Asian American Press

About

The Asian American Press stands as a significant milestone in Minnesota's media landscape, representing one of the state's most important publications serving the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. This digital archive preserves and celebrates its legacy of connecting diverse Asian communities while providing essential news, business information, and cultural coverage for nearly four decades.

Founding and Early Years

Asian Business & Community Publishing, Inc. was established by Nghi Huynh in 1982 as the parent company for what would become a vital voice for Asian Americans in Minnesota. The organization's first publication was called "Asian Business & Community News," a non-profit monthly business news publication that also included community news focusing on the growing refugee and immigrant Asian populations in Minnesota.

The publication emerged during a critical period when Asian communities in Minnesota were expanding but lacked dedicated media outlets that could address their specific needs and interests. From its inception, the publication aimed to serve as a bridge between various Asian American communities and the larger Minnesota society, adopting the motto "Building Community Within Diversity."

Evolution and Growth

What began as Asian Business & Community News eventually evolved into the Asian American Press. Initially based in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, the newspaper later established its headquarters at 417 University Avenue West in Saint Paul. The publication expanded its coverage beyond purely business news to encompass broader community concerns, arts and culture, opinion pieces, and reporting on issues affecting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders both locally and nationally.

At its peak, the Asian American Press developed into a substantial operation with an estimated revenue between $5 million and $10 million and employing between 11-50 staff members. As a member of the Minnesota Minority Media Coalition, the newspaper collaborated with other minority-focused publications to address shared concerns and advocate for greater diversity in media.

Leadership and Staff

Throughout its history, Nghi Huynh served as the Publisher and Editor of Asian American Press, providing consistent leadership and editorial direction. Under his guidance, the publication assembled a diverse team of journalists and contributors including:

• Thomas (Tom) LaVenture - Managing Editor, Layout and Design
• Bryan Thao Worra - Arts Reporter
• Contributing writers: Bruce Kagan, Carlos Gallego, Tim Montgomery, David Sterling, J. Lee, Bob San, and David Zander

Community Impact and Coverage

The Asian American Press provided comprehensive coverage across multiple areas vital to Asian American communities in Minnesota:

• News and Information: Local, national, and international news relevant to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
• Business Coverage: Reporting on Asian-owned businesses and economic trends
• Arts and Culture: Highlighting Asian American artists, performers, and cultural events
• Opinion and Editorial: Platform for community voices and dialogue
• Advocacy: Active role in improving representation and addressing systemic issues

Legacy and Significance

As one of the longest-running Asian American publications in the Midwest, the Asian American Press helped shape the narrative around Asian American identity and experiences in Minnesota. For decades, it fulfilled crucial needs by providing a dedicated media platform, creating connections between diverse Asian ethnic communities, and preserving Asian American cultural heritage.

The publication's consistent presence over several decades provided continuity and institutional knowledge that benefited the communities it served, making it an invaluable resource for Asian Americans in Minnesota and a model for community journalism.