As a Black man navigating a bicultural identity, my life has often felt like a balancing act. On one hand, there’s the rich heritage of Black culture—our resilience, creativity, and deep sense of community. On the other, there’s the broader world, shaped by systems and norms that weren’t built with us in mind. Growing up, I often felt like I had to adjust who I was depending on where I was and who I was with. That constant adjustment took its toll, leaving me with an unspoken pressure to perform and to prove myself at all times.
The impact of living biculturally is something I didn’t fully understand until I started unpacking it. Therapy wasn’t talked about much in my community growing up, but it became a lifeline for me. It gave me the space to address feelings of invisibility—being overlooked in rooms where my voice and presence should have mattered. Meditation also played a key role in helping me ground myself, allowing me to explore who I am outside the expectations of others. I’ve learned that I don’t have to shrink parts of myself to fit in; my identity is mine to define, and it’s valid in all its complexity.
Healing has come through embracing creative expression and mindfulness. Poetry, music, and meditation have become tools for reflecting on my bicultural identity, allowing me to weave together the richness of my heritage with the realities of the present. Each act of creation—whether a poem, a melody, or a moment of stillness—serves as a bridge, transforming the complexities of living between cultures into something harmonious and inspiring. Sharing my journey through art has sparked meaningful connections with others who see themselves in my work, reminding me that our stories, though unique, often resonate deeply. My bicultural identity is not a burden but a wellspring of inspiration, offering a lens for storytelling that builds understanding, beauty, and connection where cultures meet.
Key Points
The mental health struggles of being Black with a bicultural identity
The importance of seeking therapy and practicing mindfulness
Challenging the stigma around vulnerability
Embracing biculturalism as a strength
Quote
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” – James Baldwin
Embracing creativity and mindfulness can transform the challenges of bicultural identity into a source of healing and inspiration. – 拥抱创造力和正念，可以将双文化身份的挑战转化为治愈和灵感的源泉。
Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health conditions worldwide and a leading cause of disability, with subclinical symptoms further impacting the wellbeing and functioning of a significant portion of the population. This highlights the need for new approaches to managing both diagnosed and subclinical cases. Recently, the relationship between nutrition and mental health has garnered attention, as studies suggest that adherence to healthy or Mediterranean dietary patterns—characterized by high consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, moderate intake of poultry, eggs, and dairy, and minimal red meat—is associated with a lower risk of depression. However, these findings are complicated by the potential for reverse causality, where psychological states influence dietary choices, such as cravings for “comfort foods” during low moods or appetite changes due to stress. Additionally, individuals with longstanding mental illnesses face unique challenges to maintaining a healthy diet, including financial and environmental barriers, as well as the appetite-altering effects of psychiatric medications.
Consuming highly refined carbohydrates increases the risk of obesity and diabetes and may also negatively impact psychological wellbeing. Diets with a high glycaemic index (GI) and glycaemic load (GL)—rich in refined carbohydrates and sugars—are associated with a greater incidence of depressive symptoms, as longitudinal research and clinical studies have shown. Experimental studies reveal that diets with high GL can rapidly elevate and then drop blood glucose levels, triggering the release of counter-regulatory hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which may contribute to anxiety, irritability, and hunger. Recurrent hypoglycemia linked to these dietary patterns is also associated with mood disorders. While the rapid fluctuations in blood glucose provide a plausible mechanism for these effects, other factors may also play a role. High-GI diets are a risk factor for diabetes, a condition often comorbid with depression, and both share overlapping abnormalities in insulin resistance, brain volume, and neurocognitive performance. Additionally, the inflammatory response triggered by high-GI foods may further connect such diets to symptoms of depression through links between mental health and immune activation.
A growing area of research explores how dietary patterns affect mental wellbeing through their impact on the gut microbiome—the trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and archaea, that reside in the human gut. The gut microbiome communicates bidirectionally with the brain via neural, inflammatory, and hormonal pathways. Evidence suggests its role in mental health: changes in the gut microbiome influence emotion-like behaviors in rodents, major depressive disorder in humans is linked to altered microbiomes, and transferring gut microbiota from depressed humans to rodents induces depression-like behaviors in the animals. Diet, along with genetic factors and antibiotic exposure, is a modifiable determinant of gut microbiome diversity and functionality. Diets high in saturated fats, refined sugars, and artificial sweeteners can damage the gut barrier, leading to a “leaky gut” and fostering an unhealthy microbiome, whereas diets rich in fiber, polyphenols, and unsaturated fatty acids—like the Mediterranean diet—support microbial populations that produce anti-inflammatory metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids. Additionally, probiotics have shown potential in altering emotional brain responses and reducing depressive symptoms in healthy individuals. While these findings highlight the gut microbiome’s role in modulating emotion-related processes, no causal links between specific microbes or their metabolites and human emotions have been established, and it remains unclear if dietary-induced microbiome changes can directly affect depressive symptoms or disorders, or how quickly such effects might occur.
The emerging connection between diet, the gut microbiome, and mental health underscores the potential for dietary interventions to support emotional wellbeing. While promising evidence highlights how nutrient-rich diets and probiotics may influence mood through gut-brain communication, the complexity of these interactions and the lack of established causal relationships warrant further investigation. Understanding how specific dietary patterns and gut microbial changes impact depressive symptoms could open new pathways for improving mental health through accessible, nutrition-based strategies.
In Chinese folklore, two iconic emblems stand as symbols of power and peace—the mighty dragon and the gentle panda. The dragon, a noble creature from ancient times, dazzles with its shining armor and bold presence. It roars across the skies, representing sovereignty and strength, embodying the awe-inspiring energy that has captivated hearts for generations.
In contrast, the panda, with its distinctive black-and-white coat, exudes a calm and friendly demeanor. A peaceful symbol of harmony, it spends its days leisurely munching on bamboo, captivating all who encounter its gentle charm. The panda’s composed nature stands as a reminder of the value of simplicity and kindness in a world that often moves too fast.
Together, the dragon and the panda represent a balanced duality—power and grace, majesty and tranquility. As national symbols of China, they embody pride and identity, showcasing the richness of the culture they come from. The dragon soars with unbridled energy, while the panda invites us to pause and appreciate life’s serene moments.
Bicultural poetry, as a form of artistic expression, holds a unique power to heal generational trauma by bridging cultural divides and embracing the complexity of dual identities. It speaks directly to the lived experiences of people of color who navigate two or more cultural worlds, allowing them to confront and process deep-rooted traumas that may have been passed down through generations. Through language, imagery, and rhythm that reflect their heritage, bicultural poets create spaces for acknowledging pain, embracing resilience, and cultivating a sense of unity within themselves and across communities. By expressing these layered experiences, bicultural poetry becomes a way to honor the past while actively participating in personal and collective healing.
For people of color in bicultural communities, bicultural poetry is a source of empowerment. It provides a voice to navigate the nuances of identity, community, and the emotional landscapes that come with straddling multiple cultures. Through this medium, individuals reclaim parts of themselves that may have been marginalized or disregarded, making it a powerful tool for self-expression and affirmation. Poems exploring cultural duality allow POC to celebrate their heritage, confront stereotypes, and challenge societal expectations. As these voices gain visibility, they contribute to a broader narrative of cultural pride and resilience, inspiring others within these communities to find strength in their own stories.
Bicultural poetry not only heals and empowers but also forges new paths for marginalized voices to be seen and heard. This form of poetry creates visibility for experiences often ignored by mainstream narratives, offering a stage for voices that might otherwise remain unheard. By addressing issues such as racism, assimilation, and cultural erasure, bicultural poetry sheds light on societal inequities and fosters understanding across cultural lines. The resulting visibility does more than raise awareness; it invites solidarity and empathy, inspiring audiences from all backgrounds to value and support the richness of diverse perspectives.
The AAPI (Asian American, Pacific Islander) community has been a crucial part of society for generations, yet its contributions haven’t always gotten the recognition they deserve. From food to fashion, science to social movements, the AAPI community has made lasting impacts that often go unnoticed. Whether it’s the influence of martial arts on global fitness or the rise of K-pop and Bollywood in the entertainment world, the community’s reach is undeniable. Now more than ever, it’s time to shine a light on these accomplishments and give the AAPI community the visibility it’s earned.
When we talk about celebrating AAPI culture, we’re talking about a world of diverse traditions, languages, and histories. Whether it’s the vibrant festivals like Diwali or Lunar New Year, or the timeless beauty of traditional music and dance from Polynesia to Japan, there’s so much to discover, learn, and enjoy. From the artistry of Hawaiian hula to the craftsmanship of Indonesian batik, AAPI cultures enrich every corner of life. This isn’t just about appreciating what’s different—it’s about understanding how cultural elements have shaped and continue to shape our shared world in meaningful ways.
The APPI community is stepping boldly into the spotlight, especially through its growing influence in global culture. Asian traditions and stories are being embraced in ways we haven’t seen before, from the rise of Asian-inspired fashion to the increasing popularity of Asian cuisine worldwide. Groundbreaking films like Everything Everywhere All at Once and shows like Pachinko are helping bring Asian narratives to the forefront, showcasing the depth and diversity of Asian culture. But this is just the beginning. Celebrating APPI heritage means not only recognizing these cultural contributions but creating even more space for these traditions to thrive and inspire future generations. Now is the time to uplift and celebrate the richness of Asian culture in all its forms.
Today, I want to shine a light on BIPOC Buddhist monastics. As our world becomes more culturally diverse and accepting, we’re witnessing how the Dharma (the Buddha’s teachings) drives growth and creates spaces for the blossoming of lotuses in diverse communities. BIPOC Buddhist monastics, by embracing their authentic selves, serve as powerful examples of how living in alignment with the Dharma can inspire others to blossom like lotuses. Their presence and practice not only affirm the beauty of diversity within Buddhism but also help pave the way for world peace and the end of racism. By simply being who they are, these monastics challenge and transcend societal barriers, offering a path to healing and unity in a world that deeply needs it.
Asian and Black Buddhist communities have the unique opportunity to come together and create safe spaces for BIPOC cultural healing by drawing on shared values and rich ancient spiritual traditions. By joining forces, we can build bridges between our communities, nurturing mutual respect and understanding while addressing the wounds of historical trauma and racial injustice. These collaborations can serve as sanctuaries where individuals find solace, empowerment, and the strength to heal collectively, which ultimately contributes to a more compassionate and inclusive world.
We all have a role to play in promoting world peace and inclusivity by actively honoring BIPOC stories, history, and culture while empowering BIPOC voices. This begins with listening—truly hearing the experiences and perspectives of BIPOC individuals and communities. It involves educating ourselves and others about the rich histories and contributions of these communities, and challenging the narratives that have historically marginalized them. By uplifting BIPOC voices in our daily lives, workplaces, and social circles, we help create a world where diversity is not just accepted but celebrated. In doing so, we contribute to a more just and peaceful world, where every individual is valued.
Food insecurity, a pervasive global issue, affects individuals and families across all economic strata, stemming from insufficient resources or restricted access to safe, nutritious food. Its ramifications extend beyond hunger, manifesting in compromised physical and mental well-being, diminished academic performance in children, and increased prevalence of chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. Often synonymous with “food poverty,” it diverges from food shortages, which denote insufficient food supplies in a given area. Rather, food insecurity arises from economic challenges such as poverty or unemployment, rendering existing food resources inaccessible to certain demographics.
Food insecurity has a deeply rooted history in the United States, stretching back to colonial times when farmers grappled with erratic harvests. The Great Depression of the 1930s amplified this issue as widespread job losses left many without means to feed themselves. President Lyndon Johnson’s declaration of a “war on poverty” in the 1960s highlighted the nation’s growing concern over food insecurity, which has since remained intertwined with poverty. Presently, over 40 million Americans, roughly one in eight households, face food insecurity, impacting diverse demographics such as children, the elderly, low-wage earners, rural residents, and racial minorities. Moreover, women bear a disproportionate burden of this challenge.
Signs of Food Insecurity
Signs of food insecurity encompass skipping meals, reducing portion sizes, facing trade-offs between food and essential expenses like rent, and turning to food assistance programs for support.
Below, Verywell Mind has compiled a list of the most common signs of food insecurity:
Shifting meal patterns—skipping meals, eating smaller meals, or relying on less expensive items like macaroni and cheese instead of healthier foods
Inability to store food—food may spoil quickly due to lack of refrigeration or other storage solutions.
Low energy levels—lack of nutritious foods can lead to fatigue, headaches, and other health issues.
Worrying about running out of food—constant concern about having enough food for the family.
Physical changes—weight loss or gain due to insufficient access to healthy diets.
Tips for Reducing Food Insecurity
Verywell Mind has also listed suggestions for individuals and communities seeking to alleviate food insecurity:
Support food banks and other organizations that provide meals or groceries to those in need.
Encourage local businesses to donate unsold items to food banks or other organizations.
Advocate for public policies that prioritize access to nutritious foods in areas where food deserts exist.
Volunteer at soup kitchens, shelters, or other local organizations providing meals for the hungry in your community.
Educate yourself and others about the signs of food insecurity and how to identify it in your own life or that of another person.
Start a community garden to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to those in need.
Donate money or other items (e.g., canned goods, non-perishable foods) to organizations providing meals for the hungry in your community.
Create a support system of family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers who can help provide resources or meals when needed.
Provide emotional support and understanding to those going through food insecurity—listen without judgment or offering unsolicited advice.
Encourage public discussion about food insecurity—raise awareness by starting conversations with friends and family about the issue.
Food insecurity poses a significant global challenge, impacting millions and causing profound physical, mental, and social hardships. Engaging in actions like donating, volunteering, advocating for policy reform, and establishing support networks can significantly alleviate this issue for affected individuals and families. If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, seeking assistance from organizations such as Feeding America can offer valuable support and resources.
Healing can take many forms, through movement, through sound, or through visual expressions; art has been used to speak when words can not. Since the Covid-19 pandemic many Asian Americans have taken up different forms of creative and artistic approaches in combating trauma and fostering healing. In this blog post we will share a few pieces of visual art that paints a picture of hope, healing, and identity.
Nicole Kang Ahn (b. 1988) Remembrance, 2022 Digital print on Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Remembrance is based on a photo taken by the artist during a visit to the makeshift memorial at Gold Spa in the days following the shooting. Itcaptures a moment of quiet reflection – a young girl and her grandmother lean on each other for support, surrounded by flowers and handwritten dedications. It is a reminder that while our wounds are intergenerational, so too are the ways we show caring and healing.
“I wanted to first remember the victims.”
Nicole Kang Ahn (b. 1988) is a painter, illustrator, and muralist from Peachtree Corners, Georgia. Her art means to slow down time and capture mundane moments, savoring each feeling and memory. Her three pieces included in this collection seek to tell a story that remembers the victims, honors their lives, and conveys a message of hope.
Image Description: This artwork is about remembrance. This is an illustration of the Gold Spa store front where an altar of community notes and flowers are sprawled across the front of the spa and an elder with short dark hair, a brown long sleeve shirt, and brown bag is kneeling and embracing a young child with brown shoulder-length hair, wearing a purple long sleeve shirt looking towards the altar. The Gold Spa was the site of one of the shootings that took place on March 16, 2021.
Natalie Bui (b. 1992) Community Care, 2022 Digital print on Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
In Vietnamese, the expression “chia buồn” is used to express condolences. “Chia buồn” literally translates to “divide sadness.” The expression captures the act of dividing grief – of cutting it into small, little, pieces to split among each other so that each of us individually carries a much lighter load. Community Care shows four figures locked in a comforting embrace. Their limbs are entangled and each person leans on the collective, both resting upon and supporting those around them.
Community care requires us to harness our power, privilege, and empathy to uplift the people who are both in and out of the reach of our embrace. In the wake of the anniversary, this piece inspires us to recommit to expanding and deepening our community of care for all, beginning in Atlanta and spreading throughout the country and the world.
“We were talking about a traumatic moment within our movement. But also trying to balance the acts of community care when these moments happen.”
Natalie Bui (b. 1992) is a Vietnamese American digital illustrator and co-Founder of SHIFT – a diversity, equity, and inclusion consultancy. Her work centers on self and community empowerment and emphasizes collective liberation across communities.
Image Description: The theme of this artwork is community care with four women embracing one another and the words “CAN I HOLD YOU?” below the image. The women appear with different hair styles in different shades of purple and different shades of orange, pink and red on their skin. There are shades of purple and blue leaves coming out from behind the two women at the end of each embrace and shades of orange, pink, purple and magenta flowers on the women’s skin. The backdrop of this image shows a gradient of orange and pink flowers.
Nicole Kang Ahn (b. 1988) Solidarity, 2022 Digital print on Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
In this illustration, a diverse group of people of all races, genders, ages, and dis/abilities is featured in the foreground. They are holding boldly colored signs that call attention to a range of social and political issues that are often framed as separate, but are actually deeply intertwined. The shadowed figures behind them gesture to the powerful histories of resistance and community organizing that came before them. As we mark the anniversary of the Atlanta shooting, this piece reminds us that this tragedy is steeped in layers of oppression and interconnected histories of systemic violence. As such, it is a call to action to come together for a more powerful response rooted in love and solidarity.
“Gather together with other people. Align your issues and your values and do something about it.”
Image Description: This image is all about racial solidarity with a diverse group of people of all races, genders, ages, and dis/abilities holding signs that read “YOUR ASIAN WASN’T QUIET; NO MUSLIM BAN EVER; WORKERS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS; I CAN’T BREATHE; THE FUTURE IS NON BINARY; PROTECT OUR ELDERS; HANDS UP DON’T SHOOT; ABOLISH ICE; BLACK LIVES MATTER; Stand Up Speak Up; NOT ONE MORE; Smash the Hierarchy; My body, My choice; BUILD COMMUNITIES NOT CAGES.” The people holding up signs appear centered on the image with shades of purple shadows behind them.
The diversity within the Asian community is vast and covers many languages, beliefs, and traditions. By creating art communities join forces in shared experiences, creating a universal language that goes beyond differences. Art unifies diversity within the Asian communities by sharing narratives, personal expression, and one’s own personal journey. Embracing art as a form of healing gives birth to the celebration of one’s own cultural heritage, diversity, and resilience.
Across the globe many Asian families are preparing for Lunar new year 2024, year of the wood dragon. The wood dragon is said to bring a year of creativity, success, challenges and also new opportunities. This ancient and legendary creature holds high importance in Asian culture, a symbol of nobility, power, luck and success.
During these festive times one can notice the bright colors of red and gold, symbolizing good fortune, prosperity, abundance and hard work. It’s a common practice to adorn ones home with fresh fruit such as oranges, symbolizing wealth, and apples which are symbolic for safety and peace. Families typically get together to prepare large meals which are then blessed and offered to one’s ancestors. Some families will spend new years at their local Buddhist temple to receive blessings, pray, meditate, and give offerings of incense, food, and good wishes.
Some of the most common activities during the new year include putting up new year decor, giving offerings to ancestors, eating family reunion dinner, giving hong bao or red envelopes to youth and relatives, and enjoying the dragon or lion dance! Artists will sometimes come together sharing their arts, these are usually traditional Asian arts such as calligraphy, paper cutting or folding, cooking worships and demonstrations, and knot tying. If you’ve never experienced Lunar new year before take this upcoming opportunity to visit your local Asian community to experience a festive cultural time! Xin Nian Kuai Le, Happy New Year!
In ancient times the soft, earthy, delicate silken sound of the gayageum (Korean Zither) echoed across Korea. It accompanied singers, dancers and drummers in their artistic collaborations, and now today this ancient Korean instrument has found its way west. The Gayageum has a long history in Korea, once was an instrument played for royal palace celebrations. Scholars believe the gayageum was inspired by the guzheng, which is an ancient instrument from China. In the 19th century the sanjo gayageum was born, Sanjo means “scattered melodies”, which has moments of improvisation and fast tempo. During this time new works were written for the sanjo gayageum which has become the most standard version of the instrument today. The sweet honey like sound of the instrument comes from its silk strings, and the traditional paulownia wood body of the instrument.
Over the course of its long history, construction and the composition of many folk pieces, the gayageum has made its way into the western music world. Dazzling audiences with its rich sound, the gayageum has become a famed instrument across the world. One remarkable aspect of the Korean gayageum is its ability to fuse harmoniously with different instruments, creating an atmosphere of old and new. Contemporary Gayageum performers have gone viral on social media platforms for their new, exciting and innovative works on the gayageum. One of these creative masters is Koreas own, Luna Lee. Check out the groundbreaking work Luna is creating in this video.
With the global appreciation of gayageum music, new collaborations are taking place. These collaborations are paving grounds for future artists and creatives, and also building a cultural base for world music enthusiasts to enjoy today. Many people across the world have taken up learning the gaygeum, and in doing so, also learning new ways of expression for themselves. This global cultural exchange fosters a deep profound appreciation for gayageum, and its relevance in todays contemporary world. The art of gayageum represents a rich and ancient lineage, a balance of harmony and innovation, as well as the timelessness and elegance of Korean tradition.
