Episode 11: To Oakland...With Love, Your Asian Dad

Oakland x Asian x Mom Podcast

Most of the world knows Russell Jeung as the co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate, producer of the Oak Park Story, and college professor of Asian American studies. While, we, in the neighborhood, know him as the church Uncle and Asian Dad who likes to give out free food (especially his yummy hamburgers), hang out with unhoused neighbors, and organize young people to pick up trash. We enjoy hearing about Russell's parenting and family life that is centered on faith, social justice, and compassion and his heartfelt reflections on his son's gifts and wisdom. Despite his self-described social awkwardness, Russell has an uncanny ability of connecting with others, putting young people to work, and making acts of community service become profound teachable moments for all who participate. We also have fun hearing all the stories (and there are many!) that come with a lifelong commitment to pursuing justice, living simply, and loving deeply. Oakland is lucky to have the sticker-official "Asian Dad" living in our Town and we can't wait til he retires so our streets can be extra clean, our estuary litter-free, and our bellies full of ice cream.