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www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know Hasan Minhaj Encourages NYC Teens to Find Role Models Close To Home at Lunar New Year Workshop Asian American Coalition Of Chicago Hosts 43rd Annual Lunar New Year Celebration C omedian and former “Patriot Act” host Hasan Minhaj joined young members of the The Boys’ Club of NewYork on Feb. 26 for a Lunar New Year workshop celebrating Afro-Asian and Latine masculinities at the Abbé Clubhouse in downtown Flushing. The event, held in honor of the Year of the Fire Horse, was organized by Dark Lab in partnership with the Boys’ Club and the Asian American Art Alliance. About 25 to 30 young men, ages 11 to 15, gathered for an afternoon of film, food, calligraphy and conversation centered on culture, identity and the role models who shape them. Minhaj, a two-time Peabody Award-win- ning comedian, spoke to participants about rethinking who qualifies as a role model. “A lot of times the role models don’t have to be a professional athlete or a celebrity,” Min- haj said. “They’re the people that are sitting with you right now— your amazing coaches and mentors right here — that can see the tal- ent within you.” The workshop invited teens to write down the name of a male figure they look up to — from pop culture icons to family members or friends — and reflect on what they in- herit from those figures. The responses were later shared aloud, sparking discussion about tradition, masculinity and community. Caleb, a NewYork City teen and Boys’ Club member, said the conversation resonated deeply. “When Hasan mentioned he saw his friends as role models, it reminded me of how I look up to mine as well, whether in school or at The Boys’ Club,” Caleb said. “I’m fortunate to be constantly surrounded by friends whose ambition and integrity inspire me daily. It’s important that the people you surround yourself with uplift you, not put you down.” The afternoon also featured a screening of the short film “Ask a Chinese Question, Get a Black Answer,” followed by a roundtable discus- sion about Black, Indigenous, Asian and Latine heritage and the traditions passed down through generations. Participants then took part in a multilin- gual calligraphy workshop, painting words in Chinese, Quechua, Kichwa, Spanish and English at tables organized by zodiac signs. Organizers said the activity was designed to demonstrate how language carries values and identity across cultures. Throughout the session, a curated playlist played in the background, and attendees shared a meal highlighting Afro-Asian-Caribbean culi- nary connections. The overall goal, organizers said, was to create a welcoming space for young men to reflect on masculinity as something shaped by history, culture and care — and to celebrate Lunar New Year in a way that felt communal and creative. By the end of the evening, as raffle winners were announced and participants packed up their painted cal- ligraphy, the central message lingered: inspiration often begins with the people sitting right beside you. T he Asian American Coalition of Chicago marked its 43rd Annual Lunar NewYear Celebration on Feb. 28, 2026, drawing more than 1,000 guests to the Marriott Marquis Chi- cago for what is recognized as the state’s largest Lunar NewYear event. Attendees included community lead- ers, business executives, elected officials, judges, artists and members of Chicago’s diverse Asian American communities. The evening featured a VIP reception, Political Candidates Forum, networking opportu- nities, cultural performances, traditional lion dances, honor awards and dinner. Former Chicago broadcaster Nancy Loo and NBC correspondent Brian Cheung served as emcees. The annual celebration highlights more than four decades of AACC’s work honor- ing leadership, service and cultural excel- lence across the region’s Asian American communities. Each year, one of AACC’s 10 member communities hosts the event. In 2026, Chicago’s Chinese community led the celebration, welcoming the Year of the Horse, which symbolizes strength, resilience and momentum. The Punjabi Cultural Society of Chica- go, a longtime participant in AACC events, has supported the celebration for four decades and previously hosted it in 2020. Apinder Singh, also known as Vic Singh, a certified Illinois assessing officer and permanent board of review member for Lake County, received the Indian Exem- plary Community Service Award for his integrity, leadership and decades of public service. Singh is a past president and cur- rent board of governors member of the Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago. Ten individuals, one from each mem- ber community, were recognized as Exemplary Community Service Award recipients for their lifelong dedication and impact on the Asian American commu- nity. The YouthWho Excel Awards honored emerging leaders, including Ava Kaur Silverstein, recipient of the 2026 Indian Community YouthWho Excel Award. The program began at 4:30 p.m. with a VIP reception and candidate forum, fol- lowed by dinner and live entertainment. Guests enjoyed cultural performances and a featured appearance by internationally acclaimed magician Shin Lim, winner of America’s Got Talent. Speakers included U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Illinois State Treasurer Mi- chael Frerichs and Chicago Mayor Bran- don Johnson, who congratulated Asian American communities for their contribu- tions to the city and state. Deputy Consul General of India in Chi- cago Kriti Das Thokchom represented the Indian Consulate. This year’s theme, “Asian + American,” commemorated the 250th anniversary of the United States and celebrated the contributions of Asian Americans to the nation’s history and future. The evening included the presentation of AACC’s highest honors. The Pan Asian American Ping TomMemorial Award was presented to Dr. Manjeet Singh Chawla for his career in medicine and philanthropy. The Grand Asian American Sandra Otaka Memorial Award was given to the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights for its leadership in advancing im- migrant and refugee rights across Illinois. The event was organized by co-chairs Anne Shaw and Dr. Karen Eng, along with board members Darryl Tom and Grace McKibben, and supported by dozens of volunteers, performers, technicians and sponsors. By a StaffWriter By a StaffWriter PHOTO:ATTENTIONCOMMS PHOTO:ORGANIZERS Hasan Minhaj sits in a circle with teens from the The Boys’ Club of New York during a Lunar New Year workshop at the Abbé Clubhouse in Flushing, leading a discussion on role models, masculinity and cultural identity. Leaders and honorees gather on stage during the Asian American Coalition of Chicago 43rd Annual Lunar New Year Celebration on Feb. 28, 2026, at the Marriott Marquis Chicago, recognized as Illinois’ largest Lunar New Year event. News India Times (March 7, 2026 - March 13, 2026) March 13, 2026 8 Community