley and Pasadena. The San Gabriel Valley, rich in Asian culture and history, faces the double blow of potential structural damage and environmental hazards.
“These fires were just carrying embers hundreds of feet in the air and far, and it was just impossible. I heard one fire captain say that it was like trying to stop the tornado. You can’t do it,” Moira Shourie, an Indian American woman living in Palisades, told the Press Trust of India. “Also, any of the aircraft that usually dropped the fire retardant could not be deployed. So, it was really human beings fighting these fires, and they’re powerless. It was pretty devastating.”
Small businesses, a backbone of Asian American communities in Southern California, also face immense challenges as fire damage mounts.
An unprecedented scale of crisis
In an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said the fires could be the worst natural disaster in U.S. history “in terms of just the costs associated with it, in terms of the scale and scope.” Damages have been estimated between $135 billion and $150 billion.
Yet, systemic shortcomings have exacerbated the crisis. Fire Chief Kristin Crowley criticized inadequate city funding and failing hydrants, highlighting that “when a firefighter comes up to a hydrant, we expect there’s going to be water.” Looting has added to the chaos, with arrests including individuals posing as firefighters.
How you can help
For those looking to support the victims of the wildfires, several organizations are actively collecting donations. The American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles is providing shelter, food, water, health and emotional support services. Community groups have also stepped up: for one, Lagartijas Climbing Crú, composed of Black, Latino, Asian and Indigenous rock climbers, set up a crowdsourced spreadsheet to facilitate donations to evacuees. Spots like Santa Anita Park have also transformed into a donation center, receiving essential items such as clothing, blankets and toiletries.
Donations can also be made through verified crowdfunding platforms supporting wildfire victims.
The Sixers may not see their arena near Chinatown after all

The Philadelphia 76ers have reportedly abandoned their controversial plan to build a $1.3 billion arena in Center City’s Market East district, opting instead to stay in South Philadelphia. The decision comes just weeks after the Philadelphia City Council passed a series of bills to greenlight the arena project, sparking heated debates and protests particularly from Chinatown advocates concerned about the neighborhood’s survival.
A swift reversal
The proposed arena, dubbed “76 Place,” was set to replace part of the Fashion District Philadelphia near Chinatown and open for the 2031-32 season. Approved by the City Council in December, the project faced intense opposition from community groups who warned of gentrification, rising rents and the displacement of small businesses.
Despite Mayor Cherelle Parker’s strong endorsement of the project, sources now claim that the Sixers have scrapped their Center City plans. Instead, the team will reportedly partner with Comcast Spectacor to build a new arena in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, where they currently play in the Wells Fargo Center.
Fight against displacement
For Chinatown residents and advocates, the decision represents a monumental victory after years of organizing and resistance. The No Arena Coalition, which includes the Save Chinatown Coalition, mobilized protests and challenged the project in public hearings. “We’re relieved to hear that the nightmare of a Center City Sixers arena will not haunt our city any more,” the group said in a statement shared with The Rebel Yellow. “To every Philadelphian who called, marched, testified and warned City Hall that this was a raw deal: This win belongs to you, and the lesson for politicians is to trust the people.”
An independent report commissioned by the city and funded by the Sixers owners released last August revealed that the arena could indirectly displace Chinatown residents and businesses. Advocates argued the $60 million Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) tied to the project fell far short of addressing these concerns, with only $33 million earmarked for Chinatown-specific initiatives.
Community wins
The Working Families Party, which has two representatives on City Council, also played a pivotal role in opposing the arena. Councilmembers Kendra Brooks and Nicolas O’Rourke celebrated the Sixers’ reversal, calling it a “historic win” for community power.
“Community members and organizations raised critical questions about the arena that went unanswered and are now fully vindicated for doubting the 76ers' commitment to cherished neighborhoods,” they said on Sunday, as per CBS Philadelphia. “This outcome would not have been possible without the courage and dedication of community leaders, organizers and Philadelphians who spoke up and fought back.”
What’s next
Although the Sixers’ arena is no longer moving forward, the team and Comcast have expressed interest in pursuing other real estate developments in Market East. Speaking to WPVI, Ryan Boyer, business manager of the Philadelphia Building Trades, framed the pivot as an opportunity to “bring life and new enterprises to Center City.”
Meanwhile, sources indicate that other unaffiliated development plans for the area are already in the works. This leaves questions about how Market East will evolve and whether Chinatown’s concerns will persist with future projects.
“This was always bigger than one arena or one neighborhood. We celebrate that Chinatown is safe for now, but nobody’s home is safe as long as billionaires are planning our city and politicians are playing their game,” the No Arena Coalition said.
“As planning for the future of Center City continues, lessons must be learned, and the city needs a new class of politicians who respond to people’s needs instead of corporate greed.”
Nobel-winning journalist Maria Ressa slams Mark Zuckerberg's decision to end fact-checking
Rappler CEO and Nobel laureate Maria Ressa has criticized Meta’s recent decision to end fact-checking and lift restrictions on certain topics in the U.S., arguing that it prioritizes profit over safety.
In a Rappler Talk interview, Ressa responded to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s remarks, where he described these actions as a response to increasing "censorship" by governments and legacy media, claiming it marked a shift towards prioritizing speech. Ressa rebutted Zuckerberg's use of "censorship," stating, “I would replace that with safety. So now we have a platform for more than 3.2 billion people around the planet that has just decided that profits are more important than safety … It’s shocking because it shows me that Facebook doesn’t care about the public sphere … We’ve seen over and over again that profit wins over public good. And that really is the biggest problem with social media and big tech. There’s no technology that has been released that is anchored in facts. The generative AI that was released in November 2022 isn’t anchored in facts. In fact, it’s a feature built in, and all of the scams and fraudulent schemes that go on on Facebook — it’s part of it.”
Scientists link loneliness to deadly diseases through proteins
Feelings of loneliness and social isolation have long been associated with mental and physical health problems. New research now provides fresh insights into how these feelings biologically contribute to diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and even early mortality.
A study by scientists from the University of Cambridge and Fudan University, published in Nature Human Behaviour, identifies specific proteins linked to loneliness and social isolation. These findings underscore the profound impact of social connections — or the lack thereof — on overall health.
Key findings
Using data from over 42,000 participants in the UK Biobank, scientists studied 2,920 proteins in blood samples. They found 175 proteins associated with social isolation and 26 proteins linked to loneliness. Most of these proteins were positively correlated with inflammation, immune response and metabolic disorders, highlighting biological pathways that may lead to diseases.
Take a closer look:
ADM (Adrenomedullin): Linked to stress response and smaller brain regions involved in emotional and social processing. Higher levels are associated with increased risk of early death.
ASGR1: Associated with high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.
Other proteins (GFRA1, FABP4, TNFRSF10A): Implicated in conditions like insulin resistance, atherosclerosis and cancer progression.
"The proteins we’ve identified give us clues to the biology underpinning poor health among people who are socially isolated or lonely, highlighting why social relationships play such an important part in keeping us healthy,” said co-author Jianfeng Feng from Fudan University.
Why this matters
Loneliness is a pressing concern in the Asian American community. To illustrate this, a 2024 survey by the Los Angeles County Department of Health found that:
36.6% of Asian Americans in L.A. County reported feeling lonely — the highest rate among all racial groups.
21% experienced suicidal thoughts, also the highest among racial demographics.
These figures are particularly concerning given the community's relatively better performance on other health metrics, such as lower rates of diabetes and hypertension compared to Black and Latinx populations.
The survey attributed these disparities to systemic racism and cultural factors, which can exacerbate feelings of isolation. For many Asian Americans, the stigma around mental health and societal expectations to “save face” prevent open conversations about loneliness and its effects.
A two-way street
While loneliness directly impacts protein levels and health outcomes, poor health can also lead to social withdrawal, creating a vicious cycle. Mendelian randomization techniques used in the study confirmed that loneliness causally influences certain proteins, but not vice versa.
“These findings drive home the importance of social contact in keeping us well. More and more people of all ages are reporting feeling lonely. That’s why the World Health Organization has described social isolation and loneliness as a ‘global public health concern,’” said co-author Barbara Sahakian of the University of Cambridge. “We need to find ways to tackle this growing problem and keep people connected to help them stay healthy.”
A call to action
Addressing loneliness requires concerted efforts from individuals, policymakers and researchers. On a personal level, engaging in meaningful, face-to-face interactions and participating in community activities like volunteering, team sports or cultural gatherings can help combat feelings of isolation and foster deeper connections. For Asian Americans who face unique cultural and systemic challenges, such activities can provide vital opportunities for connection and belonging, countering the high rates of loneliness reported in the community.
Policymakers must address structural inequities that exacerbate mental health burdens, especially in marginalized groups, and prioritize tailored health programs that consider cultural nuances. Researchers, meanwhile, have a vital role in advancing our understanding of loneliness. The study’s findings highlight opportunities to develop therapies targeting proteins linked to loneliness, with AI and high-throughput proteomics offering promising avenues for innovation.
Jared McCain expresses optimism amid season-ending injury
Philadelphia 76ers rookie Jared McCain shared a heartfelt message to fans on Sunday following the team's announcement that he will miss the remainder of the season due to knee surgery on a torn meniscus. The 20-year-old, who earned consecutive Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month honors for October and November, wrote on Instagram: "Be back soon.” Sharing his journey in a YouTube video titled “Getting 1% Better Everyday,” McCain reflected, "If I look back, back at myself five years ago, I'd be so proud of myself for where I'm at today. So you can't dwell on the losses or a bad game … obviously there's days I'm sad or down, but most of the time I'm smiling because I keep working and I still have goals to reach and I continue to reach them.”
Dhar Mann shares valuable advice for Asian and Asian American creators
Popular content creator Dhar Mann has some powerful advice for aspiring Asian and Asian American creators. Known for his viral motivational videos that tackle everyday moral dilemmas, Mann’s YouTube channel boasts over 24 million subscribers and billions of views. Speaking with The Rebel Yellow, Mann shared insights on overcoming challenges, balancing cultural expectations and building an authentic personal brand.
Breaking barriers and embracing authenticity
The 40-year-old YouTuber acknowledges the lack of representation and visibility that Asian and Asian American creators often face. “For a long time, mainstream media and social platforms have been dominated by a narrow range of voices, and many Asian and Asian American creators struggle to find a space where their stories and perspectives are valued,” he explains.
For Mann, the key to overcoming this lies in “embracing who you are and staying true to your unique voice. There is so much power in authenticity. The world is changing, and people are more open than ever to diverse stories. The more creators embrace their cultural backgrounds, the more they help break down barriers for future generations.”
Sharing his own experience, Mann reflects, “I was always torn between American culture, being born here, and my Indian heritage. I never quite felt like I fit in. What makes you you is your heritage. Most importantly, be you.”
Balancing dreams and cultural expectations
As cultural expectations often add another layer of difficulty, Mann likened pursuing creative passions to starting a business: “There is always risk involved … While I was creating content, I still had a full-time job during the day and was creating my videos at night. I would not quit your day job while figuring out your passion.”
He also emphasizes the importance of gaining family support through open communication. “Explain why content creation is your passion, how it aligns with your values, and the real opportunities it can lead to,” he shares. “The more you can demonstrate that you’ve done your homework and are committed to building a sustainable career, the more likely they’ll understand that it's not just a risky hobby but a serious, thoughtful pursuit.”
Creating a personal brand
Mann believes authenticity and cultural pride are critical to standing out. “Building a personal brand that resonates globally while staying true to your cultural identity is a powerful way to stand out in the content creation world,” Mann says.
“Embrace your authenticity,” he adds. “Your cultural background is a unique strength, not something to hide or downplay. Share elements of your culture that make you who you are — whether it’s traditions, language, food, or values — because those personal stories create an emotional connection with your audience. When you stay true to your roots, it not only makes you relatable to people from similar backgrounds, but it also offers something fresh and authentic to a global audience.”
The value of the journey
Mann stressed that success is rarely linear. “I feel like there is no fast-tracking to success. I’ve learned so many lessons through the missteps over the years. You can read all the books and listen to all the podcasts, but you have to try and sometimes fail and try again in order to become the person you want to become.”
For those looking to accelerate their journey, he advises shifting focus from speed to impact. “Just keep going and not think about, ‘How can I become successful as quickly as possible?’ but instead, ‘How can I make a positive impact on my community?’”
Mann continues: “The world needs more of you. When I started, I was seen as the black sheep of the Indian community — I wasn’t a doctor or an engineer. But as time went on and I became successful, people started to respect me and what I was doing and wanted to know how I did it.” He urges creators to ‘put yourself out there and take that chance. We need to have more diverse faces within the creator space.”
Asian American nonprofit offers free name-change clinic for transgenders and immigrants in Minnesota
The Paper Lantern Project, a nonprofit supporting the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, held a name-change clinic on Saturday in response to fears over potential restrictions on transgender and immigrant rights under the incoming Trump administration. The event offered a workshop and legal assistance to immigrants, transgender and nonbinary individuals and adoptees seeking to update names or gender markers on official identity documents.
“There’s still fear about deportation, but also concerns of a continued rise in xenophobia and racism that often coincide with anti-immigration rhetoric,” Rae Rowe, co-founder of the Paper Lantern Project, told The Rebel Yellow. The organizers noted that despite Minnesota’s status as a trans-refuge state, gaps in access to gender-affirming care remain.
“We have very few spaces where queer and trans AAPI people are centered, so this opportunity to build community was important to us,” Rowe said. "This clinic helped to explain an often intimidating and confusing process and allowed people to ask specific questions related to their unique situations in a private but informative manner.”
Co-founder Lynn Nguyen explained that AAPI individuals face unique challenges in changing names or gender markers, including language barriers, cultural taboos and bureaucratic errors during immigration processes.
During the event, participants attended a workshop on procedural steps for name and gender marker changes and had private consultations with attorneys from the Volunteer Lawyers Network, including immigration specialists, for personalized advice. They also covered the $285 name-change fee for those in need. “We wanted to be able to provide the financial support attendees needed as the process can be overwhelming and we didn't want any attendees to face additional barriers,” said Nguyen.
The event included translators to make the process accessible and a community-building lunch catered by an AAPI-owned business. The clinic also incorporated thoughtful touches, including animal-themed pronoun pins and red envelopes with stickers symbolizing good luck.
“Many participants noted that this clinic being focused on the AAPI community made them feel safer and more confident,” said Nguyen. "Gender change and trans narratives are often taboo and stigmatized in many of our communities."
The Paper Lantern Project’s AAPI Gender and Reproductive Justice Mutual Aid Fund, which raised funding through merchandise sales and a zine featuring stories from AAPI creators, provides up to $500 per person for healthcare, abortion access, fertility treatments and childcare. The fund has already granted $2,850 to help access gender affirming care since the election.
“Our long-term goals are to work towards creating a world where an organization like ours doesn't need to exist,” Rowe said. “Until then, we are going to work to assist the most marginalized in our community by creating new narratives where we can all live as our true and authentic selves and by offering financial support to those who have needs.”