As part of Black History Month, we’re taking the opportunity to highlight some amazing blasian folks. We don’t often get the chance to hear about mixed-race people and many times, their heritage can be forgotten or pushed aside based simply on how a story may need to be angled.
It’s important to acknowledge all aspects of a person’s identity and this means acknowledging that mixed race people are mixed race and not simply white or black.
In 2015, AAOP connected with North Minneapolis Asian communities to speak about police violence and the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Read about the findings from that community outreach here.
As we share our list of fourteen amazing blasian celebrities, it’s also important to understand the antiblackness that exists in many Asian communities. (To learn more, click here).
Thanks also to reader Lamont Davis for suggesting our 15th Blasian celebrity!
Check out our list of 15 Amazing Blasian Celebrities:
1. Ne Yo, American singer, songwriter, record producer, actor and dancer
2. Naomi Campbell, British model, actress, singer and businesswoman
3.Naomi Osaka, professional tennis player who represents Japan
4. Jhene Aiko, American singer and songwriter
5. Kimora Lee Simmons, American fashion model and fashion designer, took over Baby Phat after Russell Simmons and was CEO/creative director
6. Amerie, American singer, songwriter, actress and author
7. Apl.de.ap, Filipino-born American rapper, singer and record producer, member of the Grammy Award-winning hip hop group The Black Eyed Peas.
8. Will Demps, former American football safety who was signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2002.
9. Michelle Lee, South Korean singer
10.Natasha Shanta Reid (Yoon Mi Rae), American-born South Korean rapper and singer who is currently a member of Korean hip hop trio MFBT
11. Insooni, South Korean singer who made her debut in 1978 as a member of Hee Sisters
12. Crystal Kay, Japanese singer, songwriter, actress and radio host
13. Michael Ealy, American actor
14. Kelis, American singer, songwriter, and chef
15. Patrick Chung, American football player for New England Patriots
