What Jonny Kim learned after becoming a SEAL, doctor and astronaut
Issue #222 follows Jonny Kim's message on strength, a historic gubernatorial bid and a viral debate over immigration in Canada
Jonny Kim has built one of the most extraordinary résumés in America, serving as a Navy SEAL, earning a Harvard medical degree and spending eight months aboard the International Space Station. But speaking before thousands of Harvard alumni this week, the son of South Korean immigrants focused less on achievement than on a lesson he says took decades to learn: real strength comes from trusting others, not trying to do everything alone.
We’re also following a viral confrontation that exposed growing anti-immigrant sentiment in Canada, a Filipina chef’s historic “Top Chef” victory, a major response from Asian American groups following the Rick Chow acquittal and an Indian American public health leader who could become Maine’s first Asian American governor.
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Astronaut Jonny Kim’s message at Harvard: Stop trying to be the solo hero
Few people embody achievement like Jonny Kim. Yet before more than 9,000 Harvard alumni, the astronaut, physician and former Navy SEAL focused not on accomplishment but on failure, loss and the people who helped him through both. His message: strength comes not from doing everything yourself, but from learning to rely on others.
Maine could soon see its first Asian American governor
Dr. Nirav Shah has emerged as the frontrunner in Maine’s Democratic gubernatorial primary, putting him within reach of becoming the state’s first Asian American governor and the first Indian American Democrat elected governor anywhere in the country. The former Maine CDC director became a familiar figure during the pandemic and is now campaigning on healthcare, housing and rural economic issues.
How Georgia’s emergency redistricting impacts Asian American voters
Georgia lawmakers are preparing to redraw political maps after a recent Supreme Court decision weakened parts of the Voting Rights Act. Advocates warn the changes could dilute the growing influence of Asian American and other communities of color.
Asian American groups condemn Chow acquittal
Several major Asian American organizations are urging communities to confront anti-Black racism following the acquittal of South Carolina gas station owner Rick Chow in the fatal shooting of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton. Advocates warned against narratives that pit Black and Asian communities against one another.
Indian Canadian man’s viral video draws flood of anti-immigrant comments
An Indian Canadian man’s viral road-rage video has sparked a flood of online comments telling him to “go back” to India, reflecting broader shifts in Canadian attitudes toward immigration. The backlash comes as surveys show public support for immigration has fallen sharply and anti-South Asian hostility has increased across the country.
Ex-Arcadia mayor blames fiance for foreign agent case as sentencing nears
Former Arcadia Mayor Eileen Wang is attempting to shift responsibility for her foreign agent case onto a former fiancé as she awaits sentencing. Prosecutors say Wang knowingly helped distribute Chinese government propaganda through a website presented as community news.
86-year-old Vietnamese restaurant owner receives once-in-a-lifetime gift
After years of operating her Florida restaurant while facing financial hardship, 86-year-old Vietnamese immigrant Lieng Le received an unexpected gift from thousands of strangers. A viral video showcasing her kindness inspired more than $200,000 in donations and helped secure her a new home near the business she has spent years building.
Filipina chef makes “Top Chef” history
Filipino American chef Rhoda Magbitang won Bravo’s “Top Chef” after returning from elimination and reaching the finale with a menu rooted in Filipino food and family stories. The victory makes her the competition’s first female champion in five years.
Why read Issue #222?
Success has often been framed as an individual accomplishment. The entrepreneur who built something from nothing. The politician who beat the odds. The athlete, chef or astronaut who made it to the top through talent and determination.
Many of the stories in this issue challenge that idea in different ways. Behind every achievement are communities, mentors, families and institutions that shape the outcome. At the same time, some of the most difficult challenges people face, whether racism, political division or public mistrust, are rarely solved by individuals acting alone.
The tension between personal responsibility and collective support runs through much of this week’s coverage, reminding us that no one succeeds or struggles entirely on their own.
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The Rebel Yellow is supported in part by funding from The Asian American Foundation (TAAF). Funders do not influence story selection, reporting, or editorial decisions. All editorial content is independently produced by The Rebel Yellow team.