Joseph Tsuboi (he/they)

Bio

Joseph is a graduate student in UCLA's Asian American Studies Department. Coming from a background in non-profit work, his research looks at contemporary youth organizing and community-building practices in Japanese American organizations. For his MA field research thesis, Joseph will work with VL to reflect upon how the Solidarity Arts Fellowship provided a space for care and connection, amidst the limitations of in-person organizing during the COVID-19 pandemic . Outside of the academic environment, Joseph stays grounded by practicing yoga, running, and gardening and cooking with his grandmother.

Solidarity Arts Fellowship reflection

From the SAF fellowship, I have learned the importance of storytelling and empathetic listening to build meaningful relationships. Especially in this time of limited in-person gatherings, I had to slow down, pause, and listen to my fellow cohort members online - honoring the time and energies we committed to the retreats. Even in the virtual environment, we built a foundation of care and vulnerability, and I am so looking forward to continuing our work together, perhaps in person, towards a more interdependent future.

Object of resilience

I come back to adrienne maree brown's Emergent Strategy often. brown reminds us that change is constant; the only constant is change. Amidst the unforeseen realities of multiple, colliding pandemics in 2020-21, this text has helped ground me in staying adaptable and at ease.